Small-ish car recommendations please, fairly new, £10-14k ?

[Howard]

Anyhoo, here's the current short list:
-BMW 1 series (I know, I know, but SWMBO loves 'em )
-BMW Z4
-Merc C-Class coupe (Panorama roof job)
-Fiat Bravo
-Fiat 500 (as BMW 1 )
-Focus
-Civic Type-S
-Golf GT
-Alfa GT

Anyone have any opinions on the above, anything worth noting, or any other suggestions ? All comments greatly appreciated

Nothing wrong with a 1 series, they drive very well, you might just be able to stretch to a 130i in that budget. Not sure about a Z4 though. You want the 3L if you do, as there isn't any running cost disadvantage over the smaller 6cyl engines.

If you're spending this much on a car, you don't want a Fiat. I think from this shortlist I'd definitely want a BMW. And I'd probably look for a 330i coupe or saloon But they might be a bit big

S2000s are ace, if you're a fan of the revvy power delivery


Autotrader - BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Roadster FTW , seems theyr'e in budget definitely a cut above the "standard" hatchbacks for this money

[matty-hodgson]

Autotrader - CITROEN C4 1.6HDi 16V VTR Plus 5dr [Non-DPFS] Diesel

or for something a little nippier

Autotrader - Citroen C4 1997 cc 2.0HDi 16V VTR Plus 5dr

[bigblue]

Nothing wrong with a 1 series, they drive very well,

Yeah, no doubt, it's just a pity they look as if they've driven into the ugly wall head on

you might just be able to stretch to a 130i in that budget. Not sure about a Z4 though. You want the 3L if you do, as there isn't any running cost disadvantage over the smaller 6cyl engines.

130i ? You're all power mad ! 120d was one of our first thoughts, not too shabby performance wise.

If you're spending this much on a car, you don't want a Fiat. I think from this shortlist I'd definitely want a BMW. And I'd probably look for a 330i coupe or saloon But they might be a bit big

Ah, but the Fiat has a 5yr warranty, of which the gaffer is a big fan. And it could be loaded with toys, unlike the others. Still a Fiat though 3 series are definitely too big I'm afraid.

S2000s are ace, if you're a fan of the revvy power delivery

Well, we're both fans of track stuff (though not in our own car!) and the VBH factor might be a winner for the missus. Wouldn't need the grunt, but it's a sharp looking convertible, so ticks all the other boxes.

Autotrader - BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Roadster FTW , seems theyr'e in budget definitely a cut above the "standard" hatchbacks for this money

Yup, we'd seen this USED BMW Z4 2.5i SE Roadster Automatic, St. Helier, Jersey which is just what we're looking for, but neither of us like it in red ! Cars in Jersey are rarely thrashed, or high mileage. And you only need to add 3% for VAT

Thanks for the C4 links Matty, but having had a good look following your comment last night, I don't think it's for us. Pity, as they can be had very cheaply in the Channel Islands.

[Howard]

You're both fans of track days? This means you're both enthusiastic about cars. Stop thinking about FWD shopping trolleys immediately. Grunt is awesome, getting to 40mph quickly can be fun

Oh and get the 3L Z4 Running costs aren't any higher than the 2.5 as long as you're both old/experienced enough for insurance not to be too much of an issue. You also get nicer wheels and more kit

My workmate has a 120D and he loves it. I have read that the diesel engines in BMWs are superb, but do you really need/want a diesel? I think not

[dave87]

DO. NOT. BUY. AN. AUTOMATIC. Z4!

You will only regret it.

Get a proper manual 5 or 6 speed box. So much more rewarding, and better fuel economy to boot.

[grayg1]

Vauxhall VX220?

Autotrader - VAUXHALL VX220 2.2 16V 2dr Roadster

This one especially looks really sexy

[bigblue]

You're both fans of track days? This means you're both enthusiastic about cars. Stop thinking about FWD shopping trolleys immediately.

I was more thinking about a nice convertible to cruise about in, I'm not as much of a redline nutter as you lot !

Grunt is awesome, getting to 40mph quickly can be fun

It can actually last time we were there we got a Fiesta S hire job, with 240 miles on the clock. Most folk wouldn't take it seemingly as it only had 3 doors T'was a fun week. It went back with 540 miles on it, despite the island being 9x5 !

Oh and get the 3L Z4 Running costs aren't any higher than the 2.5 as long as you're both old/experienced enough for insurance not to be too much of an issue. You also get nicer wheels and more kit

Ah, good point, just had a read about that following your earlier comment. Seem more scarce though, and SWMBO prefers buying from approved used or a dealer.

My workmate has a 120D and he loves it. I have read that the diesel engines in BMWs are superb, but do you really need/want a diesel? I think not

I wouldn't mind actually, that Fiesta was quite fun despite it's dieselness. And the 120d is fairly nippy as smallish oil burners go.

DO. NOT. BUY. AN. AUTOMATIC. Z4! You will only regret it.

Sir, yes sir ! We weren't particularly after an auto, just that one was a decent price and was already on the island. Would have made things a wee bit simpler.

They also have a nice Gallardo in stock, and it's POA, wonder if they'll let it go for 14k ?

[Guy]

They also have a nice Gallardo in stock, and it's POA, wonder if they'll let it go for 14k ?

Im sure they would, well more like £14k per month though

[schmunk]

For the record, I had a C4 1.6 (petrol) VTR+ as a company car before I switched jobs. It was a great car, although slightly let down by the engine (old-tech petrol, neither particularly powerful or particularly efficient). I understand the diesels are better. My wife has said several times that she would like one again.

[bigblue]

For the record, I had a C4 1.6 (petrol) VTR+ as a company car before I switched jobs. It was a great car, although slightly let down by the engine (old-tech petrol, neither particularly powerful or particularly efficient). I understand the diesels are better. My wife has said several times that she would like one again.

What did you find particularly nice about it ? From what we've read and looked at, it seemed nice, but maybe a little uninspiring. As I mentioned earlier, they're very cheap where we're going, so might be worth another look ? Diesel isn't a problem, despite what all the petrol fans in this thread say

[schmunk]

* Very stylish, compared to competing cars, particularly inside.
* Comfortable ride.
* Sports seats were comfortable and supportive (unlike the non-sports seats I sat on in a Focus (Zetec?), which were perhaps the worst I've ever tried...)
* Very good level of kit in VTR+ model (and above)
* Roomy inside, and large boot.
* Superb speedo readout
* Fixed-hub wheel with stereo, cruise control, computer and 'other' controls
* In-car air freshener!

[Howard]

Diesel isn't a problem, despite what all the petrol fans in this thread say

LIES!

[kalniel]

I'm going to put another shout in for the MX5, in the hope that you can get your misses to actually drive one first, *then* she can complain about the looks afterwards.

To me it sounds like the perfect solution - all the roadster fun without any of the usual drawbacks.

[schmunk]

I'm going to put another shout in for the MX5, in the hope that you can get your misses to actually drive one first, *then* she can complain about the looks afterwards.

To me it sounds like the perfect solution - all the roadster fun without any of the usual drawbacks.

+1 *IF* you only need 2 seats, and have no need to carry large loads. If these are true, then it's probably the best car you could buy.

[Betty_Swallocks]

The boot on the MX5 is pretty generous tbh. It was apparently designed to hold a set of golf clubs. As I don't play golf i can't comment on that but I can vouch for the fact that I have done a weeks shopping for a family of 5 and fitted it all in comfortably.

Personally speaking, given the limitations you have, i.e. 40mph limit and tight windy roads, i would find it frustrating to have all the power of an S2000 or an Elise and not be able to use it.

[Vimeous]

Suzuki Swift Sport

Most of the cars mentioned could cross a Channel Island in 2secs flat and frankly where's the fun in that?

I see your requirement as a cute, small, fun motor that will last as long as needed and be easy to move on in the future.

3 Questions:
1. What main dealers are there in the islands?
2. How much is fuel?
3. Will you really do enough miles to need/justify a diesel?

Alternative:
Clio 197 Cup

I love the S2000.
If it's really on yer list then I should point to the 350Z convertible as well.
Either of these will take a weekend bag to the 'Ring and back