New Car Ideas

I need a new car as mine is not doing well with the driving I do.... It's a 2003 Toyota Celica T-Sport with 175k on the clock. I've owned it 10 years and 115k of those miles are mine, so it owes me nothing. But we moved house last year and my work journey is now 30 miles each way on the M6, usually 60MPH on the way there and 60-70MPH on the way home due to traffic. The Celica is doing OK but for the journey in hand it's not the most comfortable, a bit loud, and with it's age and mileage it's starting to break a lot more - new radiator, heat exchanger, rear caliper, and rear shocks in last year, plus it does OK at 32-36 MPG but that's still £200 a month on fuel alone :surprised:

So I need to start looking at alternatives, I need something cheaper to run (fuel/tax etc) but want minimum spend above current overall (the Celica is £24/month tax) and would like some suggestions to look at. I could be open to hybrid/electric and have charging points available at my office, plus solar panels at home which could lead to (some) cheap charging. Looking for sub £10k to buy or around £300/m lease - although lease is something new to me.

I'm used to the Celica so ideally want something that feels like i'm still driving and with a bit of pull if I need it, although my days of driving like I stole it are behind me now, no kids and never more that 2 people in.

Current thoughts to buy are;
2010/11 BMW 1 series - maybe 118d Sport
2010/11 Honda Civic 2.2 diesel S-Type
2010/11 Audi 2.0 TDI Sport
2013/14 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S
2013/14 Mini 1.5 Cooper D

Possible personal lease;
BMW i3 94Ah
The new Nissan Leaf

The electric options are obviously a different way of driving and possibly make a lot of sense financially but i'm not sure how they fair for motorway driving.

Any thoughts on the above ?

This one is a bit high mileage, but I have the petrol+manual version of:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...01712222222167

but now I am doing way more mileage than I expected the diesel+tct auto would have been a better choice. Tax on a modern diesel like these should be £30/year, on a motorway run I get over 40mpg out of the petrol engine so 60mpg out of the diesel would seem reasonable. I think 170 bhp is enough to keep the boredom away but still practical and cheap.

2010/11 BMW 1 series - maybe 118d Sport
- Good engine, but disappointing drive and not so comfy.

2010/11 Honda Civic 2.2 diesel S-Type
- Pass, zak's thing :p

2010/11 Audi 2.0 TDI Sport
- My thing.. and I'd avoid. Either go pre-06 and get without DPF or wait for a modern 'clean' diesel that's less likely to clog up the DPF. Your journey suits them, but so many of them aren't suited.

2013/14 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S
- Actually a pretty smart choice in terms of economy, cheap to insure and maintain too, but you will be bored as anything as the engine is gutless.

2013/14 Mini 1.5 Cooper D
- Probably the most fun choice in the list, and good if your roads are smooth, but uncomfortable if not.

Of that list.. I'd probably go with the mini and make sure it was riding on no bigger than 16" wheels.

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Originally Posted by DanceswithUnix

This one is a bit high mileage, but I have the petrol+manual version of:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...01712222222167

but now I am doing way more mileage than I expected the diesel+tct auto would have been a better choice. Tax on a modern diesel like these should be £30/year, on a motorway run I get over 40mpg out of the petrol engine so 60mpg out of the diesel would seem reasonable. I think 170 bhp is enough to keep the boredom away but still practical and cheap.

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I am going to have a look into these... i'm a fan of the original C-Platform as I had a Fiat Bravo which was good to drive. But a lot of the reports I saw on the Giulietta were indicating 40-45mpg from the 2.0JTDm, including the posts on alfaowner.com, which combined with the higher servicing and parts costs of Italian motors make it a bit on the pricey side.

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Originally Posted by Barakka

I am going to have a look into these... i'm a fan of the original C-Platform as I had a Fiat Bravo which was good to drive. But a lot of the reports I saw on the Giulietta were indicating 40-45mpg from the 2.0JTDm, including the posts on alfaowner.com, which combined with the higher servicing and parts costs of Italian motors make it a bit on the pricey side.

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Depends very much on the journey. I spend way too much time in traffic queues so in the 170bhp petrol version get about 33 mpg, rather less than the advertised 45. It also depends on how you drive, I tend to leave mine in "all weather" mode as that kicks in things like the LSD but gives a fairly relaxed throttle profile which helps preserve fuel. If I find myself on the M3 heading into the dogfight that is London traffic, then I hit "Dynamic" and lose a few mpg. Then there is the weather, I was getting 37mpg in the summer which I suspect is largely down to how long the engine takes to warm up.

Oh, and I think the low bhp diesel engines are a bit less sophisticated, and the tct auto boxes have better mpg ratings than the manual; if you like a robot gearbox, not everyone does.

However, most people don't get an Alfa for economy so it doesn't surprise me that they generally under perform on their best possible mpg :D

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Originally Posted by kalniel

2010/11 BMW 1 series - maybe 118d Sport
- Good engine, but disappointing drive and not so comfy.

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I actually had an early 1 series 118d, it was enjoyable being a small car with RWD, but I agree not the most comfortable, and quite tiring on long motorway runs.

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Originally Posted by kalniel

2010/11 Audi 2.0 TDI Sport
- My thing.. and I'd avoid. Either go pre-06 and get without DPF or wait for a modern 'clean' diesel that's less likely to clog up the DPF. Your journey suits them, but so many of them aren't suited.

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I'm not clued up on diesels so not sure what you mean.. ?
I presume this comment applies to all VAGs with the engine (Golf, Scirocco etc) ?

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Originally Posted by kalniel

2013/14 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S
- Actually a pretty smart choice in terms of economy, cheap to insure and maintain too, but you will be bored as anything as the engine is gutless.

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Damn.. I was hoping it was the opposite on the engine - wishful thinking :)

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Originally Posted by kalniel

2013/14 Mini 1.5 Cooper D
- Probably the most fun choice in the list, and good if your roads are smooth, but uncomfortable if not.

Of that list.. I'd probably go with the mini and make sure it was riding on no bigger than 16" wheels.

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I was thinking the same with the wheels, In fact I prefer the look on the std Cooper with the 15/16" wheels, and i've read the newer 1.5 engine is much better than the older 1.6, but wasn't sure about the 2.0 Cooper SD as an option.

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Originally Posted by Barakka

Possible personal lease;
BMW i3 94Ah
The new Nissan Leaf

The electric options are obviously a different way of driving and possibly make a lot of sense financially but i'm not sure how they fair for motorway driving.

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Range is worse at UK motorway speeds than a bit lower (a good 20% better at 55 than 70). Whether that matters depends on the kind of range you need vs range you'd realistically get under those conditions

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Originally Posted by Barakka

2010/11 BMW 1 series - maybe 118d Sport - One star for reliability on Which?
2010/11 Honda Civic 2.2 diesel S-Type - Dunno anything about them.
2010/11 Audi 2.0 TDI Sport - Dieselgate car however probably not a concern. Nice interiors, dull steering and handling (though plenty of grip). I'd never consider a 3 door but some people put looks above practicality. Comfortable for long journeys. Try to avoid S-Line ones. Far to bumpy.
2013/14 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S - Watch that turbo pop after 3 years baby!
2013/14 Mini 1.5 Cooper D - no idea

Possible personal lease;
BMW i3 94Ah - look into the cost of second hand i3's. Range for your 60 mile motorway journey might be a real concern however.
The new Nissan Leaf - no idea.

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aaad

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Originally Posted by kalniel

2013/14 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S
- Actually a pretty smart choice in terms of economy, cheap to insure and maintain too, but you will be bored as anything as the engine is gutless.

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That's something I hadn't noticed before - the higher-performance diesels aren't available in the Fiesta? Given it's likely the same physical engine, I wonder if it has to do with cooling capacity, or perhaps the Fiesta lacks an intercooler (vs the Focus). I just find it curious as the Fiesta has the full range of turbocharged petrol engines?

I'll have a go at answering the DPF question - many modern diesels have a particulate filter to meet emissions regulations, and of those many are of the 'regenerating' type. Basically, they sit in the exhaust stream and need to get get hot enough to turn soot into less harmful products such as ash so they don't clog up and need either servicing or forced/active regeneration (as opposed to passive during driving) - you'll sometimes hear diesels parked up with the engine off but making a load of fan noise, that's likely what they're doing (unless they've recently been thrashed and are still being cooled). Lots of short or lower-speed journeys don't allow sufficient time for the DPF to regen itself and can cause the computer to complain - I've read people complaining of active regen bizarrely happening when parked after a long motorway journey. Car manuals usually warn of this (even on petrol models due to catalytic converters) but avoid parking over things like dry grass/leaves at it poses a bit of a fire risk given how hot the system will get. If the system decides to undergo active regeneration then that will consume fuel and impact overall MPG figures.

Your frequent motorway journeys are well-suited but it's still something to bear in mind.

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Originally Posted by Barakka

I'm used to the Celica so ideally want something that feels like i'm still driving and with a bit of pull if I need it, although my days of driving like I stole it are behind me now, no kids and never more that 2 people in.

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Having recently sold my Smart Roadster Coupe and bought an Audi A2 after being told we needed 4 seats, I would say consider something silly a bit longer. There's a small window in life when you can run a 2 seater, fully enjoy it, and not just have it as a second car going out for a jolly every other weekend. I would definitely have another Smart Roadster again, probably a coupe again as it's a practical car for 2 people with luggage, 50mpg, not rapid but fast enough for legal driving and fun. MX-5 is always an option, MR-2 if you don't need luggage space. Z4 is probably too fuel heavy as an option, and I'd generally go smaller over bigger engined. How about a CR-Z as a 2+2 option? The look is either a love or hate, quirky for sure.

You only live once!

Have you considered a hybrid?

Something like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...model=IS%20300

Thanks for all the responses, some good info there I hadn't thought of :)

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Originally Posted by circuitmonkey

Have you considered a hybrid?

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I did think about a hybrid, but the regen-hybrids like the lexus tend to only deliver about 45mpg, which is not high enough saving for the extra outlay, and the PHEV versions are hybrids are v.expensive, plus most would switch to ICE at motorway speeds which is 90% of my journey.

Interesting how much the BMW 1-series gets slated everywhere as on paper it doesn't look to bad, and good to see i'm not the only one that found the Golf/A3 a bit bland to drive.

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Originally Posted by jimbouk

Having recently sold my Smart Roadster Coupe and bought an Audi A2 after being told we needed 4 seats, I would say consider something silly a bit longer. There's a small window in life when you can run a 2 seater, fully enjoy it, and not just have it as a second car going out for a jolly every other weekend. I would definitely have another Smart Roadster again, probably a coupe again as it's a practical car for 2 people with luggage, 50mpg, not rapid but fast enough for legal driving and fun. MX-5 is always an option, MR-2 if you don't need luggage space. Z4 is probably too fuel heavy as an option, and I'd generally go smaller over bigger engined. How about a CR-Z as a 2+2 option? The look is either a love or hate, quirky for sure.

You only live once!

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I like the look of the Smart Roadster but it's just too damn small (physical size and engine) for daily motorway driving IMO, possibly the same with the CR-Z, but I think i'll have a look as for a hybrid the cost and mpg are quite good. I don't mind something a bit average for my journey as it's just 30-40 mins of 60-70mph twice a day, my wife needs a new car pretty soon too, so we can get something a bit more fun there as her mileage is less.

I'm OK with the DPF thing now, don't think it should be too much of an issue with my journeys, but with the recent shift in petrol bias, the residuals on diesel cars are not looking good.

Essentials to look at now are Mini CooperD/CooperSD, Honda Civic 1.6 D-Tec (genuine 68MPG :surprised:), and on lease - BMW i3 or New Nissan Leaf

toyota gt 86 is my favorite budget car

So, in the end I went for a 2017 MINI Cooper SD (Chilli Pack)

http://fluffy-media.com/pub_img/mini.jpg

8 months old, with 1300 miles, 1 owner - BMW Employee Benefit Scheme.

With cruise control on the motorway, it's averaging 51mpg and i'm filling up every 11-12 days rather than every 5-6 in the Celica - so looks like i'm saving around £80/month in fuel, tax is just under half the Celica, insurance about the same, and with BMW Recovery included I can cancel my RAC membership.

Performance wise it uses the BMW B47 2.0 TwinPower diesel lump delivering 170bhp and 0-60 in 7.2 secs, very different power delivery to the Celica and much better on the motorway, the driving modes make a big difference too.

It's a Mk3 MINI and the first one that is BMW from the ground up, not 3rd party engines or parts, and to be honest it feels like a BMW inside, very similar trim and switch-gear etc to the 1-series I had years ago. Equipment wise the Chilli Pack makes all the difference, giving bigger wheels, driving modes, boot floor panel, cruise control, LED headlights/fogs/main. But being a BMW it's amazing what isn't included for this spec in this day/age - SatNAV, reversing sensors, keyless entry (but keyless start is ?).

My wife also got a new car around the same time - a Nissan Juke, and interesting to have the realisation that we bought new cars - one German, one Japanese, and they're both made in the UK.

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Originally Posted by Barakka

My wife also got a new car around the same time - a Nissan Juke, and interesting to have the realisation that we bought new cars - one German, one Japanese, and they're both made in the UK.

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gotta pray it stays that way!

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Originally Posted by Barakka

So, in the end I went for a 2017 MINI Cooper SD (Chilli Pack)

http://fluffy-media.com/pub_img/mini.jpg

8 months old, with 1300 miles, 1 owner - BMW Employee Benefit Scheme.

With cruise control on the motorway, it's averaging 51mpg and i'm filling up every 11-12 days rather than every 5-6 in the Celica - so looks like i'm saving around £80/month in fuel, tax is just under half the Celica, insurance about the same, and with BMW Recovery included I can cancel my RAC membership.

Performance wise it uses the BMW B47 2.0 TwinPower diesel lump delivering 170bhp and 0-60 in 7.2 secs, very different power delivery to the Celica and much better on the motorway, the driving modes make a big difference too.

It's a Mk3 MINI and the first one that is BMW from the ground up, not 3rd party engines or parts, and to be honest it feels like a BMW inside, very similar trim and switch-gear etc to the 1-series I had years ago. Equipment wise the Chilli Pack makes all the difference, giving bigger wheels, driving modes, boot floor panel, cruise control, LED headlights/fogs/main. But being a BMW it's amazing what isn't included for this spec in this day/age - SatNAV, reversing sensors, keyless entry (but keyless start is ?).

My wife also got a new car around the same time - a Nissan Juke, and interesting to have the realisation that we bought new cars - one German, one Japanese, and they're both made in the UK.

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Sounds like a nice choice! Wifey drives a Juke also. I just put all-season BFGoodrichTires.1518" on her car last week and she likes them. These tyres are very smooth and quiet on the road according to her.