Workhorse/Weekend fun...
Discussion
Hi guys,
Newbie poster here. After a little advise/suggestions if possible.
I am after a bit of a difficult combination of a car. Need an economical car as work miles are quite high but would also like a car that can be a little bit of fun at the weekend all for under £10k...
Been looking at a number of cars. The Astra 150 CDTI SRi is a popular choice but I have heard people struggle to get the car close to the 50mpg quoted figure.
Would appreciated any advise/suggestions as I am drawing a blank at the moment!
Much appreciated,
Mike
Newbie poster here. After a little advise/suggestions if possible.
I am after a bit of a difficult combination of a car. Need an economical car as work miles are quite high but would also like a car that can be a little bit of fun at the weekend all for under £10k...
Been looking at a number of cars. The Astra 150 CDTI SRi is a popular choice but I have heard people struggle to get the car close to the 50mpg quoted figure.
Would appreciated any advise/suggestions as I am drawing a blank at the moment!
Much appreciated,
Mike
utgjon said:
does it need to be one car?
or would you consider two?
This is what I was about to ask.or would you consider two?
It depends how far you're willing to compromise on either point. I can think of cars frugal enough to use during the week (the Elise for example) which aren't necessarily practical enough or comfortable enough. Likewise an E346 BMW 330D would be comfortable, spacious and relatively frugal, but it's not going to be the sharpest tool on a track day.
Based on the Astra suggestion I'd hazard a guess that a mk2 Skoda Octavia vRS (estate if needs be) and a big pile of change might work?
I have to use the car for work as well so needs to getting at least 40+ mpg. I know I am not going to find a sports car that matches the criteria and can only see a diesel (compromise on performance) fitting most of the bill. You can buy a 888 version of the Astra which when pressing the sports button gives you 200bhp. One on Autotrader for just under £10k...
I suppose I could get 2 cars but wouldn't get much for my money having to compromise on 1 or the other. Also I am young(ish) 24, and insurance would be quite dear on 2 cars.
I suppose I could get 2 cars but wouldn't get much for my money having to compromise on 1 or the other. Also I am young(ish) 24, and insurance would be quite dear on 2 cars.
Edited by Oilburner1 on Tuesday 18th January 14:05
120d Sport?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
Not the best looking car but great engine, cheap tax and good mpg.
Not driven one but I expect its not too shabby in the twisties either.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
Not the best looking car but great engine, cheap tax and good mpg.
Not driven one but I expect its not too shabby in the twisties either.
GreatGranny said:
120d Sport?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
Not the best looking car but great engine, cheap tax and good mpg.
Not driven one but I expect its not too shabby in the twisties either.
I am a bit of a tart if got a 120d for example would have to be the 3dr M sport which pushes the cost over £10k lolhttp://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
Not the best looking car but great engine, cheap tax and good mpg.
Not driven one but I expect its not too shabby in the twisties either.
To be honest, I can't think of any Vauxhalls since the old 1980s Astra GTE and Cavalier SRi that really count as fun. The current crop of Ka / Fiesta / Focus / Mondeo pretty much outclass the equivalent model in terms of driver satisfaction.
If you need sensible commuter workhorse that gets better around the twisties and is cheap to maintain, go for a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Ford actually spent real money and engineering time on the chassis and suspension, unlike most of their FWD competitors. Unfortunately they didn't spend any of that development money on the 1.8 TDCi engine, that is probably marginally worse than a 1950 Lister 3 cylinder in terms of performance and usability.
If you are considering a VW group car, look at some of the sportier Seats. At least the owners of those don't go around explaining to everyone they meet about Skoda and how they are yaddayaddayadda. Yes, we KNOW.
If you need sensible commuter workhorse that gets better around the twisties and is cheap to maintain, go for a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Ford actually spent real money and engineering time on the chassis and suspension, unlike most of their FWD competitors. Unfortunately they didn't spend any of that development money on the 1.8 TDCi engine, that is probably marginally worse than a 1950 Lister 3 cylinder in terms of performance and usability.
If you are considering a VW group car, look at some of the sportier Seats. At least the owners of those don't go around explaining to everyone they meet about Skoda and how they are yaddayaddayadda. Yes, we KNOW.
doogz said:
Oilburner1 said:
I have to use the car for work as well so needs to getting at least 40+ mpg. I know I am not going to find a sports car that matches the criteria and can only see a diesel (compromise on performance) fitting most of the bill. You can buy a 888 version of the Astra which when pressing the sports button gives you 200bhp. One on Autotrader for just under £10k...
Used to have one. Wasn't bad. Reasonably quick, suspension was a bit of a step up from standard, and the Alcon 4-pot front brakes were great, when they worked. A lot of people have reported issues with them though.Still a diesel hatch though.
Zad said:
To be honest, I can't think of any Vauxhalls since the old 1980s Astra GTE and Cavalier SRi that really count as fun. The current crop of Ka / Fiesta / Focus / Mondeo pretty much outclass the equivalent model in terms of driver satisfaction.
If you need sensible commuter workhorse that gets better around the twisties and is cheap to maintain, go for a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Ford actually spent real money and engineering time on the chassis and suspension, unlike most of their FWD competitors. Unfortunately they didn't spend any of that development money on the 1.8 TDCi engine, that is probably marginally worse than a 1950 Lister 3 cylinder in terms of performance and usability.
If you are considering a VW group car, look at some of the sportier Seats. At least the owners of those don't go around explaining to everyone they meet about Skoda and how they are yaddayaddayadda. Yes, we KNOW.
Hi Zad, I have considered the Leon Reference 2.0 TDI BTCC. 140bhp and will do over 50mpg, simple remap and looking at 185bhp(ish). Build quality ok on the SEAT's? cheersIf you need sensible commuter workhorse that gets better around the twisties and is cheap to maintain, go for a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Ford actually spent real money and engineering time on the chassis and suspension, unlike most of their FWD competitors. Unfortunately they didn't spend any of that development money on the 1.8 TDCi engine, that is probably marginally worse than a 1950 Lister 3 cylinder in terms of performance and usability.
If you are considering a VW group car, look at some of the sportier Seats. At least the owners of those don't go around explaining to everyone they meet about Skoda and how they are yaddayaddayadda. Yes, we KNOW.
Oilburner1 said:
I suppose I could get 2 cars but wouldn't get much for my money having to compromise on 1 or the other. Also I am young(ish) 24, and insurance would be quite dear on 2 cars.
Depends on the two cars. I've run sepeate cars since I was about 21 specifically because it was cheaper to have something specialist on a limited mileage policy and a cheap shed for daily use than it was to insure something I'd want to drive an all rounder that would keep me happy at the weekends too.As an example, at 24 I spent £220 a year insuring a TVR S3 and about £400 a year on a 1.6 Focus. To get an M3 or Scooby as a daily driver would have cost me £1100+ in insurance.
If it has to be easily over 40mpg and large then a diesel probably is your best bet. The Octavia vRS should return high 30s, though, I'm told. So the difference might not be as big as you assume, particularly once you filter in the added cost of diesel.
You're not going to get a fun car which produces 40mpg.
I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
Chris71 said:
Oilburner1 said:
I suppose I could get 2 cars but wouldn't get much for my money having to compromise on 1 or the other. Also I am young(ish) 24, and insurance would be quite dear on 2 cars.
Depends on the two cars. I've run sepeate cars since I was about 21 specifically because it was cheaper to have something specialist on a limited mileage policy and a cheap shed for daily use than it was to insure something I'd want to drive an all rounder that would keep me happy at the weekends too.As an example, at 24 I spent £220 a year insuring a TVR S3 and about £400 a year on a 1.6 Focus. To get an M3 or Scooby as a daily driver would have cost me £1100+ in insurance.
If it has to be easily over 40mpg and large then a diesel probably is your best bet. The Octavia vRS should return high 30s, though, I'm told. So the difference might not be as big as you assume, particularly once you filter in the added cost of diesel.
I saw something on here last week comparing petrol to diesel...
530i vs 530d - Based on 10k miles pa you saved £400. Now, to me, even if I was doing 20k miles a year, I'd prefer to spend £800 a year having a nice revvy petrol engine than a "torqey" oil burner.
Plus, if you're spending that much time in a car, surely you weant to enjoy it!
530i vs 530d - Based on 10k miles pa you saved £400. Now, to me, even if I was doing 20k miles a year, I'd prefer to spend £800 a year having a nice revvy petrol engine than a "torqey" oil burner.
Plus, if you're spending that much time in a car, surely you weant to enjoy it!
Oilburner1 said:
Hi Zad, I have considered the Leon Reference 2.0 TDI BTCC. 140bhp and will do over 50mpg, simple remap and looking at 185bhp(ish). Build quality ok on the SEAT's? cheers
That's a pretty good choice to be honest. A friend of mine had one from new (but not the BTCC) albeit only for 18 months before he got the job opportunity of a lifetime and had to sell up. It worked for a liking though and clocked up pretty high miles quite quickly, he had no problems with reliability and it went like stink, and that was unmapped. I never spent that much time in it though so can't really comment on build quality. I would say it is well worth a look at a couple, see if you get along with them.SteveS Cup said:
You're not going to get a fun car which produces 40mpg.
I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
Would love a 335d! If only they were cheaper... The small hatches aren't bad on economy but not great for passengers. I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
Oilburner1 said:
SteveS Cup said:
You're not going to get a fun car which produces 40mpg.
I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
Would love a 335d! If only they were cheaper... The small hatches aren't bad on economy but not great for passengers. I'd comprimise on the mpg and get a hot hatch. CTR / Clio / something petrol, normally aspirated you'll get decent mpg when pottering on the motorway for work and be a lot of fun when you're not.
Diesel's can be quick, but never ever fun. 335d may be an exception but that's not >£10k.
SteveS Cup said:
You're not going to get a fun car which produces 40mpg.
My old mk5 Golf Gti could do about 35ish mpg when driven carefully. Would that be enough for your work duties?Its certainly fun when you want to have a play at the weekends, track day or twisties.. practical too, big boot, good residuals.
.. and its not diesel!
rob.e said:
SteveS Cup said:
You're not going to get a fun car which produces 40mpg.
My old mk5 Golf Gti could do about 35ish mpg when driven carefully. Would that be enough for your work duties?Its certainly fun when you want to have a play at the weekends, track day or twisties.. practical too, big boot, good residuals.
.. and its not diesel!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff