New Car - Help needed!

[Reark]

Hi there,
New to PH so please bear with me. I’m in the hunt for a new car and simply cannot make my mind up. My limit is about 9k. I’ve got an 8 month old son, however we’ve already got a Citroen C4 hatch which just about does the job of load carrying pram and shopping etc. Obviously my head is saying get an estate or something family size but my heart is saying get what you want as it’ll mainly be used for a 40 mile/day (twice a week) solo commute. Having driven the C4 for a few months now (I’ve forgotten how to overtake on B-roads), the car needs to be much quicker. Below is a list of cars I’ve saved on AT;

E90/91 3L BMWs
V50 T5
S60 T5 / D5
Megane 250
BMW 120d/123d
Mazda 3 MPS Mk2
Jaguar XF 3.0 TD / (s)
VW Passat CC 3.6

Now as you can see this is quite a broad range of cars… Part of me thinks I should get a 120d as it’s still much quicker than the C4 and +50mpg should be easily obtainable. However part of me thinks I should get the Mazda or Megane as I’m only 24 and with a growing family, so it sort of feels like a ‘now or never’ type of scenario. If I’m being honest I think the CC actually tops the list as it’s easily got the best space X pace, however they’re very rare and it may take too long to wait for one with an acceptable mileage/price.

Does anyone have any experiences, good or bad with these cars or even if you don’t, any advice would be appreciated?! The fam just say go for the most economical/cheap but they’re not exactly petrolheads haha

Cheers

Neil

[ZX10R NIN]

For the miles you do I'd not be looking at a diesel & if you decide you want one then get a 3.0 one.

I'd say get the Megane you won't regret it but you just might if you don't buy one.

2010 Megane RS250
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2010 RS250 Cup

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Now if you want a decent mix of practical with power then there are a few options:

The Mondeo would be my 1st choice as it's still a decent steer.

Titanium X Sport 2.0T 37k 200bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Others are a bit more compromised in one way or another.

2011 Insignia SRI VX Line 220bhp 47k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2010 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD 55k 280bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2005 Audi S4 72k 340bhp (timing chains can be an issue)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2007 BMW 335i M Sport 50k 310bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

2004 Mercedes C55 97k 370bhp (rare fast & reliable) I'm bias I have the coupe version.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[Reark]

Thanks for the reply ZX10R. Yeah the Megane certainly looks like the best option especially as it won't be an only car. Some interesting cars you've suggested there. Have always liked the look of Insignia's however my first car was an Astra and it was spent a lot of time in the garage which has put me off Vauxhalls a bit. And as for the three German options you've suggested, I think older, large engined cars scare me a bit with potential repair bills.

[ZX10R NIN]

I can only speak for the C55 but in terms of reliability there are no issues engine wise the gearbox is strong just make sure the fluid has been changed.

The one bill you will definitely have is fuel (& maybe tyres ) is it a better point to point car than the Megane? I'd say it's a different style of driving but can be just as much fun, there is one killer service though & that's 16 plug change.

CLK55 AMG

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...