Help choosing a fun, but semi practical, replacement car

[rosscouk]

Hi there,

I need help choosing a replacement for one of my cars!

I currently run two cars, a Saab 93 sport (estate) and a Clio 1.4 Dynamique. I tend to use the Saab, slogging up and down the motorway for work and I currently do around 15k - 20k per year. My wife has been using the Clio, also for work, but she too uses the motorway and feels the car gets pushed around too much in the wind (quite a lot in along the M5 in Somerset). So she would like to drive the Saab. Fine I think, it’s done around 142k but should be good for a year or too yet. So I can replace the Clio with something more fun.

However, there are a couple of catches; the replacement car must fit in a single garage. Turning where we park is very tight, so must have parking assistance and given that I will use the car on the motorway, it will need to have cruise control. I also need to get a child seat in for my 6 year old. Finally, given the miles I do, I feel I should probably get a diesel. My head says auto, my heart says manual, so either is a possibility.
On to the cars to consider, I occasionally think about leasing something and it that might still be an option, but I tend to focus on buying second hand, with the following being prime contenders. Ideally I would not want one with more than 60k miles on it.

• BMW 1 Series (123d or 125d ideally, but a 120 could do)
• Audi - A3(Black and Quattro)
• Volkswagen Golf GTD

Here is where it gets complicated; I also keep looking at the following.

• Volvo c30 D4 or D5 – generally my budget option
• Alfa - Brera - depends on how brave I am feeling
• Audi TT – would a child sit fit??
• Volkswagen – Sirocco – ditto for the seat

I would need to get a loan and with the Clio sold, I would probably have around £10-15k
So, help me, there are so many variables so I am not quite sure what to do.
I don’t think I could consider petrol, but possibly if it does above 45mph, as that is what I generally get out of the Saab with the motorway driving. Although that might add more permutations.

Anyone any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

[rosscouk]

I think I waffled a bit!

I have up to 15k to spend on a car that must be smallish (fit in single garage), a bit fun, but must be good on motorway primarily. If I was to 'boil it down' I think the questions are;

From my initial three choices (1'r,A3,GTD), which is the best option?
Should I consider anything from my second list (alfa, volvo etc)?
Have I missed any other potential candidates?

Cheers

[brrapp]

I've been put off VAG diesels after problems with the last 2. (Passat and Ibiza) and I'm probably wrong (have absolutely no personal experience) but tend to think the better BMWs are the big ones and the 1,2, and 3 series are a bit of an expensive compromise riding on the reputation of the better ones, so I'd not choose from your first 3.
I'd agree with the Volvo choice 100%, the switch to them from VAG is the best decision I've made recently but don't discount a hot Ford (Focus ST) or Mazda (3 MPS)