Relatively sensible new car.

[Adwillsy]

Hi Guys,

I have been deliberating over the last few months about a daily that both the mrs and I can drive. I’m currently stuck driving her 1.2 corsa which is hell to get up to speed and not the comfiest on longer journeys.
I’m 22 6ft6 and a mechanic. So I know my way round cars relatively well to keep maintenance costs lower.
What I’m after:
Decent space: estate/saloon/hatch I’m ok with (would prefer an estate though)
Must be auto: don’t ask...
I’m currently not too sure on a budget. It could be 2k, it could be £6k it could be £10k its all relative as I’ll most likely get a bank loan.
Relatively insurable: that just gets rid of v8’s pretty much I think, I mean I’ve had modified focus st225’s st180’s e36 328i’s, etc etc so I can deal with most things.
Relatively tuneable or at least can make look nice.
My first 2 contenders are a v70 T5 2003 ish or a e46 325i touring.
Is there anything im else I am missing?
Cheers guys

[Jasandjules]

E class estate?

[ZX10R NIN]

You need to set a definite budget as there are so many options out there.

[Adwillsy]

No merc’s as that’s what I work on and I don’t like the way they drive. and how about a max £5k then

[ZX10R NIN]

Insignia Elite 220

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...

530 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012106...

325i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011206...

2.4i Accord

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101117...

2.0T Audi S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101168...

Saab 9-3 Aero

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011266...

V50 T5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101188...

[dmsims]

The V70 is not entertaining in any way and has the turning circle of an oil tanker

They are very comfortable and well made, consider a 2.5T (which you can tune)

[Mr Tidy]

If you are considering an E46 325i why not add a 330i to the list? Running costs are the same as it's the same engine, just a different size.

But given that all E46s are now 15+ years old and they rust for fun I'd be looking at an E9* 3 Series, unless you are also good with a welder!

[craig_m67]

So, constrains are; £5K, no merc, no V8, no manual, tuneable(subjective), midsize estate/hatch
But you’ve not really defined enough requirements/outcomes


I’ll start for you with an outcome (requirement)
Happy wife, happy life

What does she want/like/need/future plans?
What does tuneable mean; mapped diesel turbo (ecu), or Toyota white box you stick halfords tat on?
Kids, dogs, horses, old age parents, massive extended family, work vehicle, camping, track hoe?
Throwaway shed money or minimal depreciation?
Expected mileage, parking availability (if you care), fuel (elec, dino)
Colour (I can’t stand monochrome whites, greys, silvers, blacks myself... which can limit brands)

Edited by craig_m67 on Tuesday 26th January 01:34

[Adwillsy]

Well the requirement for auto is the mrs. She’s st at manual so I’d rather just make it easier for her. This will be our sole car for the moment. It will be the daily driver that shouldn’t have too much issue going to see her parents (Kent to Yorkshire) but I’ve done that drive in my old focus and got mid 20’s mpg on the way up so that’s not much of an issue fuel wise. Tuneable to be would be on a turbo car - remap, intercooler, intake and potentially exhaust but nothing crazy loud. On a N/A car like an e46 would be exhaust, coilovers and some nice wheels. Preferably petrol as my journeys to work are about 5 miles either way. Possible kids in a few years but that’s a while off at the moment. Just moved into a new house and I’ve had to use my brothers octavia vrs estate to get and move most things. Currently driving my mrs 1.2 corsa so most things would be a step up. Don’t really need parking trouble as I said I’m a mechanic so I can pride myself on getting massive cars into smaller spaces. Not massively fussed on colour. Mileage isn’t too much of an issue as long as it’s a “strong engine” meaning it won’t st itself after 100k miles. Open to anything up to about 140k miles.

[ZX10R NIN]

I think the 2.0T Insignia ticks all the boxes, it has the very tuneable 2.0 as well as great spec it'll do Kent to Yorkshire with ease a set of Eibach springs with some VXR wheels & you'll have a nice car for very sensible money.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101037...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...