New, fast daily driver options?
Discussion
Firstly, hello from a long time lurker and petrol head.
I've been a single dad for some time with a daughter who is 9 and loves going fast. I value her opinion a lot.
My current car is a 2020 Toyota Supra. This was an easy decision to buy. I was going to get a Cayman but my little one didn't like it when we went to see it. However, upon seeing the Black Supra My daughter said "wow!", in that way that only kids can. We took it for a rest drive, pushed 0-60 in 4 seconds and after finishing giggling at the experience she said "buy this car".
Now, I have gone as long as I can get away with with 2 seats . I need to take my daughter out with friends and need space. So, the Supra is gone. I need a new daily driver.
My daughter loved the Supra. There is a lot of positive attention around it. People love it and don't mind sharing their feelings. And it makes me and her feel proud to be in a cool 'whip' as she calls it, when we park up and people approach with "nice car mate" "is that a Supra?" etc. I am hoping for a similar vibe with my next car.
I am looking at spending 35- 40k on a used car. Don't want a hatchback, don't want an SUV. Looking at several options. Want a car 2017 or newer for technology and safety benefits.
First option BMW M2. For obvious reasons. But, my daughter does not like how it looks. She hates it. Damn.
BMW M3 - not enough money for the new fugly one. older model a bit dated now. Daughter thinks it just looks like a normal car. Hmm.
BMW M5 - touch too big I think.
Mercedes c43 AMG coupe. Daughter does like Mercedes Benz. Not sure on the shape of this car. Could be an option.
Mercedes c43 amg saloon. Looks too similar to standard saloon.
Mercedes c63 coupe - my favourite looking merc with the beefed up body. Worry that fuel economy would steal the overall fun out of ownership.
Jaguar XE S. Daughter thinks the Jag is OK. Could Save some money as could pick one up for £20k. Probably too much of a Q car.
Audi S4. Advantage of newer diesel models economy is tempting. But again, is not especially a special looking car.
Audi S5. Looks better than s4 but is way more expensive. Not sure it's worth the extra money. Possibly could get older petrol version. But not a very exclusive car.
Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio. Saw a black one of these. Undoubtedly cool looking. Daughter would love it I'm sure but hasnt seen one. But is 500 horsepower too much? Hmm. Rare to see which is a big advantage. This is probably current favourite. Economy and safety a concern though.
Am I missing something? Seems to be very few options for a cool, fast daily drive saloon out there...
Any suggestions, opinions welcome.
I've been a single dad for some time with a daughter who is 9 and loves going fast. I value her opinion a lot.
My current car is a 2020 Toyota Supra. This was an easy decision to buy. I was going to get a Cayman but my little one didn't like it when we went to see it. However, upon seeing the Black Supra My daughter said "wow!", in that way that only kids can. We took it for a rest drive, pushed 0-60 in 4 seconds and after finishing giggling at the experience she said "buy this car".
Now, I have gone as long as I can get away with with 2 seats . I need to take my daughter out with friends and need space. So, the Supra is gone. I need a new daily driver.
My daughter loved the Supra. There is a lot of positive attention around it. People love it and don't mind sharing their feelings. And it makes me and her feel proud to be in a cool 'whip' as she calls it, when we park up and people approach with "nice car mate" "is that a Supra?" etc. I am hoping for a similar vibe with my next car.
I am looking at spending 35- 40k on a used car. Don't want a hatchback, don't want an SUV. Looking at several options. Want a car 2017 or newer for technology and safety benefits.
First option BMW M2. For obvious reasons. But, my daughter does not like how it looks. She hates it. Damn.
BMW M3 - not enough money for the new fugly one. older model a bit dated now. Daughter thinks it just looks like a normal car. Hmm.
BMW M5 - touch too big I think.
Mercedes c43 AMG coupe. Daughter does like Mercedes Benz. Not sure on the shape of this car. Could be an option.
Mercedes c43 amg saloon. Looks too similar to standard saloon.
Mercedes c63 coupe - my favourite looking merc with the beefed up body. Worry that fuel economy would steal the overall fun out of ownership.
Jaguar XE S. Daughter thinks the Jag is OK. Could Save some money as could pick one up for £20k. Probably too much of a Q car.
Audi S4. Advantage of newer diesel models economy is tempting. But again, is not especially a special looking car.
Audi S5. Looks better than s4 but is way more expensive. Not sure it's worth the extra money. Possibly could get older petrol version. But not a very exclusive car.
Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio. Saw a black one of these. Undoubtedly cool looking. Daughter would love it I'm sure but hasnt seen one. But is 500 horsepower too much? Hmm. Rare to see which is a big advantage. This is probably current favourite. Economy and safety a concern though.
Am I missing something? Seems to be very few options for a cool, fast daily drive saloon out there...
Any suggestions, opinions welcome.
Essentially you want a fun daily that has four seats and most importantly "Wow" factor.
Its not from 2017(bmw 1M are all 2011) but with an aftermarket headunit and a private plate you can pretend it is.
You'd want a high mileage one anyway if you gonna daily it and there a 38.5k 72k mile one on autotrader that's bang on your budget.
It should help when you factor in and realize it probably won't depreciate at all throughout your ownership too. Might even go up.
Fully hydraulic steering, manual only, Better to drive than an M2 and so much more characterful and rare.
Alternative choice could be a Ford mustang? Those have rear seats from a Google search.
Its not from 2017(bmw 1M are all 2011) but with an aftermarket headunit and a private plate you can pretend it is.
You'd want a high mileage one anyway if you gonna daily it and there a 38.5k 72k mile one on autotrader that's bang on your budget.
It should help when you factor in and realize it probably won't depreciate at all throughout your ownership too. Might even go up.
Fully hydraulic steering, manual only, Better to drive than an M2 and so much more characterful and rare.
Alternative choice could be a Ford mustang? Those have rear seats from a Google search.
Edited by 457892345 on Thursday 9th February 02:25
H4rsePower said:
Mercedes c63 coupe - my favourite looking merc with the beefed up body. Worry that fuel economy would steal the overall fun out of ownership.
I'd wager a month's salary that once you hear your daughter giggling with whatever V8 version you choose, fuel economy will be (awful but) a distant thought compared to hearing your kid enjoy herself.Having had a C63 and ML63 myself, they're hilariously fun. The ML is ruinous on fuel (15mpg combined, 22mpg at best on the motorway) but the C63 is a little better.
Just spotted the QV's at the bottom of your post after posting it 
500hp is fine on the road, if you use it in 'A' mode then it limits it to 350hp which is fine for pottering about or motorway munching. 'N' and 'D' you get the full 500hp but then there's a torque limit until around 4,000rpm in 3rd which keeps it fairly sedate.
Fuel economy wise I've had mid-30s on motorway runs, and single digits on spirited drives.
Main issues are the interior on the early models was a bit plastic fantastic, but the facelift (post MY20) sorted that mostly, and the MY18 cars were on stilts.
They're fantastic, though.
500hp is fine on the road, if you use it in 'A' mode then it limits it to 350hp which is fine for pottering about or motorway munching. 'N' and 'D' you get the full 500hp but then there's a torque limit until around 4,000rpm in 3rd which keeps it fairly sedate.
Fuel economy wise I've had mid-30s on motorway runs, and single digits on spirited drives.
Main issues are the interior on the early models was a bit plastic fantastic, but the facelift (post MY20) sorted that mostly, and the MY18 cars were on stilts.
They're fantastic, though.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Very interesting to hear.
The M1 I have always had huge respect for but I think I might be too scared to put miles on it as a daily drive. If I had one I'd probably garage it and use occasionally.
The C63 coupe is a serious consideration. I did promise myself my next car would be a v8. But. Hmm. Needs further thought.
Maserati - love the exclusivity and badge. But have heard a few horror stories on service and repair bills. Unsure.
Jag. All 4 seat options just look a bit tame. If I was after 2 seater again there are certainly options. But.
Mustang - I did seriously think this had only 2 seats. Could be a contender for sure.
Alfa Quad - seriously you got 35mpg on a run? That's food for thought.
Certainly I think this narrows it down to 3 options:
Mercedes c63 amg Coupe
Mustang 5.0
Alfa Guila Quad
Now, how to choose between those?!
The M1 I have always had huge respect for but I think I might be too scared to put miles on it as a daily drive. If I had one I'd probably garage it and use occasionally.
The C63 coupe is a serious consideration. I did promise myself my next car would be a v8. But. Hmm. Needs further thought.
Maserati - love the exclusivity and badge. But have heard a few horror stories on service and repair bills. Unsure.
Jag. All 4 seat options just look a bit tame. If I was after 2 seater again there are certainly options. But.
Mustang - I did seriously think this had only 2 seats. Could be a contender for sure.
Alfa Quad - seriously you got 35mpg on a run? That's food for thought.
Certainly I think this narrows it down to 3 options:
Mercedes c63 amg Coupe
Mustang 5.0
Alfa Guila Quad
Now, how to choose between those?!
Out if those, for me, it would have to be the Guilia 
Very special car!
I was looking at them for a while, but didn't go ahead for various reasons
I did find out that they have cylinder deactivation to improve MPG if needed, not sure how effective this is though!
Very special car!
I was looking at them for a while, but didn't go ahead for various reasons
I did find out that they have cylinder deactivation to improve MPG if needed, not sure how effective this is though! Edited by jamesbilluk on Friday 10th February 00:33
There are a few older cars that meet your needs, and a few would definitely be a ‘cool whip’ but I’m not sure what safety and tech benefits you’re after as to why 2017 is the cut off.
Anyway, my kids, and their friends, all thought my 928S4 was a bit good. Proper sports car looks, V8 engine, easy to drive everyday, superbly comfy and roomy, and built to last. Fuel consumption is rubbish, but then so too are many of those on the list. Smokes rear tyres for fun. Probably won’t depreciate any more, you could poss get a tidy GTS for your budget.
Anyway, my kids, and their friends, all thought my 928S4 was a bit good. Proper sports car looks, V8 engine, easy to drive everyday, superbly comfy and roomy, and built to last. Fuel consumption is rubbish, but then so too are many of those on the list. Smokes rear tyres for fun. Probably won’t depreciate any more, you could poss get a tidy GTS for your budget.
Ideas
Ford Mustang GT Fastback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301143...
Convertible
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301303...
BMW M6 GranCoupe with gold wheels
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...
Lexus RC-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...
(stretch the budget by several grand and you can get this awesome Lexus LC500h)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...
Maserati Ghibli S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301163...
Tesla Model 3 Performance
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...
Ford Mustang GT Fastback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301143...
Convertible
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301303...
BMW M6 GranCoupe with gold wheels
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...
Lexus RC-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...
(stretch the budget by several grand and you can get this awesome Lexus LC500h)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...
Maserati Ghibli S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301163...
Tesla Model 3 Performance
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...
H4rsePower said:
Alfa Quad - seriously you got 35mpg on a run? That's food for thought
I've had it once in the last 5 months--I'm sure that means I can claim it, even if it isn't the norm Usually motorway is high-20s to low-30s, but if you stick it in A and keep it around 70 it'll get mid-30s. You won't want to though, obviously.
I picked up an Alfa QV at the weekend
Fantastic bit of kit - as said it does 3 cylinder deactivation in A mode so pretty economical given the power, I have a 20 facelift car with the L2 autonomy bits and it’s loaded with safety kit from lane keeping assist, dynamic cruise, collision avoidance etc so as safe as any of the modern Germans.
Can be a bit frisky on cold Corsa tyres but if you leave it in A mode and don’t provoke it then it’s no more drama than the Germans. Has pretty much all the kit you could want, lovely steering and dynamics and always gets positive attention.
Lovely car for the money.
Fantastic bit of kit - as said it does 3 cylinder deactivation in A mode so pretty economical given the power, I have a 20 facelift car with the L2 autonomy bits and it’s loaded with safety kit from lane keeping assist, dynamic cruise, collision avoidance etc so as safe as any of the modern Germans.
Can be a bit frisky on cold Corsa tyres but if you leave it in A mode and don’t provoke it then it’s no more drama than the Germans. Has pretty much all the kit you could want, lovely steering and dynamics and always gets positive attention.
Lovely car for the money.
MisterBigglesworth said:
I picked up an Alfa QV at the weekend
Fantastic bit of kit - as said it does 3 cylinder deactivation in A mode so pretty economical given the power, I have a 20 facelift car with the L2 autonomy bits and it’s loaded with safety kit from lane keeping assist, dynamic cruise, collision avoidance etc so as safe as any of the modern Germans.
Can be a bit frisky on cold Corsa tyres but if you leave it in A mode and don’t provoke it then it’s no more drama than the Germans. Has pretty much all the kit you could want, lovely steering and dynamics and always gets positive attention.
Lovely car for the money.
Close the thread now.Fantastic bit of kit - as said it does 3 cylinder deactivation in A mode so pretty economical given the power, I have a 20 facelift car with the L2 autonomy bits and it’s loaded with safety kit from lane keeping assist, dynamic cruise, collision avoidance etc so as safe as any of the modern Germans.
Can be a bit frisky on cold Corsa tyres but if you leave it in A mode and don’t provoke it then it’s no more drama than the Germans. Has pretty much all the kit you could want, lovely steering and dynamics and always gets positive attention.
Lovely car for the money.
No more discussion needed.
None.
Buy a Giulia QV.
Now.
I hoped I’d see this on your list and couldn’t believe it was so far down.
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