Second car idea for 5-7k

[Tombles]

Hi all

I am looking to get a second car for circa 5-7k. I am struggling with what to decide on as I would like something that is fairly sporty but it needs to be reliable. My wife would prefer it to be auto so she could drive it (although not a must have), and not cost a lot to run. Use will be a mix of motorway to work and short trips but only up to 5k a year.

I've been going back and forth between various cars including:

BMW E9X 3 Series - Had a 330i before and really enjoyed it, but it had costly repairs so goes against reliability and running costs.
Focus ST MK2 - Fairly solid car but hard to find a non-abused standard one. Not sure how the higher mileage fairs with these.
Civic Type-R FN2 - Pretty bullet proof engine, still looks fairly modern in my oppinion but very stiff ride and heard of rust issues.
Audi TT MK2 - I don't know much about these but think they still look good for their age and can get in auto too (although not sure if the DSG is overly reliable at that age/mileage)

Any other suggestions or input much appreciated!

Thanks

[Evil.soup]

A good selection of cars there as it is, but all quite different, it looks like my shopping list from maybe 15 years ago!

I have driven the Mk1 TT 225hp and it was a lovely place to be, great cruiser, but not a sports car. I have also driven the Civic, on the same day as the TT actually as they were both on my shortlist, but the Civic was a different beast all together. Far more raw feeling and for a blast, it's the better car, but it won't be as nice on the motorway. Also driven the Mk2 ST with the volvo 2.5 engine, around the same time, monstrous power and grunt and one of the greatest engine noises. That would cruise all day up and down a motorway and be quite a nice place to be. I have no experience of the BMW for comparison.

Given the cars above, at the time I ended up buying an Impreza WRX, there was something just extra special about it, but they are not to everyone's taste and your budget doesn't buy you much these days, plus, rust is a concern on the older cars.

A couple of other ideas could be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302174...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301133...

Edit: I just realised you said FN2, I had the EP3 in mind. I have also driven the FN2 as a good friend owned one. As a comparison to the EP3, it's a slightly nicer place to be and a nicer cruiser, but doesn't drive as well as the earlier car, just lacked a little feel for me. Still a lovely car though on it's own, just the EP3 was a hard act to follow.

Edited by Evil.soup on Monday 20th February 12:22

[PurpleTurtle]

Only one of these I have owned (new, in 2004) is an Audi TT 3.2 DSG

I liked everything about the car apart from the gearbox in auto mode as opposed to flappy paddle mode. I found it slow to pick up and just couldn't get on with it, although lots of people do. I loved the engine though, especially on a motorway cruise, and the cabin was a nice place to sit.

However the big red flag on that engine at this price point is its likelihood of needing a timing chain replacement, an expensive engine-out job needed at 60k miles(ish). Beware of cars not having had it done.

Otherwise (no mention of needing to carry kids or other people) surely the stock PH answer is an MX5? Great fun and reliable, loads about at this money.

[Tombles]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the cars I've suggested are probably a bit of a nostalgia hit and what I looked at or drove when they were the new models!

I know the cars vary a lot in my list. Ideally comfort would be a nice to have, which kinda rules out the Type-R but I can't help feel that it would also be the most reliable on the list.These are the kind of reasons I am going back and forth on different types of car.

There is no requirement particuarly for space as the main car is a Tiguan.

I've looked at the GTI's but I can't find any decent examples within 60 or so miles near me. They are all older or 100k+ miles. This is partly why the TT is in there due to the same engine but better availability.

I know the MX-5 is a big fan favourite here but it just doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

[Evil.soup]

I know you said you wanted something that can handle occasional motorways and the odd blast, but what kind of driver are you? Are you looking for raw driving point to point ability or something with go that won't break your back?

Reading between the lines, I am guessing you are looking for something a little more refined rather than a hard B-road car?

The Civic FN2 might not be as hard as you may think, it is certainly more refined than the EP3, so it could be worth a test drive and your budget could find you a well looked after example. Looked after, it shouldn't see you lose much on it either over a couple of years.

Given the choice between this and the TT though, I would go for the TT though. It has plenty of power, will cruise happily on the motorway and is quite refined, it's a good middle ground/all-rounder.

[Xcore]

Mk7 fiesta st?

[Chris_91]

Tombles said:

Hi all

I am looking to get a second car for circa 5-7k. I am struggling with what to decide on as I would like something that is fairly sporty but it needs to be reliable. My wife would prefer it to be auto so she could drive it (although not a must have), and not cost a lot to run. Use will be a mix of motorway to work and short trips but only up to 5k a year.

I've been going back and forth between various cars including:

BMW E9X 3 Series - Had a 330i before and really enjoyed it, but it had costly repairs so goes against reliability and running costs.
Focus ST MK2 - Fairly solid car but hard to find a non-abused standard one. Not sure how the higher mileage fairs with these.
Civic Type-R FN2 - Pretty bullet proof engine, still looks fairly modern in my oppinion but very stiff ride and heard of rust issues.
Audi TT MK2 - I don't know much about these but think they still look good for their age and can get in auto too (although not sure if the DSG is overly reliable at that age/mileage)

Any other suggestions or input much appreciated!

Thanks

I currently own a mk2 TT 2.0 TFSI, though it is manual. It's a great car, very fun to drive, there is a very very slight turbo lag but it pulls great once spooled up.

They do have a few niggling issues - the rear lights have a bad earth from factory and bring a dash light on, so you have to add an additional one (pretty easy if you have a bit of sense, and costs little, check ttforum), rear parcel shelf brackets break (mine were screwed in), bonnet opener handle snaps off (though mine hasn't), glovebox strut fails (its supposed to slowly open), my drivers door lock is temperamental (more a 100k mileage and cold weather issue though). The list goes on... I lose about a litre of oil every 1200 miles I've calculated - which I don't mind too much for a 100k mileage engine - I've previously owned an FN2 Type R which was similar oil usage on less miles - also the FN2 got a lot less miles to a tank of fuel! 200 - 240 if I remember correctly, the TT gets me 300mi every time.

Subjective but the TT looks a lot better / more modern than the FN2, nicer interior, turbo, more torque, better economy, the list goes on... BUT ergonomically, it's a lot different to most other cars, as you are much lower down and practically have to climb in and out, which is why I will be getting rid when I can find a decent 8P S3. I also used to be set on Auto after owning an M140i however then I was doing 20k miles per year. I'm only doing 5k now - like you - and have decided to go manual - won't be stuck in nearly as many traffic jams anymore, maybe something to think about!