Please suggest some better cars

[driverrob]

Background: The Audi TT was just about okay in the back for an active dog, less so as she got older. She died last January and, eventually, I changed to a Jaguar XK; fast enough, comfortable and not too expensive.
But next to useless for any sort of dog bigger than a toy breed that can be lifted in and out. Yes, "we" have decided we will be getting another dog.
A 4 door car is no problem, but SWIMBO insists on a 2 door that looks sporty. In our 50th year of marriage, I'm not about to start what would be a major argument.
So, please, any suggestions of 2-door, sporty looking, fairly fast (say, <6 sec to 60), not too expensive (<20k) cars with easy back seat access would be very welcome.

[Xcore]

Second hand m4.

[Jamescrs]

Xcore said:

Second hand m4.

For less than 20k?

There's one on Auto Trader which has done over 100k miles for under 20k. Would need to be nearer 30k for a good one.

A 440i maybe.

[ChrisH72]

Mini JCW. Although just over 6 secs to 60.

Another TT, perhaps a mk3 TTS which can be had for around 20k. Or a 2.0 S line DSG Quattro is 5.3 to 60.

Megane 275 would give you plenty of change from 20k. You could get a Cup S.

M240i

GT86, fun if not fast.

[driverrob]

My previous car was a 3.2 DSG Quattro TT, and I imagine other TTs would be similarly cramped in the back.
I've never owned a BMW before, but the X-drive has me interested. 2 or 4 series M sport models are available in my price range. Any thoughts on the 435D?

[Silvanus]

Mini Paceman John Cooper Works All4. Bit of an oddball when new, but a very underated 2nd hand buy. I think they look pretty cool, then again I like oddities.

Edited by Silvanus on Friday 6th October 00:02

[Om]

If the back seat is not a necessity and depending on the size/weight of the dog then the 370z may be an option. For short journeys we can take our two mid-size (20kg) dogs in the back without a problem. With just one they are fine for long journeys.

[pb8g09]

BMW M235i.

Can seat 4 adults.
Very quick.
Reliable.
Auto or manual.
30mpg.

[PositronicRay]

It's a tough call.

We've a CLK, possible but a scramble, how wide do E Class doors open? The only comprise I can think of is a Maxda RX8..

[culpz]

Leon Cupra? Golf R? Scirocco R? Audi S3?

[driverrob]

As far as sporty looks are concerned, our cars from 11 years ago set a higher standard for us than a Golf.
A Z4 would qualify in the looks department, but a 'hot' BMW saloon might not. Even the Jag barely qualifies, apparently.
It's a good job this search isn't urgent.

[Ezra]

What about an Audi S3 or S5, both come in 2 door hardtop or convertible guise....plenty of examples within budget.

[PositronicRay]

I see where you're coming from.

I know it fails on the door count...........but well........just look at it!


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=C...

ETA, what size dog are you planning on?

Edited by PositronicRay on Thursday 5th October 12:57

[ZX10R NIN]

driverrob said:

Background: The Audi TT was just about okay in the back for an active dog, less so as she got older. She died last January and, eventually, I changed to a Jaguar XK; fast enough, comfortable and not too expensive.
But next to useless for any sort of dog bigger than a toy breed that can be lifted in and out. Yes, "we" have decided we will be getting another dog.
A 4 door car is no problem, but SWIMBO insists on a 2 door that looks sporty. In our 50th year of marriage, I'm not about to start what would be a major argument.
So, please, any suggestions of 2-door, sporty looking, fairly fast (say, <6 sec to 60), not too expensive (<20k) cars with easy back seat access would be very welcome.

E400 Coupe, the passenger seat slides as you pull the lever so the dog can jump in & out with ease.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310012...

Or the CL500 which would be my pick & you can pretty much fit any dog in the back:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309222...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...

[driverrob]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I'm trying to keep up with them.
As far as I can remember from my searches and yours; the S3 & S5 look more practical than the TT, but the boot is actually smaller/shallower, and rear seat access is not much easier. Also, and this will be a recurring theme here, it looks less sporty/sexy/feminine. The suggested MBs and BMWs also have this 'shortcoming'. Apparently our XK also looks too male.
The CL is also too long for our garage and too wide for comfortable driving around these Cornish lanes.
The 2-door Maseratis look much more likely to tick enough boxes.

Much as we'd love another Staffy, we have, at our age, had to accept that we need a smaller dog that will require much less than 3 to 5 mile walks every day.

[ChrisH72]

Quite feminine, reasonably practical, just about sub 6 sec to 60 and well under budget.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023090515...

[PositronicRay]

Anything up to cocker spaniel sized fit anywhere so the world's your lobster re cars. (As long as you stay a one dog family)

[driverrob]

ChrisH72 said:

Quite feminine, reasonably practical, just about sub 6 sec to 60 and well under budget.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023090515...

All true, Chris, but not as good as my previous TT 3.2 in any respect, as far as I can see.

[ZX10R NIN]

It's over 20k but the Maserati GranSport could well be the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

If you're considering a GranTurismo I'd suggest making sure you go for the 4.7:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310032...

[driverrob]

ZX10R NIN said:

It's over 20k but the Maserati GranSport could well be the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...

Good shout. The only one I'd found was a little cheaper but bright yellow. Definitely one at the top of the list to consider.