A unicorn for under 20k?
Discussion
I'm looking for a daily that ticks all the boxes. I'm unsure if my expectations are realistic?
Quick(ish), nimble, fun, spacious, long distance cruiser, efficient. The most important criteria is that it has a large boot opening with no lip/flat floor.
I don't need masses of space in the boot, but I do occasionally do runs to the tip or carry DIY materials, a mountain bike, and the odd gearbox or body panel.
Depth of the boot isn't too important if the seats can be folded down. Larger/longer items can be carried with a roof rack.
I dont do enough miles to warrant a diesel. Petrol/hybrid seems to be the way to go.
An estate would be the obvious solution, but I don't see the point in having something so large when 99% of the time it will be empty.
SUV's are too high. It makes it awkward to load unwieldy items onto the roof.
I don't necessarily need 4 seats.
Some sort of hatchback would be the obvious choice.
I think a 2.0 turbo is the sweet spot between power and economy. I can be swayed for the right car.
A mini clubman/countryman or golf GTi may fit the bill. But I'm unsure if how these would fare on spaciousness and comfort over long distances across Europe?
A 370z would be cool, but too thirsty for a daily, and there's almost zero load space.
Unfortunately, a fk8 civic type r has a lip on the boot opening.
If only they made a M2 hatchback...
Throw me some ideas. Age wise, 7 years old max. Budget is around 20k. Try not to spend it all, but I'd go to 25k for something special.
Quick(ish), nimble, fun, spacious, long distance cruiser, efficient. The most important criteria is that it has a large boot opening with no lip/flat floor.
I don't need masses of space in the boot, but I do occasionally do runs to the tip or carry DIY materials, a mountain bike, and the odd gearbox or body panel.
Depth of the boot isn't too important if the seats can be folded down. Larger/longer items can be carried with a roof rack.
I dont do enough miles to warrant a diesel. Petrol/hybrid seems to be the way to go.
An estate would be the obvious solution, but I don't see the point in having something so large when 99% of the time it will be empty.
SUV's are too high. It makes it awkward to load unwieldy items onto the roof.
I don't necessarily need 4 seats.
Some sort of hatchback would be the obvious choice.
I think a 2.0 turbo is the sweet spot between power and economy. I can be swayed for the right car.
A mini clubman/countryman or golf GTi may fit the bill. But I'm unsure if how these would fare on spaciousness and comfort over long distances across Europe?
A 370z would be cool, but too thirsty for a daily, and there's almost zero load space.
Unfortunately, a fk8 civic type r has a lip on the boot opening.
If only they made a M2 hatchback...
Throw me some ideas. Age wise, 7 years old max. Budget is around 20k. Try not to spend it all, but I'd go to 25k for something special.
I mean a hot hatch would fit the bill, as you say. If you got a Golf GTI with the auto and DCC (quite a rare option) I think it'd make a fine cruiser. Alternatively, could look at a Leon Cupra as they have DCC standard.
Would the boot lip in something like this BMW be acceptable?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023112743...
Would the boot lip in something like this BMW be acceptable?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023112743...
Estate versions of the Focus ST or Golf-R should fit the bill - they surely won't be annoying large when not load lugging just that little bit longer at the back.
Or just a 3-series estate.
When my parents were after a car with a low/flat boot they went for a Mercedes B-class, which is also available with some moderately powerful engines.
Or just a 3-series estate.
When my parents were after a car with a low/flat boot they went for a Mercedes B-class, which is also available with some moderately powerful engines.
Edited by Truckosaurus on Thursday 22 February 07:13
I know it’s an estate but the Leon Cupra ST is worth considering. I had the hatch version for a while and it was a decent car and perfectly fine for long distances. I’d have no issue doing a multi day trip in one. Its biggest failing was putting 300bhp through the front wheels. But the estate can be had with 4wd. Well worth considering.
Gad-Westy said:
I know it’s an estate but the Leon Cupra ST is worth considering. I had the hatch version for a while and it was a decent car and perfectly fine for long distances. I’d have no issue doing a multi day trip in one. Its biggest failing was putting 300bhp through the front wheels. But the estate can be had with 4wd. Well worth considering.
I had the estate 4drive on a nice cheap lease deal for a couple of years - would have bought it if post COVID prices hadn't jumped up so much. Definitely recommend.9000rpm said:
AMG 45 CLA shooting brake?
2.0 turbo , big enough to be useful , not too bad on fuel.
I was looking for a car like you need and its ticked all the boxes for me . It does have a lip to get over on the rear tailgate but decided to live with that.
100% that’s what I would go for. Was seriously on my radar for similar use, but post-covid prices stopped me buying a car full stop. 2.0 turbo , big enough to be useful , not too bad on fuel.
I was looking for a car like you need and its ticked all the boxes for me . It does have a lip to get over on the rear tailgate but decided to live with that.
S4 Avant ticks a lot of boxes.
S4 Avant B9 higher miles: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
S4 AVant B8.5 lower miles: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268...
S4 Avant B9 higher miles: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
S4 AVant B8.5 lower miles: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268...
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