Fun 2nd family car up to £25k

[MR2 Steve]

Advice on here has delivered before so trying again to see if I'm missing something.

Currently have a Volvo XC60 Hybrid and a GR86. The XC60 is the main family car and the GR86 isn't practical enough which is why I'm on the look out for a more practical 2nd/3rd car.

The new car has to do a few things

- it's a 2nd car but has to be able to seat people in the rear without being squashed (GR86 fails at this).
- needs to be automatic because it will be crawling in traffic a lot (GR86 not great at this)
- fun to drive
- I don't really want another SUV type car.
- mileage will be fairly low on it so can have a decent sized engine.
- ideally petrol
- preferably less than 5 years old.
- up to £25k
- c. 200bhp or more

The obvious choice is a hot hatch. I've had 2 Leon Cupras and would have another but interested in alternatives. Also had an M135i. I don't really want another one - a bit 1 dimentional.

What would you get? I've tried a Mini Electric but too small in the back. A small electric fun car would work.

Thanks

[Calza]

F10 M5 if you can go back in age?

[MattyD803]

Cupra Formentor VZ2/VZ3? Much like a Golf R / Cupra Leon with the EA888 Evo 4, so 310bhp / 4WD but better rear legroom due to the vehicle proportions....Sub 5s to 60mph (comfortably) and generally respectable performance throughout the range. Pops and burbles in 'Cupra mode' if you like such things, so quite good fun and handles much more like a hot hatch (say Golf R) than an SUV (say Ateca). 40mpg on a steady run, 25mpg round town, 30-32mpg average over 2.5yrs with us.

Great spec on them as standard (7sp DSG, Leather, Adaptive Damping (DCC), LED headlamps, TFT dash, traffic assist , electric boot....the VZ3 adds pano roof, brembo's, Beats and different wheels.

I suspect some of the earlier cars are well within your budget now - just ensure the infotainment system is running the latest software and recalls on SOS system are done. We had a good 2.5 years with ours, even if we had some frustration/niggles at times - nearly all infotainment related.

Just spotted your comment about 1 dimensional performance, so maybe the Formentor isn't for you....but in terms of a "fun family car", it's pretty good option and a bit quirky/different.

Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 13th May 14:27

[EBRANDON1]

Kia Stinger GT, very practical, probably can still get good warranty even.
Jag XE S, or XF 300 Sport, few other decent Jag options.
BMW 440i Gran Coupe

F80 M3 (Will be older than 5 years under £25k though)
M6 Gran Coupe (Same age/ price issue as above)
C43 or S4

[MR2 Steve]

Calza said:

F10 M5 if you can go back in age?

I worry about it being a money pit when it will only do 2000-3000 miles a year.

[nickfrog]

DCT M2

[boxxer7]

Did something similar, ended up with a B9 S4 Avant pretty happy with the choice might be worth a look.

[MR2 Steve]

nickfrog said:

DCT M2

Not tried it but rear space might be a bit tight? They are also older at that price point.

[MR2 Steve]

boxxer7 said:

Did something similar, ended up with a B9 S4 Avant pretty happy with the choice might be worth a look.

Worth a look. Thanks

[Heathwood]

F56 Mini Cooper JCW, unless the rear’s too tight?

[nickfrog]

MR2 Steve said:

nickfrog said:

DCT M2

Not tried it but rear space might be a bit tight? They are also older at that price point.

Rear space is the same as the 1-series hatch. Boot is large.

I would look at mileage rather than age.

[MR2 Steve]

nickfrog said:

Rear space is the same as the 1-series hatch. Boot is large.

I would look at mileage rather than age.

I need a hatchback really so it’s more practical when I need it. An M2 is a bit too similar to the GR86.

[MR2 Steve]

MattyD803 said:

Cupra Formentor VZ2/VZ3? Much like a Golf R / Cupra Leon with the EA888 Evo 4, so 310bhp / 4WD but better rear legroom due to the vehicle proportions....Sub 5s to 60mph (comfortably) and generally respectable performance throughout the range. Pops and burbles in 'Cupra mode' if you like such things, so quite good fun and handles much more like a hot hatch (say Golf R) than an SUV (say Ateca). 40mpg on a steady run, 25mpg round town, 30-32mpg average over 2.5yrs with us.

Great spec on them as standard (7sp DSG, Leather, Adaptive Damping (DCC), LED headlamps, TFT dash, traffic assist , electric boot....the VZ3 adds pano roof, brembo's, Beats and different wheels.

I suspect some of the earlier cars are well within your budget now - just ensure the infotainment system is running the latest software and recalls on SOS system are done. We had a good 2.5 years with ours, even if we had some frustration/niggles at times - nearly all infotainment related.

Just spotted your comment about 1 dimensional performance, so maybe the Formentor isn't for you....but in terms of a "fun family car", it's pretty good option and a bit quirky/different.

Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 13th May 14:27

They look nice. They are a few grand more than an equivalent Leon for effectively the same car. The Leons are great cars. It’s my obvious choice. It would be good to have something different.

[MR2 Steve]

EBRANDON1 said:

Kia Stinger GT, very practical, probably can still get good warranty even.
Jag XE S, or XF 300 Sport, few other decent Jag options.
BMW 440i Gran Coupe

F80 M3 (Will be older than 5 years under £25k though)
M6 Gran Coupe (Same age/ price issue as above)
C43 or S4

I think I want a hot hatch for the fun rather than a bigger car. The 440i does look good value.

[nickfrog]

MR2 Steve said:

nickfrog said:

Rear space is the same as the 1-series hatch. Boot is large.

I would look at mileage rather than age.

I need a hatchback really so it’s more practical when I need it. An M2 is a bit too similar to the GR86.

Fair enough Steve. I have had a GT86 so can compare to my M2. In fact I can't compare as they're not similar at all from a practically point of view

But a hatchback will indeed beat both on that front.

[MR2 Steve]

Heathwood said:

F56 Mini Cooper JCW, unless the rear’s too tight?

Is it similar rear space to current model? Was just too small. The electric one appeals because I don’t need long range and some good discounts on demonstrators with a nice CT reduction. it meant a nearly new one was c.18k. Plus using company money rather than personal. Cheap car. Sadly too small.

Edited by MR2 Steve on Monday 13th May 22:04

[MR2 Steve]

nickfrog said:

Fair enough Steve. I have had a GT86 so can compare to my M2. In fact I can't compare as they're not similar at all from a practically point of view

But a hatchback will indeed beat both on that front.

I did consider an M2 before buying the GR. I considered a GT86 when I bought the M135i. I test drove the GT86 for a weekend and it was all handling with not enough power. The GR fixes the lack of torque.

[Jimjimhim]

If you have a garage then you can get something truly fun like an Elise or Caterham. Then spend £5k on a hatchback.

[MR2 Steve]

Calza said:

F10 M5 if you can go back in age?

I worry about it being a money pit when it will only do 2000-3000 miles a year.

[riskyj]

Might get shot down in flames but doesn’t a Model 3 largely fit the bill here?