A petrolheads Daily Driver. Sensible and fun, does it exist?
Discussion
Hello everyone,
I've been a lurker for ages on here. Reading buying advice and now its time for me to buy a new car and i'm stumped so thought 1st post!
Being a middle aged dad of two tweens (11 & 13). Very recently separated. So now I'm in the market for a daily driver as my ex had the "family" car. While i could drive my toy. Circumstances don't allow anymore. BUT i don't really like what i'd call "boring" or "souless" cars.
I hate SUV's and people carriers as i live in a city and they are the bane of the school run. While people are trying to get in and out and you are stuck behind someone who can't manoeuvre their massive Disco or Q7 or RR for love nor money.
I like driving the open road and love cars, i guess that goes for us all, else we wouldn't be here. I am currently dailying my fast road car, which is up to the job, albeit 3 doors and a bit hard for day to day roads and potholes.
I need to go back to a 2 car garage. But i don't want the 2nd car to not be interesting or nice to drive.
I have a budget in the region of £18k but would prefer to spend less. I would like something that has 5 doors so i can carry my bike in the boot if i want too. And its just easier with the kids getting in and out.
I don't want a saloon or big car that is difficult to navigate the tight, PITA car parks where i live. Less bonnet the better - so for me discounts things like 3series, 5series etc.
I would like something that other petrolheads would nod at and say "he likes his cars" or is a bit interesting.
It obviously needs to be good all year round - how do modern rwd cars fair in bad weather? I am used to e36/e46 that didn't really have much in the way of traction and stability control in anything but the bone dry and i don't want to do winter tyre swaps. I need to be just able to get in and go.
I enjoy driving, so something that is part way between engaging and sensible as it has to ferry kids and oaps around would be useful. But does such a thing exist?
So from what i've seen in other posts i'll sum up what i want.
Ability to hold up to 4 relatively grown up people
When its not holding 4 people i can still use it to have fun on country roads (i live near the welsh border)
Can be classed as worthy substitute should my "fun" car be in bits in the garage.
Something interesting and not just humdrum boring box on wheels (guess the fun substitute stipulates that)
Relatively modern - 2012 onwards seems much better for reliability/build quality
Petrol only - diesel is too expensive and don't do the miles. Really not fussed too much by mpg but rather not live at the petrol station. 20's mpg is fine.
Auto is an option as its just easier to drive in 90% of occasions.
Rear boot for weekends away and bike duties when i want it.
Easy to drive and park in city/town.
Budget 18K but as said i'd really prefer to spend nearer 15k if i can.
Oh and thanks in advance for all your help.
I've been a lurker for ages on here. Reading buying advice and now its time for me to buy a new car and i'm stumped so thought 1st post!
Being a middle aged dad of two tweens (11 & 13). Very recently separated. So now I'm in the market for a daily driver as my ex had the "family" car. While i could drive my toy. Circumstances don't allow anymore. BUT i don't really like what i'd call "boring" or "souless" cars.
I hate SUV's and people carriers as i live in a city and they are the bane of the school run. While people are trying to get in and out and you are stuck behind someone who can't manoeuvre their massive Disco or Q7 or RR for love nor money.
I like driving the open road and love cars, i guess that goes for us all, else we wouldn't be here. I am currently dailying my fast road car, which is up to the job, albeit 3 doors and a bit hard for day to day roads and potholes.
I need to go back to a 2 car garage. But i don't want the 2nd car to not be interesting or nice to drive.
I have a budget in the region of £18k but would prefer to spend less. I would like something that has 5 doors so i can carry my bike in the boot if i want too. And its just easier with the kids getting in and out.
I don't want a saloon or big car that is difficult to navigate the tight, PITA car parks where i live. Less bonnet the better - so for me discounts things like 3series, 5series etc.
I would like something that other petrolheads would nod at and say "he likes his cars" or is a bit interesting.
It obviously needs to be good all year round - how do modern rwd cars fair in bad weather? I am used to e36/e46 that didn't really have much in the way of traction and stability control in anything but the bone dry and i don't want to do winter tyre swaps. I need to be just able to get in and go.
I enjoy driving, so something that is part way between engaging and sensible as it has to ferry kids and oaps around would be useful. But does such a thing exist?
So from what i've seen in other posts i'll sum up what i want.
Ability to hold up to 4 relatively grown up people
When its not holding 4 people i can still use it to have fun on country roads (i live near the welsh border)
Can be classed as worthy substitute should my "fun" car be in bits in the garage.
Something interesting and not just humdrum boring box on wheels (guess the fun substitute stipulates that)
Relatively modern - 2012 onwards seems much better for reliability/build quality
Petrol only - diesel is too expensive and don't do the miles. Really not fussed too much by mpg but rather not live at the petrol station. 20's mpg is fine.
Auto is an option as its just easier to drive in 90% of occasions.
Rear boot for weekends away and bike duties when i want it.
Easy to drive and park in city/town.
Budget 18K but as said i'd really prefer to spend nearer 15k if i can.
Oh and thanks in advance for all your help.
A bit over budget OP but perhaps if you like the concept you could keep your eyes open for something under £18k...
these are 'marmite' of course so feel free to
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204194...
(JCW Clubman)
these are 'marmite' of course so feel free to
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204194...
(JCW Clubman)
Edited by Canon_Fodder on Thursday 21st April 11:37
R2Detour said:
H
I would like something that other petrolheads would nod at and say "he likes his cars" or is a bit interesting.
Yet sadly you have only been suggested 3 different fwd hatchbacks (Golf, Focus, Civic) thus far.I would like something that other petrolheads would nod at and say "he likes his cars" or is a bit interesting.
I guess "petrolheads" come in all shapes and sizes, but tbh if I saw someone with a Golf R I'd be thinking more along the lines of 'that's a real shame' over someone who likes his cars.
That said, your ask does seem a bit all over the show and sort of requesting a TARDIS crossed with crystal ball.......
What is your fun car btw?
300bhp/ton said:
Yet sadly you have only been suggested 3 different fwd hatchbacks (Golf, Focus, Civic) thus far.
I guess "petrolheads" come in all shapes and sizes, but tbh if I saw someone with a Golf R I'd be thinking more along the lines of 'that's a real shame' over someone who likes his cars.
That said, your ask does seem a bit all over the show and sort of requesting a TARDIS crossed with crystal ball.......
What is your fun car btw?
Didn't think it would be this hard to be honest. Why i posted it up. See what people thought. I guess "petrolheads" come in all shapes and sizes, but tbh if I saw someone with a Golf R I'd be thinking more along the lines of 'that's a real shame' over someone who likes his cars.
That said, your ask does seem a bit all over the show and sort of requesting a TARDIS crossed with crystal ball.......
What is your fun car btw?
"fun" car = a supercharged Integra Type R DC5 - labour of love. But often too loud and crashy for everyday use and given the modifications not what i'd call reliable. But very driver focussed and a pleasure to hoon around in.
It's a pain getting the kids in and out of - as its a bit cramped being 3 door getting in and out of - which is why i wanted 5 doors.
I get what you are saying about the Golf - i don't see family guys drive them, just teens with big wallets (not sure how they afford them tbh). But i guess objectively, boot - yes, all year use - yes, easy to drive - its a golf so yes, image - not so much, but there is a community for them. Its a popular car for a reason. BUT. I see your point and often think the same - "another one" is usually what i say.
I will clarify - as think the way i worded my post was perhaps inaccurate.
The car needs to be able to take a bike in the boot with the rear seats down when i want to go riding - not at the same time as having 4 people in the car. So a normal hatchback is all i meant - you can't put a bike in a saloon boot i've found.
As for the fun vs functional. As i'm now sharing my kids 50/50 the car needs to be functional say 4 days out of 7 and if my fun car is in the garage again - it could substitute for the 3 days out of 7 that its just me and i choose to go for a "spirited" drive.
I am not after 911 esque pin point driving thrills, just something that can fill a stop gap now and again on the performance side.
Does that make it any clearer?
The answer is as above, whatever 5 door hot hatch takes your fancy within budget. You've set too many requirements on practicality and size for the answer to be anything else.
How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R, although lacks AWD (which unless you live in the depths of Scotland is surely not much of an issue)?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R, although lacks AWD (which unless you live in the depths of Scotland is surely not much of an issue)?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
SWoll said:
The answer is as above, whatever 5 door hot hatch takes your fancy within budget. You've set too many requirements on practicality and size for the answer to be anything else.
How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
That's a fair comment. How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
Ok. In light of that. I'll open it up. As long as i can ferry my kids to and from school and go for a drive on my own now and again.
forget everything else, what would you buy if you had 15-18k? That can be sensible ish 4 days out of 7 and fun 3 days out of 7?
I had looked at the m135i/140i - just wasn't sure about using it all year round? As said my experience with rwd has always been a kind of on if its dry off in anything else. But not driven a modern one.
R2Detour said:
SWoll said:
The answer is as above, whatever 5 door hot hatch takes your fancy within budget. You've set too many requirements on practicality and size for the answer to be anything else.
How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
That's a fair comment. How about a 5 door M140i? Possibly a bit more PH than just another Golf R?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202262...
Ok. In light of that. I'll open it up. As long as i can ferry my kids to and from school and go for a drive on my own now and again.
forget everything else, what would you buy if you had 15-18k? That can be sensible ish 4 days out of 7 and fun 3 days out of 7?
I had looked at the m135i/140i - just wasn't sure about using it all year round? As said my experience with rwd has always been a kind of on if its dry off in anything else. But not driven a modern one.
For an all rounder under £20k the M140i will probably take some beating in all honesty.
R2Detour said:
Didn't think it would be this hard to be honest. Why i posted it up. See what people thought.
"fun" car = a supercharged Integra Type R DC5 - labour of love. But often too loud and crashy for everyday use and given the modifications not what i'd call reliable. But very driver focussed and a pleasure to hoon around in.
It's a pain getting the kids in and out of - as its a bit cramped being 3 door getting in and out of - which is why i wanted 5 doors.
I get what you are saying about the Golf - i don't see family guys drive them, just teens with big wallets (not sure how they afford them tbh). But i guess objectively, boot - yes, all year use - yes, easy to drive - its a golf so yes, image - not so much, but there is a community for them. Its a popular car for a reason. BUT. I see your point and often think the same - "another one" is usually what i say.
I will clarify - as think the way i worded my post was perhaps inaccurate.
The car needs to be able to take a bike in the boot with the rear seats down when i want to go riding - not at the same time as having 4 people in the car. So a normal hatchback is all i meant - you can't put a bike in a saloon boot i've found.
As for the fun vs functional. As i'm now sharing my kids 50/50 the car needs to be functional say 4 days out of 7 and if my fun car is in the garage again - it could substitute for the 3 days out of 7 that its just me and i choose to go for a "spirited" drive.
I am not after 911 esque pin point driving thrills, just something that can fill a stop gap now and again on the performance side.
Does that make it any clearer?
The DC5 is pretty awesome, but very much a FWD hatchback in design and dynamics. I'd have thought any other hatchback would likely be a huge letdown. Or worse, you'd find you enjoyed it more than the DC5."fun" car = a supercharged Integra Type R DC5 - labour of love. But often too loud and crashy for everyday use and given the modifications not what i'd call reliable. But very driver focussed and a pleasure to hoon around in.
It's a pain getting the kids in and out of - as its a bit cramped being 3 door getting in and out of - which is why i wanted 5 doors.
I get what you are saying about the Golf - i don't see family guys drive them, just teens with big wallets (not sure how they afford them tbh). But i guess objectively, boot - yes, all year use - yes, easy to drive - its a golf so yes, image - not so much, but there is a community for them. Its a popular car for a reason. BUT. I see your point and often think the same - "another one" is usually what i say.
I will clarify - as think the way i worded my post was perhaps inaccurate.
The car needs to be able to take a bike in the boot with the rear seats down when i want to go riding - not at the same time as having 4 people in the car. So a normal hatchback is all i meant - you can't put a bike in a saloon boot i've found.
As for the fun vs functional. As i'm now sharing my kids 50/50 the car needs to be functional say 4 days out of 7 and if my fun car is in the garage again - it could substitute for the 3 days out of 7 that its just me and i choose to go for a "spirited" drive.
I am not after 911 esque pin point driving thrills, just something that can fill a stop gap now and again on the performance side.
Does that make it any clearer?
Many 5 door hatches are still not very big in the back. And lots and lots of families have no issues with 3 door vehicles. That said, if I wanted something more of a family wagon, I'd probably move to the other end of the spectrum for enjoyment.
Also, how easily would a bike really fit in a Golf? The DC5 has a longer boot, I always found the coupe body style more practical for longer/larger items.
When all said and done however, if a hatchback is your fancy... then why not!
A 4x4 or something bigger would probably be more my sort of thing. But we aren't all the same.
OK ... now you've opened it up ... you can have a little more fun with things and get something truly interesting. 
A Mazda RX-8 R3. A fresh engine rebuild and a £5k petrol/tax/oh c**p fund.
A 996 generation Porsche 911.
Literally no idea what an R32/33/34 Skyline would cost these days - not a GTR ... but maybe something like a GTS? Some even came in 4-door format.
Realistically though, it's likely to be whatever flavour of hot hatch most tickles your pickle. Not particularly interesting cars - but some of them are pretty damn quick.
Edit - I'm a rubbish person to take advice from on this subject. My sensible car is a 986 Boxster S. Fortunately it's just me & my big dog I need to carry around.
A Mazda RX-8 R3. A fresh engine rebuild and a £5k petrol/tax/oh c**p fund.
A 996 generation Porsche 911.
Literally no idea what an R32/33/34 Skyline would cost these days - not a GTR ... but maybe something like a GTS? Some even came in 4-door format.
Realistically though, it's likely to be whatever flavour of hot hatch most tickles your pickle. Not particularly interesting cars - but some of them are pretty damn quick.
Edit - I'm a rubbish person to take advice from on this subject. My sensible car is a 986 Boxster S. Fortunately it's just me & my big dog I need to carry around.
F20 M135 ticks all your boxes I think.
The straight six is sublime, loads of torque everywhere and likes to rev, plus RWD. I've got one with a couple of subtle mods - the M Sport exhaust releases a nice sound without being shouty, and Birds suspension kit which I would consider an essential upgrade on this car.
With the flexibility of the engine it can just flow down a road really nicely, it's supple and comfortable but with great body control.
I actually thought to myself that I really, really like this car. You can get them for £10k now plus £1500 for the suspension.
The straight six is sublime, loads of torque everywhere and likes to rev, plus RWD. I've got one with a couple of subtle mods - the M Sport exhaust releases a nice sound without being shouty, and Birds suspension kit which I would consider an essential upgrade on this car.
With the flexibility of the engine it can just flow down a road really nicely, it's supple and comfortable but with great body control.
I actually thought to myself that I really, really like this car. You can get them for £10k now plus £1500 for the suspension.
I'd suggest a 5dr mk8 Fiesta ST3.
Yes I know you can get bigger and faster cars and the Fiesta still has a but of a chavvy reputation, but if you want a small but practical fun car it does the job very well. Some on PH may find it boring and obvious, others would give it the nod as all the car you really need.
Hyundai i30N is another good choice but may be over budget. The general public wouldn't get it, they'd buy a Golf instead. But those who know, know.
Yes I know you can get bigger and faster cars and the Fiesta still has a but of a chavvy reputation, but if you want a small but practical fun car it does the job very well. Some on PH may find it boring and obvious, others would give it the nod as all the car you really need.
Hyundai i30N is another good choice but may be over budget. The general public wouldn't get it, they'd buy a Golf instead. But those who know, know.
Every petrol head should have an Alfa at some stage in their life!
How about this one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...
How about this one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...
Obligatory VRS - manual, so a bit more engagement than a DSG, and a 230 pre-facelift
Octavia Mk3 VRS 230 Manual
Octavia Mk3 VRS 230 Manual
300bhp/ton said:
The DC5 is pretty awesome, but very much a FWD hatchback in design and dynamics. I'd have thought any other hatchback would likely be a huge letdown. Or worse, you'd find you enjoyed it more than the DC5.
Many 5 door hatches are still not very big in the back. And lots and lots of families have no issues with 3 door vehicles. That said, if I wanted something more of a family wagon, I'd probably move to the other end of the spectrum for enjoyment.
Also, how easily would a bike really fit in a Golf? The DC5 has a longer boot, I always found the coupe body style more practical for longer/larger items.
When all said and done however, if a hatchback is your fancy... then why not!
A 4x4 or something bigger would probably be more my sort of thing. But we aren't all the same.
They're not fashionable but an Insignia VXR pretty much fits your brief they're properly quick handle well & have a nicely boosted 6 pot:Many 5 door hatches are still not very big in the back. And lots and lots of families have no issues with 3 door vehicles. That said, if I wanted something more of a family wagon, I'd probably move to the other end of the spectrum for enjoyment.
Also, how easily would a bike really fit in a Golf? The DC5 has a longer boot, I always found the coupe body style more practical for longer/larger items.
When all said and done however, if a hatchback is your fancy... then why not!
A 4x4 or something bigger would probably be more my sort of thing. But we aren't all the same.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203193...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201111...
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