Best new car for up to £23K ish?

[tycho]

The girlfriend is getting a new company car in Jan and I am trying to narrow down the choices for her

The shortlist is:

From her company list:
Audi A4 1.8T Quattro
Mondeo ST220
Jag X-Type 2.0 V6
VW Bora 2.8 V6 4MOTION

She can go to a dealer and get a deal of her own.... so here are my choices:
Focus RS
Mini S possibly the works version
Nissan 350Z
Seat Cupra R
Civic Type R
VX220

Any opinions on what to go for and why?

Rob

[Mad Dave]

My choice would probably be a VX220, but ive no idea if its any better or worse than the rest, i just like them!

[Mr E]

Golf R32 is about that sort of money......

Quick...

[tycho]

Mr E said:

Golf R32 is about that sort of money...... Quick...

Is it now.....

[unlicensed]

first take the civic and focus off IMHO.

would take the vx220 or the 350z myself.

[GTA]

If you have any kind of soul try a GTA 147 - soooo different from all the other bland mobiles. The sound alone is worth twice as much again.

[sparkyjohn]

Depends on the kind of driving she does. If it's motorway work I'd go for the Jag or the Audi. Mine suits me down to the ground for long motorway slogs, but isn't exactly 'exciting'. The Bora has grip and no handling (and no boot either, unless you have the spacesaver). All the others are a bit raw for normal company car use IMHO.

However, TD an RS if you're considering it, they don't suit everyone. The 350Z's a major disappointment

[tycho]

mungo said:

Leon Cupra R is a great car - Having sold a Caterham to buy mine I am not remotely dissapointed! Wouldn't mind another 7 again soon though!

Yeah, I love the looks of these and from what I have read, you love yours.

Other option is to go to Suzuki and order a cheap and nasty car and get a GSXR-1000 on the same invoice as an optional extra.......

[tycho]

sparkyjohn said:

Depends on the kind of driving she does. If it's motorway work I'd go for the Jag or the Audi. Mine suits me down to the ground for long motorway slogs, but isn't exactly 'exciting'. The Bora has grip and no handling (and no boot either, unless you have the spacesaver). All the others are a bit raw for normal company car use IMHO. However, TD an RS if you're considering it, they don't suit everyone. The 350Z's a major disappointment

She'll do some motorway stuff, but not much, maybe 2 hours each way once a week. Other than that, mostly town and commuting.

[v8thunder]

unlicensed said:

first take the civic and focus off IMHO. would take the vx220 or the 350z myself.

Seconded. Would have the Jaguar from the 'company' list.

[T4R]

How about the Mazda RX-8 performance version.. ?

[Wacky Racer]

Mazda RX8 (around 22k)

[sparkyjohn]

tycho said:

She'll do some motorway stuff, but not much, maybe 2 hours each way once a week. Other than that, mostly town and commuting.

Leon might be a good choice. Parents have had 9 Seats between them, good cars all. Cupra's great fun

[ScoobyZoom]

methinks mungo is a SEAT dealer.... or married to his car.

VX220 bit extreme for everyday use though

I'd have one of them Leon thingys though (damn im agreeing with him) or that R32 golf thingy because they look dangerous.

We just got our Cooper S Works on the road and oh my God its fun. Big smile every mile just dont think i'd keep my licence for more than a week.

[bridgdav]

How about the Honda Accord Exec 3.0 v6 all the bells & whistles on...

A mate of mine had the same choice to make, A lot of car for the money..He intends on buying it after....

[trooper1212]

www.carver.nl

[lightningghost]

340r

[ADL]

Does it have to be new? BMW 330ci's are getting to £23k! Or as above R32.....mmmmm

[v12bry]

I concur - Mazda RX-8 or Alfa 147 GTA. If she goes down sensible car route then Alfa 156 2.0 or Lexus IS200 (manual though, not auto)

[tycho]

The car does have to be new, she likes the Audi A3's so an S3 might be a starter.