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Jazz is a good shout.
We’re a couple so don’t really need anything massively practical, there’s zipvan for that.
London based so ULEZ compliant.Mini is my opinion based on nothing but want. Partner used to have a polo and she likes them.
What makes you say no to going German?This is more of a hassle than expected. Motorbikes are easier.
@nefarious you got a Jazz? What’s it like owning?
Chak-
In that case MR2 MK3
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The jazz is fantastic. Good fuel economy, ridiculously spacious considering the size, seats fold down in the back incredibly easily to make a big space for lugging stuff. Maintenance is fairly straightforward and they’re reliable.
But I’d say catalytic converter theft is rampant enough that it’d make me think twice about buying another. Apparently the newer ones don’t have vulnerable cats, but I’m not sure which year/model when that became the case.
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I have a Mini Cooper (3 door hatchback, 3rd gen - 2015). We are also a couple, and it is practical enough for us as (a) a daily runabout, and (b) a surprisingly comfy and effective distance car. While being (c) a joy to drive - it still actually does put a smile on my face after 18 months.
IMO all cars are a compromise, it's just a question of you identifying what your priorities are. A Jazz compromises (again, IMO) style and fun for massively practical carrying capacity. A proper sports car compromises almost all practicality for the driving experience. A Mini, for us, is sufficiently useful, while still being great to drive. Plus it is actually pretty well specced and feels kinda upmarket when you are in it. And ours has bonnet stripes!
I you have a want for a Mini, that's a pretty good indication you should go and drive one.
(And you can put bikes on the roof with a Seasucker or Rockbros suction rack. Those things are solid.)
Oh - and the cat is tucked up behind the engine next to the turbo. Ain't no-one taking that.
And oh - the 3-cylinder engine sounds really rather good and growly, to my ears at least. -
What makes you say no to going German?
They carry a premium without a corresponding increase in reliability and at the price I assume you're looking at could be in need of £s to repair/maintain. And what I took from your OP made me discount exceptions like a Golf where the all round package probably makes up for the extra £s.
A Polo is still a decent choice. After a certain mk (I forget which) they are nicely built and perfectly comfortable for long drives. But other than fuel economy or needing 5 doors I'd struggle to answer the question; if a Polo, then why not a Mini? It's just a more fun car and great for a couple. I'd echo everything bracketed said. If you get a R56 Mini try and get one with whatever the fancy speaker system was - the stock speakers are poor and are designed to be hard to aftermarket upgrade.
(yes I know a Mini is a BMW and I'm contradicting myself a bit)
It's a shame old MX-5 have increased in price and are so rusty. That would have been the best shout imo. I wonder if the newer ones are cheap enough yet and what the fuel economy is like. [EDIT: following some
researchprocrastination I've found that, yes they are cheap and VGVFM but the engine is old and uneconomical]
lynx
Nef
bracketed
hugo7
Honda Jazz is the forum favourite. Well priced, super practical, and reliable.
Mini would be more fun and has a much better quality feel to it. Much less practical if that matters.
Other than Mini I'd probably avoid German cars based on your listed requirements. The Aygo is the same as the equivalent Pug and Citroën - so worth checking if they are noticeably cheaper/better value.