What Car Should I Buy?

Audi is, sadly, a cunts car these days.

A V8 A4 estate just about escapes this, but it's borderline.

The answer is a Z3M Coupe.

Added to the list!

Off to Autotrader/Ebay now....

Edit. It would appear you are correct. Unfortunately, this means that they seem to have become fairly collectable and are therefore too expensive. I've had an M3 before and they're within budget so that might be an option...

Fully commend Subaru Forester after being initially skeptical.

The hiss from the turbo still makes me smile, loads of space, and handles incredibly well. And it fucking shifts... So far i've easily managed to fit 5 full bikes and other stuff in it, but this was sans passengers.

Only downer is fuel consumption. But I knew that before i bought it. And its due a service in 5k which makes me slightly nervous.

I found several a 5 door R32's for under £6k on Auto Trader.

Bombproof.

If you stretch the budget, you'll get one with those insane DSG gearboxes.

[(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad106/hugo7_photos/e56e35a0.jpg)"]](![)

Infinity speakers out of my old mk1 ford KA.

Anyone got any use for them?

Will swap for beer/pack of nice Italian ham.

Thanks for all the help. After a lot of test driving and dodging a few deathtraps, I settled on one of these:

http://images.motoring.co.uk/images/car-pictures/mucf-images/500x375/spid1/f5/bd/6f/alfa-romeo-gt-2008-black-coupe-2-0-jts-lusso-leather-climate-f5bd6fd786ed411a7019974ee7484754-m2.jpg

After driving the 3.2 A3, a 3.2 GT and an S3, I came to the conclusion that 'fun' was too expensive - the fuel gauge would visibly drop during test drives.

The DSG 'box is very clever though!

Those DSG boxes are incredible.

I know, but I drove an S3 that had a receipt for a replacement.... Grim.

They do sap a little BHP but still....

So, first jobs have included a remap to 190bhp, better filter and new eibach springs. Happier now especially with 600 miles to a tank!

Very envious of 600 miles to a tank, what's the torque?

190 bhp is a bit anemic, but if you have plenty of twist then it's less of an issue.

The remap has increased it by 65lb ft to 290lb ft (at 2000 rpm) so it's not the most torquey but it's enough that it pulls well.

I can live with it over the V6 (which I would still love) for the fuel economy though.

So this is a long time since the OP, but recently got the car I was looking for. Low miles. Low running costs. Low insurance costs. 1.9L turbo so it moves pretty quick. Estate so I can get 2 bikes and me and a bud in this for a weekends mountain biking or a run out to box hill no bother.

I'm stoked. Not the coolest car but for the cash and the way it shifts I'm very pleased. Also full panoramic sunroof that I have to stop playing with or I'm sure it will break.

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Good to see that you got sorted.

Which getting in on this thread, similar situation: 'fun' smaller car she can use durin the week but that I can take two bikes in the back to Europe of a weekend.

6k budget.

1 series?
A3?

Hmmmm

Take two bikes to a car dealership and establish what they will fit in.

I can easily get two complete bikes in the back of my car- but it's larger than an A3/Golf.

Which getting in on this thread, similar situation: 'fun' smaller car she can use durin the week but that I can take two bikes in the back to Europe of a weekend.

6k budget.

1 series?
A3?

Hmmmm

Honda Jazz, absolute tardis of a small car, as rear seats fold flat to the car and it's pretty square (mine is about 120*120 cm with seats down easy to get bikes in only removing front wheel, new models look similar). Definitely much more room than a 1 series of A3, possibly less fun? Also cheap to run very reliable, especially as almost all used Jazz's have been owned by the type of older person who does very few miles and gets it serviced/fixed whenever needed.

Which getting in on this thread, similar situation: 'fun' smaller car she can use durin the week but that I can take two bikes in the back to Europe of a weekend.

6k budget.

1 series?
A3?

Hmmmm

Or just get a tow hook and a thule x-press. they are AMAZING. SO fast to install and a couple of D locks and cables will keep them secure till you arrive, and keeps your car nice and clean.

Honda Jazz, absolute tardis of a small car, as rear seats fold flat to the car and it's pretty square (mine is about 120*120 cm with seats down easy to get bikes in only removing front wheel, new models look similar). Definitely much more room than a 1 series of A3, possibly less fun? Also cheap to run very reliable, especially as almost all used Jazz's have been owned by the type of older person who does very few miles and gets it serviced/fixed whenever needed.

That's what I drive - I work for Honda...seats down, straight in...no wheels off or faffing around

I've sort of inherited (bought from faminly member for token amount) a Fiat Siecento "sporting". We call it "The Behemoth"

It's cheap, cheerful, fun (bit like a go cart) and fits in the garage with three bikes and a drum kit. Have been to devon and back with a bike in the back (seats down, wheels off, handlebars folded away). Will get a rack next time.

Thais for the help guys, literally know nothing about cars so happy to accept all your wisdom. Will take a look it first instincts for me are for something more fun and possibly German, like my bike :)