Daily driver suggestions

J

Jay-SP

Member
 Cambridge
I was going to use the Z4C as a daily driver, but it's too good for that!

I'm now looking for suggestions for a daily driver, mostly because I can't get my pushbikes in/on the Z4..

Currently thinking I'd like something comfortable, and an estate for the bikes.

Volvo V50 or V70 at the top of my list so far.

Thoughts? Others I should think about?

Budget is £1500-3000.
 
I have my E86 for special days. :driving:

Daily is an E46 325ti Compact, so a sort of early Z4 with a metal roof and back seats - a bike ought to fit in a Compact OK!
 
Good shout on the Mazda6, you should be able to pick up a tidy mk2 for £3K. The Boot is HUGE and they handle well for such a big car. The V40 is a small car, for bikes I'd look at the V70 only if I was after a Volvo.
 
LordOxygen said:
Good shout on the Mazda6, you should be able to pick up a tidy mk2 for £3K. The Boot is HUGE and they handle well for such a big car. The V40 is a small car, for bikes I'd look at the V70 only if I was after a Volvo.
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Or for crashing heavily into the rear end of a german mercedes taxi driven by joey from friends :wink:
 
E46 3 series Touring. A massively competent car for giveaway prices right now. If you need a bit more space an E39 5 series Touring.
Go for a high spec, well cared for example with good service history - it won't cost much more than a shoddy example.
 
Mr Tidy said:
I have my E86 for special days. :driving:

Daily is an E46 325ti Compact, so a sort of early Z4 with a metal roof and back seats - a bike ought to fit in a Compact OK!
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Good suggestion, seem to be able to pick them up for sensible money. I probably wouldn't go for a 325ti, mainly because of fuel and tax. For my daily, I'm kind of hoping to get the tax below £200 a year. I'd also like something fairly close to 40 MPG average as well because of my commute mileage.
 
buzyg said:
Mazda6 has a massive boot. :thumbsup:
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I've got a couple of friends who swear by these. One of them is now on his third! For some reason I can't quite put my finger on, I'm not a fan though.

Good suggestion, I just don't think it's for me.
 
LordOxygen said:
Good shout on the Mazda6, you should be able to pick up a tidy mk2 for £3K. The Boot is HUGE and they handle well for such a big car. The V40 is a small car, for bikes I'd look at the V70 only if I was after a Volvo.
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I did look at a V50 today, and I think it would be ample for my mountain bike and the daily commute. The car I looked at today was a little rough around the edges and right at the top of my budget though.
 
chapeau said:
LordOxygen said:
Good shout on the Mazda6, you should be able to pick up a tidy mk2 for £3K. The Boot is HUGE and they handle well for such a big car. The V40 is a small car, for bikes I'd look at the V70 only if I was after a Volvo.
Click to expand...

Or for crashing heavily into the rear end of a german mercedes taxi driven by joey from friends :wink:
Click to expand...

That episode of Top Gear was what got me looking at Volvo's! The amount of V70's with massive mileage is a definite nod to how reliable these cars can be.
 
NickDE said:
E46 3 series Touring. A massively competent car for giveaway prices right now. If you need a bit more space an E39 5 series Touring.
Go for a high spec, well cared for example with good service history - it won't cost much more than a shoddy example.
Click to expand...

Having had an E46 before, this is a good suggestion. I may see if there are any local to look at tomorrow.
 
Quick update. The search continues.

I had a quick look at a V50 today and liked it. I didn't drive it, and the particular car I looked at was a bit ropey - not one I'd consider. But I like the look of the car and it felt like the build quality was decent.

I'd still like to take a look at a V70, but not sure I really need something quite this large!

E46 Touring is a definite consideration.

I'm also re thinking size of whatever I choose and have put VW Golf mk4/mk5 and Audi A3 on my list. I'd love to put the Mini on my list as well, but I just don't think it's big enough. Ford Focus keeps being mentioned among friends, but I'm not sure about this one. It seems to fit when I look at them, but can't make my mind up whether of not to put this on the list of candidates. As for the mountain bike in these cars, I know I'll have to remove the front wheel. I could also have a tow bar fitted and/or bike rack.

I was thinking of going diesel, but not sure if this is a good idea at the moment. What are peoples thoughts on diesel? I like the torquey nature of a diesel for my DD, and obviously the fuel economy and cheaper road tax (not sure for how much longer).
 
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