I have a car related challenge for you all !

[a11y]

There's a few mk2 TTs around the £16k mark on PH classifieds - there's even a 3.2 V6 version just sold that was advertised at <£16k (http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1276932.htm). It might be worth looking out for one after all...

I did see this "TT" which made me laugh - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1345456.htm

 

[easty027]

It does exist, a mk 1 TT. Leave your own preconceptions at the door and its not as bad as you think and she'd have change left over.

forgot to add 'no mk1 tt's' to the revised brief, i have posted on here a couple of times the issues i had with my mk1 tt, it was the biggest pile of automotive crap i have ever wasted money on. shame because i still like the look of them and always wanted one when they were firs launched !

 

[cj10jeeper]

Since you've not rule dout the 4x4's and the X5 has been mentioned I'd throw my 2 p worth in that me and the Mrs share a Z4 and X5. She totally loves the X5 (3.0i sport) classy, powerful, load lugger, full of toys, good driving position and on road respect and car like comfort. Cheap as chips to buy and bulletproof.

Fuel is expensive at low 20's to the gallon, but frankly fuel is asmall part of car ownership.

Worth a squint at one.

 

[peddy]

mazda rx8 (crap on fuel though)
doesn't comply with the brief, but how about an X5??

or you could tell her no, sell your own car add that to your 15k budget and get the M or the new Z4.

RX8 - hate the things personally, plus i should have added no 'japanese cars' to the brief.
X5 ? now that is thinking outside the box ? could be an option ? i did suggest a porsche cayenne, however i have heard horry stories with running costs and reliability - it fell on def ears actually.

As for getting the new z4, also not keen would i woudl rather have a Z4M Coupe or used 911 for that money, doesnt look special enough in my opinion.

had a quick look on auto trader and you can get some good 04/54 plate X5's with some good toys... sat nav, etc. Plus you have the diesel option if petrol costs would be a problem.

If a little too big then maybe the X3 (though i'm personally not a big fan)?

 

[lacroupade]

Why nothing japanese though, surely if you want reliable.......? What about........a Lexus IS200/220d/250? ..latter probably out of price range though - I know you'll say styling is a bit bland but get her to drive one.

And da boxsta not on da list? I know it would be an oldish one for your budget, but.....


Coz other than that, you're right, you've pretty much ruled out every car on the road!

 

[easty027]

The x5 is looking like a possible contender. as for the X3 her sister has one and she's driven it a few times but she wasnt that impressed, it is the 2.0 diesel version though which seems to have no guts at all.

cheers for all your help guys !

 

[peddy]

does that mean i won the challenge? :winner:

 

[easty027]

does that mean i won the challenge? :winner:

Sorry, she said no to the x5 option ?. Funny that nobody has mentioned a boxster yet ? the only thing that put me off buying one was the RMS issue, which i think basically means you need a new engine.

 

[Dreamer]

Nevermind the RMS issue its the IMS issue thats worse

 

[sk93]

lacroupade mentioned it

What about a total change in direction: Suzuki Swift VVT Sport?
Funky little car that's a good compare to the mini.
For your budget, you'd get a 2nd hand 2009 with every option i suspect....

 

[Breaker]

a subaru ? i am beggining to think this was a bad idea posting this.

The brief (revised) is as follows:-

Nothing Japanese
Nothing unreliable that falls to bits. (rules out any alfa)
Nothing that looks chavved (rules out anything by subaru)
Nothing manufactured by Land rover.
Nothing that looks like a hairdressers car 'i had to laugh at that one ' when i suggeted a SLK. (the cheek of it).
Has to be comfy
Has to have gadgets
No older than 2003 (ish)
Coupe or Cabriolet / maybe 4x4 ?
Doesnt have to have loads of power, but needs a little something under the hood to make it interesting.
12-15K budget
Classy looking
Sporty
Prestige badge (that should also rule out anything japanese like a mazda rx8)

In fact the only car she said she likes so far is the new shape TT ? But a bit out of the budget range at the minute. I dont think a car which meets the above brief actually exists does it ?

New shape MINI?

 

[peddy]

does that mean i won the challenge? :winner:

Sorry, she said no to the x5 option ?. Funny that nobody has mentioned a boxster yet ? the only thing that put me off buying one was the RMS issue, which i think basically means you need a new engine.

put her into one with lots of toys and she might change her mind?

i personally wouldn't go for another two seater if i were you, but if you do then boxter i guess is a good (if not the best) avenue to take.

how about a TT coupe? not a proper 4 seater, but still more practical than a boxter.

 

[PawnSacrifice]

Call the BBC... impossible Top Gear challenge for next season!

Seriously... has the car been invented yet?!

(I know it's Japanese but the new Lexus IS has a touch of class about it and plenty of toys)

It's ever so slightly too old, but I'd be pushing for a bread van... M Coupe! The later version with TC.

OR... I am a genius! Fiat 500, a sporty one... nearly new - warranty, lots of toys and super cool!

 

[Breaker]

Actually the Fiat 500 is a good idea (apart from the dealerships and servicing!!).

 

[sk93]

"Nothing unreliable that falls to bits"

rules out anything Itallian.

 

[easty027]

i did say this was difficult guys, hence why i was asking for help.

She wont go for a new mini as the one she has is doing her head in.
Fiat 500 is quite cool - i will mention it, but is it too typical of a womans car, i.e. a bit obvious ?
The bread van M coupe, is a little bit too hardcore for her i think. Plus its too old - doesnt meet the brief.

The only car that ticks all the boxes so far is the new TT. We have almost come full circle so now i need to find one if i can in the set budget.

 

[Robb]

Just been through a very similar set of criteria myself while searching for a new car for my girlfriend, basically what it boiled down to after test driving virtually everything on the market was a VW Tiguan Sport, which we picked up on Monday.
Got to say without driving it I probably would of just dismissed it outright but it drove really well, the sport suspension meant virtually no roll in the bends and it had a really sure footed feel to it, nice size overall too, not massive like some of the 4x4 jobbies, overall we’re both very impressed with it.

I would say it should deffo be on the shortlist to have a drive of.

I know you said no jap stuff but i was also fairly impressed with the mitsubishi lancer ralli art, basically on par performance wise with the focus ST so cheaper running costs than the evo range. Not very many of them about at all so fits your want for something unique.

 

[Ben.]

lacroupade mentioned it

What about a total change in direction: Suzuki Swift VVT Sport?
Funky little car that's a good compare to the mini.
For your budget, you'd get a 2nd hand 2009 with every option i suspect....

That's what I have got.
I love it! It's really nippy but not as fast as my old Cooper S. About the same as the normal Cooper. The facy that it isn't a Cooper is the best selling point.
The ride however is just as harsh as the Cooper S :?
No gadgets either
I would really reccomend the car but I don't think it fits your brief...

 

[Ben.]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1122829.htm
I was thinking this is a nice car for the wife...

 

[Sticks]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1122829.htm
I was thinking this is a nice car for the wife...

Blimey, what's she done to you??