The time has come to seriously consider what to get as a pratical daily driver. The MR2 is up for sale

I cover about 10k-12k miles per year, so would prefer something diesel but a bit 'sporty' either that or a fairly economical but quick petrol...

Currently looking at a Golf GT Tdi 150, but they are rather expensive.

Anyone got any other suggestions?

Was also looking at a Seat Leon or Ibiza Cupra. But am a bit wary of the fuel bills at the moment Having said that, I can get a nice Leon Cupra for a good 2k less than a Golf GT Tdi...thats a lot of fuel to make up that difference in cost....

Help!

what price range do you have in mind ?

Alfa 147 or GT. Both have a 1.9JTD model.

Price range, upto about £5k

Dont mention Alfa I need something thats reliable and starts and stops when I want it to

astra 1.9cdti either 120bhp or 150bhp (red ti)

mappable or plug in box to 148 bhp and 198bhp

[Edited on 21/7/08 by graememk]

As you've probably worked out you'll struggle to get a Golf PD 150 GTi for £5k, but I had one for 2 years as a company car and it was fantastic, so if you could stretch to one it's well worth it.

I regularly got 52mpg from mine at 85mph on motorway runs and struggled to get it much under 40mpg when driving "enthusiastically" on country roads. Worst I ever managed was a 10 mile journey averaged at 22mpg (and not many minutes:-) My Tiger drops into single figures on the same journey

volvo c30! sod the £5k get it on finance in white with the sports body kit

Skoda Octavia vRs. Cheap to buy, Audi mechanicals including proven 1.8 20v engine. I've had an estate for a year and a half and its great. 35mpg too without really trying, nearer 40 on a run at 70. 180bhp standard but easy chip to 205 with no mods.

Seat Leon Cupra TDI - same as a Golf GTTDI, but (IMHO) much better looking. Cheaper too!

VW mehcanicals so pretty solid with reasonable running costs for a car of it's type. Easily modified if you wish too.

I had one for nearly 4 years as a co. car and still miss it 1 year later (Passat estate now ).

I struggled to egt it below 40 MPG even when really really wringing it's neck and this was my personal best MPG on a 225 mile run from Manchester to Winchester...


69.4 MPG

How about a 200-2001 Polo TDI?

(6n2 body shape)

Its really light, and has a fair bit of poke!

Would imagine you could afford to buy one and get it chipped within your budget...

And amazingly spacious..

I have the GTI 1.6 petrol version and managed to get two bikes and camping gear inside as well as two people...

royal enfield diesel motorbike - 160mpg

or Charade GTti (petrol) - flies and does 55mpg

[Edited on 21/7/08 by Benzine]

I'll 2nd the skoda vrs, proper flying machine,as said also very easy to remap.Rich

In my life two important things are personal safety and money (or lack of it) so I'd draw up a short-list, look up the MPGs and then go on the Euro-NCAP site and see if that changes your mind at all in terms of favorite cars....

GT TDI has my vote altho quite expensive, 150bhp one, go and handle like a cat gone feral?

As a complete alternative to these powerful and fast modern cars that are dull at low speeds, what about a modernised classic and some serious change from your £5k?

Even something like a Morris minor with a modern engine and box, lowered and restored would come in way below your budget - they are out there for sale.

Only a suggestion - I know this would not suit many as an everyday car but it would me!

D'oh, I ought to read the starter posts more carefully!

Does it have to be modern though to be considered practical?

quote:

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Originally posted by jimmyjoebob
D'oh, I ought to read the starter posts more carefully!

Does it have to be modern though to be considered practical?

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Everyone seems to be mentioning Golf / Leon / Octavia. My personal preference (after my Alfa 156) would be a Bora TDi 150. Very understated and just as good as the others. Seem to be cheaper too..

Seriously look at the 2.2 ltr Saab 9-3 it is pre common rail but virtually unburstable and good for 400k

Hmm a new contender has entered...

Could stretch to a BMW Mini Cooper S.... a mate is thinking of selling his....

Driven a couple of Leon Cupras now and really quite like them. Good fun anyway.