Is there such a thing as a "cool" small car

Throbbe

rca779 wrote: »

Now ideally I would get another Mondeo or Saab 9-3, Honda Accord or VW Passat.

So you can see my dilemma – how do I choose a smaller car and still retain a little bit of street cred?

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

If it's any consolation, neither do I (recently sold a very silly/fun rice rocket and got a Civic Type S), or 99% of the other posters on this thread.

Get an enonobox, then something fun for the weekend (Kirks list isn't necessarily my taste, but it's a decent start, or do it properly and get a motorbike)

ArsenalFC

No one has mentioned the mini, I think it's a cool looking car.
I have not driven it, but if it drives like the bmw then it'll will be very good.

AdrianHi

ArsenalFC wrote: »

No one has mentioned the mini, I think it's a cool looking car.
I have not driven it, but if it drives like the bmw then it'll will be very good.

Had a One 1.4 as a loan car.
It is a lot of fun, puts a smile on your face, probably one of the best FWD cars going for the drive, but push it a bit and you can find the understeer and a touch of torque steer.
Not sure you will get a decent one with the OP's budget though.

Idiophreak

ArsenalFC wrote: »

No one has mentioned the mini, I think it's a cool looking car.
I have not driven it, but if it drives like the bmw then it'll will be very good.

Learnt to drive in a Mini Cooper S - it was pretty good fun and nice to drive - don't think it counts as "cool" for a guy, though - moreso for a girl. I'd say the same about the A3 tbh.

Dan - You should be able to get a decent 05 - 56 plate new shaped astra in that budget, iirc

FelinePrincess

What about a Clio? If the normal ones aren't "cool" enough, you could get a sport one?

big_gay_kirk

BillScarab wrote: »

See my post above

Got to agree with everything in your previous list as well. Whether they'd be suitable for the OP for everyday transport is another issue. You missed one of my faviurites as well, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint.

I wouldn't want a classic car as an everyday driver if I had kids unless it had a roll cage in it, cars certainly weren't as safe back in the day.

I've always fancied a Minor with a K series engine, five link rear and coil over front suspension. Just looked and JLH are now fitting Ford Zetec engines as well.

http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/content/k_series.php

my everyday car is a corty..... and how did i miss the dolly sprint!! The minor also goes well with the 1800 mgb engine and suspension..... I've never had any trouble with classics as everyday cars..... but then i've never attempted to roll one!! had a crash in an allegro once, against a ford focus..... the allegro was back on the road a week later for 100 quid... the Focus driver had to be cut out.. and I was uninjured.....

flea72

i dont think you need to be discussing whether a car is cool or not, to me the main debate should be about what people class as a 'small' car

im sorry OP, but none of the cars you describe as cool, are what most people would call small. I think you really meant to say 'smaller' than you current car

The definition of a small car is 'one that seats a family of 4, but has a boot that isnt large enought to contain their weekly food shop' or 'seats 4, but must have 60/40 split rear seat, so you can drop the small one, to fit your luggage in for airport runs'

A small car, must never be able to fit an adult comfortably in any of the rear seats, and must be too narrow to allow a pushchair or golf clubs in the boot, with the parcel shelf still in place

If your 'cool' car doesnt fit the above criteria, then it is a 'mid' sized car

hth Flea

pault123

Can I ask why you want a small car? (but yet still want 4 to 5 seats?)

What features of a smaller car will keep the good lady happy?

rca779

I just want to keep 'er indoors happy.

She doesn't think I need a "large" car - ie another Mondeo, Saab 93, Honda Accord (the type of car I would chose).

In answer to Flea72, I guess you're right if you want to be pernickety, it’s not exactly a small car I am referring to. I was thinking of something Focus size, which to me is a small car!

goldspanners

rca779 wrote: »

I just want to keep 'er indoors happy.

She doesn't think I need a "large" car

what about you? what do you think you need?

if you manage to get her happy it will only last a short while before she finds something else to be unhappy about. so the way i deal with this problem best is never make her happy.,saves the effort trying.