Help with something a bit sporty

toffee'n'tom

Children are older now and thinking of trading in my 10 year old trusty Picasso for something a bit sporty but no idea what.

I have a budget of up to around 5k and I still need four seats. I've always fancied a Mazda RX8 but crossed that off the list when i saw the fuel consumption. I do a fairly high mileage.

I'd be grateful for any ideas

thanks
(wanna be trendy mum)

Weird_Nev

£5k can get you a lot of performance, but you do have to be careful if running costs are an issue.

RX-8's have horrible residuals, and whilst many of the internet myths about them (use as much oil as petrol, need new engines every 40k miles) are just myths, it does make them very hard to sell on. 22mpg is best you can expect, and you don't actually get much real pace for that, as they have to be revved hard to get power out of them. That said, they're good looking cars and their "intricacies" mean you get an awful lot of car for £4-£5k.

You don't say if you want something sporty looking, or if you're actually after a performance car....

If it's out and out performance with 4 seats you want, you won't go far wrong with a Subaru Impreza WRX. They're about as much handling and pace as you can get in the mainstream car market, and there are a lot about so you can find a good one. The 2001-on cars get 26-27mpg in mixed use but insurance is high and I wouldn't want to be exceeding 10k miles a year in one, just due to running costs.

If it's more about a sporty looking car, then consider Hyundai Coupes, Audi TT's, and Toyota Celica VVTi's. They all have a decent turn of speed (depending on engine) and are nice looking cars with functional rear seats.

Weird_Nev

I forgot to mention, there are some very pretty Alfa Romeos available in your budget, but be very aware what you're getting into and do lots or research into the particular model you're considering as they do tend to have some "unique" faults in some cases.
And there are also Nice BMW 3 series coupes available for under £5k if you like those, they blend nice handling with good performance and understated looks, and the running costs aren't horrendous either if you buy carefully.

vaio

Maybe look at Audi S4 or S3 too

s_b

you do a high mileage and on a budget of £5000 so you need to plan carefully as serviceing and things like tyres will be a major consideration as of course is reliability mpg comfort and availability
whilst it wouldnt be my choice i seriously suggest you look at say a focus because buying something like a suburu a mazda a Hyundai Coupe, Audi TT's these would neither fit your bill or your pocket in the longer term

think sensible think mainstream think moneysaving but fun and practical
oh and well done for thinking of getting rid of the blacmanche:D

A._Badger

An MX-5 is about as much fun as it's still legal to have. Pretty bomb-proof and with good backup from an owner's club and specialist retailers.

s_b

A._Badger wrote: »

An MX-5 is about as much fun as it's still legal to have. Pretty bomb-proof and with good backup from an owner's club and specialist retailers.

i draw the honourable member to post 1

I still need four seats

vaio

how about MX5 plus



added advantage is it keeps bickering kids a decent distance away from the grown ups too

Delivery_Driver

How about a Mazda 6 mps?Similar styling to the rx8 with more power, AWD and better mpg.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201151436733285/sort/default/usedcars/model/mazda6/make/mazda/keywords/mps/postcode/s431ln/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p

Failing that probably a 3 series BMW.It has a reputation but it is rwd and not many of those will seat 4 people.

andygb

I would not hesitate to buy something like this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201216464524197/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/5000/price-from/3000/model/gtv/make/alfa_romeo/postcode/me21dp/radius/1501/quicksearch/true/page/1?logcode=p

Well within budget, has had the all important belts done recently, is collectable (so will hold its price), and will be awesome to drive.

s_b

andygb wrote: »

I would not hesitate to buy something like this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201216464524197/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/5000/price-from/3000/model/gtv/make/alfa_romeo/postcode/me21dp/radius/1501/quicksearch/true/page/1?logcode=p

Well within budget, has had the all important belts done recently, is collectable (so will hold its price), and will be awesome to drive.

and reduced to sell
i wonder why?
this is an enthusiasts car at this age no way a daily long distance worker
even i wouldnt want it as a weekend car its too old
have you looked under these at this age
i ran a mile last time i had a good poke around
i could see pound notes fluttering away everywhere

madness to even suggest spending ones hard earned on it:eek:

nice car by the way