Mileage on a 17 Year Old Audi

motorguy

parking_question_chap wrote: »

None of which really matter if its a weekend car.

But does on a car used for work daily...

mr_munchem wrote: »

10 miles of country lanes to work each day

mr_munchem

motorguy wrote: »

But does on a car used for work daily...

Thanks Motorguy - this is the problem is I still need something vaguely sensible with a decent boot etc. for when I need it!

Richard53

LandyAndy wrote: »

Do they get more fun to drive if they are cheap?

I get what you are saying, but I think it's a viable view.


If I had paid £30k for my little MX-5, I would be complaining that it was too slow, too uncomfy, cheap components, etc etc. As it cost me a week's pocket money to buy I think it is brilliant, and one of the most fun cars I have owned.


I think I am defining 'fun' as cheeky, capable, and low-stress (i.e. I own the car, it doesn't own me, and if it is stolen or destroyed I can get another). On that basis a £60k Porsche might be a better car in every measurable way, but would be less 'fun' for me. I'd worry too much about it.

Richard53

Reading the rest of the comments, I am going to add a + for the MX-5. I paid £1400 for mine, spent another £600 on a full service and belts, welding, undersealing etc. I put another £1k in an emergency fund in case of unforeseen problems. I haven't touched the money. In fact, apart from fuel and consumable items, it hasn't cost me a bean, and has been 100% reliable.


Mine's a 1.8 with allegedly 140 bhp, but truth be told it isn't a fast car. But it is massive fun to drive and I don't regret buying it for a second.

iolanthe07

Absolutely endorse Richard53's comments. I paid £3K two years ago for my 2005 Mk 2.5 Arctic, which was over the top, but I wanted the car. I had it serviced yesterday and was told that mechanically it is a sweet as a nut, but I must be prepared for more welding when it comes to the MOT. The engines far outlast the bodies on these cars, but they are cheap fun nonetheless. It will probably cost me more to get it through the MOT than it is worth, but I regard it as a hobby. I wouldn't have it as an only car, though; it is too impractical for that.

fatrab

mr_munchem wrote: »

Thanks Motorguy - this is the problem is I still need something vaguely sensible with a decent boot etc. for when I need it!

Have you considered a Subaru Impreza WRX? You'd get a 2003-2005 blobeye wagon in budget, possibly even a saloon if you're lucky. Plenty of guts, plenty of space and enjoyable to drive. Finding an un-abused one is becoming tricky but they do exist.


Failing that, I'm a +1 for the MX-5, avoid the RX-8 like the plague!

almillar

I wouldn't recommend a Mazda RX8 to anyone

Anyone?

I did say do some research...

Very poor mpg

20 MPG ish. OP asked about a Mk 1 TT - 25-30MPG, that's in the ballpark.

oil top up every week

Absolutely not. CHECK the oil every fill up is the advice and top up IF NECESSARY. I very rarely needed to, but it is designed to use oil yes. If you can't be bothered checking oil, this is definitely the wrong car. And it's a very bad idea for any car to not do your basic checks.

any engine problems will probably right off the car

Yup.

Other than that, they can be good cars.

For anyone?!

this is the problem is I still need something vaguely sensible with a decent boot etc. for when I need it!

That writes the MX-5 off then! RX8 has 4 actual, real life, adult compatible seats. Has a good sized boot, with not the widest opening in the world. Or the TT has pretend back seats only suitable for children (who may legally need a car seat, making it impossible!) but the seats do fold down and give you a big flat load space.

How many miles will you do in a year? This could put the idea of an RX-8 to bed...

mr_munchem

I'm probably still going to be doing in the region of 8-10k per year in the car. The Audi boot space did appeal.

fatrab

almillar, I'm afraid you're flogging a dead horse. I know 3 folk who owned them and you need to tickle them to get anywhere near 20mpg. Mid teens in the real world.

Some of them, not all but quite a high percentage, need topped up with oil every time they're fueled up. That is not normal nor is it acceptable to your average motorist. It's a shame as they're such nice cars aesthetically

mr_munchem

I think the Audi probably gets the practicality marks, the MX5 the outright fun marks?

Any other suggestions. Not a coupe, but a Golf FSI could be on the cards too. Still up for more input!