Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) pondering a new car

Had a string of boring but worthy family cars with 4 seats to accommodate the kids who have long left home, easy entrance for the M-I-L who is now dead, and economy for the long journeys to the mooring that we now no longer do. The current one, a C class diesel is at 11 years old finally beginning to give maintenance issues so its time is comijng to an end. And as a life long petrolhead with a not very useable sports car in the garage, I would like to buy a family car that is "interesting" which is to say goes fast and corners well.

But I have long lost touch with the family car market and I dont know what is on offer. As guidance we need to be able to take the dog so either hatch or estate. Not too big because SWMBO is small and feels more comfortable in smaller cars. I'm thinking either hot hacth or something like a 3 series Touring. Likely 2 or 3 years old and maybe as much as £30k.

So what can I enjoy thrashing ( when SWMBO isnt on board) and she can happily take to the shops? Car buying fills me with gloom and indecision so help is needed

P.S. Even thought of a C63 like Peter's but tend more towards the light and nimble rather than the big powerful and heavy. Still reckon my old Elise was a better sports car than the Ferraris, if only I could get comfortable in it. Or indeed get in it these days.

Golf GTI

I'm in a similar situation. Keep looking at the Golf R but despite it's obvious competence and performance it's just so bland to look at.

Q cars are one thing but VW have taken it to a new level, the GTi is better looking IMHO.

The new Mini Clubman John Cooper Works is at the other end of the spectrum. I like it but am I brave enough to buy one ?

Being in the UK, and having this impressive machine with its brutal V6 biturbo 300bhp and 700Nm torque for 28.790 GBP.... I would quickly forget about the 3 series Touring...

https://www.motors.co.uk/car-57328047/?i=1&m=sscp

Ok yes, it's much bigger.... but there is no possible comparison (no offense for the BMW fans here)... apart the engine, you'll get the leather, the electronic regulted suspension dampers, the touchscreen (OMG please don't buy a car with a Paleolythic's "wheel" to use the infotainment system!) and so much more technology...

If you give a try to this mean machine, discrete but elegant... and crush the right pedal at any speed and see how this V6 pushes like hell... you'll find the excellent 2.0d BMW engines so boring...

Howard, you could kill two birds with one stone here... Ferrari FF. Only one car to maintain and run??

Honda Civic Type R?

Good call. The rear spoiler is a bit OTT though. Can it be removed ?

Thats one I am aware of and is on the list.

Marmota - too big, too lumpy and festooned with electronics that in a British car spell trouble. I'm thinking of a saloon equivalent of the PlusFour in the sense that its light, small, and as far as is possible these days is anti technology. I understand the greasy bits. I dont understand those based on electrons migrating across barriers betweeen dissimilar metals . And I do not want any sort of infotainment - if I want music then I sing to myself. And sometimes the dog joins in!

Hi Howard,

For around £30k you can get a very slightly used/ex-demo 3 series touring so might be worth checking out BMW's used car locator. My co-worker just recently got into a 69 reg 420d M Sport with delivery mileage at just under £30k with a new price of £46!

I've had my fair share of Audi A4 Avants in various flavours - from a 2.0 TFSI to an S4. Lovely chassis and one of the most comfortable cars in that bracket IMHO. Have a look on youtube for Carwow. Search for the cars you are pondering and enjoy Matt's reviews.

Good luck on the hunt.

P

Can be removed but it is there for a stability reason