New Car Ideas?

Nawty

Nawty

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Situation: I currently drive a '16 Audi TT Quattro Roadster, which I love, wife has a Mazda CX5. We have just had twins (hooray!), wife says I should keep the TT as the CX5 will do family duties but I am thinking maybe I should have something that, at a pinch, can fit two babies in in an emergency.

Quandry: what to replace the TT with? I don't do that many miles yearly but do relatively often need to drive long distances so prefer GT comfort and speed to go-cart, I love having a convertible and I do quite like having a smallish car, I also really like the DSG auto boxes and 4 wheel drive is a nice to have too but not essential. The Audi was £28k with 1k on the clock (well, 998 miles actually) from a dealer 9 months ago (and very well priced from what I could tell) so budget is that traded in +/- a bit, so far my thinking is:

TT Coupe - same thing but with emergency seats in the back, not convertible though
A/S3 Convertible - convertible with seats but might be a bit blowy with the top down (?) and too much of a compromise
A/S3 Sportback - smallish Daddy-mobile-off-a-shovel
A/S4 Avant - too big, probably
Mini Cooper S - small, retains the fun and available in 5 door or convertible (if I can bring myself to drive a convertible mini), the JCW doesn't seem to offer that much more but some good deals on nearly new and 4WD version available
Focus ST Estate - Hmmm...
BMW? never really fancied one so don't know their range at all
Merc? ditto
Golf-R - ticks a lot of boxes except the convertible bit. But it's a Golf, and the GTI looks good value next to it (but isn't 4WD).
Just keep the TT as I love it.

So, any comments on the above cars or suggestions for other things?
 
Are you looking at new or 2nd hand? If new, you are unlikely to find a Focus ST estate as they ceased production last year and the mk4 ST is still being developed. If you are thinking 2nd hand, why the ST estate and not the hatchback? There is also the Focus RS which will give you the AWD and I find the RS returns around 1mpg less than the ST.
 
foggy4ever said:
Keep the TT and who ever is going to be alone with the twins uses the CX5.
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Well yes, that’s what my wife thinks...

nilagin said:
Are you looking at new or 2nd hand? If new, you are unlikely to find a Focus ST estate as they ceased production last year and the mk4 ST is still being developed. If you are thinking 2nd hand, why the ST estate and not the hatchback? There is also the Focus RS which will give you the AWD and I find the RS returns around 1mpg less than the ST.
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I’m not sure I’d ever buy a new car, I tend to go for nearly new from main dealers... RS might be worth looking at, I’ll have a read up.
 
Keep the TT. You love it and Mrs Nawty thinks you should!
 
I say change it. I had to squeeze us (Me and my two) into my 130i which has a back seat. It's not good for adults, but totally usable for them in a pinch.

Maybe an Audi S3 / BMW M135i or M140i? If diesel, how about a 335D?
 
Nod said:
Keep the TT. You love it and Mrs Nawty thinks you should!
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I will in the short term but do think that eventually it will have to go so doing some research :)

Ian W said:
I say change it. I had to squeeze us (Me and my two) into my 130i which has a back seat. It's not good for adults, but totally usable for them in a pinch.

Maybe an Audi S3 / BMW M135i or M140i? If diesel, how about a 335D?
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This is my thinking, will look at the BMWs, won't be a diesel though.

Something in the back of my mind also says could do something left field like getting an electric (most of my miles are commuting 8 miles each way) but the hassle is I can't get electricity to anywhere near where the cars can get to so can't have. PEHV. Are there any decent hybrids that aren't a Prius these days?
 
Octavia estate vrs or leon cupra estate 300 both come in 4 wheel drive versions.
 
Nawty said:
I’m not sure I’d ever buy a new car, I tend to go for nearly new from main dealers.,.
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You maybe lucky to find plenty of choice with pre registered cars from some manufacturers. Some still have lots of stock where they had to register cars before the end of last August because they wouldn't pass the WLTP (real world driving) emissions that began on September 1st.
 
From your list I'd go Golf R, but it really depends what you want from it. I prefer the Golf R to the Audi options, but for me the AWD makes it a little numb to drive.

I have an M3 and I had a 6 month old baby when I bought that, I often transport 2 kids in the back, the seating isn't an issue, the problem is boot space. If you are going BMW and looking at a M135/40i option, be aware that they are a totally different animal to FWD or AWD car, especially in this kind of weather. The Focus's options are probably worth considering, though I was totally underwhelmed by the new RS when I test drove it, I actually preferred my brothers remapped ST.

My other brother had an A45 AMG, and it was OK, but very expensive for what it was, not sure how much the GLA AMG ism, but might be worth a look used. My experience of BMW after sales is awful and I will never buy another, conversely my brother's Mercedes experience was the polar opposite. I guess a lot of this can depend on specific dealers, though I also dealt with BMW UK and they were also useless.

As far as convertibles go, well it's not something I would ever consider, so can't really help there, I have motorcycles for the sunny weather.

Enjoy the twins :)
 
rick448 said:
From your list I'd go Golf R, but it really depends what you want from it. I prefer the Golf R to the Audi options, but for me the AWD makes it a little numb to drive.

I have an M3 and I had a 6 month old baby when I bought that, I often transport 2 kids in the back, the seating isn't an issue, the problem is boot space. If you are going BMW and looking at a M135/40i option, be aware that they are a totally different animal to FWD or AWD car, especially in this kind of weather. The Focus's options are probably worth considering, though I was totally underwhelmed by the new RS when I test drove it, I actually preferred my brothers remapped ST.

My other brother had an A45 AMG, and it was OK, but very expensive for what it was, not sure how much the GLA AMG ism, but might be worth a look used. My experience of BMW after sales is awful and I will never buy another, conversely my brother's Mercedes experience was the polar opposite. I guess a lot of this can depend on specific dealers, though I also dealt with BMW UK and they were also useless.

As far as convertibles go, well it's not something I would ever consider, so can't really help there, I have motorcycles for the sunny weather.

Enjoy the twins :)
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Thanks for that, very useful :)

I’ve never really fancied any of the German brands but having had the Audi I have become rather a fan, I really rather like the interior, particularly the virtual cockpit, which is an option on the Golf R.

BMW interiors (and brand) have never really done it for me and the options are crazy, Audi is bad enough. Coming from Mazda cars where you just buy the top spec and get all the toys it’s a bit of a faff.

Given the CX5, I guess my brief is something upmarket and nice to sit in, a bit silly and fun and can be a twin rescue vehicle if required. Since having the CX5 and TT I have become very fond of AWD and the extra security that brings on tricky surfaces (especially compared to my old MX5!!).

Given all that, the Golf R probably meets the brief the best but all the online reviews say “may as well get the GTI”
 
rick448 said:
The Focus's options are probably worth considering, though I was totally underwhelmed by the new RS when I test drove it, I actually preferred my brothers remapped ST.
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I had a 2013 Focus ST before my RS. The ST was the standard 250ps yet found it easy to get wheelspin up to 4th gear on the slightest of damp roads. No such trouble in the RS, even the slightest loss of grip from the front wheels throws the drive into the rear wheels and any wheelspin is gone in the fraction of a second. The level of grip is amazing and the ability to keep on the power through bends and even increasing it, accelerating before you'd dare in a most cars, makes for a great drive. It is certainly still putting a smile on my face after 16 months. If you want to remove the safe sure footedness of the car, their is always track and drift modes. ;)
It would certainly give the best of both worlds for having fun on your own as well as having a safe stable car when the kids are on board.
 
neil_g said:
just received my octy VRS estate (albeit diesel) and can confirm they're nice motors.
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I've had 2 of them - both diesel, both estate. Lovely cars. Second was a DSG and it cured me of my prejudice against automatics :)

I drive a more sensible Honda now.
 
I had the Octavia 4x4 diesel for a few years as my works response car, pretty nice cars, but i thought the extra space compared to the hatchback was pretty poor. Nice enough drive, and the 4x4 was ok. Not really in the same league as a number of other car on your list though, and not anywhere near as good value as they once were.

I much preferred my petrol VRS which I bought in 2003! That was mapped to around 240 and went pretty well in its day.
 
Octavia probably not quite in the idiom I’m after.

Mustang would be a great shout if it weren’t for English roads and parking spaces, they are big and have a large turning circle which makes them a PITA in the uk. I roadtripped Vegas to SF in a convertible and it was fab on American roads.

So today I brought the babes home from hospital in the CX5 and something in my mind twigged that I do most definitely want to be able to carry them in my car so the TT will have to go I think.
 
neil_g said:
octy shares the chassis and running gear with the A3, S3 (in the 4wd version) and mk7 golf so much the same car as those in your list but with different styling :)
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I will take a look, I enjoyed the Fabia my wife had on loan.

What do people think about Volvo?
 
There's some 2013/2014 M3 convertibles with low miles for around £25 cutting about. 1 litre per seat lol

But I reckon whatever you look at it will probably have to be proper rear seats and not just +2 size seats because these baby carrier things are massive!
 
Nawty said:
I will take a look, I enjoyed the Fabia my wife had on loan.

What do people think about Volvo?
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I always found them a little cramped. When you're in and out of the car all day with a car seat you will appreciate as much headroom as you can get. Its the reason why you see so many young parents op for mpv's and crossovers. I'd definitely keep that rear headroom in mind while choosing a model.
 
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gman said:
There's some 2013/2014 M3 convertibles with low miles for around £25 cutting about. 1 litre per seat lol

But I reckon whatever you look at it will probably have to be proper rear seats and not just +2 size seats because these baby carrier things are massive!
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You’re not wrong, with the isofix bases they only just fit in the CX5!! But won’t bother with the isofix in mine which should save a lot of room.

rjbell said:
I always found them a little crapped. When you're in and out of the car all day with a car seat you will appreciate as much headroom as you can get. Its the reason why you see so many young parents op for mpv's and crossovers. I'd definitely keep that rear headroom in mind while choosing a model.
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Is that the volvos in general?
 
gman said:
But I reckon whatever you look at it will probably have to be proper rear seats and not just +2 size seats because these baby carrier things are massive!
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I think you’re right but damned if I’m getting a people carrier.

Could be tempted by a campervan though...
 
Nawty said:
You’re not wrong, with the isofix bases they only just fit in the CX5!! But won’t bother with the isofix in mine which should save a lot of room.



Is that the volvos in general?
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The bigger ones might be ok. i was thinking the medium size models as you were looking at focus and golfs. The v50,v40, s30 size i find cramped not crapped :)
 
Nawty said:
I think you’re right but damned if I’m getting a people carrier.

Could be tempted by a campervan though...
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Yeah, I don't blame you. They're as emasculating as croc shoes!

The reviews for the i30 say its headroom in the back for 6 footers and a good size boot. Ever thought of a i30n? Getting great reviews.
 
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I have a Mini Clubman. In Cooper S or JCW form (mine's a JCW) it gives reasonable power, lots of space, comfort and sporty handling. The S also has a 4WD option (the JCW is only available as 4WD), and options of 6 speed manual or 8 speed sport auto.

Had mine 2 years and 25k miles, it's done two trips to Scotland, two to North Wales, numerous trips to the South West as we've been house hunting. It's a true family car one day, a long hauler the next, and a back lane scratcher at weekends. Best car I've ever had, and I've had a few, including a Focus ST and a BMW M135.
 
rjbell said:
croc shoes!
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The true sign you’ve given up on life :D

I’ll take a look at the i30, thanks.

Edit: i30n looks quite interesting actually, I’d not heard of it before.

Jelster said:
I have a Mini Clubman. In Cooper S or JCW form (mine's a JCW) it gives reasonable power, lots of space, comfort and sporty handling. The S also has a 4WD option (the JCW is only available as 4WD), and options of 6 speed manual or 8 speed sport auto.

Had mine 2 years and 25k miles, it's done two trips to Scotland, two to North Wales, numerous trips to the South West as we've been house hunting. It's a true family car one day, a long hauler the next, and a back lane scratcher at weekends. Best car I've ever had, and I've had a few, including a Focus ST and a BMW M135.
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That’s good to know thanks, I had thought about a Clubman but the reviews are a bit mixed, saying its ‘confused’, which I suppose is what I want. I need to drive one as I’ve sat in a mini once or twice before an my thoughts varied from cool and quirky to ‘not as nice as my Audi’.
 
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If you need space, want good off road ability, lots of fun with strong performance and can do without the soft top then a Porsche Cayenne Turbo would be on my list. I also quite like the new shape Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with the Hemi engine but both these cars may need a fuel Bowser in tow.
 
Nawty said:
The true sign you’ve given up on life :D

I’ll take a look at the i30, thanks.

Edit: i30n looks quite interesting actually, I’d not heard of it before.



That’s good to know thanks, I had thought about a Clubman but the reviews are a bit mixed, saying its ‘confused’, which I suppose is what I want. I need to drive one as I’ve sat in a mini once or twice before an my thoughts varied from cool and quirky to ‘not as nice as my Audi’.
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The Clubman still has the quirkiness, but because it's wider, the inside is a nicer drive. I had an F56 JCW 3 door before this, and I have to be honest, I prefer the Clubby. It's just a better all round car, and whilst my M135 was quick, it was a bit sterile. The Clubby still has the Mini feeling, it's just a bit more grown up.
 
Jelster said:
The Clubman still has the quirkiness, but because it's wider, the inside is a nicer drive. I had an F56 JCW 3 door before this, and I have to be honest, I prefer the Clubby. It's just a better all round car, and whilst my M135 was quick, it was a bit sterile. The Clubby still has the Mini feeling, it's just a bit more grown up.
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Any thoughts on Cooper S vs JCW Clubman? You can get an All4 in both.
 
Nawty said:
Any thoughts on Cooper S vs JCW Clubman? You can get an All4 in both.
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All4 is std on the JCW, an option on the "S". Main difference between the two other than actual power, is that the JCW has forged internals and a different turbo. If you have a tendency to mod your cars, the JCW is a better place to start. I've had a number of JCW's in the past, I just love them. (This is my 5th Mini, my wife has a 2011 plate Mini One, and my son has a 2016 Cooper S... It's an addiction!!)
 
rjbell said:
I always found them a little cramped. When you're in and out of the car all day with a car seat you will appreciate as much headroom as you can get. Its the reason why you see so many young parents op for mpv's and crossovers. I'd definitely keep that rear headroom in mind while choosing a model.
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When my first (the daughter) was born 14 years ago my then wife had a Mk1 Golf and I had the Mk1 Escort as our every day cars!!

How things have changed!

Still an interesting read though...
 
I’d keep the TT, but I’m a ragtop guy, have you had it valued for a trade in value? You might get a big fright as you've not had it long, that might factor into a change.
 
LeeRatters said:
When my first (the daughter) was born 14 years ago my then wife had a Mk1 Golf and I had the Mk1 Escort as our every day cars!!

How things have changed!

Still an interesting read though...
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Were they both 2 door as well? Bet your back didn't thank you.
 
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