Have around 5k to spend on a tintop, got a few requirements though.

four door, with enough space for 2 adults 2 kids and a weekends camping gear

gonna have to keep it 3-4 years

needs to be reasonably quick,

nothing run of the mill,

any suggestions???


Ray

I bought a Volvo S60 D5 - perfect as a family mobile, long distances and good value (plus the 2.4 TDi is a corking engine!).

I got my 53 plate for £7k

Audi A4 1.8T
Quick, and still at least 33 to the gallon

you can probably pick up a high mileage Skoda Octavia vRS for that, theres on eon autotrader for £4000 with 154k on the clock

I'd thoroughly reccommend them

Or if you want a lower mileage car before my vRS I had an S reg Vectra SRi which was lovely car (IMO FWIW) easily get a 2.0l old shape or possibly a 2.5l SRi/GSi

BMW 5 series estate. as long as it has full history and you look after it, you will get years of camping trips. (and in total comfort)

Rick

second recommendation for the Skoda - haven't got a VRS (wish I had!), but my Tdi has just clocked over 201000....

BMW 5 or 7 series...

saphire cosworth
(can also use it as a doner! )
How about a scooby wagon, iirc they are cheaper to insure? cos its a estate? not stolen as much?

passat Tdi 130 bhp estate.

mine has 206,000 on the clock and thrashed daily its so good I am looking for another

will return 50-55 mpg even the wrong side of the speed limit.

regards

Agriv8

Forget the age thing and buy one of these:


IRS

Cost me 5k but its only a 3.2.
Look around and you'll find a decent 4.0 XJR for the same price.

[Edited on 8-6-07 by speedyxjs]

Shameless Plug....

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=66636

D

Focus Tdci Hatchback or estate. Sweet chassis, bags of grunt and cheap to run - plus it will tow a house down.
Cheers, Pewe

Mondeo diesel hatchbacks are a great car for the money. I had a V6, loved it apart from the economy.

Id personally look around for a german diesel but often cost a bit more. I have no desire to sell my 3 series tourer (320D) but to be honest they arent that big. I could get more in the Mondeo hatch.

The Octavia gets my vote, very well built, reliable and lovely to drive. If insurance for the VRS is a bit steep have a look at the 'Laurin & Klement ' 1.8T. Only 150bhp, but if you want more it can easily be upped, and has full leather interior and lots of toys, e.g. Octavia Estate.

The hatchbacks still have enormous boots if you don't want an estate.

Alfa 156 JTD Sportwagon - no contest