For some strange reason my wife thinks her Volvo estate (2003 V70)is just a bit too big and not really the sort of car for her image . It was great when the kids were smaller and extra 2 seats in the boot came in very handy for kids taxi duties, but they are getting too big for them now so not used.

We had a look at a Merc CLK 320 (2000 year) drop top which looked very nice, roof makes it just as usable as coupe...but after a test drive not too sure, felt a bit sluggish and hardly a sporty feel (Volvo felt more nimble!). Might be a good thing as I seem to have stured up the Merc forum by suggesting that their cars might not be as good as they like to think!

I suggested a BMW 3 series but she keeps on about wanting something different. Any suggestions..

Budget up to £10K ish, 4/5 seats, auto and safe but sporty, she does low miles so fuel consumption not too much of an issue. Ford out the running as well as Vx and most of the Japs...Dont leave much!

And before anyone asks must be CEC as she might need to go in reverse every so often and doesn't want the engine and gearbox to go bang every 100 miles..

the astra twintop is a great car
just got my mrs a top spec new one for £25,000

im sure you could pic mint one up for around £10000-£12000 second hand.

A bec would ideal as not many woman seem to have a clue about reversing anyway.

I'm getting swmbo a focus 1.6 diesel estate. 15k new, at 3 years about 7-8k for low milage.

65mpg on the motorway, safe, cheap, big boot, should do 150-200k miles without needing serious attention. Also reputed to be nicer to drive than the astra or megane, though I couldn't really tell much difference but it is more economical than both.

THat was the compromise - get rid of the brand new bmw and get her the focus, I'll have her clio for the commute when it's raining and build the kit car with the change.

I would say a 2000/2001 jag xj but they are about the same size as the volvo How about a honda civic?

we looked at the clk and thought how sluggish it was so ended up with volvo c70 coupe t5 wasnt dissapionted

we looked at te clk and thought how sluggish it was so ended up with volvo c70 coupe t5 wasnt dissapionted

How about an Alfa Romeo 156 GTA?
3.2 V6 250bhp 0-60 approx. 6 secs and 150mph
beautiful 4-door saloon (about the same size as the original 3 series beemer)with a glorious engine note and the exclusvity you require!

(Be warned though, once bitten, its very difficult to lose the Alfa bug!)

change her image....sorted

How about an Italian supercar for under ten grand as per Top Gear
Being serious I suppose I'd get a Focus

How about an Italian supercar for under ten grand as per Top Gear
Being serious I suppose I'd get a Focus

Worth taking a look at Mazda --- they are pretty bullet proof and retain good resale value years down the line..

Stickinng with the Merc theme:
Maybe sluggish again thousgh...

I had a similar decision to make recently for the wife, except for the auto box. Must have 5 doors, not too big, quite sporty, etc. Ended up buying a Renaultsport Megane 225. Amazing performance for a car engine 0-60 in 6.5 secs and 147mph (allegedly) and superb handling. She loves it, even though she doesn't make use of it's potential (unlike myself, who tries to at weekends )

Phil

How about a Saab 1.9 Tdi 150

Thanks chaps. Did the Alfa (GTV) thing and still having therapy . I've got a Focus and love it. SL looks good but they all seem to be a bit too soft and aimed too much at the Yanks.
I'd go for either the Volvo or Saab but what's the chances of her listening to me!

My son has an A2 for sale. Not auto though.

Pic in my photo archive. (bottom one)


Paul G