Need some advice on a more practical car
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From: Kineton, Warwickshire
Originally Posted by pop monkey,Nov 12 2009, 01:15 PM
Hi, I've been forced to do this recently too (for similar reasons)...ended up with a SEAT Leon Cupra (diesel). Bit one-dimensional in the driving sense but it's interesting enough and feels well screwed together. Economy's not bad either with >40mpg easily achievable on long runs.
Mine's a Mk1 but I'm sure you could get a Mk2 with the newer 2.0 common rail diesel lump for your budget...a few people have mentioned Golfs but don't forget Leons are pretty close to Golfs under the skin and cost less!!
Mine's a Mk1 but I'm sure you could get a Mk2 with the newer 2.0 common rail diesel lump for your budget...a few people have mentioned Golfs but don't forget Leons are pretty close to Golfs under the skin and cost less!!
In my case, I have a VW Golf Edition 30 which is a Euro Import to full UK spec... the equivalent Leon (2.0 TSI Cupra) was more expensive (by about £3000) and not as well made...
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May I suggest that the BMW 3 series isn't what you need.
Babies come with a lot of baggage, buggies etc etc.
You know all of the crap that you will need to transport when visiting family and friends.
Take that with you - pop down to the BMW showroom and see if it will fit in the boot of a 3 series or any other car you are considering.
A few years ago - a friend of mine wanted to buy a Focus ( he had a 3 year old ) - The buggy wouldn't fit in the boot. Ended up getting a Mondeo.
Start with what is practical and then go for driver enjoyment.
Babies come with a lot of baggage, buggies etc etc.
You know all of the crap that you will need to transport when visiting family and friends.
Take that with you - pop down to the BMW showroom and see if it will fit in the boot of a 3 series or any other car you are considering.
A few years ago - a friend of mine wanted to buy a Focus ( he had a 3 year old ) - The buggy wouldn't fit in the boot. Ended up getting a Mondeo.
Start with what is practical and then go for driver enjoyment.
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Originally Posted by p800bry,Nov 13 2009, 09:14 AM
Lexus IS 220D, ticks all the boxes
The IS250 is nice, but will not be economical enough.
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From: Kineton, Warwickshire
Wasn't suggesting Ian went for an Ed30...
I bought mine new (7 miles on the clock for closer to £17K than 18K). I was suggesting that a Seat Leon of the same spec was not necessarily cheaper and they are, IME, certainly not as well built.
The Golf's very good, a Mk VI GT 2.0 TDI should meet all the requirements (depending on boot space)...
I bought mine new (7 miles on the clock for closer to £17K than 18K). I was suggesting that a Seat Leon of the same spec was not necessarily cheaper and they are, IME, certainly not as well built.
The Golf's very good, a Mk VI GT 2.0 TDI should meet all the requirements (depending on boot space)...
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From: Kent
Originally Posted by Sti Vi,Nov 13 2009, 01:50 AM
Have you driven it? The IS220D has a very poor and rough engine I believe made by Isuzu. I agree the IS is a nice car and is fully equiped but the diesel engine is the pits and can't compare with the 320d.
The IS250 is nice, but will not be economical enough.
The IS250 is nice, but will not be economical enough.
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Originally Posted by p800bry,Nov 13 2009, 09:59 AM
not driven it no, but pretty sure it's a toyota 2.2 engine (Lexus is Toyota afterall) shame what you say about the engine though as I think they are a lovely car
I did have an extend test drive in the IS220d and although well equiped, it was very boring to drive
