I know I'm going to sell the S; either now, or probably at the beginning of next summer/summer 08.

I don't want to buy a brand new car (depreciation) so will be looking at imports, or year old cars (I want reasonable warranty left on them) - so I'm starting to build my list of possibles now - new cars now will be 12-18 months old when I come to buy.

Criteria are:

Comfortable
Non-squeaky
Reasonably powerful
No more expensive to insure than the S, and no worse on fuel than the S
Can tow a trailer with the Caterham on
This is the tricky one; makes me feel a bit special
Has to be fun

My list so far seems to include:
A3 2.0T or 3.2 DSG
S3 (new one)
S4 (current)
Impreza with/without PPP (current shape)
Leon (unfortunately I don't think you can tow with the sporty one)
Lexus IS 200 of some sort
Monaro?

Then I just run out of ideas.

I tested the 3.2DSG and felt like just another blob on the road, I tested the Alfa Brera and can barely fit in it (height wise) and it wasn't very fun. Tested the 2.5 Impreza and it was a bit too toned down in comparisonto the last one (hence thinking PPP or STi).

The Europe is too pricey and too rattly and can't tow, I wouldn't have a 3 series or a Merc saloon.

I would toy with a 4x4 of some sort (H3 !!) if I wouldn't get bored driving it and it was ok on motorways.

What else is there to add to my list !!?

OH yeah - price. Not really sure - depends how much I get for the S in part-ex/private sale etc. etc., but if you said max about 20k - ish... (more for the right car if I had to)

 

So that excludes:-
A3 2.0T or 3.2 DSG
S3 (new one)
S4 (current)
Leon (unfortunately I don't think you can tow with the sporty one)

Only fun as long as the turbo (or V6) novelty lasts, then as un-fun as anything on the road - no feel, no poise, all grip. Dull, dull, dull.

4x4s aren't much fun either, but for

 

The other thing is, as you'll find out - when you have something that handles so well and is a pure a driving experience as the Caterham, nothing else will come close in comparison.

it's something I realised with the Elise, having the S2000 for a month alongside the Lotus just made it seem lumpen and heavy. It isn't of course, but I found myself thinking that whatever I get next will have to compete with the Fury and have all the same problems.

So for now I have the beater while I decide, and in the future when I'm looking for something to tow with I'm not going to bother with 'fun to drive' and go for complete luxury - the opposite of what I'll have and therefore the compliment to it.

 

M3?

edit - doh, missed the 1 year old thing. That'd be out of budget slightly I think?

Maybe an older one though.

 

You also missed the 'no BMW saloons' bit Graham

 

Bollocks to it, I'm going back to bed...

 

Test drive everything you can find and post the results?

 

Mitsu Evo. I'd pick one of those over the Subaru. But I suppose the fuel/insurance won't be too clever...

No 3-Series? Does that include the new 335i Coupe? I'd recommend it if you can see past that.

Sounds like what you want could be a current model Range Rover...

 

1 series M-sport?

Evo too short service intervals, insurance, list price etc.

 

Mark you're right - nothing can compare in terms of handling, but I still don't want a soggy blob..