Spec me a motor

[Zirax]

Normally I'm fine in knowing where to look for a motor, this time I am kind of stumped and could use some ideas :) I am probably looking around March - April time so I am just putting feelers out (when the winter price rise starts coming down). The current car runs but not much more than that.... the aircon is stuffed, shocks on the way out, wishbones need doing and it's got 15k till the cambelt is due.

I commute anything from 30k+ per year so I would like a derv. I've done LPG and it's a pain in the ass (even if it does cost less to run).

I would like either a Quattro or 4wd. The reason for this is that if I was to get stuck somewhere I would be fubared. I can walk around on snow but given the option I would rather not. It needs to be comfortable and be able to get a shift on if booted.

I would really like to avoid 4x4's if possible, they aren't really me but I'm open to suggestions. Never really looked at AWDs before. Budget £8k but I'll up if a good motor comes up and it's likely to be run into the ground.

[Del Lardo]

Really depends on what size car you want but I suspect you'll struggle to get a newer/better specced car for £8K than a diesel Mondeo... Linky (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201050375590822/sort/pricedesc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/8000/price-from/6000/model/mondeo/make/ford/postcode/cb12pu/page/1/radius/200?logcode=p)

I wouldn't bother with an AWD for a 4 days a year you might need it, instead invest in a set of snow socks, plenty of stories on the Lotus forums in the last couple of weeks of snow sock clad Elises driving past stuck 4x4s, amazing what the proper tyres (or tyre covers) can do ;)

[Zirax]

Yep I spent today coming to a similar conclusion when browsing Pistonheads for motors. I've actually driven one of the new Mondeo's and they are damn good. It appears that the 2008 models got the upgraded stereo's but they are still too much for a work motor.

[vix]

Mk1 mr...oh wait....

[Zirax]

Mk1 mr...oh wait.... ;)

[Darrin]

See, personally I'd go for a ZJ Grand Cherokee. It fits the bill on AWD, has enough bhp to drag a small warehouse up to 70mph quicker than most cars can unloaded and getting stuck in it is a challenge not even I'm up to.

http://www.boomspeed.com/bofh1968/jeep/bye2.jpg

But the 15-18mpg (18-22mpg on your gallons) would be the big down side. Probably finding parking spots big enough for it would be a challenge, too. Then again, with a Jeep like that, parking on TOP of a car that's slightly in your spot is always an option... :evil:

[volospian]

Really depends on what size car you want but I suspect you'll struggle to get a newer/better specced car for £8K than a diesel Mondeo... Linky (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201050375590822/sort/pricedesc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/price-to/8000/price-from/6000/model/mondeo/make/ford/postcode/cb12pu/page/1/radius/200?logcode=p)

I wouldn't bother with an AWD for a 4 days a year you might need it, instead invest in a set of snow socks, plenty of stories on the Lotus forums in the last couple of weeks of snow sock clad Elises driving past stuck 4x4s, amazing what the proper tyres (or tyre covers) can do ;)

Indeed, or invest in a set of cheap ebay steelies that'll fit and a set of good winter tyres so you can swap easily. We may not get a huge amount of snow every year, but we often get ice and a lot of water, and winter tyres make a lot of sense when you think about it. Stick them on in October, take them off in March (or whatever).

[Zirax]

Had a chat with some of the guys that I work with.... I'm pretty sure I've found it. A Lexus 220D. Around my budget will get anything from a 40k model through to 65k top of the range one. Bit of a difference to the original idea, but I'll shove some winter tyres on there. Had a go in one and they are damn nice :D

[leowyatt]

Something a bit different too Zirax, good idea :)

[Del Lardo]

Sounds like a good idea, something a bit different and correct wheel drive ;)

You may have to live with a few Alan Partridge jokes though ;D