Shopping for a new car

[Zirax]

Originally Posted by Burble

I love Alfas but would never buy one with my own money.

I had a Spider for a month when my R32 was off being fixed and it was a steaming pile of crap. It had 75 miles on the clock when I got it and in the month I had it, I had to call Alfa assistance (RAC) out 5 times. 4 times because it wouldn't start (a switch on the clutch pedal died a few times) and once to replace the oil pump. Yes, the oil pump needed replacing on a 2 month old car.

I know people said Alfas were bad but I didn't realise it was this bad. That's shocking. Makes me thankful for the Focus's mile munching abilities.

[Burble]

The one I had was a particularly bad example as I do know people who have had no problems with their Alfas but I've heard enough horror stories from people I know to make me spend my money elsewhere.

[JUMPURS]

Originally Posted by PvtPyle

Civic Type R is a bit too boy racer for me tbh, as is the Focus/Fiesta ST. Quite why the Cupra isn't I can't tell you, just personal preference I guess!

yet you want a mini that whinneeessssssss when it drives along? (IMO the cooper S sound horrid when driving) I'd rather get a cooper.

I would suggest an RX-8 but their running costs are absolutely obscene.

Thought about one of the Skoda VRS'?

[luke]

seat leon cupra tbh, my mate works for bently and has a new company car every 3 months

he has had leons, a3's ibiza polos all tdis and petrol variants over the last few years

ibiza petro turbo is an awesome bit of kit as well tbh with loads of easy tuning potential

but as an ex volwswagen audi technician i will say you cannot go wrong with a VAG tdi lump

[PvtPyle]

Originally Posted by divine

You fairly stuck on a hatchback or would you be happy with a coupe or saloon too?

Not against trying anything out tbh, although I am quite picky on the coupe front.

Originally Posted by JUMPURS

yet you want a mini that whinneeessssssss when it drives along? (IMO the cooper S sound horrid when driving) I'd rather get a cooper.

I would suggest an RX-8 but their running costs are absolutely obscene.

Thought about one of the Skoda VRS'?

I love the RX-8 I think it is a striking car to look at, but I heard the same re. running costs, plus I would like a bit more balance between fuel consumption & performance as I am doing more miles nowadays. The Cupra TDI solves that problem if I drive it sensibly! It is also why I have ditched the Cooper S idea, a quick skooch around for mileage and I can see it will cost me too much.

Originally Posted by luke

seat leon cupra tbh, my mate works for bently and has a new company car every 3 months

he has had leons, a3's ibiza polos all tdis and petrol variants over the last few years

ibiza petro turbo is an awesome bit of kit as well tbh with loads of easy tuning potential

but as an ex volwswagen audi technician i will say you cannot go wrong with a VAG tdi lump

Ta for the advice, I think you are probably spot on - I am yet to hear anyone tell me to stay away from the VW/Audi/Seat TDI engine.

[divine]

Originally Posted by PvtPyle

Not against trying anything out tbh, although I am quite picky on the coupe front.

What about something like an Accord Type-R then?

Quite pretty cars, go well in VTEC, don't drink fuel when out of it.

Other things to look, no idea if they are in budget or not...
Mondeo ST TDCi/ST220
Octavia vRS

[Burble]

Originally Posted by luke

but as an ex volwswagen audi technician i will say you cannot go wrong with a VAG tdi lump

My previous car had one such lump in it - the PD 150 and it was a great engine. Sounded like a tractor but not as bad as other diesels I'd driven.