Another car suggestion thread…diesel £7500 budget

[cChance]

Evening people.

I have recently transferred branches at work so doing 50 miles a day but could be more if I get moved or promoted and moved so can't let my daily (S14a) hold me back anymore. The only reason I can survive at the moment is because my fuel is being paid for until I resign my contract to this branch which could happen soon if I get the permanent step up. So Im going to have to get rid of my 14a due to fuel costs and don't want to pile on the mileage which is a massive shame as I saved up and waited for the right one and its the tidiest and best all rounder 200sx I've yet to own and mint underneath for a UK car.

Anyway, Ive basically decided I need to get something good on fuel but have the general hinderance of not wanting a gutless piece of crap. If I get what Im willing to accept to sell my car for then by the end of this month ill have £7500 to spend or just under. Going on this I'm generally looking at a TDI hatchback, maybe coupe saloon considered not massively fussed and styling and tuning potential. Ive pretty much ruled out 3 series as what I can afford in E9X range is either not going to be quick or not that good condition. Not a massive fan of the E46, just a bit boring in my eyes and also the running costs of BMW isn't going to be great.

So far I've narrowed my list to an 05-09 SEAT Leon FR TDI 170bhp and 258 lbs/ft torque to go with it. Easily got up to 210-220bhp and 350lbs/ft and many body, wheels and suspension mods already been looked at.

Any other suggestions are welcome, can be a bit fussy once my mind is set but ill be as open as I can! Thanks

[FireStorm]

Not considered lpg?

[Chriscooke]

I'd most likely be looking at either a 530d Touring Yes it's a bmw or an Audi A4 b6/b7 2.0tdi Quattro tbh.

[clai cerrig]

As Firestorm says go LPG and keep your 14

[Gymbob]

C2 diesel, yeah baby and keep the rest of the cash.

[Guy]

Wouldn't call that mileage particularly high, circa 12k maybe a little more per year. Not quite in the 'must' have a diesel camp!

BUT, if you did plenty of E90 330d's in budget! Or if you were being really fussy over age/mileage/condition then 325d's aren't always favoured so are cheaper.

[Si]

Fabia VRS?

[Jonny Wilkinson]

Alfa Brera ? 56 plate, 60K miles 2.4 JTDM with leather £7K

Half a dozen others like it on Autotrader.

[FireStorm]

As Firestorm says go LPG and keep your 14

Cost u about 1500quid and ul get about 50-60mpg equivilent

[Mark]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...6500?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...2-5l?logcode=p

[Jonny Wilkinson]

What are those Volvos like to drive ? Anyone owned one ?

[Mark]

Focus chassis so very good.

[Ross B]

Lexus IS?

Perhaps not much in the way of modifications, but a nice drive and 170bhp from the IS diesel. Can look nice with some decent wheels if so desired.

[Si]

Well, if LPG's in the equation, then you're good to go.
It's fate.

[sideways14a]

IMHO an e46 330 with remap has got to be one of the most cost effective ways of getting from A to B with a large smile, its going to be a major improvement over some diesel hatchback.

[Si]

Focus chassis so very good.

My Parents have a 54(I think) plate C30 - 2l one I think. It's 'OK' to drive, but not exactly involving. Interior seems to be a bit on the creaky side, there's no overwhelming air of quality. And despite being the 'non sport' version, the ride is utterly shocking! Pretty bad in the front, but the back is way, way worse - horribly over damped and crashy. Make an e46 sport look compliant

[Mark]

Really? I have only driven the T5 version and I thought it was a bit soft compared to the ST

[Si]

Was that a 1st or 2nd gen one? Their's is a 1st.

It's reasonably softly sprung, it's just the damping that seemed so bad and OTT.

[sideways14a]

Make an e46 sport look compliant

I doubt even an F1 car over cobbles will make an e46 m sport look compliant.

[Si]

I doubt even an F1 car over cobbles will make an e46 m sport look compliant.

Trust me on this - hopefully you understand the gravity of the situation.