With my life slowly returning to normality I am looking to give the Jaguar back to the finance company by voluntary terminating to save myself a small fortune every month plus the constant costs of it going wrong. 

 

The plan is to run the S-Max as my daily however its a 2.5T Petrol so fuel costs aren't going to be amazing. This leads me to thinking about getting a small 3/5 door hatchback that is relatively good on fuel for my 25 mile each way commute to work every day plus use on the days when its just me. The S-Max was originally bought as a bit of a project and wasn't going to be used daily. 

 

The brief:-

 

Budget:- £5k max

Mileage:- Under 80k

Age:- 2010 onwards

 

Needs to be comfortable, decently equipped, cruise control a must. Needs to be economical but have some poke. The commute is mainly a dual carriageway so I don't want it to be revving its nuts off at 70mph. Also needs to be pretty brisk as I don't want something slow. 

 

Options so far:-

 

Skoda Fabia VRs - 1.4 Twin Charger but fuel consumption concerns me

Citroen DS3 1.6 THP DSport /DSport+ - I love the look of them, fuel consumption looks good and seems to tick boxes

Vauxhall Adam 1.4T Grand Slam or S - Seems like a dinky little thing, again fuel consumption is a concern but looks make it appeal, especially with the recaro seats option ticked

Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160bhp - not a hatch but cheap, well equipped and would do what I need it to do.

MINI - Love the MINI. Ideally I'd want a clubman, but they seem pricey and specs aren't great. 

Abarth 500 - I quite like the Fiat 500, but the engines are all a bit naff...maybe the 1.4 100bhp would be a possibility but the Abarth also appeals...but not sure if I'd fit in it and if the Abarth seats are comfortable for the journey I'd be doing.

Volvo C30 - I have always liked the C30, well Volvo's in general. The 2.0D would fit the bill.

 

Ruled out:-

 

Skoda Superb - I've had 2. A mk1 and a mk2 and both have resulted in me having car accidents. The only ones in my driving history. Shame as I love them.

 

Any thoughts on my list, anything I should look at? All opinions welcome. 

 

Well, several of us think that V@*Xh@11s are sort of sensory deprivation chambers on wheels!

8 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

Well, several of us think that V@*Xh@11s are sort of sensory deprivation chambers on wheels!

I know, me too to a point but there is something about the Adam that appeals. The insignia is just a workhorse. I guess I could get a Mundao, to match the S-Max as at least the internals are similar haha. 

 

 

DONT GET  AN INSHI7NIA!!!

MINE WAS A 160SE and it ate its own engine bearings, had a constant alarm fault, egr or maf may have been dying but the limp modes never showed a fault code on Torquepro, fuel consumption was crap, gearbox was meh at best, dmf died, radiator sprang a leak for reasons unknown... electric handbrake was iffy, the boost actuator solenoid failed,   the torque was good, and the power, but everything else was just crap... boot is actually more usable in an octavia... (my inshi7nia was also a hatch)

Oh, and it always felt like pulling away gently (say 1000rpm releasing the clutch) from stationary in 1st gear was going to stall out, but it would pull away fine on the idle... it may have been the bearings starting to rattle doing it, but i cant say for definite, i never figured it out..

Yeah I think the insignia is out. Unless I can get a VXR and pretend it will do 50mpg hahaha 

If you got the diesel, You'd still be prentending it could do 50...

 

I think my 2 1/2 yr ownerahip average was around 40-43... i never got more than 900km on a brimmed tank, and its a 65l tank... i get 900km+ on every tank in the octavia and its only 55litres... basic maths says its a not good...

23 minutes ago, mac11irl said:

If you got the diesel, You'd still be prentending it could do 50...

 

I think my 2 1/2 yr ownerahip average was around 40-43... i never got more than 900km on a brimmed tank, and its a 65l tank... i get 900km+ on every tank in the octavia and its only 55litres... basic maths says its a not good...

Good to know!

I've just traded in a Clubman for just over £5k as well.

I can strongly recommend the Mini but maybe not a petrol for commuting.

I bought my Clubman 2.5yr ago for £7k (sold last month for about £5k) it was a 1.6 cooper (122hp) which got 38-42mpg (small tank though). I genuinely enjoyed it even though I bought it as a tool.

 

Very nice to drive, very relaxing car to be in. Good seats. Useful load space with the seats down without the car being too big. Roof bars are worth having, I've had 3 bikes on the top of it a few times with no issues as well. It was reliable as well. No issues at all other than a holed AC condensor. Nicely weird with the 3 front doors plus the barn doors.

 

I was sad to see it go. We traded in two minis for...another mini.

 

I think I'd be depressed if I thought I had to drive a Vx. Much better things out there for the same money.

Edited 14 January, 20206 yr by Aspman

3 hours ago, Aspman said:

I've just traded in a Clubman for just over £5k as well.

I can strongly recommend the Mini but maybe not a petrol for commuting.

I bought my Clubman 2.5yr ago for £7k (sold last month for about £5k) it was a 1.6 cooper (122hp) which got 38-42mpg (small tank though). I genuinely enjoyed it even though I bought it as a tool.

 

Very nice to drive, very relaxing car to be in. Good seats. Useful load space with the seats down without the car being too big. Roof bars are worth having, I've had 3 bikes on the top of it a few times with no issues as well. It was reliable as well. No issues at all other than a holed AC condensor. Nicely weird with the 3 front doors plus the barn doors.

 

I was sad to see it go. We traded in two minis for...another mini.

 

I think I'd be depressed if I thought I had to drive a Vx. Much better things out there for the same money.

I think I'd like a Mini Clubman Cooper SD but they are a bit pricey. Also not sure about the specs. I'll have to look into it more. 

I've been looking over the last few weeks and think the Adam S/Grand Slam is out. They are pretty expensive to buy still, just out of budget and the fuel economy isn't enough. 

 

The DS3 seems like the top contender at the minute as it has a claimed combined MPG of around 48-50 in a petrol turbo...even if I get 42-45 I'd be happy. 

 

I've seen quite a few Abarths on my commute so need to look into them a bit more. 

Abarth 500 come in various power outputs. 145,165 & 180PS , manual or auto then tuned ones.

There is quite an Abarth customising & tuning community in the UK and Globally now.

Endless amounts of Upgrade parts.

Worth checking out on Youtube.  Just one issue.  Do you fit comfortably in them.

 

@sharkrider & his good lady had one. Maybe a good source of info on them.

@Sittingbull also has one.  So 2 current or ex Skoda Fabia MK2 vRS owners.

 

 

 

 

Edited 2 February, 20206 yr by Roottootemblowinootsoot

4 hours ago, Roottootemblowinootsoot said:

Abarth 500 come in various power outputs. 145,165 & 180PS , manual or auto then tuned ones.

There is quite an Abarth customising & tuning community in the UK and Globally now.

Endless amounts of Upgrade parts.

Worth checking out on Youtube.  Just one issue.  Do you fit comfortably in them.

 

@sharkrider & his good lady had one. Maybe a good source of info on them.

@Sittingbull also has one.  So 2 current or ex Skoda Fabia MK2 vRS owners.

 

 

 

 

we loved our Abarth, three years and NO issues.... the big SS alloys, sunroof, leather big sound options ragazon exhaust direnza springs ect, was a 135 mapped to 170 bhp , wen really well ! an absolute hoot to drive!

The Jaguar is broken again so needs to go back to the finance company sooner rather than later. I need to step up finding a replacement car so need to go driving. 

 

Still not sure what to get, other than the looks of the DS3 nothing else is really exciting me. Apart from a banana yellow Fabia vRS MK2...

'Just say NO.'   

That is a Lottery ticket with very poor odds. 

 

You do not want to take the gamble on one unless really really really cheap and you know lots about 1.4 TSI Twinchargers.

 

PS,

Fugly, and i forgot about them until i  posted in the Fabia Mk2 section today.

Alfa Romeo Mito, but a 170ps auto model.  Worth trying a drive in one. I enjoyed it.

Edited 26 February, 20206 yr by Roottootemblowinootsoot

My parents have had the  DS3 DSport 1.6 petrol from new.  It's now 8 years old and has never had a single issue, not one.  It's fairly cheap to maintain and they are happy with running costs.  I've had a few drives in it and it's a nice car.  Feels a step up in quality vs a Fiesta or Fabia from the same vintage, IMO.  I borked  when they told me what they'd bought but egg on my face, it's been a great car.

Edited 26 February, 20206 yr by penguin17

I'm afraid I don't know how to upload photos but Roottoot is correct I have owned a 2017 Abarth 595 Turismo (165ps) since new, it is modena yellow so you can't miss it. The sound is fabulous, the driving experience always leaves me smiling and it is epic on some of the fine back roads we have around us, reminds me very much of the original mini I once owned. Simple but very effective.

 

Not had an issue with it during ownership, will be selling very shortly due to change in circumstances, 14,000 miles only on clock and loved every one of them. Averages 37mpg but that makes me rare in the Abarth community, cheap to insure. 

 

Servicing at main dealers is expensive, first service was £140 but second was £335. Parts are very easy to come by, mine is completely standard but there are loads of upgrades available including for mine, the 165ps 2017 onwards are fitted with the same Garret turbo as the awesome Competizione version running 180ps as standard so remapping and tuning is readily available, companies like TMC Motorsport can supply almost anything.

 

Mine came with garret turbo, koni shocks, brembo brakes and record monza exhaust, tyre size is identical to vRS believe it or not at 205/40/17 and they usually come standard with Pirelli P zero on them.

 

Mine is good for 135 or thereabouts flat out but your backside will have caved in before then, it gets very twitchy in a straight line around 115. That's why its better on the back roads, you don't need to be gunning it to feel it gripping well.

 

If it's performance you seek it's the Competizione you want, if its comfort its the Turismo, although I should say the driving position is not to everyone's taste as you feel on the car rather than in, sitting high. 

 

If it's anything to go by, my wife and my daughter love the car.

reminds you of the original mini ... yes! there are better hot hatches, but there is something about an Abarth when you drive it down a favourite back road that makes it very special   hard to put your finger on, but its just so smile inducing!!

Just picking this back up. 

 

Having had the S-Max back for a couple of months and playing with it I'm still hankering after something more fun and growly. In your face. 

 

On the other hand I miss the comfort of my Jag, currently sat on the driveway. I can't keep that, it has to go so it's not an option. 

 

I'm fond of the Mercedes CLS..some cheap ones about. Also spotted a couple of Phaetons for not a lot of money. On top of that, to add to the mix there is the Peugeot RCZ...completely different! 

 

Or I just plough the money I would save into the Max. 

Phaetons can be money pits if you get a bad 'un. Better with a merc tbh

I was looking in the local VW dealers (a while back) for something else and noticed some new ones at a very reasonable price.

My initial thoughts soon waned though as they looked to have 'old tech' and weren't very well specced.

It's doubtful if they could be classed as 'fun' or 'growly' either!

You can get a decent specification Ford Focus Diesel/Petrol versions with cruise control..less then 60k miles low owners 2012-2014 for £5k or less.

 

 

On 26/05/2020 at 21:13, Defenderben said:

You can get a decent specification Ford Focus Diesel/Petrol versions with cruise control..less then 60k miles low owners 2012-2014 for £5k or less.

 

 

The Focus is just a bit dull though. I've got the S-Max which will eventually be running just over 300bhp. Just want something a bit special. 

Considering the post was started in January, and given where we are now, then surely the brief has or will very shortly change?

 

Is your 25 mile commute still necessary? Do you need two cars?

 

I'd imagine for a lot of people a diesel was already off the list, now surely it is no where near the list?

 

The Government will be using COVID-19 to make some pretty drastic changes in the not-too-distant future, should it even be petrol? Some roads and controlled areas might never fully reopen, is now the time to be looking at electric i.e. a Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe?

 

A large proportion of the public's commuting mileage is never going to return to where is was only a few months ago. Companies have realised how productive their workforce can be working from home and will be reducing office space. Lots of fleet and privately owned 2.0 litre diesel saloons hitting the market very soon.

 

If you can't afford or simply prefer not to change your car's regularly then choose wisely, we're in unprecedented times.