[Pedsshuth]

Right, as some of you know, I already own a TVR Cerbera, however need something as a more family oriented car to drive everyday i.e. obviously the TVR isn't family oriented although It seats four!

Anyway, I've drawn up a short list.... all for around the £7.5 - £10k region. Now bear in mind I have a 15 year old son, and a new baby on the way, (Sharon's 15 weeks preggers)... so... if anyone else has any other options for a more sensible everyday car, in the 7-10k region... that has four seats... does 0-60 in less than 6.5 seconds and looks good, then by all means let me know and I may add it to the list... however, going buying this weekend and I seriously can't make up my mind...

At the moment, I'm liking the Jag, infact I'm loving it.. however, just thinking it's gonna be a killer on maintenance, more than the others.... by a long way... so it's hardly sensible but it's stunning... So, what you people think?

Jaguar XKR
0-60 = 5.2s, Top Speed = 155 (175-180 unlimited), Power = 370bhp


Alfa Romeo GTA 156 3.2ltr V6
0-60 = 6.1s, Top Speed 155, Power = 250bhp


Mazda RX8 (231ps)
0-60 = 6.4s, Top Speed 146, Power = 231bhp

[Attarderb]

I dont know too much about the ins and outs of cars, but from a pure aesthetics POV I chose the Jag XKR.

[Pedsshuth]

I dont know too much about the ins and outs of cars, but from a pure aesthetics POV I chose the Jag XKR.

It is gorgeous isn't it, infact probably one of the most beautiful cars ever made... stunning to look at from every angle... just that big 4ltr engine is making me twitchy which tends to put it at an outside chance, although I've never driven one and I bet they're awesome, problem is then I get pulled in by performance which isn't what I want... I want quick but not insane as I don't need it... [rofl]

[farmarrl]

Honest, if you have the money to pay for the extremely high fuel costs for the Jag, get it. Looks beautyful and just is a great thing to have.

I dont like the Alfa, looks like a chav's car.

I've never driven a car with a Wankel engine, so I dont know how these RX8' go.

[jinnsamys]

bmw m3 ?

[nanyaHgoc]

Jag of course.

[Pedsshuth]

bmw m3 ?

Was going to post in the OP don't recommend me BMW or Merc's as I can't stand them, soz, good option but I really think the M3 is one of the most overrated cars ever made. The interior is frankly terrible (not sure about new V6 one)... they sound rubbish like a pile of peas ina tin can, build quality I'm afraid isn't what everyone nags on about with German cars... just no no no ;-) cheers for option though fella [thumbup]

[djmassk]

What about an Audi A4? Surely you can pick up a nice 2nd hand one.

The XKR isn't exactly family orientated imo.

[farmarrl]

LoL, an M3 has definately better craftsmanship than that Jag. [rolleyes]

[nanyaHgoc]

LoL, an M3 has definately better craftsmanship than that Jag. [rolleyes]

Not sure about that one.

[nasdfrdg]

Where do you get an XKR for £7.5->10K [surrender]

Never thought they would be that cheap, wonderful cars.




One thing for you to consider.. Subarus? A few of those will be in your price range, still reasonably quick, good handling, very reliable & much more family orientated than any of the three you mentioned.

[Pedsshuth]

LoL, an M3 has definately better craftsmanship than that Jag. [rolleyes]

Well my mates had nothing but problems with his... and show me an interior that look remotely nice at all!!! You won't find a BMW with a nice interior from what I can see... the word craftsmanship doesn't come into a German car, what you on about "Serves a purpose" comes into German cars

[Aleksis]

Not sure about that one.

Build quality is not a strong point of modern jags, afaik ones of that era are made by Ford.

I'll be honest i dont like any of them.

[bunkalapa]

Non if you gonna have a baby i would want a 4 door.

[farmarrl]

Well my mates had nothing but problems with his... and show me an interior that look remotely nice at all!!! You won't find a BMW with a nice interior from what I can see... the word craftsmanship doesn't come into a German car, what you on about "Serves a purpose" comes into German cars

Whether you like an interiour design simply comes down to personal preference, it has nothing to do with the quality. Dont know what you mean with "craftsmanship doesnt come into a German car", I guess I dont understand that british slang. But what I meant is how well an interiour is built, what materials are being used, how edges fit into each other, texture, longevity of seats and surfaces... very few car manufactorers can match BMW, Audi or Mercedes in that.

Anyway, the Jag wins hands down out of those three, no competition here.

[ovenco]

Was going to post in the OP don't recommend me BMW or Merc's as I can't stand them, soz, good option but I really think the M3 is one of the most overrated cars ever made. The interior is frankly terrible (not sure about new V6 one)... they sound rubbish like a pile of peas ina tin can, build quality I'm afraid isn't what everyone nags on about with German cars... just no no no ;-) cheers for option though fella [thumbup]

You mean the new V8 M3? Sorry that German cars are out of the question, those were my only real recommendations. Why are all of the cars you are looking at coupes? Does your wife have a 4-door?

Peas in a tin can? I really couldn't disagree with you more but I respect your opinion.

[AnypecekceS]

Non if you gonna have a baby i would want a 4 door.

Same.

"Family orientated car"? I Ioled when I then saw the pics. I really thought you were having a joke.

[mr.calisto]

RX-8 for family? I don't think so. For picking up chicks? Hell Yes?

[avdddcxnelkaxz]

You should test drive that RX, yes it's underpowered compared to the others, yes the Wankel doesn't get the best fuel economy for the power it provides. but it has a back seat just large enough to last you a few years, and well just trust me it deserves a test drive.

Other than that I will parrot what someone else suggested which is that an Audi might be a good choice, their interiors are sweet, they have real back seats, and the 2.0t while not insanely fast should get you good economy, The version coming out in the new A5 is sweet 208 hp 253 ft lbs, a claimed 36 mpg mixed cycle, and an expected 0~60 in the 6's. I would think about it for my next car but it's likely going to be expensive stateside where I am.

[Olphander]

Same.

"Family orientated car"? I Ioled when I then saw the pics. I really thought you were having a joke.

so did i, this thread is insane.

from that choice id say they're all floored in at least one way.....

wankel engine must be a bitch to run, jag has 2 doors and the alfa, although cheap, will probably drop to bits.