Help please from petrol heads.
At the moment I'm driving an old BMW which my dad gave me. He wants the car back because he likes driving it and he wants another vehichle with 4 seats as well as his current 2 seater sports car.

He said he'll get me another second hand car to drive instead. I quite like the idea of a new mini or a beetle. I need something that is suitable for the way I drive. The BMW was perfect as the pedals were stiff and I am quite heavy footed.

What shall I get?
( girlinthehole, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:15, 37 replies, latest was 17 years ago)

If you're used to
a BMW 325i (I think you said it was that model once), then a Beetle will feel as slow as a week in jail. You'd be better off with a Golf. Same mechanicals, lighter body and more space.

Or another BMW...
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:20, Reply)

Pedals = stiff is nothing to do with the make of car. You can get any old heap of shit, or top end cock-on-wheels, and make the pedals stiff.

You need to think about what you need a car for, how you will treat it, and most importantly: what your price point is.
( enoughblueskyforsailorstrousers, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:21, Reply)

There are some reasonably fast Beetles K2
The 1800 turbo is good (especially with a few tweaks to bring it more into line with the way its set up in the TT etc), I'd steer clear of the VR5 though as they're horrendously unreliable.

Depends what you mean by 'old' BMW though.

Minis are quick if you get a Cooper (or preferably a Cooper S, or even more preferably a John Cooper Works), but they're pretty small. And front wheel drive.

Another second hand Bimmer it is then!
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:27, Reply)

New Beetle won't be too slow if you get the V5 version
but I still wouldn't do it.

I've got a W reg Seat Toledo. comfortable, solid, cheap, economical, reasonably quick and most importantly has solid mechanicals and a leather steering wheel.

the diesel ones are really economical and the quick petrol ones are reasonably quick
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:28, Reply)

@k2k6
I like the idea of a Golf. My mate had one for years and loved it. I'm not too bothered about speed but it was nice to zoom down the motorway in the BMW.

I'm not after anything flash and only drove the BMW because it was given to me.
( girlinthehole, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:29, Reply)

A Toledo is basically a Passat, they're quality motors
The VR5 is definitely the quickest Beetle but they do become a money pit. Don't think they even make them any more cos they were so unreliable.

If you want a Golf I'd go for a GT TDI, they're good fun for a small car :D

Edit: @ K2, I've never liked that 2.0 petrol block, in a Passat or an A4 or any of the VWAG cars it's been used in, does feel very sluggish. The fastest Beetle is a toss up between the 1.8T and the V5, I reckon the V5 probably has the edge unmodded, but I wouldn't have one for reasons stated above.
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:32, Reply)

I was thinking
of the standard 2.0l petrol Beetle. My mate's wife had one and she found it pretty sluggish. The turbo one will be quite quick, I admit.

I've been driving my sister's old Golf 1.9TDi 130 recently, and it goes like shit off a shovel. I've also been averaging over 52mpg with it...
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:32, Reply)

@ K2
That is a mk 4 GT TDI isn't it? Or is it just badged TDI with all red letters?

My mum has a mk5 GT TDI, think that's 2.0 170PS.

I fucking love those VW diesel engines!
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:35, Reply)

A Golf is a good bet
After years of being dull, they're suddenly cool again. The MkV and MkVI Golfs are good to drive and in diseasel form are quick and frugal.

Golfs are classless cars, a bit like Minis and old Mercs. Anybody can own one without making a negative statement.

[edit] There is also the 1.4 litre Golf GT which is very, very quick - something like 170bhp.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:36, Reply)

Yeah
The mk3 was the low point imo. Its only saving grace was the VR6 block, although that was ludicrously heavy to be putting in a Golf.

I had a mk1 GTI ragtop in my younger more boy racerish days, although it ended up wrapped round a tree as so many of them did.
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:38, Reply)

my Toledo's got the 110bhp VW diesel
fucking great

was averaging 65mpg over about 70 miles doing about 50-60 with 2 surfboards on the roof
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:38, Reply)

@Username1
It's the Mk IV, but with a red D and i. The one with all the red letters was 150bhp.

My sis also has a MkV GT TDi 2.0l. I don't like driving it so much, although it does handle better. It's nothing like as economical either.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:41, Reply)

@ PJM
They claim 170PS for that 1.4TSI, but fuck me it's got more turbo lag than anything I've driven since a Renault 19!

I got an A6 Avant TDI in the end cos I wanted something practically sized, being an old man is boring :(

(it is the 170PS Quattro Sport one though, so all fun is not lost)
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:42, Reply)

Ahhh... Turbo lag
My old chap had a 1989 Saab 9000 with a Mitsubishi blower on it - one of only six made apparently and good for 206bhp (a lot for 1989).

I remember driving it once and thinking "This thing isn't that quick. That 2 litre Granada is quicker tha..... Whoa!"

Fucking thing went like the Millenium Falcon once it was stoked up.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:45, Reply)

Take a MINI for a spin
and you will fall in love.

I have one (Cooper S Convertible) and it rocks. Holds the road like nothing else you'll drive. Nippy, and most importantly, fun, fun, fun.

I've driven a new Beetle and they're crap.

MINIs also have high residuals.

But take one for a spin - I think you'll be converted.
( I_Was_Mordred, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:53, Reply)

@ I was Modred.
Are you talking about the new Minis.

I'm big and tall so need space.

Also what is high residuals?
( girlinthehole, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:57, Reply)

If you think a Mini 'holds the road like nothing else'
you haven't driven much!

They're good, but not THAT good. And they're massively overpriced...

Edit: @ bgb, yeah he is talking about the new (BMW) ones. High residuals means good resale value, but they are pretty expensive to buy in the first place.

And I'm slightly under 6'7" and I can drive one, so you should be fine, I'm assuming you're not freakishly tall. In fact I can drive a proper Mini, although it is a fairly comic sight.
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 9:58, Reply)

Yes, I'm talking about the new MINIs
and as I'm 6'2" there's no problem in headroom etc. And yes, residuals mean it keeps more of its value than many other cars do.

In response to username1 - of course, there are better cars out there. But there is a reason the cars are so popular, and it's a lot more than branding.

I took my car on a track day last year. Very few cars could beat me through the chicanes - a Porsche and an Audi actually span off trying to catch me !

And I'm in my (early) 40s so have driven quite a few cars in my time...

At the end of the day, it's all a very personal decision and there is no right / wrong answer. That's why I said BGB needs to take one for a spin, and do the same with a Beetle.
( I_Was_Mordred, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:06, Reply)

Thanks everyone for your help.
I will definitely test drive the vehicle before I buy it. I've only been driving 6 years and feeling comfortable driving something is very important to me.
( girlinthehole, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:15, Reply)

most important points here
don't buy a vauxhall and don't buy anything french.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:25, Reply)

One other point
Or Italian. For the love of christ don't buy Italian.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:26, Reply)

Actually
Astras aren't half bad. But Vipros is right about French cars.

I've learned from my mistakes...

The hard way.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:26, Reply)

they might be ok to drive
but I hate plasticy cars that feel all flimsy and stuff.

I've mad a conscious decision to never buy a car that doesn't have a leather steering wheel.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:30, Reply)

Renault Lagunas
Have leather steering wheels...

It's not necessarily a mark of quality!
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:32, Reply)

Mini!
BMW engine. *is fan*
( cackers, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:41, Reply)

ah, but they are also french
the criteria all have to be met.

no vauxhalls
nothing french
no fords (nice enough to drive, but other parts of them piss me off) (unless it is the old GT40)
leather steering wheel
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:43, Reply)

@ cackers
They're not BMW engines though!

The mk1 'new Mini' was a Chrysler/Rover designed engine (the same engine as a PT Cruiser), the mk2 has an engine developed jointly by BMW & PSA (so it's at least 50% French; it's used in the Peugeot 207 & Citroen C4)

The only other Bimmer with a 4 pot engine is the 1 series, and it's a totally different block.

The new Mini is owned by BMW, and is priced at BMW levels, but doesn't share many components if any at all.

@ Vipros - that is a good list!
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:50, Reply)

Give me...
Something which can carry my mountain bikes and doesn't have a drink problem.

Some useless one eyed twat has put fuel duty up again...
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:50, Reply)

I assume you mean carry mountain bikes inside?
(since you can put a rack on everything)

I drive a 2000 A6 estate, it's pretty powerful (V6 TDI 170PS), 4WD and has all the gadgets. Stupidly high mileage but full service history, and it only cost me £2.7k. Pretty hard to get it below 40mpg even driving like a prick.

Fancy joining the ranks of sensible family man car drivers? :P
(username1, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 10:55, Reply)

Well so far my dad likes the idea of a Mini.
We'll see what happens.
( girlinthehole, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 11:11, Reply)

*giggles*
You said STIFF ;o)
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 11:38, Reply)

I am learning on a Skoda Fabia
I've never driven anything else in my life.

Seems O.K.....

Hate driving though. Everyone goes too fast and is hellbent on destroying me.

/groundbreaking contribution
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 12:00, Reply)

Fabia's aren't actually too bad
being essentially VW's

most cars that size from other manufacturers (notably the french and italians) are fucking shit.

I had a Fiat Punto 1.4 Sport as a hire car for a few days. most woefully underpowered thing ever
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 12:02, Reply)

Don't know if it still does
but Microsoft's spellchecker used to suggest alternatives for Skoda's Fabia and Felicia models:

Labia and fellatio.

Always made me smile.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 12:03, Reply)

The Fiat Punto and Vauxhall Corsa...
...are exactly the same cars underneath the bodywork.

Seeing as both Fiat and GM engineers were working on the same project, they must have called it by a singular name.

Was it Porsa?

Or Cunto?
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 17 Apr 2009, 12:23, Reply)

You want
a nice sensible *cough* Volvo like mine.
( rubberduck should only be used after consulting with your GP, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 12:36, Reply)

I was...
Waiting for someone to say volvo - I love them Volvo's - last year got rid of a late 460 1.9 tdi - it was nicely grunty without any showing off, felt nice and solid and firm on the road. I am without car right now, but looking at the sport v40 diesel - ooor - I hate to say this, contemplating the 3 door Golf GT 2.0 TDI - the ex had one - and although she drove like a spoon, it was economical and felt strong and sure.
(feedingtimeatthezoo day 1 of his bikini diet started, Fri 17 Apr 2009, 13:05, Reply)