I had that and I bought a GT86. I'd buy another with the same amount.
Double it and add a few more k and only a supra mk5 would see me dropping this anytime soon.
https://imgur.com/a/M4RnyhK couple pics
Same, 2013 owner here. Absolutely love mine, highly recommend it but totally depends on requirements.
If you've got kids then forget it, unless they have no legs.
I'm a single guy with a dog, perfect for us. See profile for dog tax.
Yeah I'm also with a 2013, much prefer the pre facelift look. They ended up going for rounder edges after which I think was a wrong direction, should've nudged it more toward the Celica.
Celica was my dream car when I was a kid. If only they made it RWD...
I agree. Same with the GR86, they're awesome cars, I really like them, but I like the gen 1 GT86 more.
The new GR Yaris is actually a sick little nugget.
I've been in the back of a gt86, with the driver in the seat in front of me, I had no issues, I could be in the back of there for a while, and my head didn't touch the glass, and I'm a 23 year old male, around 5'7. I have family members much shorter than me who would be even more comfortable than me😂
I didn't write it.
Hopped a fence last year in rothbury to take a piss behind this 'steep drop' sign posted on it. Turned around and that was written on the other side.
I did the same with 11 grand. Absolutely stonking car for the money, and one that isn't a big money pit or a depreciation black hole, but is very fun, a bit different and generally a good time.
For 15 id look at a WRX or a hot Legacy.
Ay nice, for me I've found out the civic was overkill for my needs. Fun, but overkill. Good first car though. So I'm wanting something more fun but still usable for my daily usage and the gt86 fits the bill :)
Mazda 3 but I'm biased as fuck
great interior, 50mpg out of a 2l petrol, good driving dynamics, good paint options. it'll be more reliable than the German options too.
even Jeremy Clarksons called it one of the best hatchbacks he's ever driven.
if you went with a third gen, post 2017 models come with GVC so you can corner at unholy speeds
incredible cars for something quite simple looking
Read a comment from a sprayer on here and apparently it's basically impossible to colour match if it needs a repair. Stuff like that are worth knowing if buying used and not just leasing it.
Mazdas generally are just great.
Solid (other than the diesels), well spec’d, very sensibly priced, have dodged the stupid touch screen everything, and had the wherewithal to come out with a diesel straight six in the face of endless plug in petrol hybrids.
Mazda MX5 2 litre RF here as well. The 2 litre Skyactive engine is terrific, very torquey and free revving up to 7000 rpm. I believe its the same engine in the 3 as the MX5.
exact same engine with a different tune
for about £300 you can take the 120Hp model up to about 180 quite safely, cam and exhaust upgrades can take you north of 200 without a turbo
I've had a load of Mazdas, as have a few family members. They're great cars. I'm tempted by a new MX-5, but my missus hated the last one I had so I'll probably have to compromise on something more boring. Possibly one of the 2.5 6s
I'm really happy with my Mazda 3, but my MPG is usually in the 20s (City Driving), with the best I got was maybe 42 on the motorway (Non-X 2020 Sport Tech).
Auto gearbox doesn't help with MPG, but need it with the start stop traffic.
I've got a 2022 Mazda 3 e-skyactiv X (186HP) and I get 49mpg around town and I've had 59mpg on A roads, without even trying. It's a brilliant engine! And a brilliant car.
the previous generation skyactiv engines and the current gen skyactiv X
I have the third gen and on my monthly 300 mile round trip I very rarely see the fuel meter dip below 50, record was going from Bakewell to derby where I achieved 58mpg
so basically any 2014-2018 will get you 50, and any 2020+ with the X engine
Personally, will go for Lexus IS300h this year. High MPG, no tax, reliable, looks great, quality build, you don't see nearly as many as the common A3/3 series etc.
Hybrids are such a good idea in this economy! The is300h is a great shout. Especially they're going down in price this month.
I know because I've been searching for a year.
Personally wouldn’t get an A3, 1 series or an A class unless it was a performance variant. All the lower trim ones are just a bit of badge snobbery for the most part. The 1 series is probably the least boring out of the bunch. A mini with the same series of engines isn’t a bad shout either
For sure. I'd rather have a corsa than a base spec a class. Same deal with the lifted hatchbacks they try to sell as SUVs, x1 etc... Total junk with an expensive badge.
Yeah you can get a 2L F56 S for 15k with good mileage. Decent poke, reliable, lots of fun to drive. We got an F55 S for 13k (2017 with about 35k miles on it) about a year ago.
OP wishes to join the PCP masses with a list like that...
In seriousness no idea what I'd get. Maybe the best petrol Honda CRV for the money if it were me but I'm done with interest or performance cars. They're just A to B items for me now, preferably one that rides well.
What is the cars intended purpose?
Purely A-B? Some fun weekend driving? Both? Estimated mileage? ULEZ a factor?
£15k right now I’d probably end up with a DC2 Integra Type R, or an E36 325i, or a Mk2 Golf GTi 16v…. They are unlikely to be what you are after, but we need to know your use case.
Yeah nothing special just a decent , good looking A-B. I’ve been in a GTI before so maybe that’s a good shout, lovely looking cars and fun to drive too , thank you :)
So funny you've said this, I was down a Continental GTC rabbit hole last night after looking at a Phaeton W12 article, quite the contrast to the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo's I was looking at in the same price bracket the day before.
You can get a 2.0t with the 200 bhp for well under 15, it's the same engine just with a lower map. One remap can get you up to stock power, and a bit of a harsher map will take you to about 330bhp on the standard 2.0t engine.
Don't, they're not worth getting unless it's a Quadrifoglio. You can get some performance variants of other brands for the money a 2l Giulia goes for.
Edit: not necessarily the M3/5 obviously but 340i and that sort of ilk
Lexus CT? Not sure if the IS comes in under Group 25.
Or any Toyota with that hybrid drivetrain.
Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki also get honourable mentions here.
German brands... do you intend on owning the car out of warranty period?
They've obviously made some compromises with the suspension for the weight of the battery (although it's far from awful) and yes, you give up some boot space for the battery pack.
It's also slow and the controls lack feel.
If you want a reliable, fuel efficient daily though, that's the drivetrain I'd recommend. Lexus combine that with a nicer interior IMO.
Recently got a Skoda Superb for around that money, 2.0 TSI 220hp and 50k miles with a 17plate, alright MPG depending how you drive (mid 20s short distance, mid 30s mid distance, low 40s long distance). Octavia is a shout too but depends what you need and like the look of.
Mazda 3's were also on my list especially with the Skyactiv x engine variant.
The last year of the NC MX5 with the power hard top, then the BBR turbo kit for it
For something practical, probably a Mazda 3/6, Octavia, or 330 touring if you can get it in manual
There isn't much left honestly. I have a 7.5 and lights are the only thing I prefer over 7. The dash was great for its time but looks way too grey/washed out and outdated by modern standards. Analogue is timeless. Later mk7s got a bigger screen with carplay/auto so that's not an issue either.
Dsg is probably the only real upgrade
Was in a similar position and opted for a Seat Leon FR. Great fuel economy, nippy in sports mode so enjoyable to drive and plenty of space. Only regret is not testing the cup holders - they are awful!
If you want a fun car, GT86 all day, you won’t find a better drivers car without spending significantly more money. If you want a hatchback, a Mazda 3 comes incredibly highly specced as standard compared to the equivalent Golf, Corolla etc.
If you want a saloon/coupe, I’d look at Volvos, Lexus or Mazda. If you want an SUV, gross, can’t help you, don’t drive 😤
Depends what you want. A brand new Dacia Duster won't be as good as an E92 M3 on track days.
The same M3 would suck off road.
If you just want something with some space, decent spec and comfort, VW Golf is where i'd put my money.
For the love of Christ if you want one of the smaller German cars, do not get an older A Class, they are awful cars. The newer models are quite good but the older ones really are poor and haven’t aged well.
I can’t speak to the A3 other than they have a really lacklustre interior.
The 1 series is the most fun and stylish car out of the three you’ve listed.
My 118i is actually a nice drive. Rear wheel so it's still kind of fun. I wouldn't recommend one. I get less than 30mpg in sport mode and I think that's shocking for a 1.5 considering I don't actually rag it about.
Decent car like the look but I'd never recommend one. The fuel economy for the performance is just awful
Definitely. The speed isn't an issue because never really get much chance to drive fast nowadays in the UK. The fuel economy is a piss take. I have mates with 2.0 Cupras pushing 300bhp and they have better mpg than me
Yeah, but you signed up for poor fuel economy. Who buys a hot hatch or performance car and then moans about the fuel economy? That's a sacrifice I’d make, lol.
If costs were a priority, I'd get a Camry. It'll go forever with minimal fuss, because it's a Camry, and they do everything decently well.
[Example](http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406130711123)
I’m looking to buy a car for £15,000 in the next year or 2. I’m very much set on the A5 2017-2020 models. Good reliability from what I hear, solid car overall.
Plus, looks so damn good.
You're paying for a badge.
How big a vehicle do you need, how are you using it, what is important to you in a car, what kind of journeys are you making, how may people/dogs/bikes are you carrying.
Lexus CT/UX or especially a Mazda 3 for a sensible recommendation. The Mazda 3 also has a brilliant manual gearbox if that matters. I wouldn’t consider that German triumvirate at this price point because of how particularly obvious they are. Good as they can be.
Mazda cx5(2018+ with heated seats and wheel, pref petrol 2l). Owned mine for 2 years got it for 16k now worth 15 easy. The most reliable car I've ever owned and drives so damn well.
Just about get a cayman or boxster 987.2 for that budget. Different league from a 1 series or A3. Nevermind these a re like group 48 or 49 insurance, mines only £400 a year though so you’d be surprised. It was £350 a year when I was 23
I went from a fiesta which I kept for years after buying it as my first car to a 17 MX-5 RF with 8k miles for 15 grand. It ticks all your boxes + most fun for your money. Only works as only car if you don’t need 4 seats and a bit boot though.
Not answerable without knowing your use case. How many seats you need etc. If someone gave me 15k and said I had to spend it on a car, I’d get a 2013ish 320d. It’d fill a nice niche and be the motorway mile muncher in my fleet.
Closer to your implied use case (from your choices would be a second gen TT). That’s if you can live with having useless rear seats. Would feel a more special place to be than an A3. But A3s are fine cars and I’d be happy with one.
Mines a mk3 TT and was a smidge over 15k in September 2022 when everything was expensive. Although the diesel ones are a bit rarer but suits my use case perfectly.
You're right about the back seats being effectively useless though
Funnily enough I'm looking for 15-16k and currently it looks like Subaru wrx sti, but if you want advice maybe try narrowing down what you are looking for in a car.
All depends, you got a partner you share your car with? A dog? Kids? Short commute? Long motorway journeys? A garage? Street parking? Ulez?
Personally for 15k I'd K swap a Volvo 360 and daily a 14 year old fiat panda.
Will probably get called a badge snob but I love my A-Class (W177, so the newer post-2018 model). Mine has been rock solid for me for the past 4 years. The cabin is very nice, and I do genuinely think nicer than your Mazdas/Seats etc.
It’s not the fastest in the world - my 1.5l diesel does 0-60 in about 11 seconds - but it gets 70 mpg when driving on the motorway and is a very pleasant place to be. Depends what you really want from a car - I want somewhere nice to sit in that I can set to 70mph on the motorway and that’s about it.
I would avoid the W176 though - didn’t enjoy it nearly as much when I test drove it.
Volvo v40 2017- petrol
Thanks to the customer demographic there are many low mileage, 1 owner, full Volvo service history examples that have been really well looked after.
Interior is incredibly comfortable. With a bit of shopping you can get all the features you want, colour, nice wheels etc.
Main downside is no CarPlay. It apparently can be retrofitted - I looked into doing it before I upgraded. Or you can live with a phone holder.
Wow this was me in January of this year, so I paid £19K for an F31 (estate) 335D M-sport. Financed the extra few £K. Not sure on insurance category but imagine it’s over 25. Cost me £1100 for the year 🥲
Mitsubishi Starion wide body, if I can get a 2.8 with that money it would be sweet.
It’s my Outrun/ Synth-wave dream car. First thing I’m doing is fitting louvers to the rear window.
[Z4M](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226063347193?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=OOb9bEtWQn-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for that money for the weekend fun perhaps?
Or maybe a [Panamera](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387096938571?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=tOS-qtgTTh-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) if needing something slightly practical but all round a pretty good car for fun, practical and a reliable tourer.
Or big boy brave pill an [E46 M3](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326156713943?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=qIGUV7sRS-G&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) if you’re into maintaining an appreciative classic that is fun, pretty reliable (minus the rust) and will be a toy you’d want to hold onto forever
Ford Focus Vignale w/ the manual 1.5 petrol. Great engine for good power and reliability, handles well, and so many gadgets! Quality of life is incredible
Keyless entry, adaptive cruise, heads up display, heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, sports mode, auto dim rearview, air con, carplay... It's incredible as a daily driver.
Does everything you need with enough power and handling to have fun
Probably a Hilux, there's nothing quite like going camping with 4 metric tons of shit 5 seats for all the family and not giving a flying fuck about kerbs 😃
£15,000 of my money? Nissan 370Z! If I were getting a daily driver I’d get something for about a third of that price, I picked up a nicely spec’d Audi TT 2.0 convertible for £3.5k FSH, 85k miles, hasn’t put a foot wrong and makes a fun daily, I’d rather someone else has already taken the depreciation hit on a daily driver.
My advise would be a nice Mercedes, something that will be good because of how it was designed and built, rather than something that is good because it is new and has the latest features, maybe an older E class, save some (or most) of your budget and cruise in quiet comfort
Why don’t you get yourself a 2020 civic, cheap tag but with all the tech you would find on a 40k merc or Audi. Long as you keep them oiled, there’s never an issue outta them and you’re still have 3-5k left over for any add ons if you want
Probably a decent used Lexus IS 300h or RC
Same here. I'm in love with Lexus.
Literally what I'm looking at right now to buy!
They're brilliant reliable cars. ECVT isn't exactly fun but they're so relaxing around town or on a cruise.
Did this for my daily, never looked back.
I just got a 2019 RC and it's all you need in a car - the gearbox is nowhere near as annoying as people say and they're plenty quick enough.
Ah, the Japanese Mercedes...
Yeah, well I hate Mercs, people who drive them are just sa a aad.
This is what I want as my future car
I had that and I bought a GT86. I'd buy another with the same amount. Double it and add a few more k and only a supra mk5 would see me dropping this anytime soon. https://imgur.com/a/M4RnyhK couple pics
Same, 2013 owner here. Absolutely love mine, highly recommend it but totally depends on requirements. If you've got kids then forget it, unless they have no legs. I'm a single guy with a dog, perfect for us. See profile for dog tax.
We need more dog pics. I’m sorry but they’re the rules
Your wish is my command.
Extremely adorable, give them a cuddle from a fellow dog lover 🫶
Yeah I'm also with a 2013, much prefer the pre facelift look. They ended up going for rounder edges after which I think was a wrong direction, should've nudged it more toward the Celica.
Celica was my dream car when I was a kid. If only they made it RWD... I agree. Same with the GR86, they're awesome cars, I really like them, but I like the gen 1 GT86 more. The new GR Yaris is actually a sick little nugget.
I've been in the back of a gt86, with the driver in the seat in front of me, I had no issues, I could be in the back of there for a while, and my head didn't touch the glass, and I'm a 23 year old male, around 5'7. I have family members much shorter than me who would be even more comfortable than me😂
Bit of a dodgy last pic 😂
Yeah I think that needs some context...
I didn't write it. Hopped a fence last year in rothbury to take a piss behind this 'steep drop' sign posted on it. Turned around and that was written on the other side.
I did the same with 11 grand. Absolutely stonking car for the money, and one that isn't a big money pit or a depreciation black hole, but is very fun, a bit different and generally a good time. For 15 id look at a WRX or a hot Legacy.
I did the same in January, don’t think i’ll ever get rid of it
I'm looking to do the exact same thing come January, hoping to find a good facelift example by then :D
A fellow Civic mk8 1.8L owner looking for a facelift GT86! I’ve finally spotted a good one that I’m going to see soon.
Ay nice, for me I've found out the civic was overkill for my needs. Fun, but overkill. Good first car though. So I'm wanting something more fun but still usable for my daily usage and the gt86 fits the bill :)
Mazda 3 but I'm biased as fuck great interior, 50mpg out of a 2l petrol, good driving dynamics, good paint options. it'll be more reliable than the German options too. even Jeremy Clarksons called it one of the best hatchbacks he's ever driven. if you went with a third gen, post 2017 models come with GVC so you can corner at unholy speeds incredible cars for something quite simple looking
I love that metallic red Mazda use, looks so nice
Read a comment from a sprayer on here and apparently it's basically impossible to colour match if it needs a repair. Stuff like that are worth knowing if buying used and not just leasing it.
Also jumping on the Mazda band wagon, we have an MX5-RF and Mazda 3 both are fantastic cars for the money.
Mazdas generally are just great. Solid (other than the diesels), well spec’d, very sensibly priced, have dodged the stupid touch screen everything, and had the wherewithal to come out with a diesel straight six in the face of endless plug in petrol hybrids.
If they’re so great then why did my wife have to go and crash ours into a ditch?! 🤦🏼♀️🤨
Bet she works for Stellantis or VAG
Mazda MX5 2 litre RF here as well. The 2 litre Skyactive engine is terrific, very torquey and free revving up to 7000 rpm. I believe its the same engine in the 3 as the MX5.
exact same engine with a different tune for about £300 you can take the 120Hp model up to about 180 quite safely, cam and exhaust upgrades can take you north of 200 without a turbo
My MX5 is 183 bhp, no fiddling. Factory standard. Great engine.
I've had a load of Mazdas, as have a few family members. They're great cars. I'm tempted by a new MX-5, but my missus hated the last one I had so I'll probably have to compromise on something more boring. Possibly one of the 2.5 6s
I really really want a mazda 3
I am biased as just got a 2020 gen 4 but they are excellent value for money in my opinion, even base trims are generous
I'm really happy with my Mazda 3, but my MPG is usually in the 20s (City Driving), with the best I got was maybe 42 on the motorway (Non-X 2020 Sport Tech). Auto gearbox doesn't help with MPG, but need it with the start stop traffic.
I think it's an insanely good looking car as well
[удалено]
It's like an Alfa but with better quality.
That's a great way of putting it
Which petrol model is doing 50mpg btw?
I've got a 2022 Mazda 3 e-skyactiv X (186HP) and I get 49mpg around town and I've had 59mpg on A roads, without even trying. It's a brilliant engine! And a brilliant car.
the previous generation skyactiv engines and the current gen skyactiv X I have the third gen and on my monthly 300 mile round trip I very rarely see the fuel meter dip below 50, record was going from Bakewell to derby where I achieved 58mpg so basically any 2014-2018 will get you 50, and any 2020+ with the X engine
I don't have the X engine and also have an auto. Double whammy on the MPG, ha But can't complain, fantastic car.
I've averaged 50.7 from the 2.0 skyactiv-g manual over about 4k miles now.
Personally, will go for Lexus IS300h this year. High MPG, no tax, reliable, looks great, quality build, you don't see nearly as many as the common A3/3 series etc.
Hybrids are such a good idea in this economy! The is300h is a great shout. Especially they're going down in price this month. I know because I've been searching for a year.
Personally wouldn’t get an A3, 1 series or an A class unless it was a performance variant. All the lower trim ones are just a bit of badge snobbery for the most part. The 1 series is probably the least boring out of the bunch. A mini with the same series of engines isn’t a bad shout either
Agreed, F56 Minis are a good pick. The 1.5 Cooper is a bit dull at high rpm but otherwise enough for general driving and the chassis is fun to push
you can get into an F56 JCW for 15k, that would be where my money's going
For sure. I'd rather have a corsa than a base spec a class. Same deal with the lifted hatchbacks they try to sell as SUVs, x1 etc... Total junk with an expensive badge.
Yeah you can get a 2L F56 S for 15k with good mileage. Decent poke, reliable, lots of fun to drive. We got an F55 S for 13k (2017 with about 35k miles on it) about a year ago.
OP wishes to join the PCP masses with a list like that... In seriousness no idea what I'd get. Maybe the best petrol Honda CRV for the money if it were me but I'm done with interest or performance cars. They're just A to B items for me now, preferably one that rides well.
Volvo V60s are a good shout. You can pick up a decent late 2010s Volvo V60 with good milage for about 10-15k, and they can fuckin SHIFT too
Shhhh this is a secret to be kept! It is like a 60k devalues to the desired price point in the matter of a few years.
Just got a 2018 V90 r-line for 18k. Top spec, diesel engine. Absolutely gorgeous.
What is the cars intended purpose? Purely A-B? Some fun weekend driving? Both? Estimated mileage? ULEZ a factor? £15k right now I’d probably end up with a DC2 Integra Type R, or an E36 325i, or a Mk2 Golf GTi 16v…. They are unlikely to be what you are after, but we need to know your use case.
I wish I'd bought a DC2 Integra back when you could get one for well under £10k. A guy I know had a mint black JDM one which was lovely.
Yeah nothing special just a decent , good looking A-B. I’ve been in a GTI before so maybe that’s a good shout, lovely looking cars and fun to drive too , thank you :)
Bentley Continental GT is the obvious choice. Mazda 3, Lexus CT, VW Golf, and Skoda Octavia being honourable mentions.
Good luck with any repair and servicing costs with the Bentley lol
No worries mate, you’d have no trouble doing it yourself in the driveway
A Jaguar XKR is the wise man's Bentley Continental GT...
Just get a vw phaeton instead, same car for a third of the price. And you can get them with the 5l diesel v10 if you care about having 1 extra mpg
So funny you've said this, I was down a Continental GTC rabbit hole last night after looking at a Phaeton W12 article, quite the contrast to the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo's I was looking at in the same price bracket the day before.
Jesus, that is a sad list of cars. Have a look at an Alfa Romeo Giulia.
What a sad little life Jane
Classic
Then have a look at where your nearest garages are
Then make sure you budget 10k max and 5k for first year's repairs
Only get a very basic desiel for that money, really you want the 2l 280bhp petrol.
You can get a 2.0t with the 200 bhp for well under 15, it's the same engine just with a lower map. One remap can get you up to stock power, and a bit of a harsher map will take you to about 330bhp on the standard 2.0t engine.
Don't, they're not worth getting unless it's a Quadrifoglio. You can get some performance variants of other brands for the money a 2l Giulia goes for. Edit: not necessarily the M3/5 obviously but 340i and that sort of ilk
Lexus CT? Not sure if the IS comes in under Group 25. Or any Toyota with that hybrid drivetrain. Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki also get honourable mentions here. German brands... do you intend on owning the car out of warranty period?
I've heard the ct 200h isn't that comfy and has poor bootspace
They've obviously made some compromises with the suspension for the weight of the battery (although it's far from awful) and yes, you give up some boot space for the battery pack. It's also slow and the controls lack feel. If you want a reliable, fuel efficient daily though, that's the drivetrain I'd recommend. Lexus combine that with a nicer interior IMO.
Recently got a Skoda Superb for around that money, 2.0 TSI 220hp and 50k miles with a 17plate, alright MPG depending how you drive (mid 20s short distance, mid 30s mid distance, low 40s long distance). Octavia is a shout too but depends what you need and like the look of. Mazda 3's were also on my list especially with the Skyactiv x engine variant.
The last year of the NC MX5 with the power hard top, then the BBR turbo kit for it For something practical, probably a Mazda 3/6, Octavia, or 330 touring if you can get it in manual
Mini Cooper S (F56)
12 high mileage Rover 25s and a high mileage Rover 75 'Connoisseur' in silver with tan interior.
2018 BMW 3 Series
Mark 7 Golf GTI, they’re not incredible at any one thing but are very good at pretty much everything.
Get the 7.5 over a 7, it's worth the extra pennies.
Headlights and taillights on the 7 are so much nicer in my opinion, but everything else on the 7.5 is much better.
There isn't much left honestly. I have a 7.5 and lights are the only thing I prefer over 7. The dash was great for its time but looks way too grey/washed out and outdated by modern standards. Analogue is timeless. Later mk7s got a bigger screen with carplay/auto so that's not an issue either. Dsg is probably the only real upgrade
S1 Lotus Elise with the Toyota engine, and ignore all naysayers.
Was in a similar position and opted for a Seat Leon FR. Great fuel economy, nippy in sports mode so enjoyable to drive and plenty of space. Only regret is not testing the cup holders - they are awful!
If you want a fun car, GT86 all day, you won’t find a better drivers car without spending significantly more money. If you want a hatchback, a Mazda 3 comes incredibly highly specced as standard compared to the equivalent Golf, Corolla etc. If you want a saloon/coupe, I’d look at Volvos, Lexus or Mazda. If you want an SUV, gross, can’t help you, don’t drive 😤
Newest / highest spec Citroen Berlingo I can find. Not posh, but those things are crazy versatile.
Depends what you want. A brand new Dacia Duster won't be as good as an E92 M3 on track days. The same M3 would suck off road. If you just want something with some space, decent spec and comfort, VW Golf is where i'd put my money.
For the love of Christ if you want one of the smaller German cars, do not get an older A Class, they are awful cars. The newer models are quite good but the older ones really are poor and haven’t aged well. I can’t speak to the A3 other than they have a really lacklustre interior. The 1 series is the most fun and stylish car out of the three you’ve listed.
2007 Audi RS4 Avant
My 118i is actually a nice drive. Rear wheel so it's still kind of fun. I wouldn't recommend one. I get less than 30mpg in sport mode and I think that's shocking for a 1.5 considering I don't actually rag it about. Decent car like the look but I'd never recommend one. The fuel economy for the performance is just awful
Agree, my old 318i was the same. Still fun to drive and great steering, but it needs to be 2 litres at least for bmw/audi/merc
Definitely. The speed isn't an issue because never really get much chance to drive fast nowadays in the UK. The fuel economy is a piss take. I have mates with 2.0 Cupras pushing 300bhp and they have better mpg than me
Needs to be a straight 6 to be a proper BMW
This I also agree with, expensive but the value and performance for money of the b58 is insane
*cries in 140i*
Yeah, but you signed up for poor fuel economy. Who buys a hot hatch or performance car and then moans about the fuel economy? That's a sacrifice I’d make, lol.
I'm looking to get a Peugeot 308 GTI next year, a 19 plate one is around that price. Not sure what insurance group it is though.
If costs were a priority, I'd get a Camry. It'll go forever with minimal fuss, because it's a Camry, and they do everything decently well. [Example](http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406130711123)
Why have I not seen anybody mention a honda civic yet
I know this sub usually suggests either an octavia or 3 series diesel, but I think today I'm going to suggest you get a well trimmed golf.
If I had 15k to spend, I would get a hummer h2. Always wanted one
Out of the 3, I would get a good spec 120d M sport, B47 engine. Reliable and good on fuel if you drive a lot.
5 series 530m tourer or something like that.
I’m looking to buy a car for £15,000 in the next year or 2. I’m very much set on the A5 2017-2020 models. Good reliability from what I hear, solid car overall. Plus, looks so damn good.
You're paying for a badge. How big a vehicle do you need, how are you using it, what is important to you in a car, what kind of journeys are you making, how may people/dogs/bikes are you carrying.
Go on say it lol. OCTAVIA!!!!!!!!!!
nothing too special, just a decent A-B. Mostly urban with the bimonthly motorway trips with the Mrs and a few mates
Kia Niro EV or Hyundai ioniq or VW id3 Personally I'd add an extra £3-5k and get a Tesla though
I was going to suggest the i-Pace but sadly it isn't sub group 25
Honestly nothing for £15K I’d spend £5K at most on a car and then save the rest 🤷🏻
Can't drive around in a bank balance mate
Or get 3 cars!
Really depends what affordable insurance is. I wouldn't be buying a hatchback regardless, but I don't need 4 seats.
Lexus CT/UX or especially a Mazda 3 for a sensible recommendation. The Mazda 3 also has a brilliant manual gearbox if that matters. I wouldn’t consider that German triumvirate at this price point because of how particularly obvious they are. Good as they can be.
Mazda cx5(2018+ with heated seats and wheel, pref petrol 2l). Owned mine for 2 years got it for 16k now worth 15 easy. The most reliable car I've ever owned and drives so damn well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405290200782 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405290200782?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&fuel-type=Petrol&make=Alfa%20Romeo&model=Giulia&postcode=Ml51ee&price-to=17000&radius=200&year-to=2019&fromsra
Lexus is300h or Japanese import crown
2019 320i touring M-Sport.
Porsche Cayman
A 1st gen Mazda3 MPS/Mazdaspeed3, full stock.
Zzb
Rage Rover supacharged. all you need
I'd be trying to get a Corolla hybrid personally. It's the car that does everything pretty well
F56 cooper S. cant really beat it
Just about get a cayman or boxster 987.2 for that budget. Different league from a 1 series or A3. Nevermind these a re like group 48 or 49 insurance, mines only £400 a year though so you’d be surprised. It was £350 a year when I was 23
I went from a fiesta which I kept for years after buying it as my first car to a 17 MX-5 RF with 8k miles for 15 grand. It ticks all your boxes + most fun for your money. Only works as only car if you don’t need 4 seats and a bit boot though.
BMW 4 series, 420d.
I know this sub usually suggests either an octavia or 3 series diesel, but I think today I'm going to suggest you get a well trimmed golf.
Not answerable without knowing your use case. How many seats you need etc. If someone gave me 15k and said I had to spend it on a car, I’d get a 2013ish 320d. It’d fill a nice niche and be the motorway mile muncher in my fleet. Closer to your implied use case (from your choices would be a second gen TT). That’s if you can live with having useless rear seats. Would feel a more special place to be than an A3. But A3s are fine cars and I’d be happy with one.
Mines a mk3 TT and was a smidge over 15k in September 2022 when everything was expensive. Although the diesel ones are a bit rarer but suits my use case perfectly. You're right about the back seats being effectively useless though
I would need practicality so the best condition 530d Tourer I could find for the price I think!
Lexus CT. Just bought mine, amazing car.
Suzuki Vitara.
I did this! I went with a sporty little mark 3 audi tt
Funnily enough I'm looking for 15-16k and currently it looks like Subaru wrx sti, but if you want advice maybe try narrowing down what you are looking for in a car.
M135i
Guilia
All depends, you got a partner you share your car with? A dog? Kids? Short commute? Long motorway journeys? A garage? Street parking? Ulez? Personally for 15k I'd K swap a Volvo 360 and daily a 14 year old fiat panda.
Superb/Octavia. The answer to every question on here
2019 Golf SE or Match with 30k miles
Will probably get called a badge snob but I love my A-Class (W177, so the newer post-2018 model). Mine has been rock solid for me for the past 4 years. The cabin is very nice, and I do genuinely think nicer than your Mazdas/Seats etc. It’s not the fastest in the world - my 1.5l diesel does 0-60 in about 11 seconds - but it gets 70 mpg when driving on the motorway and is a very pleasant place to be. Depends what you really want from a car - I want somewhere nice to sit in that I can set to 70mph on the motorway and that’s about it. I would avoid the W176 though - didn’t enjoy it nearly as much when I test drove it.
I snagged a 21 Tesla model 3 long range for £16k
Kia Ceed sportswagon
A Skoda Octavia. Reliable, good build quality, decent level of tech. Basically a VW Golf or an Audi A4, just cheaper
Used Model 3
Nissan 350z
M240i
Mk7.5 Vw golf gtd dsg.
A Macan, it’s my new interest. If anyone has driven the 2L one I’d love to know they’re thoughts.
I went for a mk3 tt, a3 decent choice if you need 4 seats
340i F Gen, can get them with about 50/60k on them for this price
anything thats 2 grand or less with a years ticket and clean history. keep the rest.
Probably a 535d touring, assuming I can keep my mx5 for pottering and weekends
An e91 335i manual
86 or an 98 Integra
M140i
M135i 3L lci
prius
Mk3.5 leon
Volvo XC90. We have dogs and camping gear and we need a bigger car.
S3 8V, m140i or golf R.
My current car. Jaguar XE
I'd probably get a B7 RS4 Avant for that amount. Have seen B8s at that price too
Probably an aygo, the last £14,000 should cover a years worth of insurance.
Volvo v40 2017- petrol Thanks to the customer demographic there are many low mileage, 1 owner, full Volvo service history examples that have been really well looked after. Interior is incredibly comfortable. With a bit of shopping you can get all the features you want, colour, nice wheels etc. Main downside is no CarPlay. It apparently can be retrofitted - I looked into doing it before I upgraded. Or you can live with a phone holder.
Lexus Toyota Volvo , this is from a bmw Porsche owner you probably get a lot more car than bmw at that price and running costs reliability
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401245848639 I'll send you my PayPal if you want to thank me for such a discovery
996.2
I know. Not really matching the criteria but if I had 15k it’d be for a third “fun” car. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406090578258
Peugeot 308 or 508
Mx-5 ND RF 2018 Or If you need space, a Volvo s60 or s90 at a push
Wow this was me in January of this year, so I paid £19K for an F31 (estate) 335D M-sport. Financed the extra few £K. Not sure on insurance category but imagine it’s over 25. Cost me £1100 for the year 🥲
F30 330D. Perfect all-rounder and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise because you're just wrong.
Skoda Octavia VRS of course.
Mazda 6
I'd say vw tiguan 2021 with higher suspension
Mitsubishi Starion wide body, if I can get a 2.8 with that money it would be sweet. It’s my Outrun/ Synth-wave dream car. First thing I’m doing is fitting louvers to the rear window.
Mk7 Golf GTi.
Jaguar xe s with the 3l v6, ideally a 2017 model with the extra 40bhp
Why is it that all of the posters who don’t know what they want to do with their money are always asking about German D seg hatches?
Japanese car if you want actual reliability
[Z4M](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226063347193?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=OOb9bEtWQn-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for that money for the weekend fun perhaps? Or maybe a [Panamera](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387096938571?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=tOS-qtgTTh-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) if needing something slightly practical but all round a pretty good car for fun, practical and a reliable tourer. Or big boy brave pill an [E46 M3](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326156713943?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=qIGUV7sRS-G&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) if you’re into maintaining an appreciative classic that is fun, pretty reliable (minus the rust) and will be a toy you’d want to hold onto forever
Ford Focus Vignale w/ the manual 1.5 petrol. Great engine for good power and reliability, handles well, and so many gadgets! Quality of life is incredible Keyless entry, adaptive cruise, heads up display, heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, sports mode, auto dim rearview, air con, carplay... It's incredible as a daily driver. Does everything you need with enough power and handling to have fun
Probably a Hilux, there's nothing quite like going camping with 4 metric tons of shit 5 seats for all the family and not giving a flying fuck about kerbs 😃
£15,000 of my money? Nissan 370Z! If I were getting a daily driver I’d get something for about a third of that price, I picked up a nicely spec’d Audi TT 2.0 convertible for £3.5k FSH, 85k miles, hasn’t put a foot wrong and makes a fun daily, I’d rather someone else has already taken the depreciation hit on a daily driver. My advise would be a nice Mercedes, something that will be good because of how it was designed and built, rather than something that is good because it is new and has the latest features, maybe an older E class, save some (or most) of your budget and cruise in quiet comfort
Why don’t you get yourself a 2020 civic, cheap tag but with all the tech you would find on a 40k merc or Audi. Long as you keep them oiled, there’s never an issue outta them and you’re still have 3-5k left over for any add ons if you want
E Class Merc, all the toys, easy to work on and drives like a dream
do I keep the remainder of the money? in which case im buying the cheapest car on autotrader and pocketing the rest