The General Car Thread.

[Auzkhia]

That happened to me when I was in Germany.

It's some rockabilly song called "Rock this town", which is the anthem of American Boomer Classic Car Culture.

I'm more into guitar-driven rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Joe Walsh, Black Sabbath, Billy Squier, Jimi Hendrix) and 70s coupes (Z-Cars, F-Bodies, Monte Carlo, Eldorado, XJS, Corvette).

Malaise classic cars are vastly more interesting than boomer (Late 40s/1950s/early 60s) cars. American Millennial classic car culture features cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Such as the Buick Regal Grand National, Toyota MR2, Mazda Miata MX5 NA and NB, Mazda RX-7 FD, Honda Civic EF, Volkswagen Corrado, Toyota Supra Mark IV, SN95 Mustangs, BMW E30, BMW E36, Nissan 240sx, Mercedes 190e, and Taurus SHO. I like some of those examples.

[Petrolheadia]

I'm more into guitar-driven rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Joe Walsh, Black Sabbath, Billy Squier, Jimi Hendrix) and 70s coupes (Z-Cars, F-Bodies, Monte Carlo, Eldorado, XJS, Corvette).

Malaise classic cars are vastly more interesting than boomer (Late 40s/1950s/early 60s) cars. American Millennial classic car culture features cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Such as the Buick Regal Grand National, Toyota MR2, Mazda Miata MX5 NA and NB, Mazda RX-7 FD, Honda Civic EF, Volkswagen Corrado, Toyota Supra Mark IV, SN95 Mustangs, BMW E30, BMW E36, Nissan 240sx, Mercedes 190e, and Taurus SHO. I like some of those examples.

Nice performance bargains.

Apart from the Supra. Supra pricing sucks.

[The Two Jerseys]

Small, basic cars are the only things pink looks decent on.

u wot m8

Elvis approves.

[Auzkhia]

Malaise classic cars are vastly more interesting than boomer (Late 40s/1950s/early 60s) cars. American Millennial classic car culture features cars from the 1980s and 1990s. Such as the Buick Regal Grand National, Toyota MR2, Mazda Miata MX5 NA and NB, Mazda RX-7 FD, Honda Civic EF, Volkswagen Corrado, Toyota Supra Mark IV, SN95 Mustangs, BMW E30, BMW E36, Nissan 240sx, Mercedes 190e, and Taurus SHO. I like some of those examples.

Nice performance bargains.

Apart from the Supra. Supra pricing sucks.

It already has a classic premium price. 240s and S13s, have gone up in value. I think E30s are going up now, but very recently.

Speaking of that, 335hp is enough for the new Supra, it's lighter and the MKIV only made 220hp. Perhaps it's just the base version, but there are Supra fanboys whinging because they believed that the MKIV was a 500hp supercar destroyer.

[NeoOasis]

1. and 2nd paragraph of 3. are useless to me. Not in Japan, not going there.

2. and 3. Both in the US (e.g. Florida has some quick highways) and in Europe you're going 70-90 MPH.
Recently was on a trip in a 90 HP Corolla on a 140 KPH (87 MPH) highway, and it had not enough power.

Plus, I don't care about Japan's laws - this is an argument about kei cars in the typical country with a free car market, not one with low highway speeds and a dirigiste approach to cars.

Florida does not have "some quick highways." I've driven through it and it's limits are no higher than that of Alabama. To travel faster is ILLEGAL. I have LIVED in the United States of America, and their speed limits are AT MOST 85 mph. (and 85 is only found in a few counties in Texas... don't believe me? Check wikipedia)

You can't have an arguement about kei cars without including Japan. It's like ignoring the US when talking about apple pie, guns, and eagles. No idea about your assertions of the Japanese auto industry other than it is laughably wrong. Try caring, and reading up on it.

It already has a classic premium price. 240s and S13s, have gone up in value. I think E30s are going up now, but very recently.

Speaking of that, 335hp is enough for the new Supra, it's lighter and the MKIV only made 220hp. Perhaps it's just the base version, but there are Supra fanboys whinging because they believed that the MKIV was a 500hp supercar destroyer.

I'm absolutely bemused by the prices of 240s and S13s. I don't think I've seen a clean example anywhere in the states, and yet they've attained a nearly mythological status among people. Probably the US equivalent of the AE86 Toyotas.

And yeah, E30s are going up in price now they are finally becoming rare... can you imagine the day when an E36 with both foglights attached will be super desirable again? That will be a proud day for that one guy who went through the trouble to keep em in.

Bit of a shame on the Supra though. Rumors are pointing towards a V6 after all. I was sort of hoping/deluding myself with the return of a mighty inline 6, but I guess pragmatism of the V6 won out the day in the end. Then again, ignoring that minor quibble, I'm quite hyped to see the Supra return to the market. Time to give the American trio a run for the money, and hopefully drag Honda back with a new S2000 replacement.

[East Fredonia]

u wot m8

(Image)

WINGA DINGA DINGA DINGA

Holy shit, I love that song, I hadn't heard it in years.

[Petrolheadia]

1. and 2nd paragraph of 3. are useless to me. Not in Japan, not going there.

2. and 3. Both in the US (e.g. Florida has some quick highways) and in Europe you're going 70-90 MPH.
Recently was on a trip in a 90 HP Corolla on a 140 KPH (87 MPH) highway, and it had not enough power.

Plus, I don't care about Japan's laws - this is an argument about kei cars in the typical country with a free car market, not one with low highway speeds and a dirigiste approach to cars.

Florida does not have "some quick highways." I've driven through it and it's limits are no higher than that of Alabama. To travel faster is ILLEGAL. I have LIVED in the United States of America, and their speed limits are AT MOST 85 mph. (and 85 is only found in a few counties in Texas... don't believe me? Check wikipedia)

You can't have an arguement about kei cars without including Japan. It's like ignoring the US when talking about apple pie, guns, and eagles. No idea about your assertions of the Japanese auto industry other than it is laughably wrong. Try caring, and reading up on it.

It already has a classic premium price. 240s and S13s, have gone up in value. I think E30s are going up now, but very recently.

Speaking of that, 335hp is enough for the new Supra, it's lighter and the MKIV only made 220hp. Perhaps it's just the base version, but there are Supra fanboys whinging because they believed that the MKIV was a 500hp supercar destroyer.

I'm absolutely bemused by the prices of 240s and S13s. I don't think I've seen a clean example anywhere in the states, and yet they've attained a nearly mythological status among people. Probably the US equivalent of the AE86 Toyotas.

And yeah, E30s are going up in price now they are finally becoming rare... can you imagine the day when an E36 with both foglights attached will be super desirable again? That will be a proud day for that one guy who went through the trouble to keep em in.

Bit of a shame on the Supra though. Rumors are pointing towards a V6 after all. I was sort of hoping/deluding myself with the return of a mighty inline 6, but I guess pragmatism of the V6 won out the day in the end. Then again, ignoring that minor quibble, I'm quite hyped to see the Supra return to the market. Time to give the American trio a run for the money, and hopefully drag Honda back with a new S2000 replacement.

Even if the US does not have 80-85 MPH highways, a large portion of Europe does. And we're talking of kei cars as cars, not the fullfillment of some goverment regulation.

Also, a V6 seems better for a sports car, because the centre of mass is closer to the car's centre.

[Elwher]

That happened to me when I was in Germany.

It's some rockabilly song called "Rock this town", which is the anthem of American Boomer Classic Car Culture.

I'm more into guitar-driven rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Joe Walsh, Black Sabbath, Billy Squier, Jimi Hendrix) and 70s coupes (Z-Cars, F-Bodies, Monte Carlo, Eldorado, XJS, Corvette).

While admittedly a different style of guitar, I do not think you can reasonably claim that rockabilly like Stray Cats is not guitar driven.

[Petrolheadia]

I'm more into guitar-driven rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC, Joe Walsh, Black Sabbath, Billy Squier, Jimi Hendrix) and 70s coupes (Z-Cars, F-Bodies, Monte Carlo, Eldorado, XJS, Corvette).

While admittedly a different style of guitar, I do not think you can reasonably claim that rockabilly like Stray Cats is not guitar driven.

Well, yeah.

I'm more of a hard rock guy, they are rock and roll.

[Petrolheadia]

Imagine it's 1986. You are a Tennessee fertilizer factory worker with a wife and 4 kids, and you're giving your 1972 Buick Estate to your eldest 16-year-old son. Now, it's time to get another family car. It has to be spacious, yet relatively well-equipped, reliable and fast. The options in your budget are:
- 1978 400 ci Mercury Colony Park,
- 1978 460 ci Ford Country Squire,
- 1977 400 ci Chrysler Newport sedan,
- 1977 440 ci Chrysler Town & Country,
- 1973 350 ci (4-bbl) Chevrolet Impala wagon,
- 1977 350 ci Pontiac Catalina sedan,
- 1975 440 ci Plymouth Gran Fury wagon,
- 1973 455 ci Buick Estate,
- 1974 455 ci Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser,
- 1978 267 ci Chevrolet Caprice sedan,
- 1973 500 ci Cadillac Sedan De Ville,
- 1975 460 ci Lincoln Continental sedan.

Which one would you buy?
I'd have the Cadillac, with its equipment and the 500 ci V8.

[Tambrey]

Hey, I wonder if you folks who know about cars would mind giving some opinions? I'm seriously considering upgrading my car and I'm not entirely sure what to make of some of the options on offer. So what do you think of Dynamic Chassis Control? Larger wheels and low profile tyres? What kind of extras do you think are really worth having and which ones are gimmicks?

For background, I'm currently driving an old Seat Ibiza 2l diesel manual which I like a lot because its very good for maneuvering and parking but has enough oomph on the motorway. I probably drive 50/50 motorway and around town. Both the engine and bodywork are still good, but the electrics are playing up and the car isn't worth enough to spend a lot of money on, so if I can't sort it myself (planning to spend a few hours on Sunday) then it might be time to say goodbye :'(

I've been looking at maybe a new Ibiza but am also tempted by the Ateca. If I didn't have to be a bit pragmatic and actually get to places, I'd probably choose a Series LandRover but since reality and all that...

[Petrolheadia]

Hey, I wonder if you folks who know about cars would mind giving some opinions? I'm seriously considering upgrading my car and I'm not entirely sure what to make of some of the options on offer. So what do you think of Dynamic Chassis Control? Larger wheels and low profile tyres? What kind of extras do you think are really worth having and which ones are gimmicks?

For background, I'm currently driving an old Seat Ibiza 2l diesel manual which I like a lot because its very good for maneuvering and parking but has enough oomph on the motorway. I probably drive 50/50 motorway and around town. Both the engine and bodywork are still good, but the electrics are playing up and the car isn't worth enough to spend a lot of money on, so if I can't sort it myself (planning to spend a few hours on Sunday) then it might be time to say goodbye :'(

I've been looking at maybe a new Ibiza but am also tempted by the Ateca. If I didn't have to be a bit pragmatic and actually get to places, I'd probably choose a Series LandRover but since reality and all that...

First, what sort of car are you looking for? What budget?

[Tambrey]

Hey, I wonder if you folks who know about cars would mind giving some opinions? I'm seriously considering upgrading my car and I'm not entirely sure what to make of some of the options on offer. So what do you think of Dynamic Chassis Control? Larger wheels and low profile tyres? What kind of extras do you think are really worth having and which ones are gimmicks?

For background, I'm currently driving an old Seat Ibiza 2l diesel manual which I like a lot because its very good for maneuvering and parking but has enough oomph on the motorway. I probably drive 50/50 motorway and around town. Both the engine and bodywork are still good, but the electrics are playing up and the car isn't worth enough to spend a lot of money on, so if I can't sort it myself (planning to spend a few hours on Sunday) then it might be time to say goodbye :'(

I've been looking at maybe a new Ibiza but am also tempted by the Ateca. If I didn't have to be a bit pragmatic and actually get to places, I'd probably choose a Series LandRover but since reality and all that...

First, what sort of car are you looking for? What budget?

I'm torn on what sort - I do like the Ibiza for getting about but it's very limited in terms of space. It's also very efficient, fuel wise, which bigger vehicles probably won't be? I really like the idea of something with a higher seat, more space and 4wd, (not really necessary, but we do get snowed in from time to time) but not sure if an SUV would be worth the trade off in running costs and ease of parking.

Budget wise, I could pay around £10k cash + around £250 per month on finance. lol, + the £150 I'll get from scrapping the Ibiza

[The Rich Port]

My current dream car is the 1991 Mitsubishi Delica.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Delica

It fulfills a lot of my desires about a car: 80's/90's aerodynamics, van with lots of room, vintage Cabover, and cheap.

I've always wanted a van I could modify the inside of to turn into a second home in case I ever needed to bug out somewhere. I'm hoping that the cheap price will mitigate any gas mileage issues, which I assume is why the van is so cheap to begin with. They seem to range from $10k to $15k.

I also prefer cars from the 80's and 90's in general. I despise modern looks that focus on aerodynamics. Sure, it's better for gas mileage, but it also makes all cars look the goddamn same and I hate that.

Also, I seem to have a thing for Mitsubishi in general as well.

[Costa Fierro]

My current dream car is the 1991 Mitsubishi Delica.

You have my condolences.

[The Rich Port]

My current dream car is the 1991 Mitsubishi Delica.

You have my condolences.

Yeah, yeah, you're just jealous you're wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a car you'll never have.

I personally dislike the stereotypical big ass cars from the 50s. Sue me.

Besides, what's wrong with the Delica. SHE JUST A LIL' THICC.

[NeoOasis]

You have my condolences.

Yeah, yeah, you're just jealous you're wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a car you'll never have.

I personally dislike the stereotypical big ass cars from the 50s. Sue me.

Besides, what's wrong with the Delica. SHE JUST A LIL' THICC.

Oh man the old school Delica's are badass. Even the later models with the more conventional layout look pretty badass. Somehow the US managed to not get what is probably the coolest Mitsubishi product around. More than a few I see riding around here are either spec'd out to be off road capable or have been modified quite nicely to fit the role.

[Costa Fierro]

Yeah, yeah, you're just jealous you're wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a car you'll never have.

I personally dislike the stereotypical big ass cars from the 50s. Sue me.

Besides, what's wrong with the Delica. SHE JUST A LIL' THICC.

Aside from being a Mitsubishi and having the driver as part of the vehicle's crumple zone, nothing.

[The Rich Port]

Yeah, yeah, you're just jealous you're wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a car you'll never have.

I personally dislike the stereotypical big ass cars from the 50s. Sue me.

Besides, what's wrong with the Delica. SHE JUST A LIL' THICC.

Oh man the old school Delica's are badass. Even the later models with the more conventional layout look pretty badass. Somehow the US managed to not get what is probably the coolest Mitsubishi product around. More than a few I see riding around here are either spec'd out to be off road capable or have been modified quite nicely to fit the role.

That seems to be what they're marketing them as now, vehicles for nature tourists and for wilderness expeditions.

I'm hoping for an older 1980's van. They have a very classic Japanese look.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubish ... xpress_(SD)_2.0_van_(2015-07-21)_01.jpg

[Petrolheadia]

I despise modern looks that focus on aerodynamics. Sure, it's better for gas mileage, but it also makes all cars look the goddamn same and I hate that.

Says a man whose favourite car is a van from the era when "designing a van" meant drawing a box and adding wheels.

Besides, what's wrong with the Delica. SHE JUST A LIL' THICC.

Not thicc. FAT.

I'm hoping for an older 1980's van. They have a very classic Japanese look.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubish ... xpress_(SD)_2.0_van_(2015-07-21)_01.jpg

I think somebody in Mitsubishi mistook the styling exercise in the most boring car ever for a production design.

[Petrolheadia]

First, what sort of car are you looking for? What budget?

I'm torn on what sort - I do like the Ibiza for getting about but it's very limited in terms of space. It's also very efficient, fuel wise, which bigger vehicles probably won't be? I really like the idea of something with a higher seat, more space and 4wd, (not really necessary, but we do get snowed in from time to time) but not sure if an SUV would be worth the trade off in running costs and ease of parking.

Budget wise, I could pay around £10k cash + around £250 per month on finance. lol, + the £150 I'll get from scrapping the Ibiza

Actually, you should give the Ibiza to the dealer scrappage scheme, if the manufacturer has one. They give you four-figure sums off the new car for your old car.

Next thing: if you don't do more than 15-20k miles a year, buying a new diesel is a fool's game. The benefits are too low, and if it breaks after the warranty, the repair cost can bum you.

Now, to the cars.

I did manage to find some well-financed 4WD crossovers:
- the top-level supermini Nissan Juke 1.6, with over 190 HP and and a CVT automatic can be had for less than £150/month@48 months and over £8k of deposit,
- the manual 1.6 diesel compact Nissan Qashqai (only 4WD engine config) wih top equipement costs just a bit above £200@36 months and £10k deposit,
(Not counting £2000 scrappage scheme cash if your Ibiza is 2009 or older),
- the supermini manual 1.4 turbo 4WD Suzuki Vitara (top SZ5 trim) can be financed for less than £150/month@43 months and £8150 of deposit,
- and the compact CVT 4WD SX4 S-Cross (also SZ5) can be financed for about £200/month@43 months and £10k of deposit.

Trouble is, they are all mediocre cars. Not bad, but mediocre. 3-star.

The Mazda CX-3, a somewhat better supermini (say, 4-star), can probably fit within your budget with 4WD if your Ibiza is 2009 or older, and emits 130+ g CO2/km (requirements for £4k scrappage grant) and maybe the compact CX-5 can too, but Mazda's website does not have a finance calculator.

The Toyota C-HR, which is on par with the CX-3, can also be had with somewhat decent equipment and 4WD for less than £250/month@42 months and about £8k deposit.

Now, to the really good, 5-star cars.

The supermini Seat Arona only comes with FWD and the 1.0 TSI in petrol, but in your budget, you can have the near-top Xcellence Lux automatic (48 months, £4600 deposit), or the top Xcellence First Edition (48 months, £4550 deposit) for about £230/month.

The SEL (top version) supermini VW T-Roc only comes with the 1.5 TSI and FWD in your budget, but you can have it with 48 months financing and a bit over £6500 deposit.

The compact Peugeot 3008 is 2WD only, but has Grip Control (adjustable traction control for different control) and is the European Car Of The Year 2017. The 1.2 petrol model will probably fit in your budget, but Peugeot's finance calculator is a bit enigmatic about the deposit. £2000 (petrol) scrappage discount applies.

These seem like the best choices in 4WD crossover. If you wish, I might bring up supermini options.

[Tambrey]

I'm torn on what sort - I do like the Ibiza for getting about but it's very limited in terms of space. It's also very efficient, fuel wise, which bigger vehicles probably won't be? I really like the idea of something with a higher seat, more space and 4wd, (not really necessary, but we do get snowed in from time to time) but not sure if an SUV would be worth the trade off in running costs and ease of parking.

Budget wise, I could pay around £10k cash + around £250 per month on finance. lol, + the £150 I'll get from scrapping the Ibiza

Actually, you should give the Ibiza to the dealer scrappage scheme, if the manufacturer has one. They give you four-figure sums off the new car for your old car.

Next thing: if you don't do more than 15-20k miles a year, buying a new diesel is a fool's game. The benefits are too low, and if it breaks after the warranty, the repair cost can bum you.

Now, to the cars.

I did manage to find some well-financed 4WD crossovers:
- the top-level supermini Nissan Juke 1.6, with over 190 HP and and a CVT automatic can be had for less than £150/month@48 months and over £8k of deposit,
- the manual 1.6 diesel compact Nissan Qashqai (only 4WD engine config) wih top equipement costs just a bit above £200@36 months and £10k deposit,
(Not counting £2000 scrappage scheme cash if your Ibiza is 2009 or older),
- the supermini manual 1.4 turbo 4WD Suzuki Vitara (top SZ5 trim) can be financed for less than £150/month@43 months and £8150 of deposit,
- and the compact CVT 4WD SX4 S-Cross (also SZ5) can be financed for about £200/month@43 months and £10k of deposit.

Trouble is, they are all mediocre cars. Not bad, but mediocre. 3-star.

The Mazda CX-3, a somewhat better supermini (say, 4-star), can probably fit within your budget with 4WD if your Ibiza is 2009 or older, and emits 130+ g CO2/km (requirements for £4k scrappage grant) and maybe the compact CX-5 can too, but Mazda's website does not have a finance calculator.

The Toyota C-HR, which is on par with the CX-3, can also be had with somewhat decent equipment and 4WD for less than £250/month@42 months and about £8k deposit.

Now, to the really good, 5-star cars.

The supermini Seat Arona only comes with FWD and the 1.0 TSI in petrol, but in your budget, you can have the near-top Xcellence Lux automatic (48 months, £4600 deposit), or the top Xcellence First Edition (48 months, £4550 deposit) for about £230/month.

The SEL (top version) supermini VW T-Roc only comes with the 1.5 TSI and FWD in your budget, but you can have it with 48 months financing and a bit over £6500 deposit.

The compact Peugeot 3008 is 2WD only, but has Grip Control (adjustable traction control for different control) and is the European Car Of The Year 2017. The 1.2 petrol model will probably fit in your budget, but Peugeot's finance calculator is a bit enigmatic about the deposit. £2000 (petrol) scrappage discount applies.

These seem like the best choices in 4WD crossover. If you wish, I might bring up supermini options.

wow, thanks so much for this, I didn't expect this much help The ibiza is an '02 so I'll definitely enquire about a scrappage scheme. The Seat Arona sounds tempting... I've not had much experience driving petrol cars, but seems like I might have to get used to them. I thought diesel engines were alright so long as you get some motorway driving in, rather than stop-starting around town all the time?

[Petrolheadia]

Actually, you should give the Ibiza to the dealer scrappage scheme, if the manufacturer has one. They give you four-figure sums off the new car for your old car.

Next thing: if you don't do more than 15-20k miles a year, buying a new diesel is a fool's game. The benefits are too low, and if it breaks after the warranty, the repair cost can bum you.

Now, to the cars.

I did manage to find some well-financed 4WD crossovers:
- the top-level supermini Nissan Juke 1.6, with over 190 HP and and a CVT automatic can be had for less than £150/month@48 months and over £8k of deposit,
- the manual 1.6 diesel compact Nissan Qashqai (only 4WD engine config) wih top equipement costs just a bit above £200@36 months and £10k deposit,
(Not counting £2000 scrappage scheme cash if your Ibiza is 2009 or older),
- the supermini manual 1.4 turbo 4WD Suzuki Vitara (top SZ5 trim) can be financed for less than £150/month@43 months and £8150 of deposit,
- and the compact CVT 4WD SX4 S-Cross (also SZ5) can be financed for about £200/month@43 months and £10k of deposit.

Trouble is, they are all mediocre cars. Not bad, but mediocre. 3-star.

The Mazda CX-3, a somewhat better supermini (say, 4-star), can probably fit within your budget with 4WD if your Ibiza is 2009 or older, and emits 130+ g CO2/km (requirements for £4k scrappage grant) and maybe the compact CX-5 can too, but Mazda's website does not have a finance calculator.

The Toyota C-HR, which is on par with the CX-3, can also be had with somewhat decent equipment and 4WD for less than £250/month@42 months and about £8k deposit.

Now, to the really good, 5-star cars.

The supermini Seat Arona only comes with FWD and the 1.0 TSI in petrol, but in your budget, you can have the near-top Xcellence Lux automatic (48 months, £4600 deposit), or the top Xcellence First Edition (48 months, £4550 deposit) for about £230/month.

The SEL (top version) supermini VW T-Roc only comes with the 1.5 TSI and FWD in your budget, but you can have it with 48 months financing and a bit over £6500 deposit.

The compact Peugeot 3008 is 2WD only, but has Grip Control (adjustable traction control for different control) and is the European Car Of The Year 2017. The 1.2 petrol model will probably fit in your budget, but Peugeot's finance calculator is a bit enigmatic about the deposit. £2000 (petrol) scrappage discount applies.

These seem like the best choices in 4WD crossover. If you wish, I might bring up supermini options.

wow, thanks so much for this, I didn't expect this much help The ibiza is an '02 so I'll definitely enquire about a scrappage scheme. The Seat Arona sounds tempting... I've not had much experience driving petrol cars, but seems like I might have to get used to them. I thought diesel engines were alright so long as you get some motorway driving in, rather than stop-starting around town all the time?

1st, motorway driving does help, but the price difference is significant.

2nd, according to the reviewers, the T-Roc is a better car (although the 1.5 TSI is bound to burn more gas than the 1.0). Both will be FWD for £250/month.

Anyway, how much do you drive on the motorway? And do you prefer manual or automatic?

[Tambrey]

1st, motorway driving does help, but the price difference is significant.

2nd, according to the reviewers, the T-Roc is a better car (although the 1.5 TSI is bound to burn more gas than the 1.0). Both will be FWD for £250/month.

Anyway, how much do you drive on the motorway? And do you prefer manual or automatic?

I'm on the motorway most days, sometimes just a few junctions, but 50 miles (each way) once or twice a week and longer trips every couple of months. I'm around town a bit too, mostly to and from the motorway, and then on the snakey, windy A roads over the Pennines. I've never driven an automatic but it doesn't appeal to me, although I gather modern ones are quite responsive?

[Petrolheadia]

1st, motorway driving does help, but the price difference is significant.

2nd, according to the reviewers, the T-Roc is a better car (although the 1.5 TSI is bound to burn more gas than the 1.0). Both will be FWD for £250/month.

Anyway, how much do you drive on the motorway? And do you prefer manual or automatic?

I'm on the motorway most days, sometimes just a few junctions, but 50 miles (each way) once or twice a week and longer trips every couple of months. I'm around town a bit too, mostly to and from the motorway, and then on the snakey, windy A roads over the Pennines. I've never driven an automatic but it doesn't appeal to me, although I gather modern ones are quite responsive?

Modern automatics are quite responsive.

However, the diesel T-Roc is not in your price range, although the manual (no automatic) diesel Arona Xcellence is.

The Peugeot 3008 and Mazda CX-3 are also worth calling your dealer about. Don't forget to inquire about scrappage schemes (£2500 in Peugeot, £4000 in Mazda).