Help- advice re a replacement 'everyday' car

[Fatneck73]

All

I use an ML each day so the RS6 can sit locked up warm and cozy... But the ML is far from quick and I'm getting the bug for something with a bit more oomph.

Idealistically, I'd like all wheel drive but it's not a necessity. I'd also like a V8 if poss for the noise and feeling. I'd also like to cap the spend to index £20k. It'd also be great if it could be a hatch/estate so the mutts happy.

Cars in the running are (and not all match the above criteria but you'll get my jist):
Vxr8
S3
R32
Impreza hatch STi

Any other ideas or recommendations....? I like all of the above but none are a perfect fit hence asking for help

[adsgreen]

To be honest, the VXR8 will get similar MPG to the RS6. On a motorway type run it's not too bad and will get around 26-28 mpg but when I was using it in country lanes daily it was struggling to hit 12mpg.
The only saving grace is that the servicing (being a VX) is cheap. IIRC my first service was £159.99 all in.
Fun if somewhat technologically basic (not always a bad thing) cars though. You will look at every T junction and mini roundabout in terms of drift angle
The danger with the VXR8 is that the overall feel and experience (at a basic level) is similar to the RS6. The '6 will just feel a little tighter and a little faster. Personally I would go with a contrast daily drive as then when you get back into the '6 it really is more of an occasion.

Have to say I was one of those people who a couple of weeks ago saw the Top Gear Africa Special and instantly went trawling for Scoobys. IT's true - 2k will get you a high mileage (but that shouldn't be a problem) WRX about 10 years old. Even if the thing dies after a year that's some really cheap but fast motoring. For a daily drive it's not bad but I believe fuel economy is not great. The estate version would be perfect for the mutts.

R32 and S3 never really appealed to me so can't comment.

What kind of journey are you doing every day?

[Maximo]

Why not just use the RS6? It's got everything you've said you'd like.

[Fatneck73]

My daily drive is 50mile round trip via mostly country lanes.

Why not use RS6 - there's no real answer to that which cannot be argued with...other than I just love it and like keeping the miles down and bodywork in great nick. I like it being my special/weekend toy.

Re the vxr8...12mpg strewth. Scooby would be a couple of years old...wrx STi hatch with the 330 ppp kit (I had a 3330s prior to rs6).

The S3 seems on paper to be the logical choice - 5 door, awd, best mpg, probably best build quality but there's something that just doesn't make me want it. Would driving one change my mind do you think?

[bam_bam]

The S3 seems on paper to be the logical choice - 5 door, awd, best mpg, probably best build quality but there's something that just doesn't make me want it. Would driving one change my mind do you think?

Dull as dish water front-wheel drive quasi quattro... ask DK about the S3.

[Fatneck73]

Now thinking of an S4 Avant...your thoughts?

[Batfinnk]

How about a 2.5 tdi avant? Good economy so more money for petrol for the 6 but still a reasonable amount of power.

[bam_bam]

B8 S4 S-tronic. Gotta be one of the best all-rounder VFM cars on the road right now.

[Bacardi Jo]

B8 S4 S-tronic. Gotta be one of the best all-rounder VFM cars on the road right now.

+1

[adsgreen]

B8 S4 S-tronic. Gotta be one of the best all-rounder VFM cars on the road right now.

+1

whilst true I suspect the 20k price limit will not stretch. Most I've seen are around 25k.

Hah - what about a B7 RS4. Plenty sub 20k now