Yep, wish I didn't though, complete snoozefest.
Looking for a new car to meet the following criteria:
£9k max
hatch/estate capable of fitting a mountain bike in the back with the seats down (tow bar would also be nice but not essential).
real world average mpg of 38-40combined 42+ on a motorway run at 70.
enough power for b-road overtakes, something like 0-60 in 9s is a decent step up. and generally a fun drive
air con/climate control
cd changer, mp3 cd compatability or usb (if it has ipod/iphone steering wheel functionality even better!)
petrol
manual gearbox
rear tinted windows would be a nice bonus.
No more than 7/8 years old, preferably under 60k miles too.
Got about 3 months to find one before mine fails its MOT and I don't really want to pay for new tyres and tracking on a car worth £100. Daily commute consists of ~2miles at 30mpg and 3-4 miles of 40/50mph. Also frequently do 150+ mile trips to visit family,
So far I've considered
Civic Type R FN2 (so much for the mpg requirements
)
Civic EX (lots of toys, but not that keen on the interior)
mk3 ford focus titanium x (I like the toys), one nearby for £8k in a 1.6ecoboost engine.
Fiesta is too small for me and common as muck
Alfa Romeo Guilietta (looks good, seems to be fast and economical enough, but alfa reputation is somewhat offputting, seems to be hit or miss getting a good one? Also looked at the Brera, but the shape of the rear looks too much of a ball ache to lift a bike into the back.
Don't trust VW so the Golf is out.
Like the E60 3 series, but they're a bit pricey and parts likely more expensive than the rest.
Volvo c30 maybe a touch small, old v40/50/60/s40 all a bit old now but i like the styling, new models out of budget and seem to all be diesels anyway.
Daily commute consists of ~2miles at 30mpg and 3-4 miles of 40/50mph. Also do 150+ mile trips to visit family, friends 3-5 times a year so a decent level of comfort, refinement and quietness (The Type R doesn't really meet those I know, but its just lovely).
Any thoughts? Anything I've missed? Asking for a lot I know, but petrol heads are the people to ask!