Scottish Elises

Since we can’t reply to a Classifieds post, here’s a link to it so that we discuss the options in here instead

viewtopic.php?t=45574

I’ll start.

Q.1. How many people and how much stuff needs carried by said shed?!

Thanks Campbell

The Brief:
- I'm going to have to take more care of elderly parents - trips to visit (ABZ-Aviemore) and from Aviemore to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness
- Need to travel in all weathers (via Lecht A939 or Dufftown A96/A95) - Emira doesn't cut the mustard here / Sarah cannot be without a car for days
- Therefore would prefer comfy/compact 4 seat, front or 4WD

- Petrol
- Doesn't drive like a boat (the opposite preferred)
- Good acceleration and brakes
- suspension doesn't collapse on first contact with A939 conditions
- thrashable small engine in a light-ish car is also good
- Doesn't smell
- Insurance needs to be sensible
- prefer not to be stolen within a week
- potentially sellable or giftable to daughters at some future time

How does that sound ?

Mr Momo wrote: - Therefore would prefer comfy/compact 4 seat, front or 4WD

- Petrol
- Doesn't drive like a boat (the opposite preferred)
- Good acceleration and brakes
- suspension doesn't collapse on first contact with A939 conditions
- thrashable small engine in a light-ish car is also good
- Doesn't smell
- Insurance needs to be sensible
- prefer not to be stolen within a week
- potentially sellable or giftable to daughters at some future time

lol

Great description of reqmts

Immediate thoughts…

Skoda Yeti
Skoda Karoq
Dacia Duster (see EVO mag)
MINI Clubman (Cooper S for oomph, but Cooper ok-ish)
VW Golf Mk7 but poss not GTI (but lovely if you could)
VW Tiguan
Toyota Corolla GR Sport
Yaris GR sport (NB - *not* full GR although p bloody amazing if you could …)

Mix of 4x4 and FWD above but all will of course be fitted with winters or all-seasons so this keeps options wider.

I will have missed loads but other smart arses will be along shortly to sort that out.

Brace yourself.

I suppose the big question is budget?

Campbell's suggestion of a Yeti is excellent (didn't you have one?)

We have a very late one (67 plate) in the top-but-one spec as the L&K has a panoramic roof which is notorious for leaking, ours is the SEL Drive.

Our main remit (it's Mrs B's car) was to fit a large golden retriever in the boot (now 2 ) but it's been brilliant as a small van for moving house etc with the removable seats.

One negative is daughters will not want it gifted, as our daughter thinks it's hideous (unless dad is collecting her from the pub of course )

I suppose the big question is budget?

Campbell's suggestion of a Yeti is excellent (didn't you have one?)

We have a very late one (67 plate) in the top-but-one spec as the L&K has a panoramic roof which is notorious for leaking, ours is the SEL Drive.

Our main remit (it's Mrs B's car) was to fit a large golden retriever in the boot (now 2 ) but it's been brilliant as a small van for moving house etc with the removable seats.

One negative is daughters will not want it gifted, as our daughter thinks it's hideous (unless dad is collecting her from the pub of course )

How sheddy are we talking?

Qashqai sheddy?

Yeti - had two, good shout, but brothers has been more troublesome than others
MINI - clubman is a good shout. Reliable enough ?
Budget ? £5k ?

Qashqai - how sheddy is it ?

Mr Momo wrote:Yeti - had two, good shout, but brothers has been more troublesome than others
MINI - clubman is a good shout. Reliable enough ?
Budget ? £5k ?

Ours was super.

Sadly the (same type of) Peugeot-sourced engine in our more recent Cooper hatch let us down badly but there are prob checks you can do on that. Mr Moncrieff can advise (or discourage )

£5k should get you something tidy albeit they’re only made to 2013 ish.

New Clubman is a munter IMHO but that said, maybe an early example could work for you. Totally diff engine I think and essentially a BMW 1-series in drag.

ETA…

Also forgot to add:

Audi TT.

Well made, classy, reliable. And your girls would be glad of one. Our (diesel) Quattro 2012 MY stands as one of the best cars we ever had. I know you said petrol but just throwing in for discussion

Pistonheads parameter search including 4wd shows lots of old Audi TT and newer Panda 4x4. MINI Paceman might be an option.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/search? ... &year=2025

FWD with winter tyres would be fine in most conditions which opens out loads more options...

How about a Suzuki Swift?

Lightweight / nimble - Not quick (90bhp) but I’d imagine still amusing to drive. 50+mpg and cheap insurance.

They make a 4x4 version (albeit a Haldex type setup) in the top SZ4 trim spec (climate / cruise / bluetooth / keyless entry etc)

I.e http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... 9256625725

Of course rust might be a factor, the boot will be small and the trim will likely be a bit cheap & nasty, but they have a good rep for mechanical toughness.

With a set of winter tyres, I’d imagine they’re a very effective winter beater for under £5k.


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Super shout, Ross

My Mum had a Swift (prev gen I think) with some lovely fake carbon bits, gangsta glass, CarPlay, peppy engine and great chassis.

1.2 dualjet I think.

Swift - good shout

Ok so I misread the remit.

For some reason I thought you had to transport your elderly parents but it's to go visit.

Compact hot hatch is your way forward - Fiesta ST (if you can find a non-pikeyed one) or how about a Peugeot 208 GTi? A mate has one and says it's bloody brilliant and quick and doesn't make you look like a knob cos it's quite understated

These are good additions.

Drawn up your test drive list yet, then?!