So you’ve reached the age where you can change the family runabout for something a bit special. Insurance isn’t really an issue anymore, you have enough money not to worry about the fuel bill and it’s about time you had a good car, not a loud, “look at me, I’m a c**k in my pimped up ride” car. When I say special, I mean special as in it makes you grin every time you slide behind the wheel, even if you have had the day from hell. Of course it needs LOTS OF POWER, but you still need room for the kids, a boot big enough to go to the tip with the contents of your nicely pruned garden and something you can get granny in for the Sunday afternoon drive to the garden centre. There’s 2 cars that spring to mind straight away: the BMW M3 and Audi S4; both cars have to be the best used cars on the market right now and to the untrained eye (such as granny) they are just another car. They will quite happily poddle around town and do everything that your old Mondeo did. However, once you have dropped Granny off at home to plant her new rose bush, get ready for that drive home. 🙂

There is one, and only one, problem with these cars though and that’s the price tag! So we need to tone down the price but not the grin factor.

A hot hatch such as the Golf GTi, Focus ST or Astra VXR might be the solution. Other than the VXR they are all fun, fast and practical motors, but there’s nothing really exciting about them, so what is the next best thing to a BMW M3 or an Audi S4?

The Subaru Impreza

The most widely available model here: masses of models, spec and colours to choose from, zillions of aftermarket spares and accessories. Good solid boxer engines and permanent 4 wheel drive. Being Japanese, they are very reliable and not that costly to run. Lots of imports around with bizarre body and tuning kits fitted.

Verdict: No. These cars tend to have a thug-like image and everyone else on the road will think “tosser” as you burble past them.

The Mitsubishi Evo

The Evo range tends to be more expensive than the Impreza and there is not as much choice available. Probably more technically advanced than the M3 and S4, all due to computers and sensors.  Four wheel drive and a fancy pantsy diff makes this car faster than a squirrel on steroids.

Verdict: No. With service intervals of 4,500 miles and a ridiculously hard ride, Granny’s back will be shattered before you drop off the kerb outside her house.

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6

One of the sexiest cars on the road. You have to agree that the two black 159s chasing James Bond in his Aston Martin in the opening sequence of Quantum of Solace were just wow! In my opinion they looked better than the Aston!

Verdict: No. Such a beautiful car, but that little orange engine management light will be on more times than the handbrake light and you will be on first name terms with the receptionist at the RAC.

The Honda Accord Type R

A plain and simple car, which looks-wise doesn’t appear to be much different to the 1.8 SE models other than twin exhaust, high level rear spoiler and subtle Type R Badges. Honda reliability is second to none and when the V-Tec power kicks in, just make sure you’re holding on right the way round to 8,000 RPM. 

Verdict: No. (And this is a hard one for me to say no to as I’ve got one.) As good as the V-Tec system is, the fact that it kicks in at 6,000 RPM is a little bit wasted as when you want a spirited drive on the back roads it gets hard to involve the power and 210BHP from a naturally aspirated engine through the front wheels is a little too much for its own good.

The Volvo S40 T4

200BHP from a high-pressure turbo, but with a few discreet touches that show these cars’ potential. Not much suspension gap on view so shows this car is lowered and stiffened, with a nice boot spoiler and headlight wash system. And being priced from only £1,500 makes this car a real weapon.

Verdict: Yes. Before you all ask if this guy’s lost his mind, hear me out. The main difference this car has over all the others is the specification. You get all the luxury of a high end Volvo. All the other cars here are all basic stripped out speed machines (except the Alfa,) with just enough spec for you to live with, but the Swedes do it differently. Leather interior, heated Seats, climate control, trip computers, sun roof, thick carpets, arm rests and cruise control so you get the luxury ride and the power to surprise! And that’s the best thing about this car: it’s a sleeper. It looks like an old man’s Volvo, but get to the front of the lights with near enough anything else alongside and watch them disappear in your rear view mirror and laugh to yourself as they wonder WTF just happened!

And as this is Volvo – they do an estate version too!