sayerbloke Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 It's time to change my `95 BMW 328i coupe. It's reached the stage where it'll shortly start costing me more to maintain than it's worth. I'll miss it for sure, but how much I miss it depends on what I replace it with. You would not believe the range of cars I've looked up over the last few days on Parkers and Autotrader... everything from hatchbacks, small sports cars, coupes, convertibles, a pickup, an estate and even a Proton Satria I've now got a couple of cars in mind, but thought I'd collect some more opinions from you lot. *** OK, requirements are, in order of priority: -Roughly £6k-£7k... depends how much trade-in I can get on mine and how much of my savings I'm willing to part with at the time! -Reasonably good looking and reasonably quick. -Preferably lower running/servicing costs than the BMW. I'm hoping to save a bit more money over the next few months for future projects *** Think that's about it. Just to start you off, a couple of the current preferred cars in my mind are a Vauxhall Astra Coupe, a Seat Leon and a Mazda MX5. Yesterday it was an Accord coupe, a Clio 172 or a new-shape Celica, so it's all been subject to change at any time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cris Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 How about: Celica GT4 ST205 A UK spec Scooby Integra Type R Leon Cupra (old shape) For low running costs (ignoring the potential for break downs!) - Alfa 156 JTD2.4 Octavia vRS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 From your list of initial ideas and with your criteria of good looking, reasonably quick and low running costs, I would have this I love it Obviously no p/ex but I'm sure you could get some decent money for your current car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 i agree - you can get a 182 for that sort of money. Better than the 172's. Thry and get one with the cup pack on, but drive them first as they aint everyones cup of tea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Mazda MX-5 in that price range. End. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frazzle Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 How about a Saab 9-5 aero. Well equipped and comfortable - will do plenty miles and with around 250bhp and 268lbs torque it goes like a rat up a drain pipe - i.e. fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooby_simon Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 [ QUOTE ] How about: A UK spec Scooby [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snail Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 How about a high mileage 330d? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 I can vouch for the Leon in terms of reliability and low maintenance costs. Never had any real issues with my LCR and my last service was about £160. The next one is a major one which will be about £300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizze Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 I like the Leon and it can be chipped too with good results. Still think the E46 is worth looking at though, still one of the best all round cars ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 A new Toyota Aygo 1.0+.................... Just kiddin, how about an 03 plate Focus ST170? 03 plate Saab 9-3 2.0T in Black? 52 plate Bora 1.9TDi? or an 02 plate A4 avant 1.8t? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 [ QUOTE ] How about a Saab 9-5 aero. Well equipped and comfortable - will do plenty miles and with around 250bhp and 268lbs torque it goes like a rat up a drain pipe - i.e. fast. [/ QUOTE ] As long as the drainpipe's dead straight... Sadly it seems Saab are suffering in the hands of GM. The 9-5 is a decent enough car (considered one myself not so long ago). You just have to remember it's quite a big car and it has 250bhp running through the front wheels. A good handler it ain't. I think alot depends on what sort of running costs you're after. If you can find a nice, unmolested UK Impreza you have a fantastic car, but they're thirsty and go through tyres and brake pads rather quickly. Subaru servicing costs aren't too bad, but Imprezas in this price bracket have an oil change every 7,500 miles. A Leon Cupra would be a great choice if you don't mind joining the hot hatch fraternity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collease Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 how about a lexus IS 200. Dont know about service costs but you can get them for under £9000. bit high on miles covered but they are very reliable and i found the company one fairly good fun to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 You could get a nice IS for about that much. will be a leggy 00/01 model though. could be able to source one if you want. will be up in Scotland though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 As long as an IS200 has a full service history, miles shouldn't be a problem. Friend of mine has had a 2000 'V' plate from new and it hasn't missed a beat. Nice car, decent RWD handling, but a tad thirsty and no rocketship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Wouldn't mind one if they did a diesel on the old shape. not too keen on the new one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 They missed out there. Only did the 2.0 and 3.0 petrol in the UK. A diesel version would probably have been a big seller. The new one might grow on you - I think it's easily the best looker in its segment (A4/3-series/C-Class). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Plus, insurance would kill me on an IS200. Especially the Sport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Yeah, it's probably high for the performance you're getting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 I've driven the new one and the old one. Prefer my old A4 cos it feels more raw and not as soft as the Lexus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collease Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 just been looking on the thurlow nunn network Q website and found that not only are they selling monaros and the usual vauxhall stuff but there is a ferrari on it look thurlow nunn bit out of your range though sayer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted August 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 They probably traded it against a new Zafira... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted August 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Some good ideas so far, people I'll put my thoughts later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cris Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 If you like the Lexus why not look for an Altezza (Jap spec IS200). In Jap land there was a very nice version with a development of the 3gse engine from the GT4/MR2. It was N/A and used the first generation of the VVTL found in the 1.8 (see late model Celica and Elise). This engine was known as the BEAMS engine and were apparently built to a very high standard. They produce in excess of 200bhp and are pretty much bullet proof apparently. Makes the later VVTL seem a bit limp wristed and peaky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted August 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2006 Ooh That's one to go see over the weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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