What car would YOU spend ~£10k on in my shoes?
Discussion
Could be in a position to change cars and upgrade somewhat in a few weeks, if all goes to plan. I'm interested in a little bit of debate over my options.
Bit of background:
I'm a contractor, so although I generally know where I am going to be for the foreseeable future, that can change, with my mileage going up massively or down a little bit from where it is now. Having said that, I don't care too much about mpg so long as I can see a true 25mpg if I am driving something that feels special enough to warrant the outlay.
Now, I had a Hawkeye Impreza STi Spec-D a couple of years back. We did a 3000 mile Euro trip in it and truly loved the car. I sold because I earned half what I do now and ended up in a job that required me to drive over 20k a year miles. I think it's actually the only time I have ever sold a car that I wasn't bored of.
The E46 330d and E60 535D that followed never really grabbed me like the Scooby did. As a result, I sold the 535D and bought a cheap 2003 Impreza WRX Wagon as my daily and I feel very at home with the car. I'm so much happier with it than I was in the dervmobiles.
My problem is that there are many cars I like and want to experience. I don't keep cars for more than a year usually, but I am not against doing so if I click with one, like the Impreza. But if I were to spend £10k, I need to narrow down the possibilities.
Add in to the mix that I also have an MR2 Roadster that I have been building for the past couple of months for occasional use. That's getting a 190bhp Celica engine or a turbo conversion in the new year
So, the cars I have a bit of an inkling for that I think match my criteria:
Any ideas on the above folks?
Bit of background:
I'm a contractor, so although I generally know where I am going to be for the foreseeable future, that can change, with my mileage going up massively or down a little bit from where it is now. Having said that, I don't care too much about mpg so long as I can see a true 25mpg if I am driving something that feels special enough to warrant the outlay.
Now, I had a Hawkeye Impreza STi Spec-D a couple of years back. We did a 3000 mile Euro trip in it and truly loved the car. I sold because I earned half what I do now and ended up in a job that required me to drive over 20k a year miles. I think it's actually the only time I have ever sold a car that I wasn't bored of.
The E46 330d and E60 535D that followed never really grabbed me like the Scooby did. As a result, I sold the 535D and bought a cheap 2003 Impreza WRX Wagon as my daily and I feel very at home with the car. I'm so much happier with it than I was in the dervmobiles.
My problem is that there are many cars I like and want to experience. I don't keep cars for more than a year usually, but I am not against doing so if I click with one, like the Impreza. But if I were to spend £10k, I need to narrow down the possibilities.
Add in to the mix that I also have an MR2 Roadster that I have been building for the past couple of months for occasional use. That's getting a 190bhp Celica engine or a turbo conversion in the new year
So, the cars I have a bit of an inkling for that I think match my criteria:
- S-Type R - Bit leftfield and they are very heavy cars. Something really cool about these though.
- 1st Gen XKR - Always liked these but not sure they will see 25mpg in 4.2 flavour? Might feel a bit numb?
- Hawkeye Impreza STi - I know them, I love them, but I know that having another one will leave me hankering for....
- Hatchback WRX STI - Just coming into this range now, I have fancied one of these for quite a while.....
- E9X 335i - I like these too, but not sure how involved they feel to drive. Would prefer LCI DCT version but don't think that's on for the money. If I bought a pre-LCI it would just bother me constantly about not having the LCI....
- E9X 335D - Could be a great daily but also scarce at this price, will be pre-LCI so will suffer the above issue and the diesels I had before weren't very emotive to drive. On the other hand I do now have the MR2 so *might* be able to live with that. Not sure.
- 996 911 of some description - Always wanted a 911! Not sure if the affordable 996 C2 cars are much cop though?
- 2nd Gen Boxster - Too similar to the MR2 (baring the obvious quality gap and engine of course)??
- Z4/Z4C - Test drove a Z4 3.0, wasn't enamoured with the electric PAS, but was a decent car. Would prefer a Z4M hands down but not sure I can get one at £10k yet (ever!?)
- Z3M Breadvan - For £10k?! Also possibly too nuts for a daily?
Any ideas on the above folks?
J4CKO said:
Similar dilemma, bought a 350Z and really like it.
Nice, I forgot about those!soad said:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo? Will be faster than Impreza...
Scared by the sheer amount of servicing a daily Evo would need!Tedders said:
I would go Z3M Breadvan.
You won't lose much money on one of these either
I'll definitely keep my eye out for one of these but I don't hold out much hope really. Would be an immense car, but as said likely to have a dodgy history or "issues" at this price. More of a fantasy than a genuine reality I think. You won't lose much money on one of these either
TIGA84 said:
NICE! Skyline is interesting and I am very much of the Gran Turismo generation, but I've got reservations about buying such an old car. A few comforts would be nice really, without going overboard.
I might as well also look at Supras if I'm going to look at Skylines. Would they really serve me better than a modern WRX STi?
StottyEvo said:
TroubledSoul said:
The E46 330d and E60 535D that followed never really grabbed me like the Scooby did. As a result, I sold the 535D and bought a cheap 2003 Impreza WRX Wagon as my daily and I feel very at home with the car. I'm so much happier with it than I was in the dervmobiles.
I've read this part now, it transpires that I made an excellent suggestion 
I can relate entirely, moving from the Impreza to a 535d is like parting with Jenna Jameson for Fern Cotton. You wouldn't be disappointed but your prospective isn't what is should be
I owned a 123d prior to the Evo, I could happily go back to a quick derv but I'd spend a lot of my time looking in the classifieds
Actually if I am honest a 335D or equivalent A4 probably IS exactly what I should be going for, as I will have the MR2 for weekend and evening kicks. I'll have to think about this very carefully as I don't want to make the wrong choice.
I just don't want to regret the decision either way to be honest. Most of the petrol stuff I like would be lucky to see 25mpg and that would become a huge problem if I ended up needing to commute from Leeds to Manchester every day at some point, which isn't out of the question.
On the other hand, diesel engines have no character and I love my Subarus so much that I can forgive the fuel to an extent. It's just if a major change in mileage occurred, it could realistically become a problem.
More serious thought required.... I also don't want the location of our future house purchase to be dictated by my daily driver's MPG! But if DON'T buy something fairly exciting, will I regret it?
43034 said:
No interest in front wheel drive I'm afraid. 
It's a hell of a conundrum. It is a difficult price bracket really as it's borderline price for a lot of nice but leggy stuff and also, I need to know I've made the right decision.
The current WRX I have feels like 7 or 8 tenths of the Hawkeye STi I had. I did start to fancy a hatch WRX STi towards the end of my time with the Hawkeye, but couldn't justify the jump when I was so happy with what I had.
I think, and this is at total odds with some of what's been suggested, I will likely be looking at the hatch WRX STi, along with possibly the equivalent Evo as I've never tried one, and bizarrely I may give the 09 A4 3.0 TDI a go too, just for the hell of it. I may find luxury wins out, but so long as a car is reasonably comfortable I don't feel the need to be pampered. Decent seats and cruise control are all I really need.
I favour 4WD ideally as the MR2 serves my RWD affliction, and where I live is a bit out of the way and so when we do have a bad winter the 4WD comes in handy. There's also a lot of farmer's fields and mud left on the road by tractors here etc.
I do like the 1 Series but my only concern is that you don't get that much kit in them. If I bought a BMW or Audi, I'd want more than what the 1 Series gives I think.
The current WRX I have feels like 7 or 8 tenths of the Hawkeye STi I had. I did start to fancy a hatch WRX STi towards the end of my time with the Hawkeye, but couldn't justify the jump when I was so happy with what I had.
I think, and this is at total odds with some of what's been suggested, I will likely be looking at the hatch WRX STi, along with possibly the equivalent Evo as I've never tried one, and bizarrely I may give the 09 A4 3.0 TDI a go too, just for the hell of it. I may find luxury wins out, but so long as a car is reasonably comfortable I don't feel the need to be pampered. Decent seats and cruise control are all I really need.
I favour 4WD ideally as the MR2 serves my RWD affliction, and where I live is a bit out of the way and so when we do have a bad winter the 4WD comes in handy. There's also a lot of farmer's fields and mud left on the road by tractors here etc.
I do like the 1 Series but my only concern is that you don't get that much kit in them. If I bought a BMW or Audi, I'd want more than what the 1 Series gives I think.
nickofh said:
A nice daily for the money , quite rare in the correct colour too! :-) This would probably be where my went I would think :-)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
Standard non STi WRX doesn't do anything for me. No wide arches, less toys, no upgraded brakes etc. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
nickofh said:
I get that , in your position. Would be a nice upgrade for me lol.
Still let us know what you do go for!
Fair enough! Still let us know what you do go for!
It will probably be November/December before I buy anything as there's other stuff that has to be sorted first. We definitely want to get a house bought etc. but money is allocated for the cars.
I have three lists now. A sensible list and a not as sensible list, then the stupid list which contains E46 M3's etc. and has had to be put to the back of my mind! Otherwise I would end up buying something daft.
Sensible list:
Merc C Class C350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport
Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro
Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro
BMW 335D LCI
Jaguar XF 3.0d
Not as sensible list:
Impreza WRX STi Hatch
BMW 335i LCI
Z4C 3.0 Si
Original BMW 135i
Stupid list:
E46 M3
Z4M
Some kind of AMG Merc, possibly a C Class estate type
Supra Twin Turbo
Audi S4 V8
Out of all that, half of them would mean pushing the budget up to about £12k but if I can avoid that I will. Those are the cars clogging up my mind though. Some of my stupid list is stuff I would love but can't really justify, so should probably avoid! That's more the sort of stuff I would run as a second car if I didn't have the MR2.
Most stuff on the sensible list will have bored me within 6 months in complete honesty, but it may be worth it?
Miles..... Probably around 12k currently but could potentially change to nearer 30k if I moved to a job in the Manchester area. As it stands, I don't expect that to happen this year, but I do want to move roles and it is a real possibility.
Problem with that is I don't want to live on the what ifs.
Maybe I should stick an S3 on the list too, with a Haldex upgrade. That would probably give me around 35mpg for motorway use with cruise? Not the most thrilling car to drive though and as things stand currently, I have no problem with what I pay out to run the WRX.
Miles..... Probably around 12k currently but could potentially change to nearer 30k if I moved to a job in the Manchester area. As it stands, I don't expect that to happen this year, but I do want to move roles and it is a real possibility.
Problem with that is I don't want to live on the what ifs.
Maybe I should stick an S3 on the list too, with a Haldex upgrade. That would probably give me around 35mpg for motorway use with cruise? Not the most thrilling car to drive though and as things stand currently, I have no problem with what I pay out to run the WRX.
crispyshark said:
I like the idea of the Z3m Breadvan too.....good value at that price.
If you want something brutal that will return around 25mpg how about a B5 S4 with the RS4 turbo upgrades done?
OR....plough some of the money into the Scooby wagon and get her past 300BHP!
But then I'm biased! lol
Well.... a 6 speed box and DCCD WOULD be nice! And I'd get to keep my trusty wagon!If you want something brutal that will return around 25mpg how about a B5 S4 with the RS4 turbo upgrades done?
OR....plough some of the money into the Scooby wagon and get her past 300BHP!
But then I'm biased! lolOn the other hand, something a bit plusher would be nice. If I went mad on the Scooby I'd spend too much.... I'd end up with the leather seats from a Spec-D, a new steering wheel just because, all that sort of stuff!
Re: Suzuki Ignis.... Come again?!
Hopefully I don't miss anybody here, apologies if so!
Range Rover Sport? Quite like them, but seeing 20mpg on the motorway isn't good enough, nor can they handle like a car.
8 Series? Lovely Was looking at 850's earlier after what the Mrs said Very heavy though. Not sure if I could stomach the economy. Lovely lovely cars though, and yes, I do like my BMW's to a degree.
Monaro, sorry I glossed over these. I REALLY like the Monaro, but again, the economy is ridiculous from what I have read. It would hurt too much because I'd just keep banging money into it and going out to listen to it! We had an A6 4.2 V8 and I used to occasionally sit outside and just give it a few revs before driving off, just to hear that noise! My Mrs would tell me to think about the neighbours!
S-Type R was just a leftfield thing really. Not sure I'd actually buy one in all honesty. It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I think there are probably other cars better suited to my needs for the money. It MAY be worth driving one just to see..... I've currently got no idea on their economy.
I'm looking at a very wide range of cars because I want to consider all the cars that I would like and take my time to weigh them up. Diesels do bore me, but sometimes I feel like it's the right thing to do. Then my heart gets involved and steers me away again.
You know what I really want? A really nice 996 911. Pref a C4S. But no chance at this money.
If I get really carried away I will probably revert back to the E46 M3, a car I have always had an inkling for. Possibly even the SMG for daily use. But that would be a real "sod the AWD I want and sod the economy, it's an M3!" moment. I'd also have to give it the obligatory Mike Brewer and scream "Woah ho ho hooooo" when I drive it.
Range Rover Sport? Quite like them, but seeing 20mpg on the motorway isn't good enough, nor can they handle like a car.
8 Series? Lovely
Was looking at 850's earlier after what the Mrs said Very heavy though. Not sure if I could stomach the economy. Lovely lovely cars though, and yes, I do like my BMW's to a degree.Monaro, sorry I glossed over these. I REALLY like the Monaro, but again, the economy is ridiculous from what I have read. It would hurt too much because I'd just keep banging money into it and going out to listen to it! We had an A6 4.2 V8 and I used to occasionally sit outside and just give it a few revs before driving off, just to hear that noise! My Mrs would tell me to think about the neighbours!
S-Type R was just a leftfield thing really. Not sure I'd actually buy one in all honesty. It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I think there are probably other cars better suited to my needs for the money. It MAY be worth driving one just to see..... I've currently got no idea on their economy.
I'm looking at a very wide range of cars because I want to consider all the cars that I would like and take my time to weigh them up. Diesels do bore me, but sometimes I feel like it's the right thing to do. Then my heart gets involved and steers me away again.
You know what I really want? A really nice 996 911. Pref a C4S. But no chance at this money.
If I get really carried away I will probably revert back to the E46 M3, a car I have always had an inkling for. Possibly even the SMG for daily use. But that would be a real "sod the AWD I want and sod the economy, it's an M3!" moment. I'd also have to give it the obligatory Mike Brewer and scream "Woah ho ho hooooo" when I drive it.
Escy said:
Those 1 series are really uninspiring. No way I could sink 10k into one, regardless of the brakes or LSD.
And 5 door too. I don't mind that when a car only comes as a 4 or 5 door, but it puts me off when there's a 3 door version as they almost always look better to my eyes.I'm actually considering upping the budget to about £15k.... I seem to have found myself reaching higher and higher when looking on the Trader. But I'd only do that for certain things..... And I haven't actually really figured out if I can or not. I'm just determined to get this right.
I'm finding myself a little bit swept up in the whole "Golf R" craze and looking at MK6 versions of that too. Good economy and power and a better version of the Haldex system by the sounds of it. This is the problem with me. It can be difficult to help me because my mind constantly drifts and wanders until I find something I like the look of. Even then I often find that a week later something else has taken the place of whatever I was previously obsessing about.
It's hard being an indecisive worrier!
e21Mark said:
Please don't buy a diesel.
We have one here. It's an Aldi something or other and it's a hateful thing. The only thing I do like, is it has DAB radio. Apart from that it's as if it sucks the very being from my soul whenever we go out in the bloody thing.
If I up the budget then I won't, as the point would be that I could buy a more efficient petrol. Unless I blow it on a C4S of course, but I probably won't! I'd really need a serious drive in an S3/Golf R though, as I really didn't like the original Haldex in the MK1 S3.We have one here. It's an Aldi something or other and it's a hateful thing. The only thing I do like, is it has DAB radio. Apart from that it's as if it sucks the very being from my soul whenever we go out in the bloody thing.
A higher budget does also bring the 135i coupe into play...
Diesel is long gone from my mind now
Original £10k budget:
E46 M3 - but only half heartedly right now because of the lack of economy!
Impreza WRX STi hatch
I don't think there's anything else that truly appeals at that price to me the more I think about it. Can't justify a 17mpg Monaro They are gorgeous though. But not a great daily driver for me.
£15k budget:
This means financing £5-7.5k but that isn't the end of the world seeing as there won't be any other credit/debt to pay for.
MK6 Golf R + Haldex controller upgrade
58 onwards S3 + Haldex controller upgrade
3.0 S4
996 C4S manual
135i
Daft idea, 650ci V8 with the sports auto?
335i LCI
Newer WRX STi saloon (not checked prices on these yet)
So yeah, my mind keeps changing! I'm leaning to the Golf R seriously now as I think it will be relatively cheap to run and maintain, but there are some nice cars on that list that all have their own merits.
The two seater cars are out because I have the MR2 and I don't want to render it redundant!
Original £10k budget:
E46 M3 - but only half heartedly right now because of the lack of economy!
Impreza WRX STi hatch
I don't think there's anything else that truly appeals at that price to me the more I think about it. Can't justify a 17mpg Monaro
They are gorgeous though. But not a great daily driver for me. £15k budget:
This means financing £5-7.5k but that isn't the end of the world seeing as there won't be any other credit/debt to pay for.
MK6 Golf R + Haldex controller upgrade
58 onwards S3 + Haldex controller upgrade
3.0 S4
996 C4S manual
135i
Daft idea, 650ci V8 with the sports auto?
335i LCI
Newer WRX STi saloon (not checked prices on these yet)
So yeah, my mind keeps changing! I'm leaning to the Golf R seriously now as I think it will be relatively cheap to run and maintain, but there are some nice cars on that list that all have their own merits.
The two seater cars are out because I have the MR2 and I don't want to render it redundant!
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