Newbie... and I've got a budget of around £11k for a new toy

[BowtieBoris]

Morning guys and girls

This is my first post so I suppose I better introduce myself.....

I'm Alex, 24 originally from NW London.

My car history over the last few years has is.....

1st Car (2007) - 1998 1.2 Renault Clio

2nd Car (2010) - 2007 Ford Focus ST500 (MR290 + Clubsport)


3rd Car (2013) - 1972 Chevrolet Nova with a built 402/396 big block, TH350 transmission and a 8.5inch 10 bolt rear.


4th Car (Current) - 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 4 speed (genuine, documented, concourse restored)


5th Car (Current - although technically the GFs) - 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf (what an awesome little car!)


Anyway, to give you a run down of how I came across each one.......
The Focus was my first baby, and I spent 2 years throwing everything at it. It was immaculate, brilliantly reliable and very fun to drive and I regret getting rid of it.
The story with the Nova was.... I saw it on eBay on a Friday, viewed it on Sunday, it was on my drive on Wednesday and the Thursday before all of this I wasn't planning on buying a new car. So the Focus to stripped for parts, returned to standard and sold. Moving on, the Nova proved to be a little more hassle than I originally had hoped and to get to the standard I would of liked, required money I didn't want to spend. Typically I had all of the little mechanical niggles resolved and sold it when it was running the best it ever had! Anyway, the plan was to wait a while - whilst me and the GF bought a place - but as I'm sure most of you can relate to, this was unrealistic and was never going to happen. So I decided I wanted a '69 Chevelle and found the tangoed beast on TeamChevelle.com advertised by a retired Police officer in a little town in Minnesota. I had an inspection done on the car and it concluded that the car was, in their words, immaculate and show quality. So a deal was struck and it arrived about 2 months later.
Unfortunately the moment it arrived and I saw just how unbelievable the car was I concluded I wasn't gonna keep it very long. I sh*t myself every time I drove it and didn't like the thought of it getting dusty! I thought I would of enjoyed something as nice as it was but it was just too nice. Couple that with the unbeliveble amount of paper work and historical documents, it's probably best in a collection.... so it's currently for sale... which brings me to where I am now....

I had a deposit on a nice '71 Nova over in NY but due to the exchange rate dropping over the last 4-6 weeks I've been priced out of the deal so am going to wait until it picks up again. Until then - after the Chevelle sells - I'll have a a budget of around £11k to spend on something to keep me entertained until I can afford to bring something over again.

I need something that's gonna get me what I paid for it when I come to sell....

My very short list so far, and both cars I've always fancied, are...

E46 M3
MK1 Focus RS

I'm aware of the issued to look out for in terms of the M3 and have a good specialist that could look after an RS for me.

It'll only be a weekend toy so wear and tear will be minimal and the car will be garaged.
So what I'm asking is are there any better options? Has anyone owned both? Which would you recommend? Pros and cons? Talk to me people!

Thanks for reading my life story!

[BowtieBoris]

My little £850 Clio is my 4 mile a day daily driver to a from the train station, hence my new purchase will just be my weekend fun

[BowtieBoris]

Silverbullet767 said:

Seeing as you like big V8's, how about a Vauxhall Monaro?

I did flirt with that idea but for what ever reason they don't do it for me. Maybe its the whole Vauxhall thing (no offence to any Vauxhall owners!) I'd sooner have the pretty much identical Pontiac GTO of the same body style/year. Can choosing a Pontiac over a Vauxhall be badge snobbery

[BowtieBoris]

kambites said:

Fair enough, they're certainly both great cars in their own ways.

I've only driven the Focus very briefly (the M3 rather more), but from that I'd say the Ford feels more "special" than the BMW in that to me it feels more distinct from the rest of the range. The BMW is undoubtedly a more complete all-round package, but I suppose that's not necessarily what you're looking for in a weekend car.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 18th December 09:34

I've never driven either - maybe that'll be the decider - but I can appreciate they're both very different animals.
The reported 'rawness' of the RS is quite a big draw...

[BowtieBoris]

Silverbullet767 said:

If it makes you feel any better, you can change the Vauxhall badges for Holden ones, seeing as that's what it is anyway

[BowtieBoris]

james_gt3rs said:

What about an Evo or Impreza?

My only reservations about both are the interiors (I appreciate the interior in the Focus looks like a child has been let lose with a blue crayon) but it's a car I've always loved and the 2 japs aren't. As mentioned with the Monaro, a test drive may change my mind but they're not cars that I personally would chose from the off.

Also, they're both cars I'm not very familiar with at all. Any suggestions what would be the one to go for in terms of specs?

[BowtieBoris]

kambites said:

Try to get a decent length test drive in both, then.

The M3 is a car which grows on you - apart from the engine (which is clearly a gem the first time you drive it) the rest of the car feels much like any other 3-series until you take the time to appreciate the quality of the details of the way it's set up. On a short test drive, I'm sure the Focus will impress much more because it's rather less... subtle in its talents.

With it only being a temporary thing (I'm probably looking about 12 months until the £-$ exchange rate picks up) 6 months in each isn't out of the question.

[BowtieBoris]

MKnight702 said:

What about a sports car for weekends?

For example, Lotus Elise, Westfield SEi or similar?

Westfield would get my vote, buy well and you could probably sell in a year without losing anything.

Small sports cars aren't my thing if I'm honest. A little too hardcore for me too.

[BowtieBoris]

billzeebub said:

In that case you need a TVR Chimaera. Comfortable GT. Big boot too, it won't lose money. It's the next car on my ownership list.

Again, another car I'm not very clued up/familiar with. Isn't subframe rot quite common? The unreliability reputation has always put me off.

[BowtieBoris]

kambites said:

You're considering an E46 M3, you can't discount another car on the basis of subframe rot.

That's something I'm familiar with and would be looking for a reinforced example.

My point was I know little about TVRs and from what I do know, they're very temperamental.

[BowtieBoris]

kambites said:

Is there a reason that you don't seem to be considering anything made by Porsche? Whilst a 996 or Boxster for that money might be a worry in terms of reliability there's plenty of older front-engined car that appear to be very solid and have very strong residuals. You'd get a lovely 944 for that budget.

Without offending Porsche owners (well I've already done Vauxhall, so might as well make it a double whammy), I just don't like the look of them

[BowtieBoris]

Snails said:

I don't know anything much about either of your two suggestions, but have you looked at a Phase 1 Clio V6? £11,000 will buy a decent example at the moment.

Also, what is the Mito Cloverleaf like? I have been looking at them as a possible replacement for m current car

A Clio V6 would be on the list but I haven't seen one in decent shape for less than about £15k. I think the Pre-facelift version may just fall in to my price range but I'm sure it;d be a very high miler....

The MiTo is f*cking awesome. It reminds me very much of my ST in the way it picks up. There is a very slight delay then a lovely surge of power than really holds throughout the range. I think it'd surprise a lot of cars in the real world. The whole ride set up is really responsive, if a little twitchy (in dynamic mode - which is the only mode it's ever in). I think it could do with sitting a little lower, both in terms of feeling a little more stable and it obviously looks better.
We've got the leather in ours and it's really nice. Everything inside is seems really well put together and nice quality. The bluetooth, USB thing is a bit faffy but that's probably because I don't know how to use it properly.
I would thoroughly recommend one.

[BowtieBoris]

kambites said:

Fair enough.

Actually I don't really either, the 911 in particular is just ugly to my eye, but looks are a long way down my priorities when buying a car. You can't really see the styling from the drivers' seat.

The mk1 Focus RS and E46 M3 are certainly both very good looking cars.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 18th December 14:20

I like to park mine... then walk off and glance back at it's beauty so looks are a must for me! (does that make me shallow??)

That's one thing I think the RS has over the M3. Both look great, but the RS looks more 'striking'.

[BowtieBoris]

Scottland said:

Something like a TVR could be a good shout if it's only for 12m as you won't lost much (if any) money on it if it's a good one. I believe rot underneath can be the killer on these.

But definitely try to go for something that won't take much of a depreciation hit.

The no-depreciation thing is a very high priority, as I do eventually intend bring over another Nova from the US.

as i mentioned, TVRs aren't a car I could go a view with any confidence - atm anyway.

[BowtieBoris]

Snails said:

It would need to be a Phase 1 Clio V6 for 11k (pre-facelift) I absolutely loved mine, they do still pop up at £11,000, especially privately. If you are considering one, it might be worth joining V6clio.net I am sure there will be somebody close to you who will be more than happy to let you have a look at theirs/take you out, they are very friendly and helpful bunch.

There is this one at £11995
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C563645


Glad to hear about the Mito it that or a 147 GTA, both small hatches, but i imagine very different indeed.

Cheers mate
Thanks for the mail you set through too, that looks a fantastic example. That really has thrown a spanner in the works!
A lot of it is going to depend on what's available once the Chevelle sells but the V6 is definitely a contender now.
Any things that I should look out for, avoid or make sure it's had done??

[BowtieBoris]

daveofedinburgh said:

Was going to chip in with a 996 911 or Boxster 987, but your not keen on Porsche which is more common on here and in the real world than I had suspected up until a couple of years ago!

Monaro was also on my suggestions list based on your previous Yank stuff, but Im also turned off by the Vauxhall thing (and also apologise to Vauxhall owners!)

You could find a modern-ish Corvette for £11K, I'd love one.

Mkiv Supra TT is a great shout (Ive had 2). They are of a vintage now where prices are on the rise due to so many being neglected/ molested into oblivion. £10-11K is also the right price point for decent TTs with manual box. Probably my pick, but Im very Supra-centric. Not going to depreciate (or very little at worst) and in my experience very reliable. Better drivers' car than its given credit for, but needs a couple of mods to feel properly 'sharp'.

E46 M3 has been calling my name for ages now. Get one soon, prices are going one way on these too. Find a tintop, manual, with a brake upgrade and no splitty-floor- would be my #2 pick.

I'd also be tempted by an S2 Elise, everyone knows how they drive and the S2 still looks properly fresh.

Plenty of big-engined Mercs available too. I'd be concerned about big-Mercedes bills though (says the guy suggesting a 996).

Tbh, the world is your oyster with £11K to spend. Find a 'what car for £10K?'-esque thread, bet there's afew!

I do quite fancy a C5 Vette, but a nice lowish miler is a little above my budget (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-CHEVROLET-CORVETTE-C5-5-7-AUTO-TARGA-TOP-EURO-SPEC-62-000-MILES-/131376163162?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e96a1295a) I can stretch my budget, but not too much.

Certain cars just don't tickle my fancy right from the off and unfortunately Supras (all Toyotas) and Mercs fit into that category. I'm sure the Elise would be a hoot to drive but again, it's one of those cars that's never grabbed me.

[BowtieBoris]

Potatoes said:

Weekend car - you will not get much better than a VX220 at that budget... you will not regret it, awesome car, so much fun!!

Again it's the whole Vauxhall thing(sorry!) I'm not overly keen on too many small 2 seater sports cars either.

[BowtieBoris]

Snails said:

It is really is worth joining the forum as a member, there is a whole load of information on the cars in the knowledge base and on the forum as whole. If you are interested it might be worth putting up a 'Wanted' ad

Lots of the things you need to look for, relate to making sure all the body panels are there! Quite a few have been seen to missing various panels after accidents and not being repaired properly due to the ridiculous cost of the panels and corners being cut. (A new front bumper is £900 from Renault, rear even more.)

Make sure the cambelt and accessory has been changed recently, it is 5 years or 72k, however it is a £1000 job if it hasn't. Most owners will get the waterpump done at the same time.

Lift the bonnet and check the luggage tray for cracks, as it is easily damaged.
Remove and check under the luggage tray, mine had just started to develop a small patch of rust on the far right under the tray.

Check all the undertrays are present and correct. There should be a plastic undertrays cover almost the entire underside of the car. A replacement set is ~£900

There should be a black plastic panel that attaches to the underside of the phase 1 bumper and extends to the the start of the arches. If the car has had a front end bump and isn't replaced, ~£850.00

Check the rubber spoiler on the front bumper is present ~£310 from Renault, although a Skoda Fabia rubber has been found to be a replacement at about £20

Check it has both front arch liners. They are ~£250 to replace and often aren't replaced when a cheaper repair has been done.

Make sure the bumpers align with the front wing and where they join the rear quarter as there can sometimes be quite noticeable gaps if it has had a knock.

I'm sure those on the forum would give a more full answer!

Top man, thanks for your help.

I didn't realise how expensive parts were for them.

[BowtieBoris]

350Z anyone?