A bit of flash for not much cash - what car
Discussion
An opportunity for me to think about a new car purchase some time in the very near future. Newly single and my current shed doesn't quite cut it for taking out young ladies for nice dates. Shallow as it sounds, but it is in a pretty bad state. Cue the comments about any girl who cares what you drive isn't worth it, but I'm not interested in settling down with anyone for a while now, so a bit of flash is exactly what's needed here.
So let's say the flashiest/perhaps coolest (sticker bombed ancient VW need not apply) looking car with a bit of go for let's say 2-5k. Will be able to upgrade after a short while, but break ups can be a tad expensive! Not the best budget but got to be an improvement on my daily heap at the moment.
I'm aware Porsche Boxsters can be had for cheap these days, but I would like something a bit more suited to 15-20k miles per year - or I could always keep my shed as well I suppose. My other thoughts include a merc CLK as they're pretty cheap now and not *too* dated. Do they drive like boats though?
Something not too horrendous on insurance being 24, but most things are okay now since I've got some no claims etc and a modicum of reliability and reasonable-ish servicing costs. Not fussed on auto or manual, petrol preffered. Never been that keen on hot hatches.
Any ideas? I'm struggling a bit at this low budget
So let's say the flashiest/perhaps coolest (sticker bombed ancient VW need not apply) looking car with a bit of go for let's say 2-5k. Will be able to upgrade after a short while, but break ups can be a tad expensive! Not the best budget but got to be an improvement on my daily heap at the moment.
I'm aware Porsche Boxsters can be had for cheap these days, but I would like something a bit more suited to 15-20k miles per year - or I could always keep my shed as well I suppose. My other thoughts include a merc CLK as they're pretty cheap now and not *too* dated. Do they drive like boats though?
Something not too horrendous on insurance being 24, but most things are okay now since I've got some no claims etc and a modicum of reliability and reasonable-ish servicing costs. Not fussed on auto or manual, petrol preffered. Never been that keen on hot hatches.
Any ideas? I'm struggling a bit at this low budget
Edited by PhilThePower on Sunday 21st August 22:07
Thanks for the suggestions!
I actually like every single suggestion bar the MX5 and 540 touring, which are both great, but perhaps not for this situation.
Ones I particularly like and am currently looking in to and searching on eBay:
S Class
350z, totally forgot about that,
Audi TT
3, 5 and 6 Series
Alfa suggestion was brilliant, didn't even give them a thought. Always wanted a red 156 with the big rear spoiler.
CLK
Z4's look nice but I think the ride might be a bit harsh, as I do a lot of miles.
I actually like every single suggestion bar the MX5 and 540 touring, which are both great, but perhaps not for this situation.
Ones I particularly like and am currently looking in to and searching on eBay:
S Class
350z, totally forgot about that,
Audi TT
3, 5 and 6 Series
Alfa suggestion was brilliant, didn't even give them a thought. Always wanted a red 156 with the big rear spoiler.
CLK
Z4's look nice but I think the ride might be a bit harsh, as I do a lot of miles.
jamesh764 said:
A woman worth having is not going to give a stuff what car you drive. If anything, they are put off by a bit of flash.
For the eleven years I have been with my wife people have been telling me I've married above my league. You know the sort of thing - "how did someone as stupid and ugly as you end up with such an intelligent and attractive wife?"
When I first met her, I had a Fiat Uno 1.0.
I see what you mean, but the last thing I want is a wife, they don't have to be marriage material For the eleven years I have been with my wife people have been telling me I've married above my league. You know the sort of thing - "how did someone as stupid and ugly as you end up with such an intelligent and attractive wife?"
When I first met her, I had a Fiat Uno 1.0.
Vitorio said:
Monkeylegend said:
To all those suggesting 2 seaters, the guy wants to pull the birds and maybe have a bit of fun in the back seats.
What's wrong with you?
Good point, recommendation amended from a Z4 to a V70 with a matres in the back What's wrong with you?
Seriously though, OP is newly single at 24, time to establish a minimalist looking bachelor pad to take the ladies home to, having a grope in the back of a car is rather "nah, cant go home to my place luv, well wake me parents up"
I have managed to get the ex to take a lot of the shabby chic b
ks furniture we've acquired and started removing the Laura Ashley wallpaper already. Operation bachelor pad is well underway, not a scatter cushion in sight! Vitorio said:
Proper job mate!
I still have one excess cushion on the couch after the ex left 6 months ago, but it is very much functional, i always have it in the corner of the couch to lay on!
Will be taking down the scaffolding-wood decoration this week, and probably painting the brown (
) wall some other colour as well.
I used to hate decorating but now it's only for myself I don't think it's going to be anywhere near as hateful. Plenty of free time to get cracking now too... I still have one excess cushion on the couch after the ex left 6 months ago, but it is very much functional, i always have it in the corner of the couch to lay on!
Will be taking down the scaffolding-wood decoration this week, and probably painting the brown (
) wall some other colour as well.
Some of the comments in here are hilarious 
thanks all
Range Rover actually really does sound good, it would be a lovely place to soak up the miles. Wasn't really aware even the L322 was in budget! The running costs aren't really what scares me, it's more the potential for breaking down. I might keep my old shed anyway just because it's worth feck all so it might help. Maybe if I bought one for 4K and spent a bit renewing things that are common failures before they occur?
I have quite a bit of disposable cash which is nice, fairly easy to save etc, the problem I have in getting something I really want is financing it. A £600 a month loan is nothing if I have 2.5-3k per month spare, but annoyingly a misunderstanding after I moved house 4 years ago with a mobile phone company means they've registered a default on my credit file, for a stupid amount too of about £50! I'm in the process of trying to get it removed, but if I can't then it's on there until 2018 which is really, really annoying. I've managed to get a credit card to improve things, I've been approved for leasing before, but a loan is a no go due to this silly default for 50 bloody quid.
So for now I think 5k Max would do, if I can find something smart enough.
A few other nice suggestions so far so thanks for that chaps. The Alfas really really appeal. Need to do a bit of research in to the reliability as some say it's a myth they're all hideously unreliable and others say it's completely true! I do like the GT like the one posted, but I'd love a fully sorted 156, not sure they have the same allure for the ladies though!
I'm differing on opinion with the boxster, where they haven't changed *that* much over the years I reckon a sorted one would still look good!
thanks allRange Rover actually really does sound good, it would be a lovely place to soak up the miles. Wasn't really aware even the L322 was in budget! The running costs aren't really what scares me, it's more the potential for breaking down. I might keep my old shed anyway just because it's worth feck all so it might help. Maybe if I bought one for 4K and spent a bit renewing things that are common failures before they occur?
I have quite a bit of disposable cash which is nice, fairly easy to save etc, the problem I have in getting something I really want is financing it. A £600 a month loan is nothing if I have 2.5-3k per month spare, but annoyingly a misunderstanding after I moved house 4 years ago with a mobile phone company means they've registered a default on my credit file, for a stupid amount too of about £50! I'm in the process of trying to get it removed, but if I can't then it's on there until 2018 which is really, really annoying. I've managed to get a credit card to improve things, I've been approved for leasing before, but a loan is a no go due to this silly default for 50 bloody quid.
So for now I think 5k Max would do, if I can find something smart enough.
A few other nice suggestions so far so thanks for that chaps. The Alfas really really appeal. Need to do a bit of research in to the reliability as some say it's a myth they're all hideously unreliable and others say it's completely true! I do like the GT like the one posted, but I'd love a fully sorted 156, not sure they have the same allure for the ladies though!
I'm differing on opinion with the boxster, where they haven't changed *that* much over the years I reckon a sorted one would still look good!
chrisb92 said:
So you have £2.5-3k a month spare cash and you're looking at getting a shed to impress birds? Something doesn't sound right there.
I did say in that post why I can't finance something more lavish, and I'd sooner not save every single penny I earn for months to buy a car outright when it could be better invested elsewhere. Just because you have the money, doesn't mean it's all best spent on a car. Time to try and save some now I'm single too! I'm not completely against leasing but most of the cars available seem pretty boring (and diesel) so not massively keen on renting a golf tdi when I could use that money to run an interesting older car which still looks good enough for the job.
The 5k could be stretched, but I was just curious to find out if the budget I have available now is enough to buy something decent enough. Seems it probably is actually.
Edited by PhilThePower on Monday 22 August 13:17
Obviously the sole purpose of the car isn't to look good to girls, but I'm aware that I should upgrade my current POS with something more suitable with this firmly in mind. whatever I buy I have to like of course, but I like some hideous cars which would probably actively put people off!
Greg_D said:
as shallow as it seems, if you are specifically looking to get your leg over and the car will be assisting in that aim; get a car that birds would like to drive themselves.
All of the below in white, obvs...
TT
SLK
1 series
Z3/4
and yes, MX5
or something a bit older and quirkier like an MG Midget/beetle
i think bigger cars like an old S class would be met with granddad comments
make sure that they are standard, women don't like to stand out from the crowd.
That's the psychology 101 sorted, lol...
lol, that's a good list and I agree with your thinking! Not sold on the MX5 though... All of the below in white, obvs...
TT
SLK
1 series
Z3/4
and yes, MX5
or something a bit older and quirkier like an MG Midget/beetle
i think bigger cars like an old S class would be met with granddad comments
make sure that they are standard, women don't like to stand out from the crowd.
That's the psychology 101 sorted, lol...
inbetweeners does spring to mind!! Thanks for the other suggestions.
The 159's look gorgeous. I could live with sorting suspension out when needed as long as it isn't breaking down every 5 mins so that's encouraging.
The 645 is shared with my now ex, its on finance in her name so she's just going to take over the full payments and keep it. I do like the car a lot but would rather not have a convertible either really.
ZX10R NIN said:
In my biased opinion I don't think you can go far wrong with a CLK I've had a good few of them depending on your mileage then you have a few options the CLK270cdi is a good choice if you do a fair few miles.
The 240/280/320 (the 2005 facelift models are the ones to look for) are good swift here are a few options or you could go for a CLS.
2005 CLK280 Sport 79k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK240 Avantgarde 67k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK320 Avantgarde 68k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK270 Avantgarde 95k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK220 Avantgarde 70k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Sorry I missed this post before! The 240/280/320 (the 2005 facelift models are the ones to look for) are good swift here are a few options or you could go for a CLS.
2005 CLK280 Sport 79k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK240 Avantgarde 67k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK320 Avantgarde 68k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK270 Avantgarde 95k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2005 CLK220 Avantgarde 70k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 22 August 01:51
They do look pretty smart actually! I like the one in silver with tinted windows, wheels are good too.
Definitely a contender. A bit more of a cruiser which would be nice for eating up the miles.
I think if I were to create a fantasy life, it would be a bit more exciting than the one I have now it wasn't boasting about income either, it's not a massive amount of money these days and if you'd like to PM me if you're that curious I'll happily give you more details! it's not like having a decent chunk left after tax means I can go and spunk 30k on a nice car anyway so I don't see how that's bullst.
The garage has taken a bit of adjustment recently and not knowing what's going on with my relationship has thrown up some different options. I love any opportunity to get in to a different car. As it stands now, all I'm left with is my old beat up shed which really is on its last legs unfortunately, and an ancient BMW which has recently failed it's MOT as rust has pretty much killed it, I will get it back on the road, but again, not really for this situation.
Would quite like to get myself in to something respectable with a view to not turning up on dates in an old POS, nothing wrong with that!
I had no idea those merc CL's could be had for such little money. I suppose no one wants a huge petrol with massive potential to go wrong?
As an aside, I've been out in my colleagues 3 series this evening, I didn't drive it unfortunately as not insured, but it was nice. I think I'll try an Alfa out thiufh before getting carried away as the newer BMWs are a bit boring.
it wasn't boasting about income either, it's not a massive amount of money these days and if you'd like to PM me if you're that curious I'll happily give you more details! it's not like having a decent chunk left after tax means I can go and spunk 30k on a nice car anyway so I don't see how that's bullst. The garage has taken a bit of adjustment recently and not knowing what's going on with my relationship has thrown up some different options. I love any opportunity to get in to a different car. As it stands now, all I'm left with is my old beat up shed which really is on its last legs unfortunately, and an ancient BMW which has recently failed it's MOT as rust has pretty much killed it, I will get it back on the road, but again, not really for this situation.
Would quite like to get myself in to something respectable with a view to not turning up on dates in an old POS, nothing wrong with that!
I had no idea those merc CL's could be had for such little money. I suppose no one wants a huge petrol with massive potential to go wrong?
As an aside, I've been out in my colleagues 3 series this evening, I didn't drive it unfortunately as not insured, but it was nice. I think I'll try an Alfa out thiufh before getting carried away as the newer BMWs are a bit boring.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
Particularly those of you who suggested I may be able to lease even with a st credit rating.
There's an offer on with Park Lane BMW through my work for various BMW's and Minis.
I've placed an order for a 335d xDrive M Sport, and as I wasn't fussed on colour or spec, it should be with me within the next 4-6 weeks. Looking forward to having something brand new and quicker than any car I've owned so far.
Might not be much by way of a fanny magnet but I don't think it'll put them off, fast and frugal, good for commuting. Only a 12 month deal so I shouldn't have time to get bored before buying something I really want.
Hope the shed hangs on in there until then! If anyone's in the market for a clapped out rusty old mazda 3 in around 4-6 weeks time let me know
Particularly those of you who suggested I may be able to lease even with a s
t credit rating. There's an offer on with Park Lane BMW through my work for various BMW's and Minis.
I've placed an order for a 335d xDrive M Sport, and as I wasn't fussed on colour or spec, it should be with me within the next 4-6 weeks. Looking forward to having something brand new and quicker than any car I've owned so far.
Might not be much by way of a fanny magnet but I don't think it'll put them off, fast and frugal, good for commuting. Only a 12 month deal so I shouldn't have time to get bored before buying something I really want.
Hope the shed hangs on in there until then! If anyone's in the market for a clapped out rusty old mazda 3 in around 4-6 weeks time let me know
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