Citroen GSA, Rover 100, Skoda Felicia, Land Rover Freelander
Nissan Primera GT, Mini One D (the wife's)
"After years of front-wheel drive and fond memories of snowy power oversteer in the Landy, I am desperate for some rear-wheel drive action. An MX-5 is a constant temptation but I can't get my wife past the hairdresser image. Fast estates are also a draw for me, an E36 328i Touring would be a tempting choice if my Primera were to expire."
Porsche 911 GT2 (996)
"I've fancied a 911 GT2 ever since Porsche released the original 993 variant. The idea of more power than a Turbo but rear drive only always seemed bonkers while the riveted arches of the air-cooled car were gorgeous. With values of the original now somewhere beyond the stratosphere and the 997 version not far behind, it's the 996 that proves to be the bargain. Although there was a tuned version for not much more money, I think 465hp would colour my underwear brown just fine. With it being so unmolested and with such history, I can't see me losing any money on this either. That is unless it lives up to its widowmaker reputation and deposits me in a field upside down. Fingers crossed..."
Audi RS4 Avant
"I may have understated things when I said fast estates are a draw. I absolutely love the idea of being able to fill them with people and/or stuff when you need to yet show a sports car a clean set of heels when you don't. Originally I had picked an RS2 for a bit of warbly five-cylinder action but sadly that has now sold. I still fancied the idea of all weather traction in a relatively discreet package so an RS4 seemed the logical choice.
"Sure, the B7 RS4 might be the one everyone raves about but the first version, the B5, has always looked so right. I'm probably nuts for picking one with the wick turned up this much especially given the 130K miles but it sounds incredibly well cared for and with the necessary supporting modifications for the chassis to deal with 545hp. Given that it weighs 1,620kg, now a far less flabby looking figure than back in 1999, it should give GT-R levels of performance in something a lot of people would mistake for just another old Audi estate. Perfect."
Citroen C6
"Although I can't get enough of going quickly and feeling the road beneath me, a large chunk of my teens was spent in Citroen BXs, CXs and my own GSA. The feeling of gliding serenely across the tarmac, barely noticing potholes, speed bumps and any other disturbances is one that I need back in my life. I've always thought the C6 was the best looking modern Citroen by a country mile and a ride in the back of one proved my memories of hydro-pneumatic ride comfort were in no way rose-tinted. This would be the perfect partner for long distance work especially with the automatic and diesel combo. This is as close to sensible as I'm getting."
Ford Capri 280 Brooklands
"I have to admit this one isn't for me, it's for my wife! She's had the same car (a Mini One D) for the last seven years or so and desperately wants something faster and sexier. Recent 'what if' conversations have focused on classics such as the Datsun 240Z and Ford Capri. There's sadly only one 240Z currently listed and it's a LHD auto, which instantly rules it out even though it does have a nice big V8. Capris are much more plentiful with this immaculate Brooklands standing out for me. It's almost completely standard save for a fruity Janspeed exhaust and front brake upgrade. If the car is as rust free as suggested it should give many years of enjoyment, probably until she wants something even quicker. She's definitely a keeper (the wife that is, not the Capri)."
Nissan 200SX
"My first experience of oversteer was in the passenger seat of a 200SX so they will always have a special place in my heart. This and a childhood of watching Tiff Needell have given me an uncontrollable need to spend some time looking where I'm going out of the side windows. This one is far from standard and unmolested which suits me as I'm not sure I'd be able to leave one stock anyway. Although looks shouldn't matter too much, I'd have to spend a little of the budget sorting out some of the dodgy white highlights inside and out along with the questionable bodykit. On the plus side 271hp sounds like plenty to be getting on with but not enough for reliability to be of too much concern. I'm not sure how long I'd last before I had to up the boost though."
Renault Laguna 3.0 V6
"Quite simply, everyone needs a snotter. I live in a city where people are careless when it comes to driving and parking so I need to protect my fleet! Our cars have all manner of dents and scrapes, seeing that damage on one of the first five cars would be at best annoying and at worst heartbreaking. For less than £400 this Laguna would be fine for popping to the shops, throwing rubbish into the back of and other general shedding. I was torn between this and a Toyota Carina E (yes, really) but a V6 and lots of toys won over faultless reliability and complete anonymity. No doubt it would go wrong pretty quickly but at this price you could just bin it and buy something else. I'd probably nick the front seats to make a couple of armchairs first though.
"The remainder could go on some drift days, tyres and a couple of bags of cement for the boot of the Capri."