What car to replace my EP3 with a £5-8k budget…

[Clarkie1988]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve had a 2005 civic type-r Premier Edition nighthawk black for the last 6 years and done about 70,000 miles in the car which has been bullet proof as to only need some new tyres and yearly servicing. It’s completely standard too including the head unit and absolutely love the car but 3 weeks ago the catalytic converter was stolen outside my house at midnight. The insurers approved garage initially replaced the car wigh an aftermarket one which not only sounded incredibly bland but also flagged up an Engine light after 2 hours of me driving it. The car has now been at the garage for 3 weeks now as they have tried 3 different aftermarket cats and all keep flagging up and engine light as I understand an original cat is worth about £2.5k so the assessors are working out whether it’s worth replacing or just writing off the car. I don’t want the hassle of decatting the car and putting a new one on every MOT and even if they did replace the cat, I’m paranoid the bds will come back for the new one so what I’m looking for is some advice - keep the car and just hold on for the best or if they write it off, what car for me next? I like the practicality and reliability of the civic along with the fun high revving engine. I appreciate they aren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s always a conversation starter with people whether they love it or not, someone has an opinion on them as opposed to me just owning a big standard yet still nippy A3 or 1 series and no one bats an eye lid. So With a budget of £5-£8k I’m looking at Ford STs, Mini john Cooper works, Fiat 595s and the usual hot hatches. I’ve also been looking at e46 330i or even e36s but worried whether age and wear and tear is becoming too much of a factor now. However, I am now 33 this year so should I be looking into going a bit boring but still having the power at my hands so an E9X 330i or 125i coupe? Scirrocco GT or TTS? I really enjoyed the fact my car is/was in very good condition and there’s something about an older car being all polished and waxed in the sun which makes me proud as opposed to a new car which you expect to be clean and tidy. I don’t want to just blend it with the standard fast rep mobiles and would still be keen to have something a bit different and makes me look back at her in the car park without thinking too much about maintenance and reliability that comes with a potentially older car so what suggestions does everyone have?

[TheLuke]

Sorry to hear about your Cat.

Most of them other cars you have suggested will have the same issue, particularly the 6cyl bmw's. Diesel is the only way to remove your cat theft anxiety.

[Clarkie1988]

Yea that’s true although from my research and working within the motor industry, Hondas are very popular at the moment due to the metals within the cat. Two other cars got done the same night, a Honda Jazz (also very common) and an old MX5. Japanese cars from that era are becoming big targets along with hybrid cars like the Prius and Lexus SUVs hence why I might have to say goodbye to my love of Japanese sporty cars

Of course it happens to any car but I think I’ll be less paranoid with a car that isn’t known as such for expensive cats. Even researching online not many type-r cats get stolen due to them sitting fairly low but I guess nothing will stop them..

[nunpuncher]

I had an ep3 and absolutely loved it. I replaced it with an e90 330i and hated the thing. The engine was lovely and smooth but compared to the ep3 it felt incredibly large, soft and dull. Many moons later, in recent history I bought an R53 Cooper S and I found that to give a similar driving experience to the EP3. I really enjoyed that car but it wasn't anywhere near as bullet proof as the civic. The later r56 will probably be similarly as fun but you need to go for a later one with the n18 engine to avoid all sort of engine woes.

I'm not really sure what is available around that budget that won't be subject to potential theft issues but I suspect a Fiesta ST may creep in to budget along with some Renault sport products. Maybe a 208 GTI? Swift Sport is a bit of a stock answer around here as well. If you liked the ep3 I'd stick with those sorts of cars. Having been there and done it, bigger, heavier, quicker doesn't add up to more fun. And no way would I go diesel.

[Clarkie1988]

Thank you for your reply mate, that’s really helpful. That’s the thing I’m worried about going from the EP3 to something much smoother and more powerful but a lot less fun. I’m thinking it will likely be the Minis or as you suggested, a Renault. I do keep looking at the RS250 and think they look stunning in certain colours!

[Bennet]

Celica 190 GT. They look awesome. Similar engine characteristic to the Honda. Massive boot.



Only issue is if you're tall. I'm 6'3 and don't really fit in Celicas.

[fozzymandeus]

Try a Mk3 Clio 200. Look for one with the cup chassis and the recaros

[RoVoFob]

Clarkie1988 said:

Long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve had a 2005 civic type-r Premier Edition nighthawk black for the last 6 years and done about 70,000 miles in the car which has been bullet proof as to only need some new tyres and yearly servicing. It’s completely standard too including the head unit and absolutely love the car but 3 weeks ago the catalytic converter was stolen outside my house at midnight. The insurers approved garage initially replaced the car wigh an aftermarket one which not only sounded incredibly bland but also flagged up an Engine light after 2 hours of me driving it. The car has now been at the garage for 3 weeks now as they have tried 3 different aftermarket cats and all keep flagging up and engine light as I understand an original cat is worth about £2.5k so the assessors are working out whether it’s worth replacing or just writing off the car. I don’t want the hassle of decatting the car and putting a new one on every MOT and even if they did replace the cat, I’m paranoid the bds will come back for the new one so what I’m looking for is some advice - keep the car and just hold on for the best or if they write it off, what car for me next? I like the practicality and reliability of the civic along with the fun high revving engine. I appreciate they aren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s always a conversation starter with people whether they love it or not, someone has an opinion on them as opposed to me just owning a big standard yet still nippy A3 or 1 series and no one bats an eye lid. So With a budget of £5-£8k I’m looking at Ford STs, Mini john Cooper works, Fiat 595s and the usual hot hatches. I’ve also been looking at e46 330i or even e36s but worried whether age and wear and tear is becoming too much of a factor now. However, I am now 33 this year so should I be looking into going a bit boring but still having the power at my hands so an E9X 330i or 125i coupe? Scirrocco GT or TTS? I really enjoyed the fact my car is/was in very good condition and there’s something about an older car being all polished and waxed in the sun which makes me proud as opposed to a new car which you expect to be clean and tidy. I don’t want to just blend it with the standard fast rep mobiles and would still be keen to have something a bit different and makes me look back at her in the car park without thinking too much about maintenance and reliability that comes with a potentially older car so what suggestions does everyone have?

You mention the 330i but not the 130i. That sounds like a more natural option for you than the heavier 330i and the heavier and less powerful 125i.

For £8k you could get a very good one, it’s notably lighter than the other BMWs - and even the E46 330i/330Ci/325ti - and has shorter gearing and hydraulic steering (for pre-facelift versions), which is far nicer than the EP3’s. All-in-all it has the same feeling of energy to the EP3 but in a different format. With around 4,000rpm between maximum torque and maximum power it has a broad spread of muscle, too; it may not rev as high as the Civic, but it pulls harder from lower revs.

No one batting an eyelid for the 130i should mean it’s less likely to have its catalyst nicked. People in the know realise that it’s something special, while everyone else thinks it’s an ordinary 1 Series. Debadge it and it’s just the twin exhausts that give it away. It may look like an ordinary 1 Series, but I promise it doesn’t drive like one...May be worth considering, if you do have to change your car.

[mikeyr]

If you want unusual but stay Japanese then perhaps look at Subaru or even a Mazda MPS?

I think there are some nice Meganes in your price range too.

Sorry to hear about your Civic. Just sold our diesel one of a similar vintage and it was thoroughly reliable.

[griffter]

You should be able to get around the cat issue with an aftermarket sports cat and if needs be an O2 sensor spacer to fool the sensor into thinking the car is running leaner. Whatever you do don’t let them write the car off for what should be a £500 repair. An unmolested Premier Edition with under 100k miles as you describe must be worth £10k all day long. The insurance company probably won’t see it that way but if I were you I’d try to get a cash settlement (with no write off marker) and take it to a Honda specialist.

If you’re set on changing it I’d also recommend Renault Sport. I have a S2000 and a Megane GT and they’re both very different but have a similar appeal.

If you really want rid and don’t have the above options, please pm me because I’d love to see if I could take it on!

[Clarkie1988]

Bennet said:

Celica 190 GT. They look awesome. Similar engine characteristic to the Honda. Massive boot.



Only issue is if you're tall. I'm 6'3 and don't really fit in Celicas.

Have been looking at these but are they underpowered? Can’t seem to find many engine sizes apart from 1.8?

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

Long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve had a 2005 civic type-r Premier Edition nighthawk black for the last 6 years and done about 70,000 miles in the car which has been bullet proof as to only need some new tyres and yearly servicing. It’s completely standard too including the head unit and absolutely love the car but 3 weeks ago the catalytic converter was stolen outside my house at midnight. The insurers approved garage initially replaced the car wigh an aftermarket one which not only sounded incredibly bland but also flagged up an Engine light after 2 hours of me driving it. The car has now been at the garage for 3 weeks now as they have tried 3 different aftermarket cats and all keep flagging up and engine light as I understand an original cat is worth about £2.5k so the assessors are working out whether it’s worth replacing or just writing off the car. I don’t want the hassle of decatting the car and putting a new one on every MOT and even if they did replace the cat, I’m paranoid the bds will come back for the new one so what I’m looking for is some advice - keep the car and just hold on for the best or if they write it off, what car for me next? I like the practicality and reliability of the civic along with the fun high revving engine. I appreciate they aren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s always a conversation starter with people whether they love it or not, someone has an opinion on them as opposed to me just owning a big standard yet still nippy A3 or 1 series and no one bats an eye lid. So With a budget of £5-£8k I’m looking at Ford STs, Mini john Cooper works, Fiat 595s and the usual hot hatches. I’ve also been looking at e46 330i or even e36s but worried whether age and wear and tear is becoming too much of a factor now. However, I am now 33 this year so should I be looking into going a bit boring but still having the power at my hands so an E9X 330i or 125i coupe? Scirrocco GT or TTS? I really enjoyed the fact my car is/was in very good condition and there’s something about an older car being all polished and waxed in the sun which makes me proud as opposed to a new car which you expect to be clean and tidy. I don’t want to just blend it with the standard fast rep mobiles and would still be keen to have something a bit different and makes me look back at her in the car park without thinking too much about maintenance and reliability that comes with a potentially older car so what suggestions does everyone have?

You mention the 330i but not the 130i. That sounds like a more natural option for you than the heavier 330i and the heavier and less powerful 125i.

For £8k you could get a very good one, it’s notably lighter than the other BMWs - and even the E46 330i/330Ci/325ti - and has shorter gearing and hydraulic steering (for pre-facelift versions), which is far nicer than the EP3’s. All-in-all it has the same feeling of energy to the EP3 but in a different format. With around 4,000rpm between maximum torque and maximum power it has a broad spread of muscle, too; it may not rev as high as the Civic, but it pulls harder from lower revs.

No one batting an eyelid for the 130i should mean it’s less likely to have its catalyst nicked. People in the know realise that it’s something special, while everyone else thinks it’s an ordinary 1 Series. Debadge it and it’s just the twin exhausts that give it away. It may look like an ordinary 1 Series, but I promise it doesn’t drive like one...May be worth considering, if you do have to change your car.

Never really thought about the 130i! They do seem quite rare looking at the classifieds and like you say, seem to go unnoticed unless you’re in the know. The way you described the power seems like the next logical step after the EP3 so might need to test drive one. What’s the reliability like on them?

[Clarkie1988]

mikeyr said:

If you want unusual but stay Japanese then perhaps look at Subaru or even a Mazda MPS?

I think there are some nice Meganes in your price range too.

Sorry to hear about your Civic. Just sold our diesel one of a similar vintage and it was thoroughly reliable.

Subarus do seem quite an attractive option and the MPS seems quite rare. Will have a look into these as I don’t know too much about them.

Annoyingly I don’t think I’ll find a car as reliable as the civic!

[Clarkie1988]

griffter said:

You should be able to get around the cat issue with an aftermarket sports cat and if needs be an O2 sensor spacer to fool the sensor into thinking the car is running leaner. Whatever you do don’t let them write the car off for what should be a £500 repair. An unmolested Premier Edition with under 100k miles as you describe must be worth £10k all day long. The insurance company probably won’t see it that way but if I were you I’d try to get a cash settlement (with no write off marker) and take it to a Honda specialist.

If you’re set on changing it I’d also recommend Renault Sport. I have a S2000 and a Megane GT and they’re both very different but have a similar appeal.

If you really want rid and don’t have the above options, please pm me because I’d love to see if I could take it on!

Thanks for your reply mate. Maybe I should suggest the spacer as you mentioned? They keep trying aftermarket cats but can’t get rid of the EML and I don’t think they want to go the route of an OEM part…
Sorry I’m typing this all on my iPhone so my description was in correct - I’ve had the car 6 years and put 70,000 additional miles on so it’s currently on 125,000. Big difference in valuation so apologies for that! It is still unmolested though.
With regards to a cash settlement, how does that work? I’ve been very lucky during my car ownership years and never had to use my insurance for anything

[RoVoFob]

Clarkie1988 said:

Never really thought about the 130i! They do seem quite rare looking at the classifieds and like you say, seem to go unnoticed unless you’re in the know. The way you described the power seems like the next logical step after the EP3 so might need to test drive one. What’s the reliability like on them?

I always think that rare versions of common cars are a good buy. The rarity of the 130i means that people don’t expect it to be so quick and it should go under the radar with thieves, too. The fact the 1 Series is common, on the other hand - and the engine is shared across numerous other BMWs - means that parts availability should remain good for years to come and prices reasonable.

I’m on my third 130i and haven’t had any major issues. Water pumps and tired suspension are the main things I’d keep an eye out for when buying - plus of course regular maintenance. There are a number of buyers’ guides on babybmw.net, which are definitely worth reading, as these will give you an overview of everything to look out for, but if you bear those in mind, the 130i is a pretty solid machine and still decent value for money, compared with things like R32s, 147 GTAs and Clio V6s...

[redandwhite]

Sounds like you want to keep the EP3

If they write it off, what's to stop you from buying it back?

[TheAlastair34]

Ask the garage to get a sports cat ordered for it they will be better quality than a 3rd party OEM copy

Or get them to write it off and buy it back and do this yourself

It does soudn like you still love the ep3 and decent ones likes yours are hard to come by and will go up in value i think

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

Never really thought about the 130i! They do seem quite rare looking at the classifieds and like you say, seem to go unnoticed unless you’re in the know. The way you described the power seems like the next logical step after the EP3 so might need to test drive one. What’s the reliability like on them?

I always think that rare versions of common cars are a good buy. The rarity of the 130i means that people don’t expect it to be so quick and it should go under the radar with thieves, too. The fact the 1 Series is common, on the other hand - and the engine is shared across numerous other BMWs - means that parts availability should remain good for years to come and prices reasonable.

I’m on my third 130i and haven’t had any major issues. Water pumps and tired suspension are the main things I’d keep an eye out for when buying - plus of course regular maintenance. There are a number of buyers’ guides on babybmw.net, which are definitely worth reading, as these will give you an overview of everything to look out for, but if you bear those in mind, the 130i is a pretty solid machine and still decent value for money, compared with things like R32s, 147 GTAs and Clio V6s...

You’re selling it quite well mate! Looking on autotrader thought they seem to command quite a price tag even for the older high mileage ones! I’ve had a read of the babybmw forum and they have such rave reviews. Think I’ll need to test drive one for myself!

[Clarkie1988]

redandwhite said:

Sounds like you want to keep the EP3

If they write it off, what's to stop you from buying it back?

Just the fact I’m slightly paranoid the thieves will be back for the new cat as they new it would have had another fitted…even if I put an aftermarket sports one on, once they’re under the car wouldn’t they still nick it?

[Clarkie1988]

TheAlastair34 said:

Ask the garage to get a sports cat ordered for it they will be better quality than a 3rd party OEM copy

Or get them to write it off and buy it back and do this yourself

It does soudn like you still love the ep3 and decent ones likes yours are hard to come by and will go up in value i think

This may be the route I take. I know the sports cats aren’t worth much but just worried they’ll come back to nick the new cat? Once you’re under a car jacked up, will you really not bother cutting it off considering it only takes seconds?