Hello!

[Jim_Cross]

Just a quick hello to everyone...another newbie here...some of you might know me already from the evo forum.
I'm currently driving my Mum's 306 (I'm still a poor student!), but will be buying my own car when I finally graduate next summer. Got a massive list of possible replacements, including S1 Elise, VX220 and Racing Puma. Ho hum, decisions decisions!

[craigalsop]

Welcome! With your budget range, have you thought of an early Chimaera/Griffith?
Sure insurance is gonna sting, but it would with any of the cars you mentioned. Go on. You know you want to

[Bodo]

Hello Jim!
People here are strongly unbiassed

[Jim_Cross]

early Chimaera/Griffith

Sadly, that ain't gonna happen! Especially as I've never insured a car in my name, so I've got no NCB.

Racing Puma insurance is around £800, VX220 just over a grand, and S1 Elise comes out somewhere over £1400.
Budget for the car will be about £14k I think at the moment, and I only plan to do about £7k miles a year (hopefully I'll be commuting to work by train).

But oh how I'd love a Chimaera! Although I think some kind of lower-powered RWD stepping-stone would be a good idea. Sit me in a TVR now and I wouldn't fancy my chances of getting through the winter without having a car/tree incident!

[craigalsop]

Jim_Cross said:
But oh how I'd love a Chimaera! Although I think some kind of lower-powered RWD stepping-stone would be a good idea. Sit me in a TVR now and I wouldn't fancy my chances of getting through the winter without having a car/tree incident!

OK, then sounds like a TVR S would be perfect for you then, to get you into the fold. Maybe even a V8S?
Have a look at these

Personally, I think that winter is a perfect time to get your first RWD car, as you won't have got used to the massive amount of grip in the dry, and will start driving cautiously. They, when summer eventually does come, you won't believe the traction you get, and your technique will be smooth too.
Price tends to be better too

Disclaimer - I enjoy driving fast RWD cars in the rain, many people don't.

Mmm Chimaera, you will buy a Chimaera.