£8k budget for a new car

[Rayan1986]

Hi everyone just joined the forum after having a general read and being impressed. Ok I’m 25 and currently drive a Honda Civic type r. I have had the car over 4 years now and looking for a change. Looking for something a little mature but not too expensive. I normally just drive around but want something with power and looks. I’m sick of people acting like losers on the road and wanting to race. The CTR is also becoming very cheap so a lot of youngsters are getting on board. When I’m at the lights and one pulls up blasting trance music with a few 18 year olds, I can see its losing the appeal .

The car I buy now will probably keep for 5 years or more as I will be buying a property in the next few years so won’t want to worry about cars then. I have been looking at the BMW 330ci Clubsports in the esteroil (can’t spell) blue. Also been looking at some B6 Audi A4's. Would love a 350z but not practical at the moment.

So basically looking for some ideas from other motoring enthusiasts.

[Lefty]

So a fun but subtle 4-door saloon, probably quicker than your CTR (because no-one likes a step down)?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2769453.htm


http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2777647.htm


http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2679319.htm

[Mr Roper]

If fuel isn't an issue then consider an RX8...or something a bit more refined a Jag S type R?

[Rayan1986]

doogz said:

How many seats do you need?

How many miles a year do you do?

Do you have a rough economy figure in mind? is 25mpg acceptable? 20mpg?

Any limits on age? Would you buy something that's over ten years old?

Sorry should have added some more info:

1. Need a car to seat 4/5 people inc driver
2. I work in central London so not doing more then 100miles a week
3. Something from about 2003 upward I would think.
4. Needs to be around the same pace (or faster) then my stock CTR.

[Rayan1986]

Lefty said:

So a fun but subtle 4-door saloon, probably quicker than your CTR (because no-one likes a step down)?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2769453.htm


http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2777647.htm


http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2679319.htm

Does not have to be a 4 door saloon, could be a coupe etc. Just remember guys im 25 so want something less hot hatch but also not going in to cars such as Jags and saloon Mercs. I see tose types of cars as something I would but in about 10 years time . Somnething not a step down from the civic either.

[Lefty]

Rayan1986 said:

Does not have to be a 4 door saloon, could be a coupe etc. Just remember guys im 25 so want something less hot hatch but also not going in to cars such as Jags and saloon Mercs. I see tose types of cars as something I would but in about 10 years time. Somnething not a step down from the civic either.

But a 3-series or A4 is OK?

[Rayan1986]

Lefty said:

But a 3-series or A4 is OK?

I meant the 3 series coupe, was looking at the 330ci Clubsport. I think the Adui A4 with some mods is a cool mid age car (if that makes sense). Rather then sitting in a Jag or a Merc saloon. My dad has had both and currently has a Merc saloon, so I dont see it as my type of car.

[5lab]

rx8?
cooper s-works?
one of those alfa coupe things with a v6 (there's 2 and I never understood why)

[Rayan1986]

5lab said:

rx8?
cooper s-works?
one of those alfa coupe things with a v6 (there's 2 and I never understood why)

Dont like the Rx8
Dont like the coopers
Dont like the Alfa and reliability.

Still need to have a browse around. Anyone got any opinions on the BMW 330ci Clubsport? This:

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2733196.htm

With lower mileage and a better spec but this car and color.

[Lefty]

Sounds like you've made up your mind!

How about a less chavvy hot hatch? Are mk v gti's down to £8k yet? They're subtle.



Edited for weird typo

Edited by Lefty on Tuesday 24th May 11:14

[300bhp/ton]

Rayan1986 said:

Hi everyone just joined the forum after having a general read and being impressed. Ok I’m 25 and currently drive a Honda Civic type r. I have had the car over 4 years now and looking for a change. Looking for something a little mature but not too expensive. I normally just drive around but want something with power and looks. I’m sick of people acting like losers on the road and wanting to race. The CTR is also becoming very cheap so a lot of youngsters are getting on board. When I’m at the lights and one pulls up blasting trance music with a few 18 year olds, I can see its losing the appeal .

The car I buy now will probably keep for 5 years or more as I will be buying a property in the next few years so won’t want to worry about cars then. I have been looking at the BMW 330ci Clubsports in the esteroil (can’t spell) blue. Also been looking at some B6 Audi A4's. Would love a 350z but not practical at the moment.

So basically looking for some ideas from other motoring enthusiasts.

Jaguar X-Type 3.0 manual

I'd also look at a tidy e36 M3 Evo if you are looking at the e46 330.

Mazda 6 MPS.

[Rayan1986]

Lefty said:

Sounds like you've made up your mind!

How about a less chavvy hot hatch? rm v gti's down to £8k yet? They're subtle.

I dont think there that chavy, think they look smart. I did consider the GTI's as you can get good gains with a remap etc.

[Rayan1986]

300bhp/ton said:

Jaguar X-Type 3.0 manual

I'd also look at a tidy e36 M3 Evo if you are looking at the e46 330.

Mazda 6 MPS.

I think the E36 looks a bit dated now. I have heard good things about the Mazda though. might add that to the list of cars to look at. Like I mentioned dont like the idea of a Jag or similar. IMO its a lot more mature car than Im looking for.

[McSam]

If you like B6 Audis, sod an A4, get one with this instead:



2003 B6 S4, 335bhp 4.2-litre V8, £8k

[300bhp/ton]

Rayan1986 said:

I think the Adui A4 with some mods is a cool mid age car (if that makes sense).

Make sense? No not at all.

How is 25 "mid age" And the A4 is that fine blend of minging and bland. Especially with there new/current goaty beardy grill thing.

Probably not a bad car for what they are, but I fail to see why a keen driver would pick an understeery FWD saloon, know for poor ride comfort over a rwd good handling alternative?

[Mazdarese]

You'd get a nice, low-mileage Mazda 6 MPS for £8k easy. ~260bhp, AWD, and stealthy.

[300bhp/ton]

Rayan1986 said:

I think the E36 looks a bit dated now. I have heard good things about the Mazda though. might add that to the list of cars to look at. Like I mentioned dont like the idea of a Jag or similar. IMO its a lot more mature car than Im looking for.

Curious, but how is a car mature?

BTW - I had a Jag at 19, so I can't say I agree or relate to your comment

[Rayan1986]

McSam said:

If you like B6 Audis, sod an A4, get one with this instead:



2003 B6 S4, 335bhp 4.2-litre V8, £8k

You have no idea how much I love that car. I have seen some modded examples on the owners forum and they look amazing. Although I could buy one, I think maintaining it will kill me. This thread makes me hard ha ha:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/20076...

[anonymous-user]

I would say good choice on the BMW 330ci - I've just bought one. However, not so keen on the clubsport ones with that spoiler, although the estoril blue is a lovely colour. There are several threads on here with good and bad points for the clubsport. Just personal preference I guess.

I'm currently getting 36 mpg and not really hanging about either, sounds nice, performance is more than adequate for me. I would say definitely get a facelift model with the LED lights, 6 speed manual etc.

[Rayan1986]

bmw535i said:

I would say good choice on the BMW 330ci - I've just bought one. However, not so keen on the clubsport ones with that spoiler, although the estoril blue is a lovely colour. There are several threads on here with good and bad points for the clubsport. Just personal preference I guess.

I'm currently getting 36 mpg and not really hanging about either, sounds nice, performance is more than adequate for me. I would say definitely get a facelift model with the LED lights, 6 speed manual etc.

I really like that blue and dont think they were available on the 330ci. Im going to see what my budget allows. the Clubsport only com,e in silver, the estoril blue and a dark velvet blue. They may also come in black, but my current car is black and want a change. The 330ci's are common now so I thought the clubsport would be middle ground between that and the E46 M3, althoug performance wise I dont think there is any imporvement from the 330ci's.