Yet another what car thread.

[petrolveins]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get a new car in October, when my current insurance policy runs out and the car I've been using the last two years will be needed by my sister to start learning in. My budget is around £4k for the car and insurance, I might be able to push to £5k for the right car. I'm 19 and at uni so the insurance will be a large part of that. I have already come up with a shortlist of cars far too long, all of which could be bought and insured for the money. The car will be used in and around Brighton while I'm at uni, and for getting back home every now and then. But the majority of driving will just be for pleasure down and around B-roads and such the like. I'm not just looking for thrills a minute, ideally I'd like something with good overtaking shove, that's comfortable, reliable but also different from what your average 19 year old student drives.

So here is my shortlist, and yes I have had quote for all of them in the region of £1-2k:
BMW E36 328i Sport Coupe
BMW E34 525i 24v
BMW E39 528i
BMW E46 328Ci
Volvo C70 T5 Coupe
Volvo S60 T5
Volvo 850 T5 Estate
MX-5 1.8
Mazda RX-8 (was amazed to get quoted on one)
Saab 9-5 Aero Estate
Saab 9-3 Convertible
Audi Coupe GT or Coupe Quattro
(All Manuals too, no Automatic rubbish)

I'm swaying more towards the C70 myself, seem to be a few around in budget, and I really like the look of them, and am a massive fan of the T5.
However I have also been a long time BMW fan and the thought of a wailing straight 6 and RWD seems like something I can't ignore. But I won't be able to park near my house and worry that they will be a target to theives/vandals so something more anonymous would be good.

So does anyone have any experience with the above cars? I've done some research into the pros and cons of each, but can't really make my mind up. I've not gone as far as looking at any of the cars in the flesh yet, or driven any, so need to cut the list down first. What car here isn't going to bleed me dry and leave me wet and alone at the side of the M23, and leave me smiling? I'm worried that for the money cars like the E46 and the S60 I'd only be able to afford a cheap one that might lead to issues later on. Other cars not listed here are welcome suggestions too.

Thanks
Tom

[Robatr0n]

My Dad has a lovely E39 528i (Auto but it seems to suit the car) that he's owned since 1999. It's a great car, well screwed together and feels great to drive. Okay so it isn't the quickest car in the world but you can hustle it along. He's never experienced problems with it but has been keeping a close eye on the cooling system which can be prone to failing.

I've recently picked up an E34 540i Manual and I'm really enjoying it. It feels every bit as comfortable as the 528i (perhaps even more so) and suprsingly it feels better to hustle along but the steering box is nowhere near as direct as the rack and pinion steering on the E39.

I'm a big fan of the 5 cylinder Audis. Sadly I sold mine earlier in the year otherwise I would have taken you for a blast in it.

As for the RX-8, I'm not a fan... Perhaps it's because I've only ever driven tired examples or because you have to rev the nuts off them to get them going or maybe it's because the performance doesn't justify the poor fuel economy?

[aldo56]

I've only experienced first hand 2 of these cars; the 328i sport and the RX8.

I owned a 328i sport for around a year and while it was a good car, the particular one i had was a bit rough around teh edges. The straight 6, RWD, LSD combo certainly produces a bit of fun when the oppertunity arises but it can waft about quite comfortably with 30mpg easily possible. If you do go for one of these then make sure and get a good one; rust around the rear arches and the dreaded nakasil issue are the two main issues i'd look for.

The RX8 my flatmate owned for about 6 months, he bought it thinking he could handle the fuel costs.... He was wrong and sold it for that reason. It performed really well and was a nice place to be but the fuel costs, for both him and I, completely ruin that car. 20mpg is fairly harsh on anyones wallet!

[petrolveins]

With regards to the RX-8 anyone know why they are so cheap? Is it because of the fuel and oil consumption?

[Robatr0n]

It's not uncommon for engines to require a rebuild thanks to rotary tips breaking down and destroying the engine.

[petrolveins]

Shame because other than that and the fuel economy it looks very good on paper. 231PS, RWD, LSD and some very good reviews in the press. Anyone got any views on the other cars in the list, which ones really aren't worth bothering with? I would like to cut the list down before pestering people on the relevant owners forums.