STi to M3, or something else fast with 4 seats...
Discussion
Hi,
I currently have a 350bhp STi as my weekend and track car, however, having been taken round a few tracks in RWD cars I am starting to develop a hankering for one of my own.
Now, I have twin girls and like using my fun car for family duties at the weekend, so a 4 sweater is a must, and I would need to get a couple of kids car seats in (easy in a 2 door?).
An M3 (e46 or e90) to me seems the obvious choice, but I don't know what the running costs would be (including track abuse). I am not looking for something cheap to run as I am used to the Scooby which minces tyres and pads etc. Also, I don't care about MPG when driving hard, but 30MPG on a run would be good.
I know a Caterham etc would be the best choice for the track, but that's a non-starter for me and I don't have space for a third car
Thoughts? Other options? Should I stick with the STi? An Evo (there was one yesterday getting plenty of sideways action at Woodbridge)?
I currently have a 350bhp STi as my weekend and track car, however, having been taken round a few tracks in RWD cars I am starting to develop a hankering for one of my own.
Now, I have twin girls and like using my fun car for family duties at the weekend, so a 4 sweater is a must, and I would need to get a couple of kids car seats in (easy in a 2 door?).
An M3 (e46 or e90) to me seems the obvious choice, but I don't know what the running costs would be (including track abuse). I am not looking for something cheap to run as I am used to the Scooby which minces tyres and pads etc. Also, I don't care about MPG when driving hard, but 30MPG on a run would be good.
I know a Caterham etc would be the best choice for the track, but that's a non-starter for me and I don't have space for a third car
Thoughts? Other options? Should I stick with the STi? An Evo (there was one yesterday getting plenty of sideways action at Woodbridge)?
I'd stick with the Impreza if I were you - but if you've got an itch for RWD then that's something that needs to be scratched!
M3s are ruinous on fuel, mine does a mix of town/motorway driving and I average about 24mpg. Rear tyres are expensive and if you get a car that's not had the inspection 2 service done then that can be upwards of £800.
That said, if you get a tidy M3 which has had it's I2 service, then you're looking at a hell of a lot of car for about the same money that STis go for.
Alternatives? Seeing as you need to transport kids as well, I'd stick with the M3 (not biased at all!) - you could also look into the Merc C55 or maybe even a Jag X-type R?
Also - lovely STi I had one just like yours. Phenomenal cars.
ETA: Regs the child seats - the M3 can accommodate two child seats, obviously access isn't going to be like that on a Galaxy but the front seats have buttons just below the headrest to move the entire seat forward (or back), so you can move it as far forward as you can and then flip it to get a decent amount of access. The seat resets to where it was before after you've put it back.
M3s are ruinous on fuel, mine does a mix of town/motorway driving and I average about 24mpg. Rear tyres are expensive and if you get a car that's not had the inspection 2 service done then that can be upwards of £800.
That said, if you get a tidy M3 which has had it's I2 service, then you're looking at a hell of a lot of car for about the same money that STis go for.
Alternatives? Seeing as you need to transport kids as well, I'd stick with the M3 (not biased at all!) - you could also look into the Merc C55 or maybe even a Jag X-type R?
Also - lovely STi
I had one just like yours. Phenomenal cars.ETA: Regs the child seats - the M3 can accommodate two child seats, obviously access isn't going to be like that on a Galaxy but the front seats have buttons just below the headrest to move the entire seat forward (or back), so you can move it as far forward as you can and then flip it to get a decent amount of access. The seat resets to where it was before after you've put it back.
Edited by sebhaque on Sunday 20th November 10:25
A mate had a WR1 and I think he was initially a bit dissapointed with the E46 he bought to replace it, havent been in the M3 but I think its talents are more subtle than the Subaru with its turbo shove and 4wd grip, I think it was a case of it being more expensive and it being an upgrade but him missing certain aspects of the Subaru. Seems to have stuck with it though, he had some bad luck involving it and a Polish lorry driver and at the same time the Vanos went.
Just doing something similar - going from a Type 25 Impreza (370 bhp) to needing something cheaper to run but still fast, 4 seats, newer, more economical AND more civilised for long journeys (this was the key thing).
Have opted for 2007 BMW 335 saloon petrol, SE model.
305 bhp, decent ride from 17" non sport wheels, averages 30 mpg does 40 mpg on a long run, looks very subtle no spoilers or outward signs of how quick it really is.
Nothing like as special as an E90 M3 but a fraction of the cost to buy used and cost to run. Didnt fancy a 335 diesel as enjoy the pleasure of a petrol (also much cheaper to buy).
Have opted for 2007 BMW 335 saloon petrol, SE model.
305 bhp, decent ride from 17" non sport wheels, averages 30 mpg does 40 mpg on a long run, looks very subtle no spoilers or outward signs of how quick it really is.
Nothing like as special as an E90 M3 but a fraction of the cost to buy used and cost to run. Didnt fancy a 335 diesel as enjoy the pleasure of a petrol (also much cheaper to buy).
J4CKO said:
A mate had a WR1 and I think he was initially a bit dissapointed with the E46 he bought to replace it, havent been in the M3 but I think its talents are more subtle than the Subaru with its turbo shove and 4wd grip, I think it was a case of it being more expensive and it being an upgrade but him missing certain aspects of the Subaru. Seems to have stuck with it though, he had some bad luck involving it and a Polish lorry driver and at the same time the Vanos went.
that comment about its talents being more subtle is exactly right, that's a good way to put it. if you have a 350bhp blown 4wd vehicle it'll take quite a while to adjust your driving to get the m3 to cover ground as quickly. you're also going to get pissed off with getting kids in and out pretty fast.have you thought about an e39 m5 instead?
. Specific track toy can be had very cheap sub £2000. Won't eat tyres and pads like an sti, 10x more interesting than a car round a track. sebhaque said:
M3s are ruinous on fuel, mine does a mix of town/motorway driving and I average about 24mpg. Rear tyres are expensive and if you get a car that's not had the inspection 2 service done then that can be upwards of £800.
That MPG is fine and is in fact better than the Scooby for mixed driving. I need to check the prices of rear tyres, and importantly if part worns are easy to pick up on ebay (for track use - I would get a spare set of rims like I currently have).sebhaque said:
Also - lovely STi I had one just like yours. Phenomenal cars.
Nice. Yes, they are good, no doubt... I had one just like yours. Phenomenal cars.rallycross said:
Nothing like as special as an E90 M3 but a fraction of the cost to buy used and cost to run. Didnt fancy a 335 diesel as enjoy the pleasure of a petrol (also much cheaper to buy).
I am not a badge snob at all, but I would only get the M3 
I spent 2 years with a WRX, all the while having STi envy 
browna said:
How about a monaro? Not sure how nimble they are around a track though. I love the sound of em. I just need to find an extra £5k to get one. Early ones are holding their value too well. Lol.
Yes, the sound epic, and coming from a Scooby with a daft exhaust this does matter. I don't know what they are like round a track though...J4CKO said:
M3 isnt too bad on fuel from what I have read considering the performance and it having 343 bhp, I would bet a 350 bhp Subaru doesnt get anywhere near a ruinous 24 MPG ! my Saab doesnt manage any better than that and that only has 247 bhp.
Problem with the Scooby is when its on boost. I can get 34MPG all day long at 70MPH. However, drive it hard then its single figures. I was getting 7MPG yesterday at Woodbridge. Lots of town driving is crap also.redgriff500 said:
Other options might be
968 or 944 Turbo
RX7 FD
Skyline
Depends if you want turbo or NA power.
Prefer NA myself and the M3 has a great engine and for its power is very frugal IMO
I have been looking at skylines. No idea about running costs though... I am tempted by a bit of NA action, as they can also be a bit easier to hustle on the B roads... My current STi is either on or off, and when on you are invariably going too fast 968 or 944 Turbo
RX7 FD
Skyline
Depends if you want turbo or NA power.
Prefer NA myself and the M3 has a great engine and for its power is very frugal IMO
paulmoonraker said:
I have been looking at skylines. No idea about running costs though... I am tempted by a bit of NA action, as they can also be a bit easier to hustle on the B roads... My current STi is either on or off, and when on you are invariably going too fast
It might be worth a look at the 968 too - not as fast but a better steer than the M3.Monaros are big, heavy cars so I would expect them to shred tyres and drink fuel in much the same fashion as an STi. They are pretty cool though, and once you put an aftermarket exhaust on they can sound pretty good too.
Don't be fooled into thinking you need back doors just because you have kids though, that is a total fallacy. You'll be thinking you need to sell up and buy an Espace next!
Don't be fooled into thinking you need back doors just because you have kids though, that is a total fallacy. You'll be thinking you need to sell up and buy an Espace next!
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