Options for an existing car

[GuinnessMK]

I've had the current daily driver from new (5 years / 80,000 miles) and I'm starting to get the itch to replace it. However current finances seem to point towards keeping it for a while longer, rather than replacing it with something newer. Made the final payment in November and having just replaced the cambelt and turbo it doesn't really cost me anything other than fuel and tyres.

So what can I do to refresh the driving / ownership experience? It's got air, electric everything, sports seats. For about the same cost as 1 or 2 HP payments I could:-

• It's a 140 horse TDi so I could chip it.

• It's already got a bodykit and 18" wheels. Could get new wheels or get the existing ones refurbed, but I wouldn't see them when driving and I'd probably end up just kerbing them too.

• It's got a decent CD player / IPOD interface / hands free car kit. Only thing missing is a built in sat nav. I was considering an OEM look double din stereo / sat nav.

Things I've ruled out, private plate, vinyl wrap, beaded seat covers...

[Thom987]

A remap will easily give you an extra 30BHP, but its still the same car. I would start saving for a new car to be honest.

[wildcat45]

I am thinking something similar with my car Mazda CX7 which has a Mazda MPS engine. I still have a need for it but would like to replace it with a second hand FFRR.

However, I have had the car since new, it's now relegated to second car in the fleet and is used as a fast dog transporter, holiday, and bad weather car. It has no massive faults and I know its history the story behind every stone chip, dent and stain in the boot. A 15K Range Rover would to a certain extent be a punt in the dark. Plus after 4 years, I am quite fond of it.

BBR can do things with my engine. For a few quid I could inject some fun into it, maybe get the stone chips properly done, a good detailing session and perhaps some nicer wheels. It's 5 years old with 45K on the clock, and now it's relegated to second car status, it's going to be doing little more than 6K a year. I am tempted to spend a few quid on it and keep it for a few more years.

[300bhp/ton]

Sell it and buy something else more fun, e.g. MR2/MR2T, MX-5, ITR or a host of other interesting affordable metal.

[aka_kerrly]

Is it fair to assume that there is a reason why having a 3/5dr hatch is your choice of motor.

For £150, Remap Science will take your 140 to 175 hp + 395 nm torque which ought to keep you entertained for a while longer.