Need some inspiration- What car?

[STW2010]

As much as I enjoy reading through the What Car threads, I didn't ever think I would start one. But here we go.

My 3 series coupe has been written off after some stupid driver drove in to the side of me on a low-speed two-lane road. Needless to say I am still annoyed about this, but the insurance companies have settled it in my favour (hooray...) and so the hunt for the replacement commences.

It was a 323Ci, so wasn't the most powerful non-M 3 series out there, but it has the lovely straight six engine and was reasonably quick; it is also well equipped (Harman Kardon stereo being the key option, but also leather interior). The natural replacement, therefore, is the 330- this would be a nice upgrade.

The trouble is, my criteria for a 330 is that it must have leather interior, ideally have the HK stereo and be a coupe. It must also be a manual. There are not masses of these around at the moment, and some seem to be vastly over-priced. So my options are to wait until the right one comes available, or look at something else. The trouble is, I feel the need for some inspiration for alternatives.

The budget is £5k max, and I need something with 4 seats as I have children. Petrol consumption isn't a big deal, but I have run an RX8 in the past and don't want another car this thirsty (17 mpg). A coupe is a preference, but 4 doors would be considered. Whilst I wouldn't want a auto 330, I would consider other options with auto. Flexible limits on age of the vehicle- I do like older BMWs (except e36 3 series), for example.

So PH, any ideas?

[McHaggis]

Lexus IS300 / GS300

Audi A4 2.0T

Saab 93 aero

[STW2010]

Good shout on the Saab. Thanks for that

[boobles]

Alot of car for the money.... Probably get one just within budget.


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4084589.htm

[STW2010]

boobles said:

Alot of car for the money.... Probably get one just within budget.


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4084589.htm

Thanks for the suggestion, but I absolutely hate these

[kippax]

Some suggestions below:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4106170.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3930195.htm

Feeling brave
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4074667.htm

[STW2010]

I must admit, the Impreza was on my radar.

The 4x4 Merc is a brave option. I would really like the replacement to be a similar size to what I have now (slightly bigger is fine, but 4x4 dimensions is just excessively large).

[Tuvra]

Year Supply of brave Pills &...

Mercedes/AMG:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-amg-e55-rare-blue-/...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-S55-AMG-2002-Fu...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-CL500-Low-milea...

BMW/Alpina
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-ALPINA-B10-4-6-V8-19...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-540i-4-Door-Automati...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-X-REG-FACE-LIFT-MOD...

Odd Ball Suggestion:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-4-0-W8...

[STW2010]

I love the Alpina and 540 ideas. I would need balls of steal to take on an M5 at that price!

[300bhp/ton]

STW2010 said:

As much as I enjoy reading through the What Car threads, I didn't ever think I would start one. But here we go.

My 3 series coupe has been written off after some stupid driver drove in to the side of me on a low-speed two-lane road. Needless to say I am still annoyed about this, but the insurance companies have settled it in my favour (hooray...) and so the hunt for the replacement commences.

It was a 323Ci, so wasn't the most powerful non-M 3 series out there, but it has the lovely straight six engine and was reasonably quick; it is also well equipped (Harman Kardon stereo being the key option, but also leather interior). The natural replacement, therefore, is the 330- this would be a nice upgrade.

The trouble is, my criteria for a 330 is that it must have leather interior, ideally have the HK stereo and be a coupe. It must also be a manual. There are not masses of these around at the moment, and some seem to be vastly over-priced. So my options are to wait until the right one comes available, or look at something else. The trouble is, I feel the need for some inspiration for alternatives.

The budget is £5k max, and I need something with 4 seats as I have children. Petrol consumption isn't a big deal, but I have run an RX8 in the past and don't want another car this thirsty (17 mpg). A coupe is a preference, but 4 doors would be considered. Whilst I wouldn't want a auto 330, I would consider other options with auto. Flexible limits on age of the vehicle- I do like older BMWs (except e36 3 series), for example.

So PH, any ideas?

If you want a 330 or at least a 3 Series then are you really going to consider other alternatives?

I only ask as many seem to start what car threads asking for "out of the box" or in your case "inspiration", but more often than not the person asking has already made there mind up, or simply won't consider other cars anyhow?


Logically if a 330 is out of budget or hard to find, then looking at another 323 or 328 e46 would seem to make the most sense and should a 330 in the spec you want turn up while looking then hooray!

If I was spending £5k on a BMW however I personally can't see a good reason not to opt for an e36 M3. Ok it's the older model, but this money will buy you a good one. If you want a fancy stereo - no probs, fit one after market. They really aren't that pricey these days. Oh and they come with leather.


As for other £5k 2+2 coupes, well there's reasonable choice. However if you want leather and a more upper market feel then you might be limiting yourself. If however you'd consider fast and/or fun cars for this budget that satisfy the seating then there is reasonable choice and selection.

For example and in no particular order, all of these can seat 4 and can be had for £5k:


-Honda DC2 ITR
-Honda Prelude 2.2 or JDM import
-Porsche 944
-Lotus Excel
-Toyota Supra non turbo MK IV
-V6 Camaro 3.8
-Merc CLK or one of their other coupes
-Celica 190 (maybe a TRD)
-Celica GT-Four (st205)
-Nissan 300ZX
-Mitsubishi 30000 GTO vR4
-Ford Thunderbird "Supercoupe" 3.8 supercharged
-Classic BMW 635CSI
-BMW e30 325i
-BMW 323Ti Compact (more a hatch than a coupe)
-Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo
-Ford Puma Racing
-Audi TT V6/225
-Ford Capri 2.8
-Corrado VR6


Non coupes that might appeal:

-Audi S4 (B5) 2.7 twin turbo V6
-Honda Civic Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0
-Jaguar S-Type 3.0 manual
-Subaru Impreza
-Alfa Romeo 156GTA
-Ford Mondeo ST220
-Ford Sierra Cosworth Sapphire
-Mazda 6 MPS
-smart Brabus ForFour

[300bhp/ton]

STW2010 said:

I love the Alpina and 540 ideas. I would need balls of steal to take on an M5 at that price!

I can't see how an M5 or even a 540i is really going to meet your mpg requirements.

[300bhp/ton]

STW2010 said:

boobles said:

Alot of car for the money.... Probably get one just within budget.


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4084589.htm

Thanks for the suggestion, but I absolutely hate these

Curious, but why hate?

[STW2010]

300bhp/ton said:

I can't see how an M5 or even a 540i is really going to meet your mpg requirements.

mpg isn't that much of a big deal (I would never have bought an RX8 if it was). If the power output benefit outweighs the mpg downfall, then I'm a happy man. The RX8 did not deliver the power or performance for the mpg, but it was a great car overall (handling, equipment etc). That said, I don't want another RX8- I chose to sell mine, whereas replacing my BMW is not being done by choice, hence why a 330 is still a contender (i.e. I'm not yet done with the e46).

You commented earlier about the 330 being out of budget- this is not the case, it's just that ones of the spec I want are few and far between. You are correct in that my mind is aimed at the e46, however I am just assessing the options, as I am obviously biased on how good these are (and they are undeniably good value, and very reliable).

Thank you for the (many) other options though, I will give these a look.

I find myself in a strange position, as normally I find cars for £1-3k and think 'love one'. But now I'm actually looking, I don't have the creative thoughts to find these again.

As for the e36 M3, you are correct that £5k would get a good one. But I just don't like them. I can't explain it, but the design of them does nothing for me.

[STW2010]

300bhp/ton said:

Curious, but why hate?

The huge, American-type design. Hate was perhaps a strong word, but they don't inspire me as a fun/enjoyable/desirable car.

[STW2010]

300bhp/ton said:

For example and in no particular order, all of these can seat 4 and can be had for £5k:

-Honda DC2 ITR
-Honda Prelude 2.2 or JDM import
-Porsche 944
-Lotus Excel
-Toyota Supra non turbo MK IV
-V6 Camaro 3.8
-Merc CLK or one of their other coupes
-Celica 190 (maybe a TRD)
-Celica GT-Four (st205)
-Nissan 300ZX
-Mitsubishi 30000 GTO vR4
-Ford Thunderbird "Supercoupe" 3.8 supercharged
-Classic BMW 635CSI
-BMW e30 325i
-BMW 323Ti Compact (more a hatch than a coupe)
-Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo
-Ford Puma Racing
-Audi TT V6/225
-Ford Capri 2.8
-Corrado VR6


Non coupes that might appeal:

-Audi S4 (B5) 2.7 twin turbo V6
-Honda Civic Type R
-Jaguar X-Type 3.0
-Jaguar S-Type 3.0 manual
-Subaru Impreza
-Alfa Romeo 156GTA
-Ford Mondeo ST220
-Ford Sierra Cosworth Sapphire
-Mazda 6 MPS
-smart Brabus ForFour

The ones in bold are good suggestions. You have even suggested my favourite classic BMW, the 635 CSi. I would absolutely love one of these, but I'm not sure £5k would get a decent one (I'll look). Have you ever driven one?

Any bias with the Smart car suggestion?? I'm sure that they are great fun (despite the banter I've given you before about them), but not suitable for me. The Mazda6 MPS is worth me looking at- I've driven a standard 6 and thought it was a lovely car.

[300bhp/ton]

STW2010 said:

mpg isn't that much of a big deal (I would never have bought an RX8 if it was). If the power output benefit outweighs the mpg downfall, then I'm a happy man. The RX8 did not deliver the power or performance for the mpg, but it was a great car overall (handling, equipment etc). That said, I don't want another RX8- I chose to sell mine, whereas replacing my BMW is not being done by choice, hence why a 330 is still a contender (i.e. I'm not yet done with the e46).

You commented earlier about the 330 being out of budget- this is not the case, it's just that ones of the spec I want are few and far between. You are correct in that my mind is aimed at the e46, however I am just assessing the options, as I am obviously biased on how good these are (and they are undeniably good value, and very reliable).

Thank you for the (many) other options though, I will give these a look.

I find myself in a strange position, as normally I find cars for £1-3k and think 'love one'. But now I'm actually looking, I don't have the creative thoughts to find these again.

As for the e36 M3, you are correct that £5k would get a good one. But I just don't like them. I can't explain it, but the design of them does nothing for me.

In that case I'd say hold out for a 330ci. Even if it means getting the stereo fitted aftermarket. I'm sure you could even fit an OEM factory spec setup if you wanted fairly easily, or more likely surpass it in sound and quality with some well chosen upgrades.

[STW2010]

I am considering removing the HK speakers and subwoofer from my current car, but from my research it doesn't look easy to retro-fit them. I'm sure it can be done, but not by incompetent people like me.

The wheels on my car are uncommon for e46 3 series (15 spoke, 18 inch wheels- Alpina wheels are similar, but not the same). These are refurbished and have new tyres on them. These owe me £800, and so the insurance company are not getting these. So if I do get another e46 (or indeed, any other BMW), these wheels are going on.

[V8Triumph]

Jaguar XJ-R
Jaguar XJ6 (Series 1, 2, 3) or if feeling brave a XJ12
Jaguar S-type R
MG ZT V8
BMW 540i
BMW M535 (E28)
Porsche 928
Triumph 2.5Pi
Rover P6 V8
Rover SD1 Vitesse

[STW2010]

Now that is a list of awesome cars!

[300bhp/ton]

STW2010 said:

Now that is a list of awesome cars!

And probably not one that'll truly average better than 18mpg.