£5-6k Weekend toy....
Discussion
Apologies PH'ers, it's another 'What Car?' thread! Having been out of the car buying game for a few years due to job loss and all sorts of other guff, I am now in the position to look for a weekend plaything for the family and I to use. There's a trip to the 'Ring for a mates 40th in the offing and I like to do the odd trackday. The car will also be used for the occasional long journey so has to have 4 seats, be reliable/comfortable in equal measure and be relatively quick. I'm not overly concerned about the mpg as I have a 2006 4x4 Panda for the daily smoke. I've thus far narrowed it down to 4 possibilities, all quite different....
1. Alfa 147 GTA 3.2
This would be my 30th Alfa so its fair to say I have a weakness for them. Always fancied one, love the looks, it feels 'special' enough to care for but modern enough to use all year. I have heard a few horror stories about maintenance though and am reluctant to take the plunge....
2. BMW E39 M5/Alpina B10 V8
Always liked the E39 but torn between these two. I've driven both and love their respective qualities. The M5 for its manual box and its relentless ability to gather speed, the Alpina for its subtle whoomf and exclusivity.
3. Subaru Impreza Sti (the 'blobeye' one)
My mate has had several and swears by blistering pace, reliability and rally Banzai-ness! I've driven a few and will concede that the appeal of one is limited ie they're quick and that's about it(IMHO). I won't,however, that they're bloody good fun. The need to scratch the itch and own a rally-derived rice wagon for a change is quite appealling. Not entirely comfortable with the 'image' either, but might stick it out just for a laugh! My two boys (7, 9) favour this choice as well, hence its inclusion!
4. Jaguar XJR V8
Hadn't really considered one until I looked in the classifieds and saw what one could be bought for. It's certainly a lot of car for the cash. But I confess to knowing little about them. I've never driven one either, but most of what I read seems to heap praise on them, so I have little doubt it's a gem. Clogging an ageing Jag around the 'Ring just seems a bit wrong though...
Any further suggestions are welcome, although having looked at the classifieds over the last few months, I'm 99% set on one of the above.
Your thoughts and sound advice please guys?.....
1. Alfa 147 GTA 3.2
This would be my 30th Alfa so its fair to say I have a weakness for them. Always fancied one, love the looks, it feels 'special' enough to care for but modern enough to use all year. I have heard a few horror stories about maintenance though and am reluctant to take the plunge....
2. BMW E39 M5/Alpina B10 V8
Always liked the E39 but torn between these two. I've driven both and love their respective qualities. The M5 for its manual box and its relentless ability to gather speed, the Alpina for its subtle whoomf and exclusivity.
3. Subaru Impreza Sti (the 'blobeye' one)
My mate has had several and swears by blistering pace, reliability and rally Banzai-ness! I've driven a few and will concede that the appeal of one is limited ie they're quick and that's about it(IMHO). I won't,however, that they're bloody good fun. The need to scratch the itch and own a rally-derived rice wagon for a change is quite appealling. Not entirely comfortable with the 'image' either, but might stick it out just for a laugh! My two boys (7, 9) favour this choice as well, hence its inclusion!
4. Jaguar XJR V8
Hadn't really considered one until I looked in the classifieds and saw what one could be bought for. It's certainly a lot of car for the cash. But I confess to knowing little about them. I've never driven one either, but most of what I read seems to heap praise on them, so I have little doubt it's a gem. Clogging an ageing Jag around the 'Ring just seems a bit wrong though...
Any further suggestions are welcome, although having looked at the classifieds over the last few months, I'm 99% set on one of the above.
Your thoughts and sound advice please guys?.....
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