I can't decide on what car to go for, budget up to 10k

[Pig benis]

Hi folks

It is my 25th birthday next month and I want to treat myself to a nice car. My budget is up to 10k, I currently have 6k in cash but I am perfectly happy to bump that up with a small 4k loan. Obviously anything under £10k would be better.

So my requirements are -

180hp or more
I would prefer RWD, but a Clio 200 would suit nicely
30mpg would be great
Something that won't rape my wallet when it needs to be fixed
Age matters, so I would like something newish (5 years old max)

When I think I have made my mind up, I change it instantly. Currently my every day car has around 200hp, so I don't want to go backwards, but I am happy enough to stay at around the same power.

I have found a mint Honda S2000 local to me, however it is up for £8k and is on a 52 plate. This puts me off, as even though it only has 30,000 miles on the clock, surely things will start going wrong?

The BMW 330i has been a high contender, but I can't find a decent model. The ones I have viewed all look rather tired and I don't understand why people would put ditch finder tyres on a performance car? Again, this puts me off.

So I plead to the great PH, I am completely out of ideas on what car to go for.

Thanks
P.B

[thatsprettyshady]

The s2000 is a good bet if you can fit, I couldn't so went for the civic type r instead. They are usually pretty reliable throughout their life and having a 9k rpm rev limit is epic.

Considered z4's? Get the 3.0 and it'll be plenty quick enough, feel less "grown up" than the 330ci and also you still get that lovely straight six sound.

Sticking with the Hondas maybe a tidy DC5 integra type r?

What's the budget for running costs?

[RobM77]

I'd look at a 330ci, 325ci etc (but bear in mind how refined they are compared with the hot hatches and sports cars you're also looking at) plus S2000, 350Z (are they at this money yet?), Z4 3.0, Cooper S, Civic Type R & Clio 200. If I was the OP I'd probably be looking at an S2000, Z4 or forget the power requirement and look at a very late mk3 MR2.

[Pig benis]

thatsprettyshady said:

The s2000 is a good bet if you can fit, I couldn't so went for the civic type r instead. They are usually pretty reliable throughout their life and having a 9k rpm rev limit is epic.

Considered z4's? Get the 3.0 and it'll be plenty quick enough, feel less "grown up" than the 330ci and also you still get that lovely straight six sound.

Sticking with the Hondas maybe a tidy DC5 integra type r?

What's the budget for running costs?

The garage did let me take the S2k out, I couldn't stop smiling when I hit 9k. For such an old car (52 plate) it felt tight as a drum. But 8k for a 11 year old car, I just can't justify it enough. If it was around 5k, I would have bought it in a heart beat.

I hadn't thought about the BMW, that's a good idea. What are they like to run? I do love the noise from the straight 6. Being a BMW will parts be expensive?

The Integra doesn't really interest me. I drove my friends DC2 a year ago and while it was a brilliant B road blaster, I would like something a bit more grown up to look at but with a fun engine.

[macky17]

Yeah a 3.0 Z4 roadster meets most of your requirements if you don't need more than 2 seats. Something like this (I don't like the interior but you get the idea):

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Very reasonable to run - over 30mpg easily with great handling and plenty of performance. And if the weather improves you're going to be laughing. For heaven's sake though, ditch the runflat tyres immediately - they ruin the ride.

Edited by macky17 on Saturday 30th March 16:25

[amstrange1]

You could get a decent 350Z for less than your budget, and save a bit of cash for the difference between 26mpg and 30mpg.

[Pig benis]

macky17 said:

Yeah a 3.0 Z4 roadster meets most of your requirements if you don't need more than 2 seats. Something like this (I don't like the interior but you get the idea):

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Very reasonable to run - over 30mpg easily with great handling and plenty of performance. And if the weather improves you're going to be laughing. For heaven's sake though, ditch the runflat tyres immediately - they ruin the ride.

Edited by macky17 on Saturday 30th March 16:25

That is a stunning motor, if only it had black leather. Well I am prety much sold on the idea of a Z4. To service, do they cost an arm and a leg? Also, do they use a cambelt?

As for the 350z suggestion. I drove one this week and the engine note was sublime, I couldn't live with the interior. It really isn't a nice place to sit. Good suggestion though

[jimmy156]

Pig benis said:

macky17 said:

Yeah a 3.0 Z4 roadster meets most of your requirements if you don't need more than 2 seats. Something like this (I don't like the interior but you get the idea):

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Very reasonable to run - over 30mpg easily with great handling and plenty of performance. And if the weather improves you're going to be laughing. For heaven's sake though, ditch the runflat tyres immediately - they ruin the ride.

Edited by macky17 on Saturday 30th March 16:25

That is a stunning motor, if only it had black leather. Well I am prety much sold on the idea of a Z4. To service, do they cost an arm and a leg? Also, do they use a cambelt?

As for the 350z suggestion. I drove one this week and the engine note was sublime, I couldn't live with the interior. It really isn't a nice place to sit. Good suggestion though

That is stunning, perfect with the tan leather IMO. I hope i win the PH competition 'cos a z4 was on my list :P

[Deerfoot]

jimmy156 said:

That is stunning, perfect with the tan leather IMO.

Looks great in that green.

[playalistic]

Pig benis said:

That is a stunning motor, if only it had black leather. Well I am prety much sold on the idea of a Z4. To service, do they cost an arm and a leg? Also, do they use a cambelt?

As for the 350z suggestion. I drove one this week and the engine note was sublime, I couldn't live with the interior. It really isn't a nice place to sit. Good suggestion though

Servicing is reasonable at an indie and they're chain driven so no worrying about cambelts.

[philmots]

That money will get you into a nice E90 330i M Sport.

[rallycross]

BMW 335i
Petrol
Twin turbo 300+ bhp
Once you get bored of 300 bhp spend £450 to get 380 bhp.
Choice of 2 door, 4 door or estate in your £10k budget.

Check E90.post for more info on 335i.

[Riknos]

Pig benis said:

The garage did let me take the S2k out, I couldn't stop smiling when I hit 9k. For such an old car (52 plate) it felt tight as a drum. But 8k for a 11 year old car, I just can't justify it enough. If it was around 5k, I would have bought it in a heart beat.

Not being funny here - But have you considered ah S2000 that ISN'T a rip off price? £8k will get you into a 2004+ face lifted model, try one of those instead?

[BUG4LIFE]

Riknos said:

Not being funny here - But have you considered ah S2000 that ISN'T a rip off price? £8k will get you into a 2004+ face lifted model, try one of those instead?

This.

[Jimmyarm]

Man up, buy a set of spanners and a TVR

What do you use the car for ?

How many miles and over what sort of roads etc etc etc.

With £6k in your pocket the second hand car market has a massive range of cars to choose from, it all depends on what you need your vehicle to do.

[nixon1]

I'd go for a VW Golf R32 Mk5. It's quick enough, 4wd and the noise is rather splendid. Plus you've a practical car that you can keep for a number of years.
330ci is a bit meh, especially an E46, unless it's a minter. For your budget the M3s are coming into play which may not suit for insurance.
The R32 is mature o you can play with your budget; get something for 6k or spend more, its up to you.

I miss my R32 and everything about it; highly recommended.

[ILoveMondeo]

BUG4LIFE said:

Riknos said:

Not being funny here - But have you considered ah S2000 that ISN'T a rip off price? £8k will get you into a 2004+ face lifted model, try one of those instead?

This.

Agreed,

I paid £6500 for a 2003, with the hardtop, Full honda service history, 2 owners from new, 59,000 miles and all in all very good condition.

regardless of the low miles 10k is a complete rip off, and who can guarantee the mileage on a 10 year old car anyway.

[rallycross]

Here you go

2007
300 bhp
Manual
Rear wheel drive
Fsh
£9k

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[BE57 TOY]

What about a 123d?