Help me decide which car to buy!
Discussion
I'm like a kid in a candy shop at the second as I've just sold my car. I set my eyes on a nice tidy Clio 197, but I think it could be a bit boring (in silver).
I've since found a nice Golf 25th Anni, in black 78k for £3,500 asking. And I've also found a Clio 182 Trophy 37k on the clock £5,000 asking. Although the Clio is modified and apparently has KW coilovers, would I be right in thinking the extremely good and expensive standard suspension has been removed and sold?
I'm open to more suggestions, ideally I'd like an Evo or a tidy BAM Cupra R. But I don't have an income at the second so something along those lines could be a bit silly.
I've since found a nice Golf 25th Anni, in black 78k for £3,500 asking. And I've also found a Clio 182 Trophy 37k on the clock £5,000 asking. Although the Clio is modified and apparently has KW coilovers, would I be right in thinking the extremely good and expensive standard suspension has been removed and sold?
I'm open to more suggestions, ideally I'd like an Evo or a tidy BAM Cupra R. But I don't have an income at the second so something along those lines could be a bit silly.
StottyZr said:
I'm like a kid in a candy shop at the second as I've just sold my car. I set my eyes on a nice tidy Clio 197, but I think it could be a bit boring (in silver).
I've since found a nice Golf 25th Anni, in black 78k for £3,500 asking. And I've also found a Clio 182 Trophy 37k on the clock £5,000 asking. Although the Clio is modified and apparently has KW coilovers, would I be right in thinking the extremely good and expensive standard suspension has been removed and sold?
I'm open to more suggestions, ideally I'd like an Evo or a tidy BAM Cupra R. But I don't have an income at the second so something along those lines could be a bit silly.
Do you have an actual budget in mind and and bearing on what sort of running costs and mpg you really need. Plus any additional use you might have.I've since found a nice Golf 25th Anni, in black 78k for £3,500 asking. And I've also found a Clio 182 Trophy 37k on the clock £5,000 asking. Although the Clio is modified and apparently has KW coilovers, would I be right in thinking the extremely good and expensive standard suspension has been removed and sold?
I'm open to more suggestions, ideally I'd like an Evo or a tidy BAM Cupra R. But I don't have an income at the second so something along those lines could be a bit silly.
And rationally, will you be needing to change it again any time soon and if you don't have an income is it better to maybe not splash out on a car or at least not on a such a pricey one.
For £5k I'd personally prefer an ITR over any Clio and I'm reasonably sure the ITR will hold it's money better too while not really costing anything more to run.
If looking to conserve money and just go for something cheap, then something like a Puma or even a ZS180 can be had for under a grand. And either are likely to make you smile just as much on a hoon as a Clio or similar.
I've had cheap cars for the past 6months and I want something a little nicer now.
Budget is preferably around 5k, I won't be driving that much so I can live with high 20s/low 30's to the gallon. I'd like something that I could sell on in a few months and not lose any money on, thus why I'm looking at limited edition runs.
And a friend of mine has a nice Anni in red, I love the gear ratio's and the build quality would be out of the Renaults league. I realise they aren't inspiring to drive but I don't think it would be a bad car to own over the winter.
Budget is preferably around 5k, I won't be driving that much so I can live with high 20s/low 30's to the gallon. I'd like something that I could sell on in a few months and not lose any money on, thus why I'm looking at limited edition runs.
And a friend of mine has a nice Anni in red, I love the gear ratio's and the build quality would be out of the Renaults league. I realise they aren't inspiring to drive but I don't think it would be a bad car to own over the winter.
300bhp/ton said:
For £5k I'd personally prefer an ITR over any Clio and I'm reasonably sure the ITR will hold it's money better too while not really costing anything more to run.
Yep another shout for the ITR. I bought one 2 years ago for £5k and I think I would get it all back if I chose to sell it as its one of the lower mile examples out there with only 72k. Factor in cheap brake pads and only 15" tyres and the general running costs is minimal. They are generally bullet proof, sound pretty good on VTEC and are a hoot to drive. My bro has a Clio Trophy and on a recent track day the ITR was slightly quicker around Rockingham (I wouldn't have said I was any quicker as a driver either).
If it was my dosh I reckon something like this would be pretty near the top of my wishlist..
Just a random ad but there are plenty about for four to five grand.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Just a random ad but there are plenty about for four to five grand.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
chrisw666 said:
Some alternatives.
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ford/pum...
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mini/coo...
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volvo/s6... (not a hot hatch but)
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/subaru/i...
Thanks for the suggestions! The FRP is something I appreciate but have no urge to own, the ex girlfriend has just bought a new JCW so a Mini is out of the question (I'm not bitter at all www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ford/pum...
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mini/coo...
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/volvo/s6... (not a hot hatch but)
www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/subaru/i...
) but the Impreza shocked me 
that's a lot of car for the money. I'll look into those 
itz_baseline said:
300bhp/ton said:
For £5k I'd personally prefer an ITR over any Clio and I'm reasonably sure the ITR will hold it's money better too while not really costing anything more to run.
Yep another shout for the ITR. I bought one 2 years ago for £5k and I think I would get it all back if I chose to sell it as its one of the lower mile examples out there with only 72k. Factor in cheap brake pads and only 15" tyres and the general running costs is minimal. They are generally bullet proof, sound pretty good on VTEC and are a hoot to drive. My bro has a Clio Trophy and on a recent track day the ITR was slightly quicker around Rockingham (I wouldn't have said I was any quicker as a driver either).
StottyZr said:
Thanks for the suggestions! The FRP is something I appreciate but have no urge to own, the ex girlfriend has just bought a new JCW so a Mini is out of the question (I'm not bitter at all ) but the Impreza shocked me that's a lot of car for the money. I'll look into those
Don't let your ex have all the fun. The JCW is a great wee car and I can pretty much guarantee you will wring more enjoyment out of it than she will.) but the Impreza shocked me that's a lot of car for the money. I'll look into those Not quite as thirsty as an Impreza. Not as divisive, looks-wise. Not as quick. Not as practical (sorry).
You pays your money...
I really enjoyed squirting around in my Mini and a Scooby is on my to-do list, so all I can suggest is take whatever you fancy for a test drive and you will know within minutes which one is right for you.
chrisw666 said:
If you want an Impreza pay attention to the VED, look for the Pro Drive Performance pack and do some research on the places they can rust underneath.
You should always pay attention to the Ved. I keep telling the missus that but it never sinks in 
I'd avoid a MK4 Golf. I had several and they're at the stage now where bits are failing and need replacing. I had a 25th last year and it cost a lot in resolving problems. The EP3 Civic would be a good shout but again, an Impreza would give you the most bang for the buck.
For the tax just make sure it's either very early 2006 or earlier and it's £290 per year.
If you can stretch to 7k you're into very special territory with this beauty http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/car_details/?act=produc...
A GTFour Celica would also be a superb buy and likely more reliable than any of the others.
Edited by Ved on Monday 14th October 23:16
Edited by Ved on Monday 14th October 23:16
Ved said:
If you can stretch to 7k you're into very special territory with this beauty http://www.torque-gt.co.uk/car_details/?act=produc...
Very dangerous posting links like that! I'm planning on getting an Evo early next year, preferably an 8 to avoid the high VED and because I've wanted one since I saw the FQ400 on Top Gear aged 13. A few friends of mine own Evo's and whilst the running costs are extremely cheap for the performance, they are a couple of leagues above that of a hot hatch.I see there is a strong hate for the mk4 Golf on here, I've never driven one but I've heard the chassis is less than inspiring. What brought the Anni to my attention is that a friend has one and absolutely loves it. He sold it to another friend and missed it so much that he bought it back, he's owned a 160hp stripped 106Gti, mk3 VR6, Leon Cupra R and he prefers the mk4 Anni. So it can't be that bad!
Golf IVs are rubbish - avoid. I had a150hp GTi for a while. Stodgy dynamics, and woeful electrics - engine management light was a permanent feature as was a fault on the locking which triggered the alarm all the time, and the handbrake sprang off on two occasions, damaging a neighbour's car one of those times. Your friend has odd taste. The Mk. V though - brilliant car.
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