New or old performance for 7-9k

[cboi23]

So currently I'm driving a Fiesta ST and want to move onwards and preferably upwards. Been a Ford man for a long time and would love a Cosworth but have come to the conclusion that it wouldn't be the best idea due to age of the car , not being able to buy a good one for the cash I have available ,and all the other reasons you wouldn't buy a Cosworth for nowadays. So decided its better to go for a more modern car and seeing as I'd prefer rwd this time (which ruled out the focus rs mk1, the next car I was thinking of, plus cant stand the focus dash!) this rules a Ford out so thought the best bet would be a Nissan 350Z , rwd 280 odd bhp etc etc . Number of seats arnt a problem to me and can get a nice black one for around 8k. Thoughts on this please , would love an old performance legend cossie , skyline etc but running one nowadays with little hassle not possible me thinks , so is the 350z a good idea or is there an alternative ? ....

[Northernchimp]

A well sorted Sierra Cosworth is well within budget.

[Krikkit]

Skip to the end, E46 M3.

[cboi23]

Should have put want this to be my daily driver as well , don't really want to end up with a weekend car and a crapped out daily. Havnt got the biggest budget in the world to play with and don't want a load of problems.

[s m]

What's your budget roughly?

E.T.A. Whoops - must read thread title!

Edited by s m on Tuesday 14th January 20:21

[JackReacher]

I have a 350Z, it's good fun and cheap to run (other than petrol which actually isn't as bad as expected). However, it is not a hot hatch, it is more of a GT car, and while fun it is not something you can throw down a B-road like a good hot hatch or sports car. Have a good test drive before deciding.

I would also look at a Megane R26, Integra DC5 or E46 M3 if you can afford the extra running costs.

[Baz Tench]

A little long in the tooth perhaps and FWD, but what about a Corrado VR6 Storm?

Buy a good one and you won't lose a penny.

[cboi23]

Budget for car around 7-9k , can afford running costs of cars like the 350z , bmw etc ....(just haha). Really don't want another fwd car as had them all my life and want a change.

BMW ??? Hmm nice , a lot better interior than the Nissan but just doesn't do it for me . I did think that the 350 wouldn't be a B road killer but Im sure it would be fun enough wouldn't it ? The best car Ive driven is my Fez ST so anything above that will be a plus in my book.

[Baz Tench]

What doesn't do it for you about the M3? Epic engine, great chassis and as you say, a nice interior.

[cboi23]

The shape of the car I suppose , everything else I agree with you on.

[Baz Tench]

Fair do's then.

[ArmaghMan]

C55 AMG

[Jasandjules]

TVR Chimaera.

[Leins]

ArmaghMan said:

C55 AMG

If not an E36/E46 M3, then this (or C43) in estate form!

Or up the budget slightly and get a B5 RS4. You can say you have a (sort of) Cossie then too

[billzeebub]

E46 M3

[sparks_E39]

S4?

[cboi23]

Don't like the Audis much either

[Riknos]

S2000

[jamieduff1981]

What do you want? A super saloon, hot hatch, GT or sportscar?

[neiljohnson]

Your right saying the focus Rs seems to be the natural progression from the st & is a path many take tbh from what I have seen of Sierra cosworths of late you will be in risky territory as there are an awful lot of bad ones out there

If you really want rwd then for your budget either a e39 m5 or a Monaro both very differant cars

The m5 is an astonishing car & better than the m3 in almost every way. IMHO of course

The Monaro is very differant but if you "get them" few cars will capture the heart in the same way & they are one of the few cars you can enjoy at 5mph