Help me choose a car...around 10k budget

[Flyingsparks]

Hi guys,

I thought this would be a nice neutral place to ask for some car recommendations.

What I'm looking for:

-RWD
-300bhp+
-Comfortable/reasonably quiet when cruising
-Good handling and performance
-Four seats

My commute is about 25-30 miles a day, so I'm not too bothered about MPG but at the same time I don't want single figures.

I don't want anything too boy racer looking..I've considered an evo but that's the kind of image they have..and terrible mpg.

Currently, I'm thinking E46 M3. For around 10k I could get a pretty nice one (I know about the running-in service, sub frame, SMG problems, VANOS, etc.)

I was initally thinking a 335i or 135i but really can't be bothered with the fuel pump/injector/turbo issues. The S54 engine is pretty bulletproof.

As you can probably tell, I'm basically sold on an M3...but you're welcome to convince me otherwise

Cheers

[TREMAiNE]

A bias POV would say try and find one of the 2+2 RX-7's... Or a supercharged RX-8...

Anyway, the M3 is going to be what you want really. It does so much so well, though consider an E55 AMG and E39 M5. V8 POWEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!






I need sleep.

[billzeebub]

E46 M3 definitely, as £10k doesn't stretch to a Cerbera!

[StefV]

Well I commute to work everyday in my E39 M5, and I can't see anything else being better at it. It has been reliable over the 30k miles I put on it, and mileage has been comfortably into double figures.

[Deerfoot]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJ-Saloon-XJR-/11...

This might be nice for your commute.

[thebigmacmoomin]

E46 M3 does everything you want.

Mines for sale, silver grey SMG coupe.

[Flyingsparks]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I'm not too keen on the Mazdas though. They're not bad looking cars (the RX7 is pretty nice to be fair) but I can't be bothered with engine rebuilds every 50k (or whatever it is).

E39 M5...hmmm...again not a bad one. But a bit big for me lol. I'm only 25 Same for the jag! I'd like something a bit sportier...jags and porsches for when I'm a bit older

I think the seller made a mistake in this advert? 4k! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Thanks for the offer bigmac, but if I do go for an M3 then it'll have to be estoril blue or imola red!

[Shaoxter]

Flyingsparks said:

I think the seller made a mistake in this advert? 4k! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Probably missed off the 1. Or a scam...

Flyingsparks said:

Thanks for the offer bigmac, but if I do go for an M3 then it'll have to be estoril blue or imola red!

Nice colour taste! £10k should get you a very good example. Just remember to check your insurance quotes first though because a 25yo in an M3 isn't a great demographic for the insurers...

[Flyingsparks]

Thanks shaoxter.

I've had a few insurance quotes, £630 fully comp and sky can probably beat that. I've been driving 8 years, 7 years no claims

[ADEuk]

lots of sub 10k 996's about, I like the look of this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-911-Carrera-2-6-...

[clarkmagpie]

C5 RS6?
That was my choice and over the moon with it.
CLK AMG?
3200GT?
CL600

Some great cars out there!