Sorry - A What Car

[GruntyDC5]

I currently have a Honda Integra Type R (DC5). I have had this for over 2 years now and really fancy a change.

I'm 24 but have a decent postcode so insurance isn't much of an issue, I have been insuring a group 20 car for the last couple of years. But I dont wan't supercar premiums. Although I do have 6 points on my license which I got in Dec 2007. Coming up to 6 years no claims.

Economy isnt important, car will mainly be a weekend car as we use my girlfriends car most of the week and only live a couple of miles from work.

Budget is £15k.

I have a few ideas, Impreza STI (would have to be the hawk eye model), Nissan 350z and Mk5 golf R32. All offer slightly different things.

I have ruled out things like M3's as new they were £50k cars and can still have bills associated with a £50k car.

So thoughts, anything else I should be considering?

[itz_baseline]

Clio V6. Fun, rare, cheap to run compared to M3's, STI's etc. Also pretty depreciation proof if you get one in the right colour.

Oh, and I'm selling mine if you want to buy it (shameless advertising )

[alfa pint]

Decent Boxster for that sort of cash. As much boot space as you've already got and you don't need a rear seat.

[GruntyDC5]

Integra has a huge boot so i doubt the boxster would match that. Not that boot space is important.

Should probably add that convertible is not really on my radar. I live in Aberdeen and wouldn't really get much use from it.

[GravelBen]

If you go the STI route try and find a Spec-C, they're a much sharper tool than the regular version.

[GreatGranny]

Z4 Coupe?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2447887.htm

Scirocco

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2497552.htm

[RobCrezz]

If you are considering a Sub STI, you have to consider an Evo also...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2560177.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2518263.htm

[GruntyDC5]

GreatGranny said:

Z4 Coupe?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2447887.htm

Scirocco

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2497552.htm

Z4 was on the radar, don't know why I missed this off my original post.

I hadn't realised that Sciroccos ahd fallen into that price range, I do quite like them. Performance might not be a match to the others i have been looking at though?

[edition]

BMW 130I?

[Tuvra]

Lots of choices, id highlight the following amongst others:

• Focus ST
• Evo VII/VIII
• Ford Mustang
• Lotus Elise
• VX220 Turbo
• BMW Z3m (Coupe?)
• SLK32 - Worth a look

[GruntyDC5]

RobCrezz said:

If you are considering a Sub STI, you have to consider an Evo also...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2560177.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2518263.htm

Yeah have considered them, but I much prefer the look of the STI and the STI is marginally better service intervals etc. Although granted the evo will be the better performer.

[boobles]

Another vote for the Z4 Coupe. Stunning cars.

How about an Elise?

[edo]

PORSCHE BOXSTER 3.2 S 2DR (2004/53)
33,000 miles £14,995

Midnight Blue With Metropole Blue Leather. White Dials, Multiple Airbags, Wind deflector, Remote Alarm with central locking, CD Player, Aluminium interior pack, Climate Control, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Top Tint Screen, 6 Speed, Blue Power Hood, Partial Electric Seats, 18" Carrera Alloys. A beautiful example throughout supplied with Full Service History and Warranty. For after hours enquiries, Please call on 07810 805870,

[paulmoonraker]

I would recommend that if you go the STi route you test drive a MY05 STi with the 2ltr engine... If your into (or will get into) tuning then get the 2ltr as its bomb proof and can do 500bhp on stock internals.

The 2.5 is better looking, however, I found it not as much fun for a weekend hoon... The 2ltr engine has more whizzzz bang

Oh yeah, petrol costs are really bad... You'll only get 24mpg tops and teens if you drive it hard across the country lanes...

[edo]

2007, 20,000 mile Z4 3.0i Coupe.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

[GravelBen]

GruntyDC5 said:

Although granted the evo will be the better performer.

Not if you're comparing it to a Spec-C etc

[texasjohn]

If you want something with a fair sized boot (although I note you say boot size doesn't matter), good in the snow...and a bit less 'obvious' than an Impreza STI...

Sixth gear is 14% higher than the Impreza so MPG is better on a motorway run.

[GruntyDC5]

Some good suggestions coming up. I think I need to test drive an Z4 coupe. Love the look of them.

The Impreza is a car I think I need to get out of my system. Have wanted one for a long time, ever since I got taken out in a 22b as a kid. I realise that the newer ones a re a bit different.

Also on the Impreza side of things, any tuning wouldnt go past the level of filter and exhaust probably, although I imagine that since they are relatively easy to eek power out of it could be a slippery slope.

There is also something about a Mk5 R32 that wont go away, but its not really the same league as some of the others I have been thinking about.

The boxster above looks nice, but a convertible is a no go.

[texasjohn]

I'm not sure but you might just about be able to get a Cayman for 15k?

[RobM77]

I'd definitely look at a Porsche Boxster S.

I'd buy privately though at that price, I've been to two independent dealers and both were a complete waste of time and reluctant to do business with me (nothing funny - I was willing to pay sticker price, I was paying cash, turned up in a £16k BMW to buy a £20k Boxster and am generally a very approachable and friendly person - they just refused me a test drive and were extremely rude). The benefits of buying privately (meet the owner, not paying VAT and profit for the dealer) outweigh the comeback (which you'll probably find doesn't exist anyway).

350Z is a good car, although a bit plasticy inside and very beefy feeling to drive. S2000 is a good call, but they're not as good a driver's car as you may expect coming from an Integra. Z4 Coupé is great - I had one last year for 12 months. The Boxster S is probably better than all of the above though.