No idea what to get next - the petrolhead's dilemma?

[AmiableChimp]

I am selling my MX5. I have loved driving it, roof down most of the winter (heated seats ) but really could do with something with 4 seats.

I want something fun, pretty reliable, reasonable economy...and that's pretty much where it ends.

I hope to have between £5.5 and £6K and my short(!)list so far consists of:

E46 330Ci
EP3 Type R
Clio Renaultsport 182
Megane Renaultsport 225
Panda 100HP
Fiesta ST
Lupo GTI
Saab 9-5 Aero
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GX
Audi A2

As you can see, quite a mixed bunch!

Do you guys have a mental list of cars to own?

The MX is my 19th car, I love the thrill of getting a new car, and most times before i've known what I wanted but this time, it really is anyones guess!

To further complicate matters, depending on where I am working when the 5 gos, I may either not need a car, hence can take my time waiting on a cracker to come along, or else I may need something pretty quickly which may result in buying in haste.

Any opinions on the list?

Cheers,
Steven

[Matt UK]

AmiableChimp said:

Any opinions on the list?

Well as you say, quite a mixed bunch

[ChevronB19]

I just sold my NC MK 3 MX5 sport and bought a Panda 100HP (I needed 4 doors due to impending tiny person, but still wanted something a bit fun, and I wanted something a little off the wall) - I love it, and after a week of ownership can't recommend them highly enough - just like a slightly slower 205 GTi - I'm certain they'll become cult classics one day.

[Locke]

Out of that list i'd go for either of the Renaults or the Civic Type R ep3

[gareth.e]

ep3 or 330ci from that list

[skinley]

Personally I'd forget about the Panda, Fiesta and A2.

[davepoth]

Nothing on that list has a V8. Clearly you need to reconsider.

[marcosgt]

E46 330Ci - Worthy of Consideration (WoC)
EP3 Type R - WoC
Clio Renaultsport 182 - WoC
Megane Renaultsport 225 - WoC
Panda 100HP - mmmmm
Fiesta ST - nah
Lupo GTI - nah
Saab 9-5 Aero - OAP?
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GX - Mmmmm, nah
Audi A2 - ha, ha, ha, ha...

Have you considered a Supercharged Mustang or a 7 litre Firebird with 120 BHP from the 1970s?

M.

[AmiableChimp]

marcosgt said:

E46 330Ci - Worthy of Consideration (WoC)
EP3 Type R - WoC
Clio Renaultsport 182 - WoC
Megane Renaultsport 225 - WoC
Panda 100HP - mmmmm
Fiesta ST - nah
Lupo GTI - nah
Saab 9-5 Aero - OAP?
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GX - Mmmmm, nah
Audi A2 - ha, ha, ha, ha...

Have you considered a Supercharged Mustang or a 7 litre Firebird with 120 BHP from the 1970s?

M.

I have sub-consciously listed all my favourites towards the top of the list - think this speaks volumes!

That said, the others are still on my 'mental list' I would like to experience ownership of one day...

Forgot to add Audi S3 as well...

[Jw Vw]

From you're list I would be choosing between the 330ci, EP3 Type-R, and how about an Alfa 156?

[robsco]

OP, what is your definition of reasonable fuel economy? If early 20s is ok, I'd be after an Alfa 156 GTA with your budget.

[Seeker UK]

330ci is more of a 2+2 IME.

[nonuts]

e36 M3 should be added to the list, but I would say that

[george h]

Out of that list I would take the Lupo GTI but I doubt it would be brilliant for the 4 seat requirement.

[Hell27]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...


Your original list needed some muscle. Economy - all should do over 30 on a run. 6K will buy some very interesting metal.

[danneth]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[chriscoates]

I would also add an E36 M3 to the list. £5-6k gets you a decent 4dr example: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2426862.htm

And I thought I'd throw in a wildcard option - these are very rare cars: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2312053.htm