Suggestions for next car
Discussion
mrnoisy78 said:
Megane - I know they get rave reviews, but the badge snob in me is fighting it - maybe I need to go look at one.
If you like driving, then there is little else for the money that offers what the Renault does. Even driving it, I get positive comments about it. A week or so ago, some random bloke came up to me and said "Nice car" and started talking about it. So it does get positive comments, and I've had plenty "Bet daddy bought that" (but that's down to me being young, 22) and a few "You must be paid to much!"
I tend to ignore most of the negative stuff, but as they're not massively common on the roads, they stand out just enough to look cool.
It may have a Renault badge on the front, but who cares? As long as you enjoy it, who cares. Nobody should buy anything, because of fear it may not get approved by other people, both those you know, and those you don't. You like it? Drive it.
Blanchimont said:
If you like driving, then there is little else for the money that offers what the Renault does.
Even driving it, I get positive comments about it. A week or so ago, some random bloke came up to me and said "Nice car" and started talking about it. So it does get positive comments, and I've had plenty "Bet daddy bought that" (but that's down to me being young, 22) and a few "You must be paid to much!"
I tend to ignore most of the negative stuff, but as they're not massively common on the roads, they stand out just enough to look cool.
It may have a Renault badge on the front, but who cares? As long as you enjoy it, who cares. Nobody should buy anything, because of fear it may not get approved by other people, both those you know, and those you don't. You like it? Drive it.
Well said mate, I've found the BMW forums a little bit snobbish which has put me off too - like you say, it's about how fun the car is, not the badge. Alright, I'll see what I can dig up Even driving it, I get positive comments about it. A week or so ago, some random bloke came up to me and said "Nice car" and started talking about it. So it does get positive comments, and I've had plenty "Bet daddy bought that" (but that's down to me being young, 22) and a few "You must be paid to much!"
I tend to ignore most of the negative stuff, but as they're not massively common on the roads, they stand out just enough to look cool.
It may have a Renault badge on the front, but who cares? As long as you enjoy it, who cares. Nobody should buy anything, because of fear it may not get approved by other people, both those you know, and those you don't. You like it? Drive it.
P.S. What's the straight line performance like in terms of overtaking as I'll miss that if it can't go stonking past a line of 2 or 3 cars.
Edited by mrnoisy78 on Tuesday 2nd August 10:38
Just because it's fun to throw random options in, VXR8?
Few options price wise, could go newer for a 'nicer' interior, although may be a little too close to a F**d materials wise.
Newer could be around £25k
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
(There's newer options, but may be outside of budget, at which point the 'lot for a Vauxhall' comes in to your head I imagine)
Go older and get one with a supercharger for a reliable 600+bhp well within budget?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
If slow rear access isn't an issue (that's what she said) then could go even further back and get a modified Monaro, again silly power easily available, this one is 'only' a 5.7 with the little 1.2 litre blower, hence 'only' 550bhp
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
A friend has a manual E92 M3, I have a Monaro. We've both driven each other's cars. What did I enjoy in the M3? The heated seats and the brakes.
When he drove the Monaro, he actively laughed out loud with joy.
If interior quality is a thing though, then you'll not want to go as far back as the Monaro though I'd wager, it is more utilitarian than luxurious.
You will be involved, comfortable, going rather quickly with an epic soundtrack and the driving modes include whether the really lazy traction control is 'On' or 'Off' via a big button in the middle.
Few options price wise, could go newer for a 'nicer' interior, although may be a little too close to a F**d materials wise.
Newer could be around £25k
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
(There's newer options, but may be outside of budget, at which point the 'lot for a Vauxhall' comes in to your head I imagine)
Go older and get one with a supercharger for a reliable 600+bhp well within budget?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
If slow rear access isn't an issue (that's what she said) then could go even further back and get a modified Monaro, again silly power easily available, this one is 'only' a 5.7 with the little 1.2 litre blower, hence 'only' 550bhp
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
A friend has a manual E92 M3, I have a Monaro. We've both driven each other's cars. What did I enjoy in the M3? The heated seats and the brakes.
When he drove the Monaro, he actively laughed out loud with joy.
If interior quality is a thing though, then you'll not want to go as far back as the Monaro though I'd wager, it is more utilitarian than luxurious.
You will be involved, comfortable, going rather quickly with an epic soundtrack and the driving modes include whether the really lazy traction control is 'On' or 'Off' via a big button in the middle.
Blanchimont said:
It may have a Renault badge on the front, but who cares? As long as you enjoy it, who cares. Nobody should buy anything, because of fear it may not get approved by other people, both those you know, and those you don't. You like it? Drive it.
If the OP is disappointed with the interior of a Golf R, the Megane RS will have him running to the hills Tuvra said:
Go on....
What's wrong with a TT-RS?
Nothing wrong with a TT if you like it, but baby-GTR it isn't. Remember, op got a 400hp Subaru with bits and pieces. I don't believe that even RS model will impress him that much...What's wrong with a TT-RS?
GTR is a beast and very few car can come close to it, even modded ones.
Edited by LasseV on Tuesday 2nd August 12:16
On reflection, all of the cars listed and discussed in this thread are brilliant. CTR, Megane RS, Focus RS, Evo, Subaru, TTRS, GTR, 911, C63, M3 etc.... They're all brilliant cars in there own way and they all offer something far more than a normal car. They're also incredibly different in how they entertain and what compromises they carry.
I decided I wanted to change my 911 back in December last year, and I've only just made the decision and the leap. And this wasn't even for a daily driver. I'm really glad I spent time weighing up the pros and cons of the many options (most of those listed above, plus R8, F-type, XKR, Vantage, Maserati GT) to try and work out what I really wanted from the car. I've ended up with one that only occurred as an idea approx 6 months into the search and having not quite being happy with any of the others I was looking at and trying.
There is an irritating reality that even when spending large amounts of cash, there is no car that does everything, as many of the attributes we want are in conflict with each other. Its really, really important that you try to weigh up which areas you have a very strong need for the car to be strong and which areas you can accept compromise.
From the examples suggested - The Megane is a brilliant car, as fun and engaging as any listed, plus its fun is fairly accessible (as stated, I wouldn't be happy driving a GTR at the pace it needs to be driven to feel like you're working - they're astonishing and brilliant, but only come alive when driven hard which equals insane speeds). I understand your concern about the badge but I don't see a hot Megane having worse image than a Subaru or a Honda, I'd happily drive any.... But the key point is, if this is a need (and you're spending a lot of money so its perfectly reasonable and you need to be happy) then you can rule out quite a few of these cars.
The TTRS is an extremely fast car especially when modded. And with a manual box, you have to work to access it. Its reasonably refined and trimmed. The only downsides I see against your needs are that it is a small 2+2 (not a 4 adult car) and it doesn't really have much "feel", certainly not compared to the Megane for example.
Sorry for the wordy post. The message I'm trying to get across is that you have to be really honest with yourself about what you need and want from the car and what compromises you are prepared to accept (I find this hard as the generic answer I give myself is 500hp and rwd - and it didn't mater how many of these I test drove and felt a bit disappointed by, I kept thinking that it is what I wanted - because I'm a petrol head you see). You may well find that nothing fits the bill perfectly and then you have to start making more compromises (and may well come back to the M3). I think this is really hard to do for us petrol heads as we find something to like in all of these interesting cars. Its even harder when we're having to make compromises towards practicality or cost of ownership or image when these things don't fit with the "drivers car" thing that we all really want.
A final thought is to be cautious of chasing more performance unless that's what you really want. A friend has a 280 Cupra with the DSG box, it was as quick in a straight line under 100mph as my 911. But she was sat there with her foot planted to the floor while I'm trying to launch the 911 without frying the clutch, watching the tacho, timing the clutch / slightly stubborn gear changes etc. The 911 was relatively hard work even in a simple, straight drag race. The Cupra isn't hard work but is incredibly competent and a laugh to throw around.... They do the same thing on paper, couldn't be more different in reality.
I decided I wanted to change my 911 back in December last year, and I've only just made the decision and the leap. And this wasn't even for a daily driver. I'm really glad I spent time weighing up the pros and cons of the many options (most of those listed above, plus R8, F-type, XKR, Vantage, Maserati GT) to try and work out what I really wanted from the car. I've ended up with one that only occurred as an idea approx 6 months into the search and having not quite being happy with any of the others I was looking at and trying.
There is an irritating reality that even when spending large amounts of cash, there is no car that does everything, as many of the attributes we want are in conflict with each other. Its really, really important that you try to weigh up which areas you have a very strong need for the car to be strong and which areas you can accept compromise.
From the examples suggested - The Megane is a brilliant car, as fun and engaging as any listed, plus its fun is fairly accessible (as stated, I wouldn't be happy driving a GTR at the pace it needs to be driven to feel like you're working - they're astonishing and brilliant, but only come alive when driven hard which equals insane speeds). I understand your concern about the badge but I don't see a hot Megane having worse image than a Subaru or a Honda, I'd happily drive any.... But the key point is, if this is a need (and you're spending a lot of money so its perfectly reasonable and you need to be happy) then you can rule out quite a few of these cars.
The TTRS is an extremely fast car especially when modded. And with a manual box, you have to work to access it. Its reasonably refined and trimmed. The only downsides I see against your needs are that it is a small 2+2 (not a 4 adult car) and it doesn't really have much "feel", certainly not compared to the Megane for example.
Sorry for the wordy post. The message I'm trying to get across is that you have to be really honest with yourself about what you need and want from the car and what compromises you are prepared to accept (I find this hard as the generic answer I give myself is 500hp and rwd - and it didn't mater how many of these I test drove and felt a bit disappointed by, I kept thinking that it is what I wanted - because I'm a petrol head you see). You may well find that nothing fits the bill perfectly and then you have to start making more compromises (and may well come back to the M3). I think this is really hard to do for us petrol heads as we find something to like in all of these interesting cars. Its even harder when we're having to make compromises towards practicality or cost of ownership or image when these things don't fit with the "drivers car" thing that we all really want.
A final thought is to be cautious of chasing more performance unless that's what you really want. A friend has a 280 Cupra with the DSG box, it was as quick in a straight line under 100mph as my 911. But she was sat there with her foot planted to the floor while I'm trying to launch the 911 without frying the clutch, watching the tacho, timing the clutch / slightly stubborn gear changes etc. The 911 was relatively hard work even in a simple, straight drag race. The Cupra isn't hard work but is incredibly competent and a laugh to throw around.... They do the same thing on paper, couldn't be more different in reality.
LasseV said:
Tuvra said:
Go on....
What's wrong with a TT-RS?
Nothing wrong with a TT if you like it, but baby-GTR it isn't. Remember, op got a 400hp Subaru with bits and pieces. I don't believe that even RS model will impress him that much...What's wrong with a TT-RS?
GTR is a beast and very few car can come close to it, even modded ones.
This is one of my favourite TTRS videos, mainly because it completely mocks the commentator who predicts an easy kill: https://youtu.be/gXuxigqjC30
Cheers,
Grant
LasseV said:
Tuvra said:
Go on....
What's wrong with a TT-RS?
Nothing wrong with a TT if you like it, but baby-GTR it isn't. Remember, op got a 400hp Subaru with bits and pieces. I don't believe that even RS model will impress him that much...What's wrong with a TT-RS?
GTR is a beast and very few car can come close to it, even modded ones.
Edited by LasseV on Tuesday 2nd August 12:16
Run along to YouTube and have a look
The GTR is massive and although it has rear seats they are not much use. The boot is massive though. The one we have just sold had the 700r conversion, is bloody quick, pretty much too quick for the road. If you live on the track then it would be fine but to drive it on the road and get enjoyment from it without killing yourself or ending up with 1 trillion points on your liecence is near on impossible.
Is it worth looking at 2 cars ? Something like an M5 for the motorway and a cheap Megane to thrash about in ?
Is it worth looking at 2 cars ? Something like an M5 for the motorway and a cheap Megane to thrash about in ?
Hungrymc said:
On reflection, all of the cars listed and discussed in this thread are brilliant. CTR, Megane RS, Focus RS, Evo, Subaru, TTRS, GTR, 911, C63, M3 etc.... They're all brilliant cars in there own way and they all offer something far more than a normal car. They're also incredibly different in how they entertain and what compromises they carry.
I decided I wanted to change my 911 back in December last year, and I've only just made the decision and the leap. And this wasn't even for a daily driver. I'm really glad I spent time weighing up the pros and cons of the many options (most of those listed above, plus R8, F-type, XKR, Vantage, Maserati GT) to try and work out what I really wanted from the car. I've ended up with one that only occurred as an idea approx 6 months into the search and having not quite being happy with any of the others I was looking at and trying.
There is an irritating reality that even when spending large amounts of cash, there is no car that does everything, as many of the attributes we want are in conflict with each other. Its really, really important that you try to weigh up which areas you have a very strong need for the car to be strong and which areas you can accept compromise.
From the examples suggested - The Megane is a brilliant car, as fun and engaging as any listed, plus its fun is fairly accessible (as stated, I wouldn't be happy driving a GTR at the pace it needs to be driven to feel like you're working - they're astonishing and brilliant, but only come alive when driven hard which equals insane speeds). I understand your concern about the badge but I don't see a hot Megane having worse image than a Subaru or a Honda, I'd happily drive any.... But the key point is, if this is a need (and you're spending a lot of money so its perfectly reasonable and you need to be happy) then you can rule out quite a few of these cars.
The TTRS is an extremely fast car especially when modded. And with a manual box, you have to work to access it. Its reasonably refined and trimmed. The only downsides I see against your needs are that it is a small 2+2 (not a 4 adult car) and it doesn't really have much "feel", certainly not compared to the Megane for example.
Sorry for the wordy post. The message I'm trying to get across is that you have to be really honest with yourself about what you need and want from the car and what compromises you are prepared to accept (I find this hard as the generic answer I give myself is 500hp and rwd - and it didn't mater how many of these I test drove and felt a bit disappointed by, I kept thinking that it is what I wanted - because I'm a petrol head you see). You may well find that nothing fits the bill perfectly and then you have to start making more compromises (and may well come back to the M3). I think this is really hard to do for us petrol heads as we find something to like in all of these interesting cars. Its even harder when we're having to make compromises towards practicality or cost of ownership or image when these things don't fit with the "drivers car" thing that we all really want.
A final thought is to be cautious of chasing more performance unless that's what you really want. A friend has a 280 Cupra with the DSG box, it was as quick in a straight line under 100mph as my 911. But she was sat there with her foot planted to the floor while I'm trying to launch the 911 without frying the clutch, watching the tacho, timing the clutch / slightly stubborn gear changes etc. The 911 was relatively hard work even in a simple, straight drag race. The Cupra isn't hard work but is incredibly competent and a laugh to throw around.... They do the same thing on paper, couldn't be more different in reality.
Thanks for taking the time to write that; it's been refreshing to hear some sensible feedback from so many on this post - people can be very blinkered on some forums.I decided I wanted to change my 911 back in December last year, and I've only just made the decision and the leap. And this wasn't even for a daily driver. I'm really glad I spent time weighing up the pros and cons of the many options (most of those listed above, plus R8, F-type, XKR, Vantage, Maserati GT) to try and work out what I really wanted from the car. I've ended up with one that only occurred as an idea approx 6 months into the search and having not quite being happy with any of the others I was looking at and trying.
There is an irritating reality that even when spending large amounts of cash, there is no car that does everything, as many of the attributes we want are in conflict with each other. Its really, really important that you try to weigh up which areas you have a very strong need for the car to be strong and which areas you can accept compromise.
From the examples suggested - The Megane is a brilliant car, as fun and engaging as any listed, plus its fun is fairly accessible (as stated, I wouldn't be happy driving a GTR at the pace it needs to be driven to feel like you're working - they're astonishing and brilliant, but only come alive when driven hard which equals insane speeds). I understand your concern about the badge but I don't see a hot Megane having worse image than a Subaru or a Honda, I'd happily drive any.... But the key point is, if this is a need (and you're spending a lot of money so its perfectly reasonable and you need to be happy) then you can rule out quite a few of these cars.
The TTRS is an extremely fast car especially when modded. And with a manual box, you have to work to access it. Its reasonably refined and trimmed. The only downsides I see against your needs are that it is a small 2+2 (not a 4 adult car) and it doesn't really have much "feel", certainly not compared to the Megane for example.
Sorry for the wordy post. The message I'm trying to get across is that you have to be really honest with yourself about what you need and want from the car and what compromises you are prepared to accept (I find this hard as the generic answer I give myself is 500hp and rwd - and it didn't mater how many of these I test drove and felt a bit disappointed by, I kept thinking that it is what I wanted - because I'm a petrol head you see). You may well find that nothing fits the bill perfectly and then you have to start making more compromises (and may well come back to the M3). I think this is really hard to do for us petrol heads as we find something to like in all of these interesting cars. Its even harder when we're having to make compromises towards practicality or cost of ownership or image when these things don't fit with the "drivers car" thing that we all really want.
A final thought is to be cautious of chasing more performance unless that's what you really want. A friend has a 280 Cupra with the DSG box, it was as quick in a straight line under 100mph as my 911. But she was sat there with her foot planted to the floor while I'm trying to launch the 911 without frying the clutch, watching the tacho, timing the clutch / slightly stubborn gear changes etc. The 911 was relatively hard work even in a simple, straight drag race. The Cupra isn't hard work but is incredibly competent and a laugh to throw around.... They do the same thing on paper, couldn't be more different in reality.
I agree with pretty much everything you've said above too.
I can remember one of the things I had the Subaru was a lightened flywheel which meant I had to raise the revs before moving off or it bogged down - much like your 911 launch issue - little niggles, but you forgive them because the car brings a smile to your face most of the time.
I drove an RS3 and an RS5 back to back about 18 months ago; the RS3 didn't seem to reflect the speed it's famed for in terms of acceleration and the noise was pretty underwhelming - the RS5 felt far quicker in comparison, but maybe that was because I wanted it to because it was a great looking car - the crackles on the overrun it does also brought a grin to my face lol.
I do suspect I'll be happier in a manual though, so think I'll look at the following if I can find one nearby:
- Focus RS
- TTRS
- Megane RS
- C63 AMG with Performance Pack
- RS5
....and then another go in a CTR if none of the above float my boat.
The GTR looks like a riot but I think if I'm honest with myself it's going to be too much for an everyday car and I'd worry about leaving it anywhere more than any of the others.
Worst case I keep the beemer for a little longer, the good thing is it's still a capable car, but I'm terrible once I get itchy feet with a car, and the misses will shout at me for spending all my spare time on auto trader and pistonheads
Cheers all
Edited by mrnoisy78 on Tuesday 2nd August 16:04
Edited by mrnoisy78 on Tuesday 2nd August 16:06
LasseV said:
Tuvra said:
Go on....
What's wrong with a TT-RS?
Nothing wrong with a TT if you like it, but baby-GTR it isn't. Remember, op got a 400hp Subaru with bits and pieces. I don't believe that even RS model will impress him that much...What's wrong with a TT-RS?
GTR is a beast and very few car can come close to it, even modded ones.
A friend registered a 3.6 second 0-60 dash in a mildly remapped TT-RS and using an accurate data-logger. Now if that isn't quick enough...
As for the E92 M3, I am not a big fan. I can wholly appreciate where the OP is coming from in terms of it being somewhat soulless. The DCT box is also lacking. A shame as the E46 M3 my ex had was an absolute hoot and never failed to leave me smiling after a stint behind the wheel.
Shnozz said:
Added to that the stealth nature in that few expect a TT to move that rapidly, whereas everyone expects a GTR to wipe the floor with everything.
I think this is a massive plus point of the TTRS. This thread further proves the point, even people who supposedly know cars dismiss them as just a TT. I firmly stand by my statement of "Baby GTR", OK when it comes to out and out power the GTR wins, but on a twisty british road, due to the size of it I bet the TTRS would more than stand its ground.If your considering a C63 AMG, how about:-
5.0's are now dropping sub £20k. Chap I know changed from a 996 C4S and is absolutely smitten with it.
RS Grant said:
Pretty basic Stage 2 modifications will see the car showing up some more prestigious/well known machines... I'd say that the 'Baby-GTR' label is well justified for a car which will pull ~190mph and do the standing 1/4 mile in 11.something seconds, while still offering 30mpg/low tax/low servicing costs.
This is one of my favourite TTRS videos, mainly because it completely mocks the commentator who predicts an easy kill: https://youtu.be/gXuxigqjC30
Cheers,
Grant
That's definitely quick but the TT is too small for the OP as he said he needs to fit four adults, which was why the 911 was ruled out.This is one of my favourite TTRS videos, mainly because it completely mocks the commentator who predicts an easy kill: https://youtu.be/gXuxigqjC30
Cheers,
Grant
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 2nd August 21:24
mrnoisy78 said:
Thanks for taking the time to write that; it's been refreshing to hear some sensible feedback from so many on this post - people can be very blinkered on some forums.
I agree with pretty much everything you've said above too.
I can remember one of the things I had the Subaru was a lightened flywheel which meant I had to raise the revs before moving off or it bogged down - much like your 911 launch issue - little niggles, but you forgive them because the car brings a smile to your face most of the time.
I drove an RS3 and an RS5 back to back about 18 months ago; the RS3 didn't seem to reflect the speed it's famed for in terms of acceleration and the noise was pretty underwhelming - the RS5 felt far quicker in comparison, but maybe that was because I wanted it to because it was a great looking car - the crackles on the overrun it does also brought a grin to my face lol.
I do suspect I'll be happier in a manual though, so think I'll look at the following if I can find one nearby:
- Focus RS
- TTRS
- Megane RS
- C63 AMG with Performance Pack
- RS5
....and then another go in a CTR if none of the above float my boat.
The GTR looks like a riot but I think if I'm honest with myself it's going to be too much for an everyday car and I'd worry about leaving it anywhere more than any of the others.
Worst case I keep the beemer for a little longer, the good thing is it's still a capable car, but I'm terrible once I get itchy feet with a car, and the misses will shout at me for spending all my spare time on auto trader and pistonheads
Cheers all
I'd add a Manual M3 to that list just so you know it wasn't the manual box you missed.I agree with pretty much everything you've said above too.
I can remember one of the things I had the Subaru was a lightened flywheel which meant I had to raise the revs before moving off or it bogged down - much like your 911 launch issue - little niggles, but you forgive them because the car brings a smile to your face most of the time.
I drove an RS3 and an RS5 back to back about 18 months ago; the RS3 didn't seem to reflect the speed it's famed for in terms of acceleration and the noise was pretty underwhelming - the RS5 felt far quicker in comparison, but maybe that was because I wanted it to because it was a great looking car - the crackles on the overrun it does also brought a grin to my face lol.
I do suspect I'll be happier in a manual though, so think I'll look at the following if I can find one nearby:
- Focus RS
- TTRS
- Megane RS
- C63 AMG with Performance Pack
- RS5
....and then another go in a CTR if none of the above float my boat.
The GTR looks like a riot but I think if I'm honest with myself it's going to be too much for an everyday car and I'd worry about leaving it anywhere more than any of the others.
Worst case I keep the beemer for a little longer, the good thing is it's still a capable car, but I'm terrible once I get itchy feet with a car, and the misses will shout at me for spending all my spare time on auto trader and pistonheads
Cheers all
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd add a Manual M3 to that list just so you know it wasn't the manual box you missed.
Agreed. Think I'm going to discount the TTRS just because of practicality. I do wonder if the Megane won't quite deliver in terms of straight line speed but will try and have a look at one although the price tag of £18k for a Renault made my eyes water a little!- Manual E92 M3
- Focus RS
- Megane RS
- C63 AMG with Performance Pack
- RS5
....and then another go in a CTR if none of the above float my boat.
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