12k. Three parameters..... again

[vtecyo]

Feel like I'm going round in circles, so before I lose my mind I thought I'd throw it out to the PH masses one last time.

The criteria:

12k max with decent mileage and history. Will hopefully keep it for a while.

Must be able to transport a downhill bike (in it or on it, doesn't really matter) and a wakeboard (imagine a wider snowboard if unfamiliar) which is 143cm in length + a carry bag so probably 145cm. The chances of having to transport both at the same time are slim -> none but unfortunately the wakeboard rules out a lot of potentials such as an Elise which is a shame because I'd quite like something small and fun like that. Favourite car I've owned so car is an MR2 Turbo without doubt. Loved the feel and the way it drove.

Suitable for daily use including a 12 mile commute each way. Half traffic, half not but 40mph limit, and no I can't have two cars.

Fun to drive when it needs to be, and a "better" car than my current Civic Type R... which for the record is terrible to live with but costs buttons to run, accepts absolute death everywhere, and swallows a surprising amount of apparatus for my daft hobbies so I've put up with it for 3 years and 8 months, in which time I've put around 30k on it. So 8k p/a for arguments sake.


That's about it.

Current ideas:

335i MSport coupe with a BMW warranty
Monaro
S4 Wagon
Impreza WRX STi hatch
Golf GTi (probably the most logical choice, alongside Focus ST-3)
CLK55 AMG (repair bills scare me a bit).

Cheers to all suggestions, and apologies for yet another one of these!

Edited by vtecyo on Wednesday 17th May 12:19

Edited by vtecyo on Wednesday 17th May 13:16

[mcg_]

I'd probably buy one of these

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

(I'm own a mk7 gti though so biased).

[ZX10R NIN]

Why do you think the CLK55 will throw you bigger bills than a 335i for example?

I have a 55 if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[vtecyo]

ZX10R NIN said:

Why do you think the CLK55 will throw you bigger bills than a 335i for example?

I have a 55 if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Because it's got "AMG" on the back and a 3 pointed star on the front of it.

[300bhp/ton]

I guess an important point would be, what do you hate about the CTR? As I'm guessing these are the points you are trying to address?

[vtecyo]

300bhp/ton said:

I guess an important point would be, what do you hate about the CTR? As I'm guessing these are the points you are trying to address?

It's gutless below 5,800 RPM, the ride is appalling (granted it's lowered on Eibach springs), the seats are too narrow so I'm never really sat in them, interior feels naff and old now, the steering feel is nowhere as near as good as the hydraulic counterpart in the DC5 Integra, it never really feels stable at speed, stereo is rubbish, very high revving at motorway speeds and can be a bit noisy / rattly.

The main one though is that I'm just bored of it.

[ZX10R NIN]

vtecyo said:

ZX10R NIN said:

Why do you think the CLK55 will throw you bigger bills than a 335i for example?

I have a 55 if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Because it's got "AMG" on the back and a 3 pointed star on the front of it.

Yes but the parts you may have to replace at some point (AC pump Alternator etc are the same ones used on most Mercs so no AMG tax) it's a big 5.5 N/A engine the worst thing about those is the 16 plug change, if you find a good Indy your costs won't be a problem.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Plus you'll have a nice amount of change to keep it tip top.

[vtecyo]

Thanks. I may have a look around for a 55 to look at. I think with that engine and exhaust note that a convertible would be a real option.

Am I missing something really obvious and Elise-ish that could do the job? Too tall for an MX5 unfortunately. Even if I wasn't, the wakeboard would be an issue there.