My annual "What Car" thread!

[Undercover Agent]

Morning team!

It seems to be becoming a something of a tradition now, Whenever I am looking for a change of car I turn to Pistonheads for advice and invariably I and up with some good advice and usually a car.

So - I recently upgraded from a Clio 182 that I got off the back of advice on here about 18 months ago and loved it, but it has started to suffer with its age, so I bought a Clio RS200 and absolutely hated it. Its being picked up this weekend, so I need to get myself an interesting daily car, I'm not fussed about practicality as I have other vehicles to do practical stuff.

Priorities:
- Fast and/or interesting, and/or classic
- Must be ok to live outside
- Not common-as-muck
- Not a: Fiesta,/Corsa/Saxo/Clio, MR2, Barge or Shed
- Must sound good.
- must have a current MOT (if required)

Budget: £2000-4000

... GO!

[ZX10R NIN]

Fun can be had in different ways so here's my alternates list:

3.2 Audi A3 Sport basically Audi's version of the R32.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa GTV who can resist a Busso engined Alfa

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Legacy Spec B a bit of a sleeper but not lacking in performance

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

In no way a sleeper but there's a different kind of fun to be had with these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

W8 Passat

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 Passat

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Volvo C30 T5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Madza3 MPS although the tax is a bit stiff

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

MR2 Turbo

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Car-Red-Toyota-...f:0

Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-300zx-Twin-Turbo...f:1

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-300ZX-3-0-V6-TWI...f:1

The sensible options are the Focus in ST-3 form but that doesn't fit you brief.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

& the RS Megane

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[VTECMFR]

Civic Type R FN2. A lot of haters out there, but I love mine, and I previously owned a 172 Cup, so I think you'll enjoy it.

What was it about the RS200 that you didn't like? Will help us avoiding recommending something unsuitable.

[Undercover Agent]

VTECMFR said:

Civic Type R FN2. A lot of haters out there, but I love mine, and I previously owned a 172 Cup, so I think you'll enjoy it.

What was it about the RS200 that you didn't like? Will help us avoiding recommending something unsuitable.

I'll have a look - never been a fan of the shape if I'm honest.

the 200... it feels huge, and its almost impossible to get off the line quickly due to zero low-end torque and terrible throttle response. Its fine when running at speed but the thing feels heavy.

[Undercover Agent]

ZX10R NIN said:

Fun can be had in different ways so here's my alternates list:

Long list!

Thanks :-) Will have a click about when i get some time at lunch. Not had an Alfa yet..

[Undercover Agent]

I see the thread was moved, not sure anyone has seen it in its new home so a bit of a bump :-)

[kieranblenk]

A few ideas off the top of my head...

Chrysler Crossfire
Honda Prelude
Hyundai Coupe V6
Subaru Impreza
Nissan 350Z (just!)
Honda Civic Coupe VTEC
Golf VR6
Mitsubishi 3000GT/FTO

[Mr Tidy]

Might a slightly leggy BMW 130i sneak into your budget?

[talksthetorque]

RX-8 with a bit of a budget for a refurb on the engine should you be unlucky.
But it looks like you change your cars often enough to avoid this.

[BaronVonVaderham]

Undercover Agent said:

VTECMFR said:

Civic Type R FN2. A lot of haters out there, but I love mine, and I previously owned a 172 Cup, so I think you'll enjoy it.

What was it about the RS200 that you didn't like? Will help us avoiding recommending something unsuitable.

I'll have a look - never been a fan of the shape if I'm honest.

the 200... it feels huge, and its almost impossible to get off the line quickly due to zero low-end torque and terrible throttle response. Its fine when running at speed but the thing feels heavy.

So you want something cheap to do traffic light gp’s then?

Some kind of seat/Audi turbo understeerer is your answer.

Renaultsport Clios are best enjoyed on track or on twisty country roads.