£6000 fun petrol semi practical

[narbles]

The title basically says it all.

I'm selling a Panda 100HP which I've used as a cheap runaround and have a budget up to £6000 (would prefer to spend more like £5000). I've previously had a BMW 130i M Sport and very tempted to go back as it has a mix of great driving, reasonable performance and practicality and can return reasonable MPG on a run.

So, does anyone have any other suggestions of what to do with the money?

Many thanks in advance!

[Lukas239]

What's happening to the panda...

Golf GTI (or any 2L turbo Vag), Focus ST, Lexus rwd saloon ?

[avenger286]

Renault Sport Mégane/Clio of some sort. Nothing Vag as there dull as dish water imo.

[anonymous-user]

Mk2 focus st

( im biased)

[sjc]

350/370z?

[Mr Tidy]

To be honest I'd be straight back to a 130i!

I wanted one, but had a lower budget so it wasn't an option sadly.

But I got a pre-facelift E90 330i in March with the same engine, and love it!

[narbles]

Panda is being sold 68k miles for 1600 ono in the midlands if anyone interested!. Was tempted by vag but just seem to boring as someone else has said... Not tried one properly though. The 130i was great when i had it in terms of handling and all around ability i jyst don't want to get one again without serially considering alternatives

[ZX10R NIN]

The Megane RS is a good shout but it will envolve a budget stretch:

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

The other one is the Focus ST-3 with that lovely 5 pot engine:

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

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

Or if it has to be six clylinders then the 3.2 found in the A3 or Golf is a good call:

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

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

R32

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

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

[narbles]

The Megane RS is a very interesting choice I hadn't considered those but really due to cost. I don't like the older model either. Always been a bit put off by Renaults but that one you linked looks lovely - shame about the lack of service history.

All the others are great suggestions but it's making me think I should just stick to the 130i as it seems to be ever so slightly better in all areas (e.g. performance, weight distribution, economy, handling).

[ZX10R NIN]

Handling wise the Megane & ST are better cars than the 130i,but I get what you mean the RS250 is an absolute riot & one of the best handling cars full stop, so I'd say at least test drive one, the St is a little more parred back in terms of overall performance but it's an easier car to daily but again it's ability to get down a B road shouldn't be question & then there's that 5 pot which was the thing that swayed me away from the better Megane.

[narbles]

I'm ruling out the Fords but I'm willing to stretch my budget to a Megane 250, the only thing that worries me about them is them being an absolute money pit. The 130i will be cheaper which gives me more money to sort things out, they generally seem better kept (at least the ones I am considering). The Megan 250 you linked looks ace but no service history (well 1 service which I'm guessing the garage did) - looks like it needs new tyres (not cheap given 19" wheels), wheels need refurb, will need cambelt + waterpump + dephaser and then it's quite possible the seats will wear prematurely and it will need lower ball joints...! However it's a great spec... decisions, decisions.

[ZX10R NIN]

Megane RS250's aren't money pits they have certain things that will need doing but it's all well documented just checkout all the number of readers threads on various RS250/265/275's.

Running costs are very sensible.

[TheVole]

Volvo C30 T5?

The same engine as a Focus ST225, a nicer interior and still quick. You can pick them up for £3k, so your budget should get a high-spec, low mileage example.

[narbles]

Not keen on the Volvo's either sorry!

It's really between the Megane 250 and 130i for my budget it seems. The Megane for it's handling ability and looks like it may well have a bit more character and the 130... well it's a straight 6 RWD.

Panda went today so need something sooner than later.