£5k fun machine

[900900900]

Hi everyone,

First time poster, casual lurker (love the smoker barge thread- https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I'm looking to buy my first car having driven other people's cars for over 10 year. Budget of £5k to spend on my independence.

I'm looking for something with some spice. Happy to set aside budget for repairs (or rope in a willing, mechanically inclined but long-suffering-BMW-owning-sibling). Won't be using it for commuting, more of a weekend car to get to the golf course, a day trip, some longer drives around the country every now and again.

With that in mind, how would this do me? Or any other suggestions?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204305...

Thank you very much

[mattyprice4004]

I think a Mazda 3 MPS would be my choice if you can get insured - incredibly fun little shoebox with oodles of power.

A few years back I'd also have recommend an MG ZS180 as a bit of a left-field choice - but they're fast approaching an 'enthusiast only' age where repairs are needed a little more frequently than is optimal for a main car. That's why I have 2!

[Canon_Fodder]

A 130i looks a good call OP

[RoVoFob]

900900900 said:

I'm looking to buy my first car having driven other people's cars for over 10 year. Budget of £5k to spend on my independence.

I'm looking for something with some spice. Happy to set aside budget for repairs (or rope in a willing, mechanically inclined but long-suffering-BMW-owning-sibling). Won't be using it for commuting, more of a weekend car to get to the golf course, a day trip, some longer drives around the country every now and again.

With that in mind, how would this do me? Or any other suggestions?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204305...

Three-time 130i owner here.

I think they’re great cars; they have loads of torque but rev nicely, are far lighter than most six-cylinder hatches, are refined but decently agile. And they’re pretty reliable, too.

The one you’ve highlighted seems to lack a number of popular options (leather, xenons, heated seats, nav (I personally would want the nav, as it’s such an old system)), but if you’re not bothered about that, it could be a good option.

Hard to gauge the value with a basic spec, but full BMW history. Seems a little pricey to me, but everything is these days!

If you’re not on BabyBMW, check the site out. Lots of useful advice, a huge ‘130i hunters unite!’ thread where people link to decent 130is for sale/direct to their own cars for sale and there’s a classifieds section on there (think you have to be a member to get into this).

[Canon_Fodder]

RoVoFob said:

The one you’ve highlighted seems to lack a number of popular options (leather, xenons, heated seats, nav

Given it's age I think it's better off without all of those

[RoVoFob]

Canon_Fodder said:

Given it's age I think it's better off without all of those

Why? My 2006 model has leather, xenons and heated seats and they all work fine…The non-leather seats are notorious for fraying, too. To make a conscious choice to avoid them is one thing, but there’s no need to fear them.

[Canon_Fodder]

RoVoFob said:

Why?

With really old bangers like this it's best to avoid things that are not really needed and are expensive to repair.

[ZX10R NIN]

At this price point I'd be looking the best Focus ST I could find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204054...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204184...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 4th May 21:58

[RoVoFob]

Canon_Fodder said:

With really old bangers like this it's best to avoid things that are not really needed and are expensive to repair.

I absolutely get that but don’t think leather is going to go wrong! It’s much more hardy on the 130i than the standard fabric/fake leather, which does fray in many cars, so that’s worth considering. Never had any heated seats or xenon issues on my three 130is and while xenon bulbs cost more than halogen ones they do last a lot longer, too, so it’s horses for courses.

[georgeyboy12345]

That 130i looks like a good choice.

Here are some other ideas

Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24v
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204295...


Abarth Punto Evo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202273...


mk1 Audi TT cabriolet

1.8T Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204114...

3.2 Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204124...


Renaultsport Megane
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202212...


Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero Cabriolet
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108296...


Vauxhall Astra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204194...