Help me decide, or suggest something else?

[IC3]

I need help at deciding what to buy as my next daily... I use to either buy cheap Honda Accords MK6 (had 4 or 5) with petrol engines, or E36's that always turned into drift projects. I work on my cars, changing a gearbox, clutch or troubleshooting electrical issues isn't new to me, so we don't have to account for high garage bills.

Current Car: Honda Accord MK6 1.8 - needs few things doing and rust is starting to show, so time for a replacement.
MIleage: 3-4k at a stretch 5k per year (I work from home and don't have to commute anywhere)
Requirements: It should at least be 180bhp, 30+mpg, practical, reliable and parts have to be easily accessible.
Budget: £2-3k? With prices all over the place, this has some movement.

Cars I was considering (in this order)
- Honda Accord MK7 2.4 MT
- BMW E46 325Ti MT (Compact)
- BMW E46 2.5L+ MT (Saloon or Estate)
- Volvo V50 T5 or S40 T5
- Honda Civic Type R FN2
- Renault Clio 197

Open to suggestions

[Super Sonic]

Accord 7 is a big improvement over mk 6, made in Japan rather than Swindon.
Have just bought a 57 2.0 to replace my 02 atr. Personally though I'm still temped by an fn2.

[Super Sonic]

Accord 7 is a big improvement over mk 6, made in Japan rather than Swindon.
Have just bought a 57 2.0 to replace my 02 atr. Personally though I'm still temped by an fn2.
btw, Mk7 Accord is Hondas last front wishbone suspension car!

[Ilovejapcrap]

Lexus is200
Lexus is300
Lexus is250
Lexus gs 300

Can you see a theme

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're looking for a practical family car, then the 2.5T Mondeo in Titanium X spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209109...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206237...

The 2.0T Insignia in Elite Nav/Elite spec is another option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209230...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209270...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...

If you can live with three doors the the Astra GTC SRI is a very good option & a good steer too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208218...

The Alfa Giulietta in Veloce 170 spec is another good car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209240...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209169...

With the IS250 you need to get a 2008 (some 57 plates) onwards as they can't run on E10.

There are some good Mercedes offering & are good options in my bias opinion.

CLK 200 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209149...

CLC 200 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209280...

[eleveneleven]

I'd go with the mk7 manual accord (2.4) great fun to drive more comfortable/practical than the type R civic and more reliable than the Volvos.

If your just looking for something to get you from A to B then an IS250 would be my pick.