What car to replace my EP3 with a £5-8k budget…

[Clarkie1988]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve had a 2005 civic type-r Premier Edition nighthawk black for the last 6 years and done about 70,000 miles in the car which has been bullet proof as to only need some new tyres and yearly servicing. It’s completely standard too including the head unit and absolutely love the car but 3 weeks ago the catalytic converter was stolen outside my house at midnight. The insurers approved garage initially replaced the car wigh an aftermarket one which not only sounded incredibly bland but also flagged up an Engine light after 2 hours of me driving it. The car has now been at the garage for 3 weeks now as they have tried 3 different aftermarket cats and all keep flagging up and engine light as I understand an original cat is worth about £2.5k so the assessors are working out whether it’s worth replacing or just writing off the car. I don’t want the hassle of decatting the car and putting a new one on every MOT and even if they did replace the cat, I’m paranoid the bds will come back for the new one so what I’m looking for is some advice - keep the car and just hold on for the best or if they write it off, what car for me next? I like the practicality and reliability of the civic along with the fun high revving engine. I appreciate they aren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s always a conversation starter with people whether they love it or not, someone has an opinion on them as opposed to me just owning a big standard yet still nippy A3 or 1 series and no one bats an eye lid. So With a budget of £5-£8k I’m looking at Ford STs, Mini john Cooper works, Fiat 595s and the usual hot hatches. I’ve also been looking at e46 330i or even e36s but worried whether age and wear and tear is becoming too much of a factor now. However, I am now 33 this year so should I be looking into going a bit boring but still having the power at my hands so an E9X 330i or 125i coupe? Scirrocco GT or TTS? I really enjoyed the fact my car is/was in very good condition and there’s something about an older car being all polished and waxed in the sun which makes me proud as opposed to a new car which you expect to be clean and tidy. I don’t want to just blend it with the standard fast rep mobiles and would still be keen to have something a bit different and makes me look back at her in the car park without thinking too much about maintenance and reliability that comes with a potentially older car so what suggestions does everyone have?

[Clarkie1988]

Yea that’s true although from my research and working within the motor industry, Hondas are very popular at the moment due to the metals within the cat. Two other cars got done the same night, a Honda Jazz (also very common) and an old MX5. Japanese cars from that era are becoming big targets along with hybrid cars like the Prius and Lexus SUVs hence why I might have to say goodbye to my love of Japanese sporty cars

Of course it happens to any car but I think I’ll be less paranoid with a car that isn’t known as such for expensive cats. Even researching online not many type-r cats get stolen due to them sitting fairly low but I guess nothing will stop them..

[Clarkie1988]

Thank you for your reply mate, that’s really helpful. That’s the thing I’m worried about going from the EP3 to something much smoother and more powerful but a lot less fun. I’m thinking it will likely be the Minis or as you suggested, a Renault. I do keep looking at the RS250 and think they look stunning in certain colours!

[Clarkie1988]

Bennet said:

Celica 190 GT. They look awesome. Similar engine characteristic to the Honda. Massive boot.



Only issue is if you're tall. I'm 6'3 and don't really fit in Celicas.

Have been looking at these but are they underpowered? Can’t seem to find many engine sizes apart from 1.8?

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

Long time lurker, first time poster. I’ve had a 2005 civic type-r Premier Edition nighthawk black for the last 6 years and done about 70,000 miles in the car which has been bullet proof as to only need some new tyres and yearly servicing. It’s completely standard too including the head unit and absolutely love the car but 3 weeks ago the catalytic converter was stolen outside my house at midnight. The insurers approved garage initially replaced the car wigh an aftermarket one which not only sounded incredibly bland but also flagged up an Engine light after 2 hours of me driving it. The car has now been at the garage for 3 weeks now as they have tried 3 different aftermarket cats and all keep flagging up and engine light as I understand an original cat is worth about £2.5k so the assessors are working out whether it’s worth replacing or just writing off the car. I don’t want the hassle of decatting the car and putting a new one on every MOT and even if they did replace the cat, I’m paranoid the bds will come back for the new one so what I’m looking for is some advice - keep the car and just hold on for the best or if they write it off, what car for me next? I like the practicality and reliability of the civic along with the fun high revving engine. I appreciate they aren’t to everyone’s taste but it’s always a conversation starter with people whether they love it or not, someone has an opinion on them as opposed to me just owning a big standard yet still nippy A3 or 1 series and no one bats an eye lid. So With a budget of £5-£8k I’m looking at Ford STs, Mini john Cooper works, Fiat 595s and the usual hot hatches. I’ve also been looking at e46 330i or even e36s but worried whether age and wear and tear is becoming too much of a factor now. However, I am now 33 this year so should I be looking into going a bit boring but still having the power at my hands so an E9X 330i or 125i coupe? Scirrocco GT or TTS? I really enjoyed the fact my car is/was in very good condition and there’s something about an older car being all polished and waxed in the sun which makes me proud as opposed to a new car which you expect to be clean and tidy. I don’t want to just blend it with the standard fast rep mobiles and would still be keen to have something a bit different and makes me look back at her in the car park without thinking too much about maintenance and reliability that comes with a potentially older car so what suggestions does everyone have?

You mention the 330i but not the 130i. That sounds like a more natural option for you than the heavier 330i and the heavier and less powerful 125i.

For £8k you could get a very good one, it’s notably lighter than the other BMWs - and even the E46 330i/330Ci/325ti - and has shorter gearing and hydraulic steering (for pre-facelift versions), which is far nicer than the EP3’s. All-in-all it has the same feeling of energy to the EP3 but in a different format. With around 4,000rpm between maximum torque and maximum power it has a broad spread of muscle, too; it may not rev as high as the Civic, but it pulls harder from lower revs.

No one batting an eyelid for the 130i should mean it’s less likely to have its catalyst nicked. People in the know realise that it’s something special, while everyone else thinks it’s an ordinary 1 Series. Debadge it and it’s just the twin exhausts that give it away. It may look like an ordinary 1 Series, but I promise it doesn’t drive like one...May be worth considering, if you do have to change your car.

Never really thought about the 130i! They do seem quite rare looking at the classifieds and like you say, seem to go unnoticed unless you’re in the know. The way you described the power seems like the next logical step after the EP3 so might need to test drive one. What’s the reliability like on them?

[Clarkie1988]

mikeyr said:

If you want unusual but stay Japanese then perhaps look at Subaru or even a Mazda MPS?

I think there are some nice Meganes in your price range too.

Sorry to hear about your Civic. Just sold our diesel one of a similar vintage and it was thoroughly reliable.

Subarus do seem quite an attractive option and the MPS seems quite rare. Will have a look into these as I don’t know too much about them.

Annoyingly I don’t think I’ll find a car as reliable as the civic!

[Clarkie1988]

griffter said:

You should be able to get around the cat issue with an aftermarket sports cat and if needs be an O2 sensor spacer to fool the sensor into thinking the car is running leaner. Whatever you do don’t let them write the car off for what should be a £500 repair. An unmolested Premier Edition with under 100k miles as you describe must be worth £10k all day long. The insurance company probably won’t see it that way but if I were you I’d try to get a cash settlement (with no write off marker) and take it to a Honda specialist.

If you’re set on changing it I’d also recommend Renault Sport. I have a S2000 and a Megane GT and they’re both very different but have a similar appeal.

If you really want rid and don’t have the above options, please pm me because I’d love to see if I could take it on!

Thanks for your reply mate. Maybe I should suggest the spacer as you mentioned? They keep trying aftermarket cats but can’t get rid of the EML and I don’t think they want to go the route of an OEM part…
Sorry I’m typing this all on my iPhone so my description was in correct - I’ve had the car 6 years and put 70,000 additional miles on so it’s currently on 125,000. Big difference in valuation so apologies for that! It is still unmolested though.
With regards to a cash settlement, how does that work? I’ve been very lucky during my car ownership years and never had to use my insurance for anything

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

Never really thought about the 130i! They do seem quite rare looking at the classifieds and like you say, seem to go unnoticed unless you’re in the know. The way you described the power seems like the next logical step after the EP3 so might need to test drive one. What’s the reliability like on them?

I always think that rare versions of common cars are a good buy. The rarity of the 130i means that people don’t expect it to be so quick and it should go under the radar with thieves, too. The fact the 1 Series is common, on the other hand - and the engine is shared across numerous other BMWs - means that parts availability should remain good for years to come and prices reasonable.

I’m on my third 130i and haven’t had any major issues. Water pumps and tired suspension are the main things I’d keep an eye out for when buying - plus of course regular maintenance. There are a number of buyers’ guides on babybmw.net, which are definitely worth reading, as these will give you an overview of everything to look out for, but if you bear those in mind, the 130i is a pretty solid machine and still decent value for money, compared with things like R32s, 147 GTAs and Clio V6s...

You’re selling it quite well mate! Looking on autotrader thought they seem to command quite a price tag even for the older high mileage ones! I’ve had a read of the babybmw forum and they have such rave reviews. Think I’ll need to test drive one for myself!

[Clarkie1988]

redandwhite said:

Sounds like you want to keep the EP3

If they write it off, what's to stop you from buying it back?

Just the fact I’m slightly paranoid the thieves will be back for the new cat as they new it would have had another fitted…even if I put an aftermarket sports one on, once they’re under the car wouldn’t they still nick it?

[Clarkie1988]

TheAlastair34 said:

Ask the garage to get a sports cat ordered for it they will be better quality than a 3rd party OEM copy

Or get them to write it off and buy it back and do this yourself

It does soudn like you still love the ep3 and decent ones likes yours are hard to come by and will go up in value i think

This may be the route I take. I know the sports cats aren’t worth much but just worried they’ll come back to nick the new cat? Once you’re under a car jacked up, will you really not bother cutting it off considering it only takes seconds?

[Clarkie1988]

TheAlastair34 said:

Clarkie1988 said:

This may be the route I take. I know the sports cats aren’t worth much but just worried they’ll come back to nick the new cat? Once you’re under a car jacked up, will you really not bother cutting it off considering it only takes seconds?

you can get cat theft guards will stop this happening or simple put them off

I’ve asked so many garages for this and done loads of searching online and they have all said they don’t do guards for an EP3…not sure if that’s due to ground clearance or there isn’t a market for them but I’ve not had any success. Can find loads of Prius guards though!

[Clarkie1988]

TheAlastair34 said:

Clarkie1988 said:

I’ve asked so many garages for this and done loads of searching online and they have all said they don’t do guards for an EP3…not sure if that’s due to ground clearance or there isn’t a market for them but I’ve not had any success. Can find loads of Prius guards though!

Id just have something made by a fabrication firm, is it at the bottom of the car i presume so its easy to get to?

something like a sump guard but covers the cat section and have it fitted with security bolts or something like that, as soon as they look under it and its hard work they will leave it

Yea mate right underneath and very easy to see lol. Don’t suppose you have the details of that company do you? Everyone around me (Bucks) doesn’t seem interested

[Clarkie1988]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

I'd rather have a mint, late EP3 over a Fiesta or an E46 330i.

If you get the cat problem sorted, is there nothing you can do to stop them having a go again? Like upgraded alarm with motion sensors or something? I'd love an EP3 and might be in a position to look for something of that sort soon...

Yea that’s my whole feeling too. I do like fiesta STs but there’s too many of them. I know EP3s aren’t exactly the rarest car but I probably only see another one once a week if that!
I’ve managed to find a bike alarm off Amazon which triggers as soon as there’s any movement and it’s sooo loud. Hopefully if the car is jacked it will sense movement and go off

[Clarkie1988]

Tommo87 said:

Sports Cat. 200 cell. Have it fitted to the existing mild steel pipe to save money.

It will look totally different to a standard cat, so unlikely for them do not realise its not the huge earner they thought,


Alternatively, fit a decat for everyday use and pay £50 every MOT for the sports cat to be fitted/removed either side.

That’s my other option - sorry for silly question but can you be pulled over if the car has a decat? I never get pulled over by police as I don’t drive like an idiot but wouldn’t want unnecessary attention if it’s noisier than usual….

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

You’re selling it quite well mate! Looking on autotrader thought they seem to command quite a price tag even for the older high mileage ones! I’ve had a read of the babybmw forum and they have such rave reviews. Think I’ll need to test drive one for myself!

Well...I’ve always wanted to shake it up with something different, but always come back to the 130i, which is why I normally tell people it’s the best car in the universe! Blends light weight and agility with decent kit and refinement better than anything else I can think of for the money...

They’re not cheap, but always seem pretty well priced to me alongside the alternatives I mentioned. Have a look at some 147 GTAs and Clio V6s if you want to feel better!

Whereabout are you based? I’m more than happy to take you out in mine if you’re anywhere near NE London/Essex...

I work for an Italian car service centre so the Italian electronics have put me off owning an Alfa. Lovely cars and performance but going from a civic I think it will be too much of a headache.

I’m in Bucks but my parents live in Essex/east London so may give you a shout if I’m in the area - thank you so much for the offer!

[Clarkie1988]

PH User said:

A 330i is a nice car with a lovely engine, but it's a reps car.

Have a drive in a RS250 Mégane, they are a great fun car.

Yea that’s the thing, a 330i but look fancy to a non car person but feel down I know it’s a rep mobile haha.

I think my list is narrowing down to 130i (still love the 125i coupe shape though), or a Clio/Megane…

How’s the maintenance and reliability on the 250?

[Clarkie1988]

ZX10R NIN said:

It sounds like you want to keep the EP3, so I'd investigate a good quality Sports Cat, now looking at the other options then you have access to some very talented cars.

Thanks so much for your help and taking the time to find them links! All cars I’m very interested in although I don’t see much of the GTCs around? Seem pretty powerful and quick for what they’re worth but never seem to see too many recommendations of them?

I don’t want to come across a brand snob but I do love the coupe look of the BMW. But the ST and Megane would likely need cheaper maintenance. I think I’ll need to arrange some test drives this week and see which style suits me best.

[Clarkie1988]

RoVoFob said:

Clarkie1988 said:

I work for an Italian car service centre so the Italian electronics have put me off owning an Alfa. Lovely cars and performance but going from a civic I think it will be too much of a headache.

I’m in Bucks but my parents live in Essex/east London so may give you a shout if I’m in the area - thank you so much for the offer!

Yes, I always think it’s great to have friends with Italian cars - or work with them - but I wouldn’t want to own one.

Ah, handy. My mum’s in Oxfordshire, so I have the mirror setup...Feel free to get in touch. I’ll never tire of talking about 130is!

Yea I work with Ferraris and Maseratis so know full well the pleasure and annoyance they can bring! I think it would be a massive shock to my wallet going from Jap to Italian!

I’ve read quite a few reviews of the 130i and it is very well rated!

[Clarkie1988]

Yadizzle1 said:

I'm very biased but I think a 330ci is a great daily for an enthusiast. I owned one a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it, so much so that every day since I've sold it I've been looking for another and recently found the right one.

The drivetrain is great, makes a lovely noise, very powerful and torquey and the manual box is well judged ratio wise to make you feel involved on a b road bash. Handling is nice, hydraulic steering so you can tell everyone what a purist you are (steering feel is actually pretty great) and ofcourse it's rwd too.The coupe looks epic to boot.

Apart from all the perfomancey bits, it's a quiet and refined car to cruise around in with a lot of nice features if you find a decently specced one.

See it’s reviews like this that make me think it’s time to get away from the hot hatch bracket for something new and towards a coupe shape which I love. I never get bored of the high revving EP3 but think maybe a more torquey car will be a nice enough change for me.

Just wary about 330ci and age related items needing to be done though….due to the low maintenance cost of the Type-R, I’m looking for something as reliable as possible as I have been quite spoilt with this!

[Clarkie1988]

Mr_D said:

Sorry to hear about your troubles, but this is an isolated incident and unlikely to happen to your specific car twice. If your that worried, as people have stated there is a multitude of security options.

Your 33? Irrelevant, buy what you want and what meets your specific needs/desires.

One thing I will say, having owned 3 x RS250 Megane's, they are incredible cars and very capable out the box. I would recommend one in a heartbeat, but at your budget you will struggle to get a decent example. Allow £9-10k at least.

I think you are over thinking the situation if I'm honest, buy the car you want and enjoy it.

I think, and hope, you are right and I am overthinking it all. I guess having no issues ever with the car and pretty much taking it for granted has shocked me a bit that the garage are having such a hard time repairing it. To be fair to the car, it’s not the cars fault at all hence why I’m still debating if I should keep it.

Another recommendation for the Megane though so guess it’s just trying to find one within budget