Another MX5, but what next?
Another MX5, but what next?
Author
Discussion

FiddleSticks

Original Poster:

19 posts

160 months

Wednesday 29th May 2013
quotequote all
I am currently the proud owner of this :





Which has been the recipient of various upgrades such as MeisterR suspension, various sets of wheels, and will be getting a M62 supercharger grafted onto it. Soon to be dedicated to track use.

I have just got a job following Uni and want to get a nice daily driver. I estimate I can afford up to 12K, and I'm currently looking at these cars;


BMW E92 Coupe - Engine size and type unknown, any particular models I should steer clear of?





Audi TT Mk2 - Most likely the 3.2L Quattro, but the 2L would probably work just as well



Or Impreza STI (hawkeye or hatchback?)





So which one would you go for? I've had a quick check of insurance and its not too much of an issue, so major costs I would be worried about are servicing and if there are any known reliability issues with these cars. I had an 07 Renault Clio 1.5 DCI that I wished I had sought opinion on before I bought it as it was a nightmare and everyone seemed to know it!

Any other suggestions..?

Thanks

A.

dragonheart

772 posts

211 months

Wednesday 29th May 2013
quotequote all
Bmw for me, followed by the Hawkeye, STi Hatchback. Wouldn't bother with the TT as i really don't like them. But as they say it's your money, why don't you test drive each one and give yourself a better idea of what each individual car would be like to live with on a daily basis. Good luck getting the car you most desire.

M159V8

2,540 posts

175 months

Wednesday 29th May 2013
quotequote all
I'd be going for an E92 335i M Sport with Professional Nav, or failing that, an Impreza Hawkeye RB320, if you can find one cheap enough.

ryanthescot

287 posts

183 months

Wednesday 29th May 2013
quotequote all
Remember that along with the cost of the car and servicing, things like brakes, tyres and even oil are much more expensive than what you'd be used to for a Clio or Mx5.

I had a Suzuki Ignis when I was at uni and parts were pretty cheap for it. I got the Megane and went from 50 quid per tyre to nearly 200 per tyre. Plus the front brake discs are twice as expensive and the rears are over 200.

It's probably not a massive deal now that you're out of uni, and I'm sure you've already thought about this, but it adds up to a lot off money when you are used to cheap parts for smaller cars.

Also I just bought a Eunos a few weeks ago and I think it's more fun to drive than the Megane despite being much slower. I'd love to try one with a supercharger!

FiddleSticks

Original Poster:

19 posts

160 months

Thursday 30th May 2013
quotequote all
I'm leaning towards BMW too, just worried (about all of them, actually) about whether they will give me huge repair bills or not. The clio was horrible, I only had it 12 months and I had several unexpected bills one of which was £900 for the MOT and sold it for a £2000 loss, which was only a little less than half the cost of the car.
I don't mind spending money on cars, but I don't like doing it unexpectedly, or on repairs! Happy to spend on expendables like tyres and brakes as long as they aren't extortionate, I've had a look at tyre prices and they seem to be about 150-180 each, sounds representative?