Cannot decide what to buy - £6k budget
Discussion
Hi there
Hope anyone has had the same predicament. Im currently debating as to what (or even if should) replace my current ageing civic with. Its 1.8 and has not been the best of ownerships but has been relatively reliable. It is not the best to drive either. I have been debating changing it for some time.
Ive looked at numerous cars and made various threads about the cars that have appealed but I cannot decide what I actually want - and end up going around in circles.
I have recently started a new job which involves some driving during the day (But not a lot) So don't want something that's heavy on petrol. Also ideally Japanese for reliability - I seem to gravitate towards Honda.
I seem to be trying to fulfil multiple briefs - reliable/low running costs and fun to drive and not too common but unfortunately these don't seem to go hand in hand. Ive looked at the following but end up finding reasons not to pursue ultimately.
FN2 Type R - Very nice and am familiar with this shape Civic but worried running costs will be too high and ride punishing for day to day tasks. I was set on these originally but have a n
Swift Sport 2 - Nice drive but I struggle to get excited about these and the interior seems a bit of a downgrade (Plenty of kit though!)
CR-Z - Love the shape of this car but these get very mixed reviews. Seem a little underpowered but nice to drive/sit in. However to add power think you'd have to spend serious money?
Prelude 2.2 - Love these but again worried about running costs. Difficult to find a good one now and owners are tough to deal with as they are demanding a classic price tag and generally mess you about. Also difficulty getting parts
Celica - On paper should be my ideal car but I just don't like the look of these for some reason and really don't enjoy the interior
Mazda 3 - MPS running costs and tax too high and think still out of my price tag. The later shape 3's look lovely but I think are just out of reach.
I seem to be making excuses not to buy all of the above and I seem to be running out of cars that fit what I want. I have looked at Fords but again struggle to get excited about any of them (Even the ST because they are everywhere now!) and all the VW models I seem to like the look of are plagued with engine problems (Especially tensioner failure on TSI models!) I have had my fingers burnt with German marques in the past so am now trying to stay away from them. I know I am fussy but spending that amount on a car whilst not financing and I want to make sure I am happy with what I get. Rather than putting up with a white goods car that Ill inevitably get bored of.
The more I look the more I lose interest in replacing my current car but am wary that various parts will need replacing soon. Mainly knackered shocks and clutch - to the point that I am starting to debate keeping hold of it. Test drives during this period is also proving to be difficult so again that adds to the indecisiveness.
Would be keen to know if anyone else is this fussy, or had this same dilemma. And if so what did you go for. Or if there's a car ive overlooked
Hope anyone has had the same predicament. Im currently debating as to what (or even if should) replace my current ageing civic with. Its 1.8 and has not been the best of ownerships but has been relatively reliable. It is not the best to drive either. I have been debating changing it for some time.
Ive looked at numerous cars and made various threads about the cars that have appealed but I cannot decide what I actually want - and end up going around in circles.
I have recently started a new job which involves some driving during the day (But not a lot) So don't want something that's heavy on petrol. Also ideally Japanese for reliability - I seem to gravitate towards Honda.
I seem to be trying to fulfil multiple briefs - reliable/low running costs and fun to drive and not too common but unfortunately these don't seem to go hand in hand. Ive looked at the following but end up finding reasons not to pursue ultimately.
FN2 Type R - Very nice and am familiar with this shape Civic but worried running costs will be too high and ride punishing for day to day tasks. I was set on these originally but have a n
Swift Sport 2 - Nice drive but I struggle to get excited about these and the interior seems a bit of a downgrade (Plenty of kit though!)
CR-Z - Love the shape of this car but these get very mixed reviews. Seem a little underpowered but nice to drive/sit in. However to add power think you'd have to spend serious money?
Prelude 2.2 - Love these but again worried about running costs. Difficult to find a good one now and owners are tough to deal with as they are demanding a classic price tag and generally mess you about. Also difficulty getting parts
Celica - On paper should be my ideal car but I just don't like the look of these for some reason and really don't enjoy the interior
Mazda 3 - MPS running costs and tax too high and think still out of my price tag. The later shape 3's look lovely but I think are just out of reach.
I seem to be making excuses not to buy all of the above and I seem to be running out of cars that fit what I want. I have looked at Fords but again struggle to get excited about any of them (Even the ST because they are everywhere now!) and all the VW models I seem to like the look of are plagued with engine problems (Especially tensioner failure on TSI models!) I have had my fingers burnt with German marques in the past so am now trying to stay away from them. I know I am fussy but spending that amount on a car whilst not financing and I want to make sure I am happy with what I get. Rather than putting up with a white goods car that Ill inevitably get bored of.
The more I look the more I lose interest in replacing my current car but am wary that various parts will need replacing soon. Mainly knackered shocks and clutch - to the point that I am starting to debate keeping hold of it. Test drives during this period is also proving to be difficult so again that adds to the indecisiveness.
Would be keen to know if anyone else is this fussy, or had this same dilemma. And if so what did you go for. Or if there's a car ive overlooked
Whereas id love an mx-5 again (previous NC owner) i think ideally i would like boot space. I think this is why i was drawn to the CR-Z. Sort of 2 seater but with decent size boot. I personally i like them but there seems to be an underlying hatred of these whereas owners seem to love them.
I think your main issue is the Japanese thing. Not a criticism because I was exactly the same after loving two quick Toyota's and then buying a civic like me yours which as you know I found underwhelming. But even so I still had this thing about buying Jap and it was hard to break away. But the reality is that the best Jap cars were back in the 90's and nowadays apart from the mx5 and latest type R's they're mostly a bit meh.
I really don't think they are any more reliable than anything else now. Even French stuff can be reliable now and with 6k I'd be tempted to go there.
208gti
RS Clio
RCZ
The 208 in particular is worth a look. Rarer than the Fiesta ST and unlike the Ford 6k will get you a decent example.
I really don't think they are any more reliable than anything else now. Even French stuff can be reliable now and with 6k I'd be tempted to go there.
208gti
RS Clio
RCZ
The 208 in particular is worth a look. Rarer than the Fiesta ST and unlike the Ford 6k will get you a decent example.
One of these rare enough? https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17... Apparently should be in budget and should be reliable ;-)
ChrisH72 said:
I think your main issue is the Japanese thing. Not a criticism because I was exactly the same after loving two quick Toyota's and then buying a civic like me yours which as you know I found underwhelming. But even so I still had this thing about buying Jap and it was hard to break away. But the reality is that the best Jap cars were back in the 90's and nowadays apart from the mx5 and latest type R's they're mostly a bit meh.
I really don't think they are any more reliable than anything else now. Even French stuff can be reliable now and with 6k I'd be tempted to go there.
208gti
RS Clio
RCZ
The 208 in particular is worth a look. Rarer than the Fiesta ST and unlike the Ford 6k will get you a decent example.
Yes unfortunately i agree. Sticking to Japanese is definitely limiting and there’s definitely been a long period where anything interesting went by the wayside. Anything after around 2004 it seems.I really don't think they are any more reliable than anything else now. Even French stuff can be reliable now and with 6k I'd be tempted to go there.
208gti
RS Clio
RCZ
The 208 in particular is worth a look. Rarer than the Fiesta ST and unlike the Ford 6k will get you a decent example.
I really wanted to be sold on the CR-Z but i think the way it drives might not be enough to satisfy.
It does annoy that i am picky - most people seem satisfied with Fiestas/Corsas.
My god though that V6 Auris is rare! I completely forgot these existed! Im sure that wins the rarity factor!!!
The GT86 would be a great option and would certainly tick the boxes but sadly i cant justify the cost at this moment in time as im also shortly due to move.
Im also quite limited after ruling out VAG stuff of all shapes and sizes, but ive just come across so many reports of big repair costs on engines.
I recently sold my Prelude 2.2 for £8000. Ok, it was an imported Type S with 220bhp as standard but if you import a fresh one you are looking at £10k now. In addition, rust free UK ones are in demand. You should still be able to get a very good car for your £6k budget but probably not one of the hotter import versions.
For that money I would probably go for an EP3 Civic Type R.
You can get a very nice B7 Audi S4 for £6k if that type of thing floats your boat.
For that money I would probably go for an EP3 Civic Type R.
You can get a very nice B7 Audi S4 for £6k if that type of thing floats your boat.
We’re now into the debate of FN2 vs EP3 !!! Personally i prefer the FN2 as im not as keen on the EP3 shape. However everytime whenever i mention id consider an FN2 for a daily and work to anyone they wince and say its no good as its too ‘sporty’.
I dont find the ride that bad on them but i would be concerned over the consumption of stop start driving.
Every now and again i keep flirting with the idea of a swift sport but i think its the styling of these that im not keen on.
Ive also been recommended the Lancer Ralliart - also unusual but ive not read into these much.
I dont find the ride that bad on them but i would be concerned over the consumption of stop start driving.
Every now and again i keep flirting with the idea of a swift sport but i think its the styling of these that im not keen on.
Ive also been recommended the Lancer Ralliart - also unusual but ive not read into these much.
narbles said:
BMW 130i
This is the best choice. Yes it has a large engine, however this model has done all its depreciating so all its running costs is in fuel and maintenance. It will probably make money if it’s well looked after. It’s a well proven 3.0 litre peach of an engine which is very reliable in a package that drives extremely well. They are well built and are very economical for the size of engine, and I think will match the FN2 with more performance and a better driving experience.Overall, in terms of costs, this will work out pretty cheap if you can get a decent one for 6k.
I like this idea very much and have seriously toyed with it. However finding one is very difficult, although the 125i which is supposedly very similar bar suspension, are easier to get hold of?
My only other concern is that BMW parts/repairs are very expensive - i seem to have a phobia of German cars!
I do see a lot of appeal with these though! Seem comfy with decent pace and rwd!
Unfortunately i tend to read to much into each model ive looked at but apparently these are prone to oil leaks?
My only other concern is that BMW parts/repairs are very expensive - i seem to have a phobia of German cars!
I do see a lot of appeal with these though! Seem comfy with decent pace and rwd!
Unfortunately i tend to read to much into each model ive looked at but apparently these are prone to oil leaks?
If it doesn't need to be too practical the 595 is a very fun shout:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...
Giulietta Cloverleaf 235 very good car often overlooked because it's not the hottest but a good swift hatch:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012217...
208 GTI cracking steer unlike the Fiesta you can find a decent one at your price point
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101298...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...
RCZ 200 smart looking coupe with a sweet engine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102108...
Astra GTC 180 SRI a very good warm hatch that's also a nice place to be when you're not on it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101208...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...
Focus ST-3 Great cars with a peach of an engine they may be popular but that doesn't make them a bad car & they're a good daily.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102209...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...
Giulietta Cloverleaf 235 very good car often overlooked because it's not the hottest but a good swift hatch:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012217...
208 GTI cracking steer unlike the Fiesta you can find a decent one at your price point
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101298...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...
RCZ 200 smart looking coupe with a sweet engine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102108...
Astra GTC 180 SRI a very good warm hatch that's also a nice place to be when you're not on it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101208...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...
Focus ST-3 Great cars with a peach of an engine they may be popular but that doesn't make them a bad car & they're a good daily.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102209...
I’ve probably mentioned elsewhere that I had an E92 325i after the civic?
The BMW was IMO a much better car than the Honda in every way. Mine had the later n53 engine (mistake) which did sound great and had more than enough power for me. It was SE spec so very comfortable to drive and actually pretty spacious and practical for a coupe. Kept it 3 years which is a long time for me. In terms of general running costs it wasn’t too bad, I used a local Indi who knew their stuff and service/maintenance was inevitably a bit more than you would pay for less premium brands. Parts are expensive. Unfortunately I was landed with a very large bill for a full set of fuel injectors quite early on in my ownership. Common fault with the n53 but if you were looking at a 1 series it would be the earlier n52 which has a better reputation for reliability mainly because it’s less complicated (also less efficient). The 3 series was also a heavy car and although more agile than you’d think it was never that sporty or fun. Good all rounder though and a nice daily. In hindsight I should’ve bought a 125i coupe with the n52 and in m sport guise which I think would have suited me better and judging by the prices I see now would have lost me less money.
There’s not many 130i about, especially if you want a manual box which I’d guess you do. It is possible at around 6k but it will be old and possibly leggy so you would need to factor in potential costs. From what I’ve seen the 125i coupe is just as rare and if anything more expensive still, they seem to start at 7k and again are mostly auto.
I wouldn’t blame you for trying BMW and I certainly have no regrets.
Out of zx10’s list above I would probably go Focus ST but then I have a soft spot for fast Fords. Or the 208gti because you get a much newer car for the money.
That Mitsubishi got terrible reviews I’m sure. It might be rare but there could be a reason for that! I think you would be risking buying Japanese for the sake of it. Life is too short to worry about what might go wrong with this or that car and it doesn’t matter what you buy there’s always the chance it could end up costing you. I think it’s best to buy something that ticks all your boxes regardless of what make it is. I’d even give that Alfa a go because it’s cool.
The BMW was IMO a much better car than the Honda in every way. Mine had the later n53 engine (mistake) which did sound great and had more than enough power for me. It was SE spec so very comfortable to drive and actually pretty spacious and practical for a coupe. Kept it 3 years which is a long time for me. In terms of general running costs it wasn’t too bad, I used a local Indi who knew their stuff and service/maintenance was inevitably a bit more than you would pay for less premium brands. Parts are expensive. Unfortunately I was landed with a very large bill for a full set of fuel injectors quite early on in my ownership. Common fault with the n53 but if you were looking at a 1 series it would be the earlier n52 which has a better reputation for reliability mainly because it’s less complicated (also less efficient). The 3 series was also a heavy car and although more agile than you’d think it was never that sporty or fun. Good all rounder though and a nice daily. In hindsight I should’ve bought a 125i coupe with the n52 and in m sport guise which I think would have suited me better and judging by the prices I see now would have lost me less money.
There’s not many 130i about, especially if you want a manual box which I’d guess you do. It is possible at around 6k but it will be old and possibly leggy so you would need to factor in potential costs. From what I’ve seen the 125i coupe is just as rare and if anything more expensive still, they seem to start at 7k and again are mostly auto.
I wouldn’t blame you for trying BMW and I certainly have no regrets.
Out of zx10’s list above I would probably go Focus ST but then I have a soft spot for fast Fords. Or the 208gti because you get a much newer car for the money.
That Mitsubishi got terrible reviews I’m sure. It might be rare but there could be a reason for that! I think you would be risking buying Japanese for the sake of it. Life is too short to worry about what might go wrong with this or that car and it doesn’t matter what you buy there’s always the chance it could end up costing you. I think it’s best to buy something that ticks all your boxes regardless of what make it is. I’d even give that Alfa a go because it’s cool.
Ads22 said:
I like this idea very much and have seriously toyed with it. However finding one is very difficult, although the 125i which is supposedly very similar bar suspension, are easier to get hold of?
My only other concern is that BMW parts/repairs are very expensive - i seem to have a phobia of German cars!
I do see a lot of appeal with these though! Seem comfy with decent pace and rwd!
Unfortunately i tend to read to much into each model ive looked at but apparently these are prone to oil leaks?
I was looking for a 130i a couple of years ago but I couldn''t find any in budget, so I got an early 330i with the same N52 engine and have been very pleased with it. My only other concern is that BMW parts/repairs are very expensive - i seem to have a phobia of German cars!
I do see a lot of appeal with these though! Seem comfy with decent pace and rwd!
Unfortunately i tend to read to much into each model ive looked at but apparently these are prone to oil leaks?
Luckily I've got two ex-Sytner Indys near me so can get repairs done for sensible money, and parts aren't horrific if you can source the same parts from sources other than BMW that were made by the OE supplier.
130i and 125i have the same N52 3 litre engine, but for some reason it's detuned to 218PS in the 125i from 265Ps in the 130i - but a remap can solve that!
They can suffer from oil leaks from the cam-cover gasket - my 330i had just had a new one fitted at 107K miles before I bought it. The other problem area is the seal on the oil filter housing, but that's an easier so cheaper fix.
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