Time for something fun, again?

[mgmrw2003]

Apologies in advance if this reads as a "what car?" thread, but it is intended more as musing with a plea for advice from people who know cars.

Current dillemma is that I run a 96 plate 320 tourer for work (Lucky to be worth £1,000) and general load-lugging (dogs/bikes/etc) and have a 06 SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport TiD sat on the drive way for 5days a week.... Which still holds some value if sold on.

I am planning to enter the housing market around summer next year (when the OH finishes her p/t postgrad study and cash is freed up) and both of us commented that the SAAB seems wasted currently, and whilst there's no discernable fault with it, it's just a bit dull/sensible.

I need a car that fits me in the driving seat (6ft7 and 15st) the OH in passenger seat, and occassionally a rear passenger, and some boot space. Currently paying group 15 insurance costs on the SAAB so dont mind a small shift upwards.

The options I'd considered are as follows:

> Focus ST - best mate had one for 6months, amazing car for what it was
> Civic Type R - another in the "always wanted" category, reliabillity and performence
> E46 Soft-top beemer
> Volvo S60 T5 or C70 T5 (and tune a little)
> Landrover 90 (although 6-7k wont get much will it?)
> Golf GTi - but unsure what 7k will get and whether they're a bit flabby
> Audi TT (but would really want the 3.2)
> Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ALWAYS WANTED ONE, since was about 8years old)


The car would be used 2days a week by the OH (1day round town, 1day motorway commute) and 1day a week by me (Sundays out).

So, 1) have I missed any obvious suggestions? 2) Does anyone have glaringly obvious reasons why I shouldn't switch the 9-3 for one of these?

N.B. Last suggestion was to get the 9-3 remapped from 150-190+ps and wack on some Eibach springs and polybushes to see if it could be a little bit more entertaining on the lovely B roads around us.

Thanks, in advance.

[c0ldpl4ya]

for me id get the e46, or the golf gti and get it remapped!

[ManOpener]

AFAIK, the Focus ST is porkier than a Golf GTi...

[mgmrw2003]

What sort of age/spec will 7k get me in Golf/E46 world?


I know the ST aint no lightweight...... But I'm well aware of their tuning potential, so over the course of a year could take one to 300+ bhp which would help it shuffle.

Also, having driven golfs, and Foci' I prefer the handling of the Ford.

[300bhp/ton]

mgmrw2003 said:

Apologies in advance if this reads as a "what car?" thread, but it is intended more as musing with a plea for advice from people who know cars.

Current dillemma is that I run a 96 plate 320 tourer for work (Lucky to be worth £1,000) and general load-lugging (dogs/bikes/etc) and have a 06 SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport TiD sat on the drive way for 5days a week.... Which still holds some value if sold on.

I am planning to enter the housing market around summer next year (when the OH finishes her p/t postgrad study and cash is freed up) and both of us commented that the SAAB seems wasted currently, and whilst there's no discernable fault with it, it's just a bit dull/sensible.

I need a car that fits me in the driving seat (6ft7 and 15st) the OH in passenger seat, and occassionally a rear passenger, and some boot space. Currently paying group 15 insurance costs on the SAAB so dont mind a small shift upwards.

The options I'd considered are as follows:

> Focus ST - best mate had one for 6months, amazing car for what it was
> Civic Type R - another in the "always wanted" category, reliabillity and performence
> E46 Soft-top beemer
> Volvo S60 T5 or C70 T5 (and tune a little)
> Landrover 90 (although 6-7k wont get much will it?)
> Golf GTi - but unsure what 7k will get and whether they're a bit flabby
> Audi TT (but would really want the 3.2)
> Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ALWAYS WANTED ONE, since was about 8years old)


The car would be used 2days a week by the OH (1day round town, 1day motorway commute) and 1day a week by me (Sundays out).

So, 1) have I missed any obvious suggestions? 2) Does anyone have glaringly obvious reasons why I shouldn't switch the 9-3 for one of these?

N.B. Last suggestion was to get the 9-3 remapped from 150-190+ps and wack on some Eibach springs and polybushes to see if it could be a little bit more entertaining on the lovely B roads around us.

Thanks, in advance.

I think it depends what you want.

Arguably the Defender on your list could be the most fun, but in a very different way to a speedy car. But it will likely hold it's money very well, better than the others listed.

Not sure on the Golf and Volvo, seem a bit dull for weekend/occasional use cars. In fact don't see how they would be a step up from your Saab.

Lots and lots of choice though. What sort of budget are you looking at?

Guessing it must be in the £5-7k range or more.

This money could buy you something really quite interesting, from a TT Supra to a V8 pony car. All with the space and seating requirements you've stated. But with more fun, speed and better residuals.

[mgmrw2003]

Did debate a supra, but unsure if I want to run 2x 90s cars. Hence looking at the "hot hatch" candidates. They mix something new/safe/reliable with something fun.......

I'm torn between Focus ST/Golf GTi/Civic Type R at the moment...... Although remapping and tweaking the SAAB would be a cheaper solution, and ultimately get me simillar power. Just the stupid hydro-electric steering that I'm stuck with

[300bhp/ton]

mgmrw2003 said:

Did debate a supra, but unsure if I want to run 2x 90s cars. Hence looking at the "hot hatch" candidates. They mix something new/safe/reliable with something fun.......

I'm torn between Focus ST/Golf GTi/Civic Type R at the moment...... Although remapping and tweaking the SAAB would be a cheaper solution, and ultimately get me simillar power. Just the stupid hydro-electric steering that I'm stuck with

Power is nice and can be fun, but it doesn't IMO make an entire car fun.

Age wise, well I often say this. I struggle to see how a 5 or 6 year old car is truly any better than a 10-15 year old one? Both are out of warranty and both could need maintenance. But maybe that's just me.

Hatches are fine, but will always be a compromise due to what they are. Also watch for mpg on things like the ST (and WRX ).

For driving thrills I think I'd be looking at a tidy RX-8, although shocking fuel economy and flaky residuals don't help.

Or slightly over budget a Integra Type R DC5


Or spend less money and go for more HP and speed.

NISSAN 200SX 2.0 TOURING STAGE 2 (S14A UK CAR) (2000/X)
70,000 miles £5,100
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2796873.htm


If residuals are an issue, maybe consider a MK1 Focus RS over the MK2 ST.

But as said, for this money you could go for something a little leftfield...

2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 5.7 (2002)


Ford Mustang V8 GT (2003)
£7,000
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2697660.htm


Immaculate Porsche 944 Turbo
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2473967.htm



Although, if it's only thrills you want, then £7k could probably get you something like this

[Steameh]

If you are considering an S60 T5, why not the S60R they seem to float around the 6-7k mark.

[300bhp/ton]

The Crack Fox said:

300BHP/Ton, can you give us a warning before posting pics of that bloody Camaro please, makes my stomach turn when I see it....

Don't be a dick

[StottyZr]

mgmrw2003 said:

> Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ALWAYS WANTED ONE, since was about 8years old)

Should be a no brainer. Buy a car with your heart not with your head. You won't regret it

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

I feel 8 just looking at it

[mgmrw2003]

Integra type R = PERFECT! I love them and the OH does (she's gotta use whatever I get a couple of days a week)

200SX = had one. 360horse, 14grand spent, NEVER AGAIN! handling is ste, all power and turbo, no finesse.

Porsche - im 24, insurance.

V8s and RX8s are just too thirsty as the car will be doing 300miles a week, 180 of that motorway.

This is why the Golf GTi or Focus/Civic options appeal.


S60R...... REALLY? I love the stealth style of them and the fact that no-one except PH users and Volvo know what they are. Figured they were a £10k car.

[Steameh]

mgmrw2003 said:

S60R...... REALLY? I love the stealth style of them and the fact that no-one except PH users and Volvo know what they are. Figured they were a £10k car.

They were I believe, but seem to have dropped a fair bit recently. There is a couple of nice ones on here at the moment...I am always so tempted by them when it comes to car change time.

[PaulB81]

I would go with the Impreza WRX STi

I had one and it was a lot of fun. Currently have an E46 330 coupe which is nice but I hear the soft tops are quite a bit heavier so it wont be that exciting to drive.

[300bhp/ton]

mgmrw2003 said:

Porsche - im 24, insurance.

It's a classic car, so specialist insurance is likely a lot cheaper and if on a classic policy might only cost you £200-300 tops, maybe half that.

mgmrw2003 said:

V8s are just too thirsty as the car will be doing 300miles a week, 180 of that motorway.

This is why the Focus appeal.

I think you should check up on the ST (and WRX) mpg abilities. Every thread I've read about the ST says 20-24mpg and lower. Many modern V8's will easily match this (my 5.7 will do 30mpg on a run).

Also add in the fact that if you mod you'll need superunleaded, which costs more. So a car only doing 22mpg on superunleaded cost wise (pence per mile) is like a car running 95 RON and doing 19-20mpg.

[anonymous-user]

300bhp/ton said:

Don't be a dick

In fairness you started it

[anonymous-user]

> Focus ST - If you can live with the fuel bills a good choice.
> Civic Type R - Good, tough but can be hard work
> E46 Soft-top beemer - wobbly
> Volvo S60 T5 or C70 T5 - S60's aren't very sharp, I think you'll find it a bit dull
> Landrover 90 (although 6-7k wont get much will it?) - Never seen the attraction, Classic Range Rover?
> Golf GTi - but unsure what 7k will get and whether they're a bit flabby - I think the MKV is a great car but might be just out of budget?
> Audi TT (but would really want the 3.2)- No space for a passenger, dull as dishwater.
> Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ALWAYS WANTED ONE, since was about 8years old) Thats the one then

[mgmrw2003]

The subaru idea does MASSIVELY APPEAL. ALthough I'd possibly go newer and UK car for my own reasons. Know of a 2002 one with circa 300bhp that is "scruffy" and possibly going cheap. Having mates in the trade could soon have it back looking A1.


I blame Colin McCrae for my Impreza horn, and Malcolm Wilson was it? Who used to hammer around in Escort Cosworths in the mid 90s in rallying?

1995.. I'd be 7, remember spending many a wet sunday afternoon using a labrador as a cushion and watching 2 or 3 hours of rallying.


If I'm playing sensible then it'd be the golf GTi or Civic Type R... then get them "tweeked" over time. If I follow my heart, we're Impreza'ing all day long.

THOUGH, as some may know, I don't like to conform.... So getting respectable power out of the 1900derv lump in the SAAB and seeing what it's like, does have some appeal, especially as at my size, it's a dream on motorways.

[GravelBen]

StottyZr said:

mgmrw2003 said:

> Subaru Impreza WRX STI (ALWAYS WANTED ONE, since was about 8years old)

Should be a no brainer. Buy a car with your heart not with your head. You won't regret it

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

I feel 8 just looking at it

As you say, you've always wanted one!

[anonymous-user]

mgmrw2003 said:

The subaru idea does MASSIVELY APPEAL. ALthough I'd possibly go newer and UK car for my own reasons. Know of a 2002 one with circa 300bhp that is "scruffy" and possibly going cheap. Having mates in the trade could soon have it back looking A1.


I blame Colin McCrae for my Impreza horn, and Malcolm Wilson was it? Who used to hammer around in Escort Cosworths in the mid 90s in rallying?

1995.. I'd be 7, remember spending many a wet sunday afternoon using a labrador as a cushion and watching 2 or 3 hours of rallying.


If I'm playing sensible then it'd be the golf GTi or Civic Type R... then get them "tweeked" over time. If I follow my heart, we're Impreza'ing all day long.

THOUGH, as some may know, I don't like to conform.... So getting respectable power out of the 1900derv lump in the SAAB and seeing what it's like, does have some appeal, especially as at my size, it's a dream on motorways.

The CTR isn't that cheap to get decent gains unless you bolt a hairdrier to it. Are RB5's within your budget?

[mgmrw2003]

From this, it would appear that the hunt for a tidy, unmolested Impreza, newer the better, is on. My best mate who's a mechanic will refuse to speak to me for a week or 3, but I can stand that loss.

Only issue I may have is my dad loves them too, but mother said no, so he'll steal it.

The civic = someone said "hard work" - what do you mean?