What coupe 4-7k, reliable, not too thirsty
Discussion
I've completely run of ideas and I have a few days to draw up a hit list of cars if I'm going to change my E39 in the next 6 months.
So I'm looking for ideas - I'd prefer something coupe like, I've owned a dc2 multiple E39 BMWs and could go for diesel.
I don't do massive mileage but derv can be 40 cents per liter cheaper in Europaland where I do a lot of driving.
I'd prefer something reliable, other than a BMW 330cd there is really nothing that comes to mind, so I'm throwing this out to the PH masses. I would like something that has reasonable residuals.
It doesn't have to be the last bastion of driving pleasure but something that is not as dull as ditchwater would please me.
So give me an idea of what to spunk my hard earned on!
The closer it gets to 7/8k, the more reasonable that 996 Porka looks.
So far I can only think of the Merc CLK (200k, 270d 320d), please save me from further autobox slushing
So I'm looking for ideas - I'd prefer something coupe like, I've owned a dc2 multiple E39 BMWs and could go for diesel.
I don't do massive mileage but derv can be 40 cents per liter cheaper in Europaland where I do a lot of driving.
I'd prefer something reliable, other than a BMW 330cd there is really nothing that comes to mind, so I'm throwing this out to the PH masses. I would like something that has reasonable residuals.
It doesn't have to be the last bastion of driving pleasure but something that is not as dull as ditchwater would please me.
So give me an idea of what to spunk my hard earned on!
The closer it gets to 7/8k, the more reasonable that 996 Porka looks.
So far I can only think of the Merc CLK (200k, 270d 320d), please save me from further autobox slushing
Are you needing a 2+2 coupe or would a 2 seater be ok?
There really isn't a huge choice of diesel coupes though, let alone 2 seater ones. In fact as a half descent drive your only choice is likely to be the BMW.
That said £4k and upwards should offer up quite a few nice coupes if that's what you are after.
What sort of mpg would count as "not too thirsty"?
There really isn't a huge choice of diesel coupes though, let alone 2 seater ones. In fact as a half descent drive your only choice is likely to be the BMW.
That said £4k and upwards should offer up quite a few nice coupes if that's what you are after.
What sort of mpg would count as "not too thirsty"?
Breara has the looks, Alfa rep does scare me though.
I'd prefer 2+2 just for the practicality, I could live with a (not too thirsty) petrol. I guess not too thirsty is 27-30 + mpg (I don't even know if that is reasonable. I just have the idea in mind that if it's dropping to low 20's then that is firmly in porka 996 range.
I've toyed with the idea of an s2k or 350z but really want the back seats as it will be my only car.
I'd prefer 2+2 just for the practicality, I could live with a (not too thirsty) petrol. I guess not too thirsty is 27-30 + mpg (I don't even know if that is reasonable. I just have the idea in mind that if it's dropping to low 20's then that is firmly in porka 996 range.
I've toyed with the idea of an s2k or 350z but really want the back seats as it will be my only car.
digger_R said:
Breara has the looks, Alfa rep does scare me though.
I'd prefer 2+2 just for the practicality, I could live with a (not too thirsty) petrol. I guess not too thirsty is 27-30 + mpg (I don't even know if that is reasonable. I just have the idea in mind that if it's dropping to low 20's then that is firmly in porka 996 range.
I've toyed with the idea of an s2k or 350z but really want the back seats as it will be my only car.
On a run it's amazing what can attain 27-30mpg these days. Even my 5.7 V8 manages that, although will be lower on shorter journeys.I'd prefer 2+2 just for the practicality, I could live with a (not too thirsty) petrol. I guess not too thirsty is 27-30 + mpg (I don't even know if that is reasonable. I just have the idea in mind that if it's dropping to low 20's then that is firmly in porka 996 range.
I've toyed with the idea of an s2k or 350z but really want the back seats as it will be my only car.
I think the BMW isn't a bad bet, although it's quite a stout argument to say the 330i still offer fairly good mpg and you are likely to pick up a better spec, lower mileage petrol for less money than a 330d.
But here's the problem I have with BMW's, if you have £5k to spend on one why would you not get an e36 M3? Ok not as good on fuel as an e46 330i, but not hugely different either, but a much sharper drive and a fair chunk faster.
excel monkey said:
Out of interest, why the desperate urge to get rid of your E39?
No desperate need in this case, just that I fancy a change. I've had 4 yrs of hassle free motoring, has not missed a beat on many big Euro trips. It may be given to my parents as a second car for me to use when I'm in the Uk. I understand the argument with the E46/E36 but I don't see the E46 as a significant upgrade from my E39. It would be a bit of a let down to spend an additional few K and be surrounded by the same interior. I'm tempted by the CLK just because I liked the design when I first saw them so many years ago, I can imagine that the slushbox is going to be pretty bad in a Merc though.
excel monkey said:
digger_R said:
I understand the argument with the E46/E36 but I don't see the E46 as a significant upgrade from my E39.
The E39 fanboys will be along soon to tell you that NOTHING is a significant upgrade from an E39 
300bhp/ton said:
But here's the problem I have with BMW's, if you have £5k to spend on one why would you not get an e36 M3? Ok not as good on fuel as an e46 330i, but not hugely different either, but a much sharper drive and a fair chunk faster.
because the running costs of an M car are hugely different, generally. insurance as well as servicing, tyres, brakes etcI thinkl if you've even started thinking about a 911 nothing will match up to it until you've eventually owned one.
Why not just take the plunge now. I intend upon getting one in the coming weeks to run through the winter (we get next to no snow here).
The 996 has got to be the bargain of the decade.
Why not just take the plunge now. I intend upon getting one in the coming weeks to run through the winter (we get next to no snow here).
The 996 has got to be the bargain of the decade.
excel monkey said:
The E39 fanboys will be along soon to tell you that NOTHING is a significant upgrade from an E39
For the sake of spending 3-4k (on top of the price of my e39), the e46 isn't much of an upgrade IMO. I've tried to change it a few times but nothing really comes close given that it's worth next to nothing now. Mine has been faultless other than the thermostat I changed in the first weeks of ownership.The issue is that I'm short on time to shop for a car when I'm in the UK, so finding a good Porka may not be that easy - I still haven't got my head around all the potential issues.
I considered a DC5 a couple of years ago but given they were 7-8k then, they look expensive right now given the age. I agree they look like a good prospect, even if they are a bit lairy for my current tastes.
B3ALP said:
Matt UK said:
Having owned an e46 and an e39, I can say from experience that whilst the e39 is not perfect it is streets ahead of the e46 in nearly every area of design and execution.
Well it's an opinion, your wrong BUT its an opinion 
I should have written 'in my opinion'
Matt UK said:
B3ALP said:
Matt UK said:
Having owned an e46 and an e39, I can say from experience that whilst the e39 is not perfect it is streets ahead of the e46 in nearly every area of design and execution.
Well it's an opinion, your wrong BUT its an opinion I should have written 'in my opinion'
E38Ross said:
300bhp/ton said:
But here's the problem I have with BMW's, if you have £5k to spend on one why would you not get an e36 M3? Ok not as good on fuel as an e46 330i, but not hugely different either, but a much sharper drive and a fair chunk faster.
because the running costs of an M car are hugely different, generally. insurance as well as servicing, tyres, brakes etcWhy on earth would tyres be an extra cost? There's a good chance a 330ci would have bigger more expensive tyres. Not too mention e36's and e46's share a common PCD, so you could swap the wheels around.
Are breaks really that much more costly? A quick look on eBay and £80 will get you a pair of new front discs for the e36 M3. Pads seem sensible money too. Not too mention most people don't replace these every other month either, so it's hardly a real cost in terms of ownership.
Insurance, well that I don't know. Guess it can vary.
Servicing. Seriously you wouldn't be using a BMW main dealer to service a £5k e36 M3. For just an "oil change" and the filters as is 99% of most services just pay a local mechanic £50-100. Once ever 18 months or so send it to an indi or specialist. Really don't see how it's physically any more to service than a 330ci.
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