Another what car thread...

[Neil_H]

Having some issues with the DC5 at the moment, basically the result of it being a 6 year old car and once sorted I will be getting rid for something newer.

So this summer I'd like to replace it but can't decide what the replacement will be. I can't even decide what kind of car I want

I've had 2 Honda VTECs over the last 4 years and I want to move away from them now, great fun they are but I want a change. Fun only and will spend most weekdays in the garage.

Must be

- Powerful/ fast
- Reliable
- Reasonable servicing costs
- No older than ~3 years (ideally about 2 years old)
- Can't justify any more than £20k for a car I don't 'need', ideally less
- Not French

I've been thinking about:

Golf R32 (newest shape), but I'm not sure what depreciation is like on them, or if it wouldn't feel special enough as a weekend car?
Lotus Elise, but they're a bit small (was thinking of a European trip at some point), reliability?
VX Turbo, as above
Boxster, heard about engine issues, expensive servicing?
350Z, meets most of the criteria, I'm just not a huge fan of the looks, thinking of a change from Japanese cars
Tamora, too many question marks for reliability/ cost
M3, sub-20k cars a bit long in the tooth, expensive to run?
Z4, I'd only be interested in the M model and they're still a bit expensive

Any other ideas?

[Wadeski]

VX Turbo, by miles....bit of tuning too.

[tybo]

Caterham, Westfield, any kit car?

You'd get something pretty special in that price bracket

[Plotloss]

Wadeski said:

VX Turbo, by miles....bit of tuning too.

Not at all unreliable, its an Astra engine, it will go on forever.

[andyquantum]

One of these:

[kambites]

Neil_H said:

Lotus Elise, but they're a bit small (was thinking of a European trip at some point), reliability?

Lotus Europa? A bit more usable than the Elise without losing much in the way of handling or performance.

ETA: You can get a surprising amount of an S2 Elise anyway, the boot is a lot bigger than it looks (it just has a rather pathetic sized opening).

Edited by kambites on Monday 2nd June 17:29

[Neil_H]

I do quite fancy a VX Turbo, how are they for boot space? I do like having a decent boot occassionally.

Caterham/ Westfield - too hardcore for me to be honest, needs an element of practicality to it!

Murtaya - any more info? With things like that I worry about servicing etc

Any more suggestions? Surely there must be more cars around that fit the bill?

[EDLT]

Impreza WRX?

[Fordo]

20k? car for fun and possibly a euro trip?

Fast, fun, boot space, and extremely lairy

would sir like a monaro?:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/546261.htm

with the change from 20k you could even it lpg converted, and save on your fuel bills

[Neil_H]

Impreza - not keen on the image, having just come from a similarly-styled car I want to move away from that really.

Monaro - very nice! I'm a bit put off by the mileage but definitely something I hadn't considered

[evoesque]

VX220 Tubby. Your budget will get a very well looked after example, if not a VXR?

If you go for a tubby then get a car that already has at least a stage 2 (an extra 55bhp over standard) as at some point you WILL want to tune it. Stage 1 is a must as there is a horrible flat spot that can be eradicated.

Boot space is surprising. I can get a (squidgy) bag in the boot with enough crap to last me a week. If you take the better half then think again!!

It is also surprisingly comfy for a 'raw' 2 seater. Getting in and out is an art form learnt over time.

Get yourself a test drive but don't expect to be able to walk away from the car without taking a second glance over your shoulder.

www.vx220.org.uk/forums has loads of info.

Forgot to add...

it's a vauxhall engine so is reliable. Servicing is cheap (£200 for my last big service), insurance is cheaper than the equivalent Elise (£400 fully comp, 7yrs NCB, no accidents etc. 26 yrs old etc. etc.). There are a couple of things to look out for but nothing that will cost you a lot of money and hassle.

Edited by evoesque on Tuesday 3rd June 09:31

[RJDM3]

Either the E46 M3 or Z4M would work, although you will need a little more than 20k.

[Neil_H]

I think the VXT is worth a look but I suspect it will be too small for my needs.

I like M3s but cars under 3 years are over 20k I think.

I guess I'm hard to please - any opinions on the R32?

[flattotheboards]

RX8? Although the VXT would be my choice.

[Gnits]

I had a VXT then a VXR and they were really great - boot space is a relative term, think something akin to a glove box really - did not really bother me and I used both as my only car, great cars, really good fun and I thoroughly enjoyed them...
then I drove the Murtaya... - you will not believe how good this car is, on a totally different level, some sort of bonus level!

So I have ordered one.

Christmas is coming in Aug /Sept this year... and I can't wait!
If you have looked at the Murtaya and thought it is a good idea then you really MUST have a test drive - do it - right now. Imagine that you can drive - I mean really drive - that you can make Sebastian Loeb look like some granny in a Micra - THAT is how the Murtaya makes you feel. Every corner feels like you could have done that 20mph corner - even if you are giving it some beans. It makes you feel SO capable.
Clearly I will let you all know how I get on with it and knowing my luck will tell you from the wrong side of a hedge!

In the mean time - VX220 - great car. Murtaya great car³!!

[Neil_H]

So you like it then? I know nothing about these, can anyone enlighten me?

[Gad-Westy]

Hard to argue against the VX220 turbo, boot space is better than you may imagine but the entrance is awkward.

How about a Europa as a wild card choice, same engine, terrific value.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/415473.htm

Or Z3 M Coupe/Roadster maybe?

[Jonty355]

Gnits said:

then I drove the Murtaya... - you will not believe how good this car is, on a totally different level, some sort of bonus level!

So I have ordered one.
Murtaya great car³!!

I'm going to have to drive one of these things... far too many people have said that.

[AngryS3Owner]

Neil_H said:

I guess I'm hard to please - any opinions on the R32?

You'd be missing the point of the R32 (or S3) in my opinion, they make most sense when being used all the time in all conditions and a lot less so as a special car.

[plasticpig]

If you can put up with LHD how about a Ford Mustang? There was a dealer doing brand new 4.6 GT's for £19999 the other week.