Car choosing help

[Challo]

Hi All,

I need some help/advice on choosing my next car. Currently drive a 1.8 Astra Sportshatch on an 05. Had it for 2 years, and its been no problem at all, but wanting to change it for something else. No kids, just me and the missus but only got a budget of 5K.

With the weather being like it is i keep thinking about getting a soft-top just unsure what I can pick up thats decent in my price range. Other than that a normally hatchback/coupe will do.

Here is the shortlist. Anything I should steer clear off/steer towards thinking about the running costs/repairs etc? Anything I have missed thats worth a look at?

Soft-top:
Audi TT Roadster
BMW 3 Series E46
MR2 MK3
BMW Z3

Coupe:
BMW 3 Series E46
Audi TT
Cooper/Cooper S
Civic Type R
Audi S3

I have a soft spot for the E46 as its a prestige motor that looks good, and I can pick up a good one for under 5K but heard expensive to run.

Any help would be great. Cheers

[300bhp/ton]

Challo said:

Hi All,

I need some help/advice on choosing my next car. Currently drive a 1.8 Astra Sportshatch on an 05. Had it for 2 years, and its been no problem at all, but wanting to change it for something else. No kids, just me and the missus but only got a budget of 5K.

With the weather being like it is i keep thinking about getting a soft-top just unsure what I can pick up thats decent in my price range. Other than that a normally hatchback/coupe will do.

Here is the shortlist. Anything I should steer clear off/steer towards thinking about the running costs/repairs etc? Anything I have missed thats worth a look at?

Soft-top:
Audi TT Roadster
BMW 3 Series E46
MR2 MK3
BMW Z3

Coupe:
BMW 3 Series E46
Audi TT
Cooper/Cooper S
Civic Type R
Audi S3

I have a soft spot for the E46 as its a prestige motor that looks good, and I can pick up a good one for under 5K but heard expensive to run.

Any help would be great. Cheers

lol not sure I'd normally call a CTR a coupe

But welcome

I think it depends what you really want from a car, how many miles you do, what types of roads and if you don't mind tinkering on a car.

All of your choices are fine and good cars, albeit slightly ordinary. For me I like cars that are a little different and £5k could very easily buy you something fun, different, interesting and potentially fast. But I understand such cars are not for everyone.


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2778818.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2694592.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2703698.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2122384.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2520213.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2764691.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2783873.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2528630.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1873291.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2780471.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2732847.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2166500.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2293975.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2066224.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2505242.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2608927.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2647102.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2694818.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2367861.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2710836.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2752850.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2605278.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2383916.htm


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2645218.htm

[james_gt3rs]

[redacted]

[Challo]

Some really interesting examples there...definatly expands the search.

Ideally I want some fun to drive, had Pug GTI's in the past and just loved the way they where cheap to buy/run, and put a smile on your face. Now im getting slightly older fancied something away from the boy racer image, but still enjoyable.

The astra I drive now looks quite nice, very reliable, and has all the electrical toys you need, but it a bit dull to drive, and only a 1.8 its pretty gutless unless thrashed

I only drive local miles, and my commute is a few miles daily. Im not good with the spanners though, but do have a fantastic local mechanic.

[Riknos]

I was shocked to see an S2K in the 5k budget! Then I read the article about it having an 'noise' coming from the engine.. so the dealer suspects it's something bad and wants rid quick. Either that's a costly repair bill for the next owner, or something cheap that just sounds costly.. hopefully the latter and someone will pick up a bargain.

[Uhura fighter]

[redacted]

[Challo]

Looks like i'll be scouring the classifieds and doing alot of test driving to see what I prefer