PH help me get out of cautious comfort zone

PH help me get out of cautious comfort zone

Author
Discussion

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
Evil.soup said:
If I was in your shoes, my money would probably go towards a late model 2.0 blobeye Sti widetrack with the DCCD. They seem to be the sweet spot of the newage cars, unless of course you can find a JDM hawkeye with the 2.0 engine, both will hold value well.

Mine is a UK hawkeye WRX with the 2.5 engine, you will hear many horror stories about piston ring failure on the 2.5's, but if it is looked after properly and not heavily modified, then it will be fine. I have driven over 100k in mine and have recently had it checked over and it is all good mechanically. The hatchback Sti 2.5 seemed to have the most trouble of the 2.5's and cars that were pushing big power. The 2.5 is worth a test drive though as the torque is a real eye opener over the 2.0, makes the car far more drivable.

Main things to look out for, knocking suspension struts, common and a constant issue. Drop links front and back can suffer, again, knocking noise. Car should feel tight and planted if it has been maintained well.

The other big issue of a car from the early 00's or earlier will be rust. A main point of issue will be rear strut tops, the sills also suffer, both things are difficult to spot and can be very expensive. I have recently had my both rear strut tops welded and the sills will be next in the coming years. The strut tops cost £700 and to look at the car, it looks immaculate on the surface, so be aware of this.

The truth is, most Japanese metal of this age will suffer rust, so it will be something you may have to deal with as part of ownership.

Good luck with the search!
Thanks Evil.soup, perfect for what I am looking for, I know older cars are going to have issues but I like the idea of 'saving' an older car especially a WRX I feel like they have been looked past by lots of people. After the big diesel I am a fan of torque so I'm not put off by the 2.5, I need to drive both and see how they feel. I will research further. Many thanks!

Hoofy

76,448 posts

283 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
smile

I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.

If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.

Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
Had never thought that a 996 could fit two kids in the back, will research that further, but I think the Evora is just the wrong side of 2+2 for the kids, as they grow like weeds. But have never owned a Lotus and think I should do at some point.
Oh, I should have asked how big your kids are. When you said 2+2, I imagined they were toddlers!

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
Hoofy said:
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
smile

I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.

If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.

Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
Had never thought that a 996 could fit two kids in the back, will research that further, but I think the Evora is just the wrong side of 2+2 for the kids, as they grow like weeds. But have never owned a Lotus and think I should do at some point.
Oh, I should have asked how big your kids are. When you said 2+2, I imagined they were toddlers!
Annoyingly long legged 10 and 8, not little. frown

Hoofy

76,448 posts

283 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
smile

I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.

If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.

Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
Had never thought that a 996 could fit two kids in the back, will research that further, but I think the Evora is just the wrong side of 2+2 for the kids, as they grow like weeds. But have never owned a Lotus and think I should do at some point.
Oh, I should have asked how big your kids are. When you said 2+2, I imagined they were toddlers!
Annoyingly long legged 10 and 8, not little. frown
Maserati Gransport or Granturismo, then? I understand the rear seats can accommodate adults vaguely comfortably. (Wouldn't want to be in the back of a 996 for long.)

Knackered DB9? biggrin

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
Hoofy said:
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
smile

I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.

If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.

Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
Had never thought that a 996 could fit two kids in the back, will research that further, but I think the Evora is just the wrong side of 2+2 for the kids, as they grow like weeds. But have never owned a Lotus and think I should do at some point.
Oh, I should have asked how big your kids are. When you said 2+2, I imagined they were toddlers!
Annoyingly long legged 10 and 8, not little. frown
Maserati Gransport or Granturismo, then? I understand the rear seats can accommodate adults vaguely comfortably. (Wouldn't want to be in the back of a 996 for long.)

Knackered DB9? biggrin
Honestly not things I would have considered, I'm not brave enough for a Masarati although I confess I know nothing of living with one or servicing etc. DB9 what a great thing, again not brave enough for that, only two manuals on AT. Not sure how 'fun' they would be on our Cornish lanes with brambles licking the sides. The DB9 is 15 cm wider than a Subaru redface

Hoofy

76,448 posts

283 months

Monday 17th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Honestly not things I would have considered, I'm not brave enough for a Masarati although I confess I know nothing of living with one or servicing etc. DB9 what a great thing, again not brave enough for that, only two manuals on AT. Not sure how 'fun' they would be on our Cornish lanes with brambles licking the sides. The DB9 is 15 cm wider than a Subaru redface
Hm, if it's as bad as it sounds, I'd probably only spend £5k on a car that wasn't in great shape but had around 150-200bhp and was quite small, preferably RWD. An older Audi TT might work?

Evil.soup

3,595 posts

206 months

Tuesday 18th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Evil.soup said:
If I was in your shoes, my money would probably go towards a late model 2.0 blobeye Sti widetrack with the DCCD. They seem to be the sweet spot of the newage cars, unless of course you can find a JDM hawkeye with the 2.0 engine, both will hold value well.

Mine is a UK hawkeye WRX with the 2.5 engine, you will hear many horror stories about piston ring failure on the 2.5's, but if it is looked after properly and not heavily modified, then it will be fine. I have driven over 100k in mine and have recently had it checked over and it is all good mechanically. The hatchback Sti 2.5 seemed to have the most trouble of the 2.5's and cars that were pushing big power. The 2.5 is worth a test drive though as the torque is a real eye opener over the 2.0, makes the car far more drivable.

Main things to look out for, knocking suspension struts, common and a constant issue. Drop links front and back can suffer, again, knocking noise. Car should feel tight and planted if it has been maintained well.

The other big issue of a car from the early 00's or earlier will be rust. A main point of issue will be rear strut tops, the sills also suffer, both things are difficult to spot and can be very expensive. I have recently had my both rear strut tops welded and the sills will be next in the coming years. The strut tops cost £700 and to look at the car, it looks immaculate on the surface, so be aware of this.

The truth is, most Japanese metal of this age will suffer rust, so it will be something you may have to deal with as part of ownership.

Good luck with the search!
Thanks Evil.soup, perfect for what I am looking for, I know older cars are going to have issues but I like the idea of 'saving' an older car especially a WRX I feel like they have been looked past by lots of people. After the big diesel I am a fan of torque so I'm not put off by the 2.5, I need to drive both and see how they feel. I will research further. Many thanks!
The other option of course would be the last Sti sold in the UK as below, much newer, apparently much sharper on road handing and I think it looks the part. The main issue with a newer car is the high tax band it sits in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Tuesday 18th April 2023
quotequote all
Hoofy said:
Hm, if it's as bad as it sounds, I'd probably only spend £5k on a car that wasn't in great shape but had around 150-200bhp and was quite small, preferably RWD. An older Audi TT might work?
You mean like a 330d? ;P

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Tuesday 18th April 2023
quotequote all
Evil.soup said:
littleendbearing said:
Evil.soup said:
If I was in your shoes, my money would probably go towards a late model 2.0 blobeye Sti widetrack with the DCCD. They seem to be the sweet spot of the newage cars, unless of course you can find a JDM hawkeye with the 2.0 engine, both will hold value well.

Mine is a UK hawkeye WRX with the 2.5 engine, you will hear many horror stories about piston ring failure on the 2.5's, but if it is looked after properly and not heavily modified, then it will be fine. I have driven over 100k in mine and have recently had it checked over and it is all good mechanically. The hatchback Sti 2.5 seemed to have the most trouble of the 2.5's and cars that were pushing big power. The 2.5 is worth a test drive though as the torque is a real eye opener over the 2.0, makes the car far more drivable.

Main things to look out for, knocking suspension struts, common and a constant issue. Drop links front and back can suffer, again, knocking noise. Car should feel tight and planted if it has been maintained well.

The other big issue of a car from the early 00's or earlier will be rust. A main point of issue will be rear strut tops, the sills also suffer, both things are difficult to spot and can be very expensive. I have recently had my both rear strut tops welded and the sills will be next in the coming years. The strut tops cost £700 and to look at the car, it looks immaculate on the surface, so be aware of this.

The truth is, most Japanese metal of this age will suffer rust, so it will be something you may have to deal with as part of ownership.

Good luck with the search!
Thanks Evil.soup, perfect for what I am looking for, I know older cars are going to have issues but I like the idea of 'saving' an older car especially a WRX I feel like they have been looked past by lots of people. After the big diesel I am a fan of torque so I'm not put off by the 2.5, I need to drive both and see how they feel. I will research further. Many thanks!
The other option of course would be the last Sti sold in the UK as below, much newer, apparently much sharper on road handing and I think it looks the part. The main issue with a newer car is the high tax band it sits in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
I did look at them, they are great value right now, like everything £600 a year tax, but its probably much bigger and not as fun at 30.

Hoofy

76,448 posts

283 months

Tuesday 18th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
Hm, if it's as bad as it sounds, I'd probably only spend £5k on a car that wasn't in great shape but had around 150-200bhp and was quite small, preferably RWD. An older Audi TT might work?
You mean like a 330d? ;P
hehe

Still a little too big for me.

Evil.soup

3,595 posts

206 months

Wednesday 19th April 2023
quotequote all
littleendbearing said:
Evil.soup said:
littleendbearing said:
Evil.soup said:
If I was in your shoes, my money would probably go towards a late model 2.0 blobeye Sti widetrack with the DCCD. They seem to be the sweet spot of the newage cars, unless of course you can find a JDM hawkeye with the 2.0 engine, both will hold value well.

Mine is a UK hawkeye WRX with the 2.5 engine, you will hear many horror stories about piston ring failure on the 2.5's, but if it is looked after properly and not heavily modified, then it will be fine. I have driven over 100k in mine and have recently had it checked over and it is all good mechanically. The hatchback Sti 2.5 seemed to have the most trouble of the 2.5's and cars that were pushing big power. The 2.5 is worth a test drive though as the torque is a real eye opener over the 2.0, makes the car far more drivable.

Main things to look out for, knocking suspension struts, common and a constant issue. Drop links front and back can suffer, again, knocking noise. Car should feel tight and planted if it has been maintained well.

The other big issue of a car from the early 00's or earlier will be rust. A main point of issue will be rear strut tops, the sills also suffer, both things are difficult to spot and can be very expensive. I have recently had my both rear strut tops welded and the sills will be next in the coming years. The strut tops cost £700 and to look at the car, it looks immaculate on the surface, so be aware of this.

The truth is, most Japanese metal of this age will suffer rust, so it will be something you may have to deal with as part of ownership.

Good luck with the search!
Thanks Evil.soup, perfect for what I am looking for, I know older cars are going to have issues but I like the idea of 'saving' an older car especially a WRX I feel like they have been looked past by lots of people. After the big diesel I am a fan of torque so I'm not put off by the 2.5, I need to drive both and see how they feel. I will research further. Many thanks!
The other option of course would be the last Sti sold in the UK as below, much newer, apparently much sharper on road handing and I think it looks the part. The main issue with a newer car is the high tax band it sits in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
I did look at them, they are great value right now, like everything £600 a year tax, but its probably much bigger and not as fun at 30.
I have looked at them a couple of times. Before lockdown a 64 plate car with 65k on the clock was under 15 grand, I was waiting for the 12 grand car before biting but that ship has sunk with covid and daft car prices today. I still look as they are still good value next to the equivalent Focus RS or A45.

I really need to get one out for a test drive to see if the weight over the WRX I own really can be felt. The press seem to all agree its stiffer and sharper than any of the previous Sti's but it's carrying 100kg or more over the hawkeye WRX.

LightningBlue

530 posts

42 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
People have mentioned the Megane RS265 and these drive great but for £25,000 the newer model RS280 would be doable

clarkmagpie

3,562 posts

196 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
Cerbera evil

Caymen?

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
LightningBlue said:
People have mentioned the Megane RS265 and these drive great but for £25,000 the newer model RS280 would be doable
I've not driven a new fwd hot hatch should add that to my list to drive, how do those front wheels handle the power in the rain?

Summit_Detailing

1,908 posts

194 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
GT86?

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
clarkmagpie said:
Cerbera evil

Caymen?
My kids wont appreciate the rear seat space in a Cerbera and especially a Cayman!

Edit - But that V8 is very tempting

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
Summit_Detailing said:
GT86?
Great suggestion how did I miss that one! I think the kids could squeeze in.

silentbrown

8,873 posts

117 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
Lots of interesting and fun stuff in that price/age range, but it's tricky to think of anything "special" that I'd be prepared top leave parked roadside all year round if I was only using it very occasionally.

Peugeot 106 GTI/Rallye?



littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
Well it will get used three times a week taking the kids to school and anything I need to use a car for. So not nothing, I'll find reasons to take it out. Maybe an occasional longer trip. But yep kept outside so can't be a garage queen and has to be reasonable reliable.

The more I think about it, has to make good noises and put a smile on my face when I look at it (easily done with good wheel fitment) and fun to drive, even at 30. Maybe an old E30 or similar, anyone have any experience of driving them?

littleendbearing

Original Poster:

30 posts

26 months

Thursday 20th April 2023
quotequote all
silentbrown said:
Lots of interesting and fun stuff in that price/age range, but it's tricky to think of anything "special" that I'd be prepared top leave parked roadside all year round if I was only using it very occasionally.

Peugeot 106 GTI/Rallye?


Nearly had a forest green MK1 Golf Gti as a second car, parents convinced me it would be too fast, they were probably right. Hmmm 106 is smaller than I would have thought of but perfect for twisty narrow lanes.