A 'What Car?' thread! ....Sorry!
A 'What Car?' thread! ....Sorry!
Author
Discussion

Riknos

Original Poster:

4,701 posts

233 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Unfortunately, it's another one of those:

Criteria:
  • £6.5k to spend.
  • Reliable
  • Reasonable running costs (only do about 4-5k a year)
  • Fun to drive.
  • Quicker than the MX-5
So my I've narrowed it down to...... an S2000. And that's it really. I can't think of anything else that I want in my price range. I've also thought about an E46 330ci, but I think it will probably be pretty dull to drive. I've not driven one yet, but have driven other E46 3 series and have found them rather boring.

Anything I've missed? I considered a tuned scooby / evo etc but I think the running costs / insurance will be too big considering how very little I'll use the car.

Mr Roper

14,232 posts

223 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all

StottyZr

6,860 posts

192 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Erm... Nail on head with S2000. smile

Sounds like you're looking for something sporty, doesn't have to be fuel efficient due to low mileage. Only other thing I can think of is a good condition E36 M3.

andye30m3

3,499 posts

283 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
I'd be tempted to find a bit more cash an go for an series 1 elise,

I'm sure you'll make it back when it's time to sell up and move on as they seam to hold their value well,

Having said that I did enjoy my S2000 but if I was to have another I think I'd want a facelift car with the bigger wheel, not sure if these are within budget.

Riknos

Original Poster:

4,701 posts

233 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
StottyZr said:
Erm... Nail on head with S2000. smile

Sounds like you're looking for something sporty, doesn't have to be fuel efficient due to low mileage. Only other thing I can think of is a good condition E36 M3.
I'm pretty much sold on the S2k to be honest.

I did consider an E36 M3, but I still think the running costs will be a bit on the high side for my liking.

STW2010

5,918 posts

191 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
No mention of practicality, so this- http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3026360.htm

TankRS

2,850 posts

183 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
could do with a bit more info on what you want the car for?

is it going to be a weekend cruiser or summer runner?
2 seater, or something to take passengers too?
soft top?
long distance cruiser?
FWD, 4WD, RWD?

i notice you've narrowed it down to an S2000 but is that only because your looking for an MX-5 competitor? or is there another apeal to the car to you?

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

219 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Riknos said:
Unfortunately, it's another one of those:

Criteria:
  • £6.5k to spend.
  • Reliable
  • Reasonable running costs (only do about 4-5k a year)
  • Fun to drive.
  • Quicker than the MX-5
So my I've narrowed it down to...... an S2000. And that's it really. I can't think of anything else that I want in my price range. I've also thought about an E46 330ci, but I think it will probably be pretty dull to drive. I've not driven one yet, but have driven other E46 3 series and have found them rather boring.

Anything I've missed? I considered a tuned scooby / evo etc but I think the running costs / insurance will be too big considering how very little I'll use the car.
I love it when people state reliable as though it's factual and not going to be opinion based tongue out

What do you mean by reliable? Can you cite any examples that truly aren't?

If the S2k floats you boat, then I see no issue with that. It's certainly quicker than a stock MX-5. So on this rational are you actually after alternatives? Or more reassurance that the S2k is ok?

Because £6.5k for a fun car to do 5000 miles a year in leaves a flipping huge scope of vehicles and truly wide ranging..... even more so if you aren't against modified cars.

e.g. £6.5k could get you:


-Corvette C4
-Mitsubishi 3000GTO
-Evo of some kind
-TVR Chim
-TVR Wedge (minter condition)
-Trans Am
-Camaro
-Mustang GT
-Porsche 944T
-Supra MK IV
-Impreza WRX STI
-RX-7
-RX-8
-350z
-300ZX Turbo
-e36 M3
-Z3 2.8i
-Lotus Excel
-Lotus Elan S2 M100
-Lotus Elise (maybe)
-Vauxhall/Holden Monaro (maybe)
-Jaguar XK8
-Caterfield like kit car
-GTM Libra
-MR2 Turbo MKII
-V6 Fiero
-Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6

And many others aside.

And to stick with what I know, this is one hell of a car and bargain!!!

Camaro Z28 LS1 Manual 6 - T roof - 16K only (1998)
16,000 miles £7,000
Original US spec - not Euro -
340bhp LS1 engine with 6 speed manual -
Custom made 17" alloys (5 off) with very good 275/40 tyres -
Corvette 340mm drilled disc & green pads -
Huge Borla Stainless exhaust -
Lowered & stiffened suspension -
Leather seats & T roof -
Hurst quick-shift stick (re-built so it can't fall apart) -
Traction control and fog lights -
Full history - 2 owners only -
Very quick if you have the skill to drive it -
More pictures and information - just ask
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2968419.htm



Not too mention 500hp is only a few easy mods away either and they'll do around 30mpg on the motorway.

biggrin

Riknos

Original Poster:

4,701 posts

233 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
TankRS said:
could do with a bit more info on what you want the car for?

is it going to be a weekend cruiser or summer runner?
2 seater, or something to take passengers too?
soft top?
long distance cruiser?
FWD, 4WD, RWD?

i notice you've narrowed it down to an S2000 but is that only because your looking for an MX-5 competitor? or is there another apeal to the car to you?
  • It will be my only car
  • 2 seats is fine.
  • soft top is a bonus - it stops me buying another bike (...for now!)
  • will have to do occasional long distances
  • Rather not have FWD.


V88Dicky

7,367 posts

212 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all


You know what mate?

That's the first time I've seen your Camaro and I've got to say, it's quite a handsome beast.

You need to sort the plate out though, the BiB will can be quite anal about those these days. smile

wackojacko

8,581 posts

219 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Don't buy a cheap bottom Market S1 Elise.
For 6.5K I'd go for either :
Vx220
S2000
Z3 2.8 (maybe even a 3.0)

Mr Roper

14,232 posts

223 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
So I take it my suggestion of the VX220 is not your type...how about a 350Z?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2958266.htm

Toffer

1,528 posts

290 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
How about a brand new Hyundai i10...don't disrespect it until you take the 1.2 16V for a test drive ...you may be surprised?



£30 road tax, GRP 2 insurance, 65mpg, air-con, cheap servicing, 5 year warranty, good build quality, very nippy, great handling and utterly reliable...space for mates and room for some kit in the boot!

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

219 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
V88Dicky said:


You know what mate?

That's the first time I've seen your Camaro and I've got to say, it's quite a handsome beast.

You need to sort the plate out though, the BiB will can be quite anal about those these days. smile
Cheers mate smile

Although sad to say, that one isn't mine, just one I've seen in the classifieds. But it's a highly rare manual (well rare in the UK....) and very low mileage. And has some nice upgrades.

Mine is the same colour though biggrin

Dalto123

3,205 posts

192 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
944 cabriolet? Bit rare, very well balanced, and its a Porsche smile


pixieporsche

5,995 posts

244 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
MGB GT V8 biggrin Thread over. Now, wheres my prize?

Dalto123

3,205 posts

192 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Dalto123 said:
944 cabriolet? Bit rare, very well balanced, and its a Porsche smile
Forgot to add the insurance is less than £150 for my dad on a 5000 miles/ year policy, fully comp, garaged, not bad at all. Though he is selling the car now frown but well within your budget!

Toffer

1,528 posts

290 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
i10 FTW! wink

V88Dicky

7,367 posts

212 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Cheers mate smile

Although sad to say, that one isn't mine, just one I've seen in the classifieds. But it's a highly rare manual (well rare in the UK....) and very low mileage. And has some nice upgrades.

Mine is the same colour though biggrin
Yeah, I knew that paperbag


biggrin

StottyZr

6,860 posts

192 months

Monday 18th July 2011
quotequote all
Toffer said:
i10 FTW! wink
I've just understood your post on the "blocking access thread" and now the i10 comments.

You be trollin rofl