Advice on a car

[SimYaris]

Hi,

I've been driving for the past 5 years, started off in an awful 1.0l gold yaris, someone drove into the back of me, so i got another one in red.

Then i got my hands on a 106 GTi which eventually died so i bought another one...

Eventually that one also died.

I've currently got a 207 HDi 110 model which is pretty decent. I have 5 years no claims and i need to get something as fun as my old 106!

Any advice?

Been looking at Renaultsport Meganes Diesel (175bhp) up to 220 with a decent remap and insurance group 14 and the petrol model which is obviously a lot higher.

Also Civic Type R Ep3s

Is there anything else anyone can think of that
Ideally i don't want french, but you get alot of car for your money!

Thanks

Sim

[Bill]

Why diesel? If you do do miles, or prefer the punchy midrange on the motorway, fine, but the 106 you hark back to has a fizzy petrol engine that needs wringing.

Therefore, how about a Clio 172/182 depending on budget.

[SimYaris]

Looked at Clios, one of my friends has a 182 and has had issues with it since he bought it. He's just put a replacement engine in when his has only done 75k miles. He isn't the type to drive high spirited either!

Insurance costs seem to high on these also.

A performance diesel would be good.

Please don't mention Fabia VRs as it is hideous!

[300bhp/ton]

SimYaris said:

Hi,

I've been driving for the past 5 years, started off in an awful 1.0l gold yaris, someone drove into the back of me, so i got another one in red.

Then i got my hands on a 106 GTi which eventually died so i bought another one...

Eventually that one also died.

I've currently got a 207 HDi 110 model which is pretty decent. I have 5 years no claims and i need to get something as fun as my old 106!

Any advice?

Been looking at Renaultsport Meganes Diesel (175bhp) up to 220 with a decent remap and insurance group 14 and the petrol model which is obviously a lot higher.

Also Civic Type R Ep3s

Is there anything else anyone can think of that
Ideally i don't want french, but you get alot of car for your money!

Thanks

Sim

Do you have a budget in mind? I'm guess maybe £5-6k?

Would it be cash or finance?

Also what sort of annual mileage are you doing?


The reason I ask is that, really you have a huge choice of cars out there. Some obvious, some less so.

My own personal preference would be to not go for a hatchback, so something like a MR2 Turbo or Porsche 944 would certainly be cars I'd consider. Or maybe even something like a GTM Libra, for example this would not only be huge fun to drive, it looks spectacular and would be quicker than a Civic Type R while easily offering up 35-45mpg ability.

GTM Spyder 1.8 VVC 160 (2006)
10,600 miles £6,300
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2732726.htm





The only downsides would be 2 seats (if that's a downside), rawer feeling and having to explain to people all the time what it actually is.


If you want to stick with the hatch option, then something like a Civic Type R is probably as good as you'll buy.

Although for half the money or less you could get an almost as good MG ZS180 if you feel like saving some capital.

Newer options would be something like a Mitsubishi Colt RalliArt. They have a 1.5 turbo motor and only weigh about a tonne, you can remap them too. So quite a bit of potential, although cheaper feeling inside and not such good steering as some alternatives. The flip side is, £6k will probably get a 2009 plate one with warranty.

At this money I'd also take a look at things like a MK1 Focus RS (although bottom of the range for £6k). And the Ford Racing Puma.

[Bill]

SimYaris said:

Looked at Clios, one of my friends has a 182 and has had issues with it since he bought it. He's just put a replacement engine in when his has only done 75k miles. He isn't the type to drive high spirited either!

Insurance costs seem to high on these also.

A performance diesel would be good.

Please don't mention Fabia VRs as it is hideous!

So, not a Clio, but why a diesel? I ask mainly because they're more expensive than the equivalent petrol.

[SimYaris]

That Spyder looks great, except I would much prefer a 4 seater :/. Can't believe how cheap they are!

My current car is an 56 plate and I would much prefer a newer car, just for the reliability factor.

A performance diesel would be good as I can still maintain a decent fuel economy on long trips, and they go on forever without issues.

I will have a look into the Colts as I quite like them, and you don't see many of them about.

Any other alternatives newer than a 06 plate?

Thanks
Sim