I always said I wouldn't ask this.........

[Finster]

Ok so my recent car history is:
Bmw e60 : 535d, 530
350z
996
E39 528 sport

I need some help...... I have 2 young children (aged 2 and 5) and am looking at buying a new car - I loved the 350z so was thinking 370z but got rid of the 350 because I really need back seats even though I try to convince myself I don't. Yes I could keep a spare car as a daily runner but don't want a a garage queen and the hassle of the extra car. So what can I get - budget between 15-22k - I did like the 996 - could get kids in back but worried continually about the engine going pop (ims issues for those who know). The cost of ownership is important - I don't want to be continually paying out on the car and it needs decent mpg so I can use it - hence cheap Maserati 3200 etc are out (13mpg). You can see that I enjoy cars from the list (I have owned all these in the last 14 months). Thanks in advance for any suggestions ps just to add I don't want to pay out on a car that the values plummet quickly.......

[C8LNJ]

Early 997 c2 and a warranty.

[anonymous-user]

VXR8?

[HaloGen8]

M3
M5
Evo X
Citroen Picasso & a Caterham R500

[martin mrt]

E90/92 M3 fits your criteria perfectly.

[turboteeth]

Or C63 AMG

[Finster]

Thanks for the replies - very kind. I should have written up to 22kish not 15-22 (like I wouldn't buy a car less than 15k!) I will look at those mentioned now - the problem is the mrs says I should move away from bmw as I have had so many over the past three years (e60 x 2, e39, x3) to be honest I did look at the 635d, I sold the 535d after 4 weeks - I felt it had no 'soul' if you can appreciate that. Of course it's not her choice she has her own car - but a move into the unusual is always welcome......

[Finster]

Martin - how do you find your m3?

[marting]

M3!

[Herbs]

I've currently got a strange urge for the new shape CL500.which fits nicely in your budget.

[tbc]

MX 5

i'm sure your children will fit in the boot, treat every journey like a long game of hide and seek

[Finster]

Tbc quite simply brilliant

[Finster]

Looks like an m3 then - will have a drive of one - don't think a merc is small enough for the roads round here (north devon)

[danp]

a good e46 m3/cs - a bit more economical and likely to lose less money than the e90/e92.

Edited by danp on Saturday 31st August 23:41

[rallycross]

335i twin turbo petrol add £450 for tuning to 380 bhp

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=688...

[Hackney]

Finster said:

I have owned all these in the last 14 months

What's the point in anyone making a suggestion, you'll get rid in 2 months!

[mini turbo]

Audi RS4 ?
Personal preference would be a Maserati Gransport my old man loved his, we struggled to get him out of the bloody thing. Ha.