Coming from a 200SX, what car for 4k?

[sgtbash]

Good Evening all.

I have a 250hp 200sx as pictured:



Basically, I have had no end of problems with it, and decided I want something that doesn't go through 2 engines in as many months. I want something to replace the looks and power.

I will have around 4k to spend, I am open to any suggestions, but I will be using it as a daily. I have also been thinking about the loan route for another £3k to spend on a car - but I dont think I want to do this.

Thanks in advance!

Edited by sgtbash on Saturday 21st September 19:58

[Omaruk]

the nicest e36 328i you can find

[s m]

Nice looking car - sounds like you've had some bad luck with it

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Skoda Octavia VRs petrol.

Next question!

[sgtbash]

olly22n said:

I've just spent £5k on a 944 turbo.

That will live on the street and be my daily - maybe have a look at one?

And ive just watched the dealer wheelers episode on one but it never crossed my mind! Being 21 one though I will have issues insuring a Porsche.

Omaruk said:

the nicest e36 328i you can find

I would be wanting E46 really, not keen on E36

s m said:

Nice looking car - sounds like you've had some bad luck with it

Thanks, I am afraid I have!

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

Skoda Octavia VRs petrol.

Next question!

I have looked at them, they seem to go for way more than £4k though!

[RenaultK4J]

Not sure how much they're going for these days but maybe an R body nissan? Are S2000's that sort of money now? Either of those would be my choice

[Gooly]

Buy a lexus LS400
Buy a bellhousing adapter kit for a 1UZFE to SR20 gearbox
Buy pre-made loom off various companies
Rent engine crane

[MGZRod]

Sorry to hear you've have such bad luck. Mine has (touchwood) been okay!

I reckon you should give me your wheels, and some spare parts and then I'll sell you my MG ZR backup car for a price

See on SXOC if anyone has anything interesting to swap or px

[Ved]

E36 M3, perhaps or how about a nice Impreza STI?

[MissChief]

E46 330i?

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

sgtbash said:

I have looked at them, they seem to go for way more than £4k though!

Eh? depends what year!

A lot of the Octy fanbois (me shamefully included) prefer the lighter, pure Mark 1. Mine is a Mk.1, with some nice bits like better suspension and brakes, with a 220 horse re-map.

You can pick up a lovely, low miles Mk.1 for around 2 to 3 grand.

A very quick flick on the PH classifieds reveals one example here with only 63k on the clock for instance

[aarondbs]

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

Skoda Octavia VRs petrol.

Next question!

Surely you couldn't go from a RWD 200SX to a Octavia VRS and not feel more than somewhat short changed....

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

aarondbs said:

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

Skoda Octavia VRs petrol.

Next question!

Surely you couldn't go from a RWD 200SX to a Octavia VRS and not feel more than somewhat short changed....

He won't feel short changed when it comes to reliability and the low cost of parts and servicing!

[philmh]

Sorry no help to your quest, but sure i've seen your 200sx around Leeds area.

[rallycross]

aarondbs said:

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

Skoda Octavia VRs petrol.

Next question!

Surely you couldn't go from a RWD 200SX to a Octavia VRS and not feel more than somewhat short changed....

That is a really crap suggestion, a 200sx with some small upgrades is great fun a skoda fwd big saloon is a big step backwards. If you want a decent mini cab then yes a Vrs is mildy interesting but not relevant for this chaps next car.

[aarondbs]

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

He won't feel short changed when it comes to reliability and the low cost of parts and servicing!

Probably true enough... and I must try a VRS one of these days as SO many people seem to rate them.... given the choice (and assuming the same reliability) I would currently choose the 200SX...

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

^^^ Ok, already!

But with this being PH and all - just trying to give the man some ideas?

[sgtbash]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, couldnt really see myself in a Skoda, though have a decently powered reliable car does tempt me

I am in Leeds, so it is probably that car you have seen. Its sold now and will be very sad to see it go!

I was looking at Impreza's, but it seems a hard job fining a WRX that's not been abused for under £4k! Same goes for the S2000 really, which I would love!

A serious contender is the E46 330CI, there are many about and I think I should be able to find a good one for £4k.

A cheap Porsche? It sounds like a bad idea to me!

[300bhp/ton]

Gooly said:

Buy a lexus LS400
Buy a bellhousing adapter kit for a 1UZFE to SR20 gearbox
Buy pre-made loom off various companies
Rent engine crane

Do you have more info/links for the SR20 bell housing adapter kit and pre made looms. Cheers.

[300bhp/ton]

sgtbash said:

Thanks for the suggestions guys, couldnt really see myself in a Skoda, though have a decently powered reliable car does tempt me

I am in Leeds, so it is probably that car you have seen. Its sold now and will be very sad to see it go!

I was looking at Impreza's, but it seems a hard job fining a WRX that's not been abused for under £4k! Same goes for the S2000 really, which I would love!

A serious contender is the E46 330CI, there are many about and I think I should be able to find a good one for £4k.

A cheap Porsche? It sounds like a bad idea to me!

Could go for a classic Impreza. I'd much rather an M3 E36 over a 330. Also £4k isn't a cheap Porsche. It's just the price range for certain ones.

TVR, Lotus Excel, Élan M100 or even a 2.8i Z3 could be had for this money.