6k to spend, put yourself in my shoes
Discussion
So, i have roughly 6k to put into a car. I'm 22 and i've been driving a Seat Ibiza 1.2 (i know.. it's been a struggle). I do no more than 7-8k miles per year and i live around Manchester so my commute to work is short, mainly start and stop driving.
Recently started a new job so it's definitely time to upgrade, i want something fairly quick and economical. Had me eye on something like a 325ci or an Alfa GT but i'm not sure if i can justify the costs or maybe something like a hot hatch?? What would you get..
Recently started a new job so it's definitely time to upgrade, i want something fairly quick and economical. Had me eye on something like a 325ci or an Alfa GT but i'm not sure if i can justify the costs or maybe something like a hot hatch?? What would you get..
Firstly, I don't think you can have a classic car as your only car (insurance wise), and I'm not sure if they'd allow 8k a year?
The rest it all depends on what you want to pay per month for fuel, tax and maintenance. I suppose if you're looking at the 2 cars you mentioned then fuel expense isn't going to be a major issue, but town traffic will drink away like nobody's business.
For that trip I'd be looking at some sort of supermini with enough poke for fun on the weekends, though a smart coupe would be good for that.
But, you're looking at larger engined cars, and thats an itch that'll need to be scratched sooner or later, and I'd say you also want something that makes a bit of a statement too. BMW would probably be your best bet.
The rest it all depends on what you want to pay per month for fuel, tax and maintenance. I suppose if you're looking at the 2 cars you mentioned then fuel expense isn't going to be a major issue, but town traffic will drink away like nobody's business.
For that trip I'd be looking at some sort of supermini with enough poke for fun on the weekends, though a smart coupe would be good for that.
But, you're looking at larger engined cars, and thats an itch that'll need to be scratched sooner or later, and I'd say you also want something that makes a bit of a statement too. BMW would probably be your best bet.
Edited by CHN on Wednesday 25th September 09:11
Edited by CHN on Wednesday 25th September 09:13
sillwuka said:
Recently started a new job so it's definitely time to upgrade, i want something fairly quick and economical. Had me eye on something like a 325ci or an Alfa GT but i'm not sure if i can justify the costs or maybe something like a hot hatch?? What would you get..
Instead of spending £6k, you could spend around half that and get a good example of either car you have suggested. I have a 330 ci, but have driven the 325. I really like them, and they are fairly quick.A quick glance at the classifieds brings up these-
Clio cup 172
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...
Far from economical, but something I would consider. A Mitsubishi GTO-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Otherwise I kept seeing things like BMW Z3s, Civic type-r (these are a lot of fun), Imprezas, and a few Alfo GTV V6s.
There are loads of choices at half of your budget, so see if any of those fit your tastes and go from there. If you want newer/better spec/lower miles then you can be picky and spend up to your budget.
sillwuka said:
So, i have roughly 6k to put into a car. I'm 22 and i've been driving a Seat Ibiza 1.2 (i know.. it's been a struggle). I do no more than 7-8k miles per year and i live around Manchester so my commute to work is short, mainly start and stop driving.
Recently started a new job so it's definitely time to upgrade, i want something fairly quick and economical. Had me eye on something like a 325ci or an Alfa GT but i'm not sure if i can justify the costs or maybe something like a hot hatch?? What would you get..
Unless I "really really" needed it, I would not get a FWD hatchback. Not that they aren't good cars, or can be good cars. But the majority of them are dull boring white goods style vehicles, and generally offer little over more interesting vehicles.Recently started a new job so it's definitely time to upgrade, i want something fairly quick and economical. Had me eye on something like a 325ci or an Alfa GT but i'm not sure if i can justify the costs or maybe something like a hot hatch?? What would you get..
I do understand insurance is an issue. But I'm a believer that you can own a fun/interesting car. For the record, by the age of 22 I was on my 5th sports car, this one having just been converted to V8 power. By the age of 19 I had already bought and owned a V12 XJ-S also.
These look fun:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
CHN said:
Firstly, I don't think you can have a classic car as your only car (insurance wise), and I'm not sure if they'd allow 8k a year?
Of course you can. Ok, you might not get a "classic" policy, but it doesn't mean you can't insurance and use one. Often older cars are cheaper to insure, even on a normal policy.300bhp/ton said:
Am I the only one who finds this quite amusing? 
Podie said:
300bhp/ton said:
Am I the only one who finds this quite amusing? Hoist and petard comes to mind!
If it's your first performance car I'd get a clio 172 cup or golf GTI mk5.
My bro has a 172 cup and it goes like stink, never fails to raise a smile (had me giggling like a little girl driving it
) has lots of character and are fairly rare on the roads and go round corners really well 
Obv running costs are low.
I own a mk1 focus RS and it is a brilliant car on the road, can keep up with a lot of 'faster' stuff and has really good looks. You could look at one of those but for 6k I think you'd be lookin at one with high milage like mine (97k) and that may not float your boat, but I will say they are very reliable but are not without their issues. If you find one where most of the parts that can fail have been replaced (turbo, thermostat housing, chargecooler pump) you shouldn't have many worries.
It's telling that THE RS specialist, Demon performance centre, or Pete as he's known; used to work at Awesome VW. A tuning and servicing company for VW products. Said to me the RS makes a better track car but ultimatly the mk5 GTI is a better road car and is capable of 400Ibs ft and would obviously be reliable.
Let us know what you go for
My bro has a 172 cup and it goes like stink, never fails to raise a smile (had me giggling like a little girl driving it
) has lots of character and are fairly rare on the roads and go round corners really well Obv running costs are low.I own a mk1 focus RS and it is a brilliant car on the road, can keep up with a lot of 'faster' stuff and has really good looks. You could look at one of those but for 6k I think you'd be lookin at one with high milage like mine (97k) and that may not float your boat, but I will say they are very reliable but are not without their issues. If you find one where most of the parts that can fail have been replaced (turbo, thermostat housing, chargecooler pump) you shouldn't have many worries.
It's telling that THE RS specialist, Demon performance centre, or Pete as he's known; used to work at Awesome VW. A tuning and servicing company for VW products. Said to me the RS makes a better track car but ultimatly the mk5 GTI is a better road car and is capable of 400Ibs ft and would obviously be reliable.
Let us know what you go for
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