Going around in circles
Discussion
I've owned my current car for a year and have never really clicked with it, I'm desperate to move it on and get back in to something rear wheel drive.
The problem is, I've spent months thinking about what I want to replace it with and gone through so many different options (mostly BMW) that I'm now totally confused. E46 M3, E90 M3, Z4MC, 135i, 650i, E39 M5, 996, Cayman S, 350Z, 370Z, Chimaera, Tuscan..... the list goes on.
On any given day my mind wanders on to one of these cars and I think I'm coming to a decision when something else pops in and screws me up again.
Does anyone else get themselves into this kind of mess when it comes to buying cars and if so, how do you get yourself out of it?
The problem is, I've spent months thinking about what I want to replace it with and gone through so many different options (mostly BMW) that I'm now totally confused. E46 M3, E90 M3, Z4MC, 135i, 650i, E39 M5, 996, Cayman S, 350Z, 370Z, Chimaera, Tuscan..... the list goes on.
On any given day my mind wanders on to one of these cars and I think I'm coming to a decision when something else pops in and screws me up again.
Does anyone else get themselves into this kind of mess when it comes to buying cars and if so, how do you get yourself out of it?
Just get an M135i and be done with it. ...too soon?
In honesty, when buying cars recently, I've gone for the 'type' of car, rather than model. Then when a bargain pops up, I'm not left disappointed. I went out looking for a decent AWD for winter, and ended up with an A4 quattro. Job done.
ETA: You also have to be ready to act. Are you sure you actually want a new car? If so, then buy one and don't look back.
In honesty, when buying cars recently, I've gone for the 'type' of car, rather than model. Then when a bargain pops up, I'm not left disappointed. I went out looking for a decent AWD for winter, and ended up with an A4 quattro. Job done.
ETA: You also have to be ready to act. Are you sure you actually want a new car? If so, then buy one and don't look back.
Nah, get a 350Z, I thought the E46 M3 would kick its arse but it seems to handle better on a circuit, well in this one possible slightly contrived video it does 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of4TvLas1TM
I looked at all those suspects, I fancied an E46 M3 but I wanted a convertible and you just seem too on show, Convertibles should have two seats really.
Plus with the 350Z they are fairly rare relative to a three series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of4TvLas1TM
I looked at all those suspects, I fancied an E46 M3 but I wanted a convertible and you just seem too on show, Convertibles should have two seats really.
Plus with the 350Z they are fairly rare relative to a three series
I have a similar problem do I get a cayman s gen 1, BMW z4 m coupe, or m3.
Like yourself mind changes daily.
Don't need the seats, but the cayman's reliability on the engine worries me, but then I just think sod it you only live once.....
But if I got the z4 m coupe most probably get one in my price bracket with a BMW warranty and have piece of mind.....
Like yourself mind changes daily.
Don't need the seats, but the cayman's reliability on the engine worries me, but then I just think sod it you only live once.....
But if I got the z4 m coupe most probably get one in my price bracket with a BMW warranty and have piece of mind.....
Test Drive.
There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
My Dad procrastinates over several cars and various types and can take months to reach a decision. I, on the other hand, decide I like a particular car...which leads to want that car all very rapidly - usually the same day - and then I focus only on purchasing it. This means scouring the entire country for the right deal, spec etc. That might take a week or two at most.
So when I decide to replace, the new car is on my drive within a week or so. I arranged everything on my current car without telling my wife until the day before I collected it.
From the list you have provided, the Cayman S would stand out for me.
So when I decide to replace, the new car is on my drive within a week or so. I arranged everything on my current car without telling my wife until the day before I collected it.
From the list you have provided, the Cayman S would stand out for me.
Snowboy said:
Test Drive.
There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
I used to regularly go out just for a drive but, havn't done this for ages (well over a year) and part of me wants a car that will be exciting enough to want to do this again. In this respect something that you can stuff up an A road and possibly get the back out just a little with a real sense of occasion fits the bill.There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
I don't currently need to commute to work in the car as I can easily take the train but in a few months that may change when my contract is up and I look for something new. So in this respect I want a comfy modern powerful cruiser. This would also fit the bill for the occasional longish motorway journey to see the in-laws.
At present we have no kids so two seats would work for me but it's def. in our plans in the next year or so, this is also playing on my mind I think.
Sounds like you have a £20k ish budget, you should get this and it might even go up in value.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
skahigh said:
Snowboy said:
Test Drive.
There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
I used to regularly go out just for a drive but, havn't done this for ages (well over a year) and part of me wants a car that will be exciting enough to want to do this again. In this respect something that you can stuff up an A road and possibly get the back out just a little with a real sense of occasion fits the bill.There is no substitute for a test drive.
If possible, an extended test drive.
Work out what speeds you drive at and see if the car is fun at those speeds.
A 135 is boring at 60-80 on A-roads, but a TVR would still be fun.
Do you like putting the back out - do you like computer assisted driving.
Manual or Auto.
For me, no BMW will ever have the same sense of occasion as a TVR.
I don't currently need to commute to work in the car as I can easily take the train but in a few months that may change when my contract is up and I look for something new. So in this respect I want a comfy modern powerful cruiser. This would also fit the bill for the occasional longish motorway journey to see the in-laws.
At present we have no kids so two seats would work for me but it's def. in our plans in the next year or so, this is also playing on my mind I think.
I do think test driving your list is a good move though.
Crusoe said:
Sounds like you have a £20k ish budget, you should get this and it might even go up in value.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Ha, not sure that that's the car for me but thanks.http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
I've been cursing Alfa lately for not making the 156 or GTV rear wheel drive or even Q4 at a push.
20k is probably a touch more than I really want to spend at present. I'd say 15-16k is closer to the mark.
skahigh said:
I've owned my current car for a year and have never really clicked with it, I'm desperate to move it on and get back in to something rear wheel drive.
The problem is, I've spent months thinking about what I want to replace it with and gone through so many different options (mostly BMW) that I'm now totally confused. E46 M3, E90 M3, Z4MC, 135i, 650i, E39 M5, 996, Cayman S, 350Z, 370Z, Chimaera, Tuscan..... the list goes on.
On any given day my mind wanders on to one of these cars and I think I'm coming to a decision when something else pops in and screws me up again.
Does anyone else get themselves into this kind of mess when it comes to buying cars and if so, how do you get yourself out of it?
I think that if you are considering any of these: E46 M3, E90 M3, Z4MC, 135i, 650i, E39 M5, 996, Cayman S, 350Z, 370Z.The problem is, I've spent months thinking about what I want to replace it with and gone through so many different options (mostly BMW) that I'm now totally confused. E46 M3, E90 M3, Z4MC, 135i, 650i, E39 M5, 996, Cayman S, 350Z, 370Z, Chimaera, Tuscan..... the list goes on.
On any given day my mind wanders on to one of these cars and I think I'm coming to a decision when something else pops in and screws me up again.
Does anyone else get themselves into this kind of mess when it comes to buying cars and if so, how do you get yourself out of it?
Then you should not be considering any of these: Chimaera, Tuscan.
How about an S2000.
It has a good speed in second and third gear in VTEC to enjoy A roads, but pleasant enough in 4th out of VTEC for a dull commute.
Two seats, no roof, minimal electronics, and loads of sideways fun.
Just get a full geo done.
Or, a TVR.
I can't ever imagined grinning to myself as I get the key's and walk towards BMW saloon.
But a tvr, s2000, porsche I can.
Buy a car which the designers decided to make for fun.
Not one they decided to make for engineering precision.
It has a good speed in second and third gear in VTEC to enjoy A roads, but pleasant enough in 4th out of VTEC for a dull commute.
Two seats, no roof, minimal electronics, and loads of sideways fun.
Just get a full geo done.
Or, a TVR.
I can't ever imagined grinning to myself as I get the key's and walk towards BMW saloon.
But a tvr, s2000, porsche I can.
Buy a car which the designers decided to make for fun.
Not one they decided to make for engineering precision.
Work out what you can live with and it should narrow it down a lot. Do you need more space than a 2 seater? Dees it need to cope with winter driving or can it be parked up over winter? What maintenance costs are you happy with (potential for the odd four figure bill or does it need to have lower running costs)? Is reliability and ease of use a factor or can you live with a few foibles that you can fix yourself?
How do I do it.
I consider which car I really wanted when I first saw it when I was younger.
You shouldn't buy a fun car with your head.
In fact, imagine which car 12 year old you wanted (or 20 year old you wanted) then buy that car.
Buy something awesome.
This rule meant I got a pug 306 roaster. I wanted one as a kid, I bought one as an adult.
Next I got an S2000. Same reason - I wanted one when I was younger.
Then I made a mistake.
I made an adult choice and bought a 135i. Boring as hell.
Big waste of money. Sold it.
Then I got the car I wanted when I was about 10 years old.
A Jeep Wrangler, 4l straight six engine.
It's no sports car, but it's fun to drive.
So, think about what car you always wanted when you were younger.
Then get that one.
I consider which car I really wanted when I first saw it when I was younger.
You shouldn't buy a fun car with your head.
In fact, imagine which car 12 year old you wanted (or 20 year old you wanted) then buy that car.
Buy something awesome.
This rule meant I got a pug 306 roaster. I wanted one as a kid, I bought one as an adult.
Next I got an S2000. Same reason - I wanted one when I was younger.
Then I made a mistake.
I made an adult choice and bought a 135i. Boring as hell.
Big waste of money. Sold it.
Then I got the car I wanted when I was about 10 years old.
A Jeep Wrangler, 4l straight six engine.
It's no sports car, but it's fun to drive.
So, think about what car you always wanted when you were younger.
Then get that one.
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