How would YOU spend 7k.....
Discussion
.....on a car!
I am 30, have 9 years no claims and 7 grand to go about losing it. I'd REALLY appreciate your help and advice?
I want it to be fast and fun, but relatively cheap hastle free motoring, also only want low milage and FSH to take into account depreciation if I sold in 6 months or a years time. My list so far:
BMW Z4 3.0 - expensive service (to maintain good FSH) and RFT issue.
Boxster S - expensive parts and servicing plus ISF dangers.
Nissan 350Z - not the prettiest car, a little boy racer image? Wife hates it.
Mazda MX5 (2008ish 2.0) - too slow and not loud enough, hairdresser/feminine image? Also maybe hard to sell as flooded market.
BMW 330ci - Relativley boring and tons around.
As I say, would love to hear suggestions and latest opinions from you guys.
Thanks and i'm glad i've finally joined up to the forum!
I am 30, have 9 years no claims and 7 grand to go about losing it. I'd REALLY appreciate your help and advice?
I want it to be fast and fun, but relatively cheap hastle free motoring, also only want low milage and FSH to take into account depreciation if I sold in 6 months or a years time. My list so far:
BMW Z4 3.0 - expensive service (to maintain good FSH) and RFT issue.
Boxster S - expensive parts and servicing plus ISF dangers.
Nissan 350Z - not the prettiest car, a little boy racer image? Wife hates it.
Mazda MX5 (2008ish 2.0) - too slow and not loud enough, hairdresser/feminine image? Also maybe hard to sell as flooded market.
BMW 330ci - Relativley boring and tons around.
As I say, would love to hear suggestions and latest opinions from you guys.
Thanks and i'm glad i've finally joined up to the forum!
What about the left field option? There are others at similar price too. Surely these would hold their value well?
Tiger Avon, 5,995 - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/o...
Westfield SEi, 6,200 - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/w...
Tiger Avon, 5,995 - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/o...
Westfield SEi, 6,200 - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/w...
I think that will be the car I will be looking at when I am qualified 
E46 M3 has to be top of the list. Price isnt going much further south given how much love it gets from those in the know. Matt Farah on /DRIVE reckons there is literally nothing wrong with that car, although the brakes seem to be regarded as not quite up to task. The SMG box also seems less desirable than the manual, although Im not seeing much difference in price between the two. Id have a tintop rather than a convertible, and I suspect it would hold its price better. If you were potentially reselling in the not-too-distant, I suspect it wouldnt hang around too long if it had good history/ sensible miles.
Plenty of good Boxsters around that price. Id have a 2.7 or an S anyday.
Nice R32 GTRs or TT Supras would be within budget.
If you just wanted to go fast then a nice, fairly modern Impreza would be in budget. They do have a bit of an image problem in my book, but perhaps the missus would be more receptive to something with 4 doors than say a 350Z. Something about the 4WD Jap saloons doesnt sit well with me, an issue I dont have with the Jap coupes mentioned above. Still an easy/ cheapish way to go fast though.
Im rather fond of Big Jags such as the XJ/ XK, as they are elegant and have nice big V8s. A different kind of 'fast' to the cars listed above though. Plenty of large engined 3/5 series BMWs within budget too.
Plenty of good Boxsters around that price. Id have a 2.7 or an S anyday.
Nice R32 GTRs or TT Supras would be within budget.
If you just wanted to go fast then a nice, fairly modern Impreza would be in budget. They do have a bit of an image problem in my book, but perhaps the missus would be more receptive to something with 4 doors than say a 350Z. Something about the 4WD Jap saloons doesnt sit well with me, an issue I dont have with the Jap coupes mentioned above. Still an easy/ cheapish way to go fast though.
Im rather fond of Big Jags such as the XJ/ XK, as they are elegant and have nice big V8s. A different kind of 'fast' to the cars listed above though. Plenty of large engined 3/5 series BMWs within budget too.
The best E36 M3 you can find.
Why?
These are undervalued, they are great cars, they drive really well and are easily the cheapest M car to run. Every specialist in the country knows how to look after them and bits are plentiful. They are also DIY-able with a modicum of patience and a little spanner talent. Not too computer-y so every time you put brake pads on something will not need resetting.
Best bit, look after it, keep it clean and original and it will no loose any money.
A true great that is criminally overlooked because it happens to be sandwiched between the Iconic but dated E30 and the quicker but more floor cracky E46.
If it were my money...
Why?
These are undervalued, they are great cars, they drive really well and are easily the cheapest M car to run. Every specialist in the country knows how to look after them and bits are plentiful. They are also DIY-able with a modicum of patience and a little spanner talent. Not too computer-y so every time you put brake pads on something will not need resetting.
Best bit, look after it, keep it clean and original and it will no loose any money.
A true great that is criminally overlooked because it happens to be sandwiched between the Iconic but dated E30 and the quicker but more floor cracky E46.
If it were my money...
Did this myself a few months ago, budget around £7k and wanted something fast that sounded good. Wanted a z4 3.0 but it's just not practical enough, so ended up with the next best thing - 130i. Drives the same, bulletproof, good residuals, and extra practicality. Plus newer/less miles than the equivalently priced z4.
986 Boxster S, or even the 2.7 for 6k.Get it to a renowned specialist for an IMS upgrade with the remainder of your budget. Or just get it signed up to a maintenance/service plan at one of the Marque Specialists who generally offer for around 80 a month no labour cost on any repairs or servicing.
These are undoubtedly the performance car bargain due to sheer numbers produced
These are undoubtedly the performance car bargain due to sheer numbers produced
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