What car next?!

[gtwilliams]

Afternoon! Ok, I've owned practically every hairdressers car going - Mazda MX-5 Mk1 1.6i, Toyota MR2 Mk2, Toyota MR2 Mk3, Austin Mini, BMW Z3 and an Audi TT 1.8 225... So, it's time for something new. I've got to buy quickly as I've not got any transportation at the moment. However, I also want to make the right choice.

If I could afford the maintenance costs, I'd without a doubt buy a Porsche Boxster. For me, the ride, balance and handling is perfection. As I can't afford to fork out £600+ on tyres, brakes and such like, I need something more realistic.

Therefore, what would you recommend? My requirements are as follows:

- Budget of up to £7000
- Fun to drive - You know what I mean; Excellent handling, good grip, etc.
- 0-60 in less than 8 seconds
- Reliable
- Economy of around 30mpg
- Decent resale value
- Good safety rating - Minimum of a drivers airbag
- 2 seats, although I wouldn't mind up to 4 seats - Maybe 2+2?

I'm not asking for much am I?!

There's probably more I should list, but I can't think right now. I know this is a boring subject and someone's always asking this question, but it's better to ask those who know than plump for something random and that will ultimately disappoint!

Thanks in advance!

[Craikeybaby]

Are you fussed about RWD/FWD/4WD?
What do you want out of a car? Handling/Straight line performance/posing/bragging rights at the pub?

[kambites]

VX220? Not sure about the "good safety" but it does have a driver's airbag. Residuals are rock solid and all the oily bits are from mundane things so it should be cheap to run if you don't bend it.

[stephen300o]

Get a Fiaf 500, all the girls at the hairdressers have one, and why not they are a lovely car.

[jc84]

S2000

[gtwilliams]

Craikeybaby said:

Are you fussed about RWD/FWD/4WD?
What do you want out of a car? Handling/Straight line performance/posing/bragging rights at the pub?

Good questions.

I'm not fussed about FWD, unless a Honda Integra Type-R was involved! Otherwise, RWD/4WD is ideal.

I want something that puts a smile on my face before I get into it and make me grin like a Cheshire cat as I'm driving it. Perhaps a Lotus Elise would fit the bill, but they're so bloody expensive! I'm not looking to brag. That's not my style. I would like something that's a little different to the norm though. Handling and acceleration are important too! I don't want to be on the other side of the road for too long when I'm overtaking!

[kambites]

gtwilliams said:

Perhaps a Lotus Elise would fit the bill, but they're so bloody expensive!

In that case a VX220 is definitely your friend, since it basically is a Lotus Elise without the price-tag.

[gtwilliams]

stephen300o said:

Get a Fiaf 500, all the girls at the hairdressers have one, and why not they are a lovely car.

In that case, I'm sold.

[gtwilliams]

doogz said:

350Z

Might not quite do the consumption you're looking for, but think it meets the rest of your requirements.

I have considered these actually. They're definitely a possible option. I'd have to go for a pre-2006 version as insurance goes through the roof for anything newer. Also, the interior's a little disappointing for what should be a classy car. Still, I've heard nothing but good things from those who've owned them.

[gtwilliams]

kambites said:

VX220? Not sure about the "good safety" but it does have a driver's airbag. Residuals are rock solid and all the oily bits are from mundane things so it should be cheap to run if you don't bend it.

I do love these, but they seem very thin on the ground. Also, more often than not, previous owners have removed the badges or modified them in some way. I like pure cars.

[Gingerbread Man]

gtwilliams said:

kambites said:

VX220? Not sure about the "good safety" but it does have a driver's airbag. Residuals are rock solid and all the oily bits are from mundane things so it should be cheap to run if you don't bend it.

I do love these, but they seem very thin on the ground. Also, more often than not, previous owners have removed the badges or modified them in some way. I like pure cars.

Father has a very late (06) Turbo. The more than get written off, the better the prices stay I'd say. So don't worry about being thin on the ground.

[kambites]

gtwilliams said:

kambites said:

VX220? Not sure about the "good safety" but it does have a driver's airbag. Residuals are rock solid and all the oily bits are from mundane things so it should be cheap to run if you don't bend it.

I do love these, but they seem very thin on the ground. Also, more often than not, previous owners have removed the badges or modified them in some way. I like pure cars.

You'll find that many of the modifications are to make the car purer, not less pure. One particularly strong upgrade is to smaller (16 inch) front wheels.

[Ali_T]

RX8 R3. Loads at that price and low miles. Haven't owned a better handling car yet, and that includes the STI 330S and Evo X. Life is too short to worry about economy....

[kambites]

Ali_T said:

RX8 R3. Loads at that price and low miles. Haven't owned a better handling car yet, and that includes the STI 330S and Evo X.

Economy around 30mpg?

[Johnny 89]

I was in a similar position twelve months ago and bought my TVR. You won't get the airbag and MPG will be low to mid 20s. Other than that you will have a hell of a lot of fun. It's pretty much got it all

[gtwilliams]

kambites said:

gtwilliams said:

kambites said:

VX220? Not sure about the "good safety" but it does have a driver's airbag. Residuals are rock solid and all the oily bits are from mundane things so it should be cheap to run if you don't bend it.

I do love these, but they seem very thin on the ground. Also, more often than not, previous owners have removed the badges or modified them in some way. I like pure cars.

You'll find that many of the modifications are to make the car purer, not less pure. One particularly strong upgrade is to smaller (16 inch) front wheels.

Okay, sorry, what I meant is I prefer cars to remain in the state they left the production facility. I wouldn't want a VX220 without the Vauxhall 'V' grill, production headlights, alternative spoilers, etc. Maybe I'm missing a trick, but that's just what I like.

[kambites]

gtwilliams said:

Okay, sorry, what I meant is I prefer cars to remain in the state they left the production facility. I wouldn't want a VX220 without the Vauxhall 'V' grill, production headlights, alternative spoilers, etc. Maybe I'm missing a trick, but that's just what I like.

Fair enough but if you aren't willing to upgrade the badly designed bits never, ever, buy anything built by Lotus.

There's no way in hell I'd buy a completely standard VX220 - in standard form it's a deeply flawed car. I wouldn't buy a standard Elise either, at least not with the intention of keeping it standard.

[gtwilliams]

Ali_T said:

RX8 R3. Loads at that price and low miles. Haven't owned a better handling car yet, and that includes the STI 330S and Evo X. Life is too short to worry about economy....

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm afraid I've never heard a good word said about these cars. I think they look great, but apparently the engines are awful. Particularly in terms of fuel economy. I can't afford to run a car that literally drinks fuel.

[billzeebub]

Z4 2.5
Boxster 2.7

I know you stated the Porker maintenance costs too high, but they really shouldn't be. There is no need to use N rated tyres on a £7000 Porsche, it's only necessary if the car has a current Porsche warranty. If you went for the smaller engined car the brakes are cheaper items to replace. Even Porsche dealers offer value servicing now on 986 Boxsters. Many of the specialists do a maintenance plan where you pay approx £60-£80 a month and if any work needs doing you only pay the parts, not the maintenance. The beauty of these cars is that so many were made the values are much below the cars ability. There are a lot out there so you can be choosey.

My 2000(V) 986 Boxster S was purchased in February with 2 fastidious mature previous owners and 58k miles. It was sporting brand new Pirelli PZero Ns on all corners and had just had preventative maintenance of new Starter motor, Coilpacks & Control Arms (x4), Full Porsche Dealer History and it cost me £6700. It has been sensational and never missed a beat since. I had a minor service at Porsche Centre for £360 including Brake Fluid and Air Con Service a month after getting it (it didn't need it, I just always do a service on a car after purchase). I would trust it to go anywhere and every journey is an event. It looks like it just left the showroom. Find a good 2.7 privately from its 1st or 2nd owner, who will have lavished much £/love on the car and you should have few issues. The later 2.7 came with 16" wheels as standard I think. Get this or the 17" wheels and tyres should prove relatively painless. Just avoid the 18", which affect handling balance anyway. Finding one that's just had tyres and brakes done shouldn't be too hard anyway.

My best mate bought a 2.7 new in 2002. He still has the car and has spent less in maintenance over that time than his Dads sporty Astra. A well treated car with spot on history will be a joy.

Another way to approach it is to go for an early 2.5 for around £5k and then either give it to a Specialist for a lookover, or keep the £2k in reserve for any work.



If you really don't fancy the Boxster then the 6 cylinder BMW Z4 is a lovely thing

Edited by billzeebub on Thursday 3rd July 18:47

[kambites]

You could always buy a Boxster and a warranty.