Fun car with 4 seats for £3k

[mikehiow]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 14 October 2014 at 21:21

[Rich n Em]

Having owned 3 out of 4, EP3. Everytime.

[JJ55]

If running costs are not an issue I'd go with the rx8. Lots of upgrades available too. Saw a couple today one with black & one with grey wheels which looked fantastic

[Rich n Em]

Having owned a few others, might u suggest a TT, an Impreza or maybe something crazy like a CL500?

[mikehiow]

Rich n Em said:

Having owned 3 out of 4, EP3. Everytime.

Which three have you owned?

[GTIAlex]

Iv got a 182 and its pretty good.

[V8RX7]

200SX too old ?

Can you can put up with the RX8 mpg and other quirks ?

[mikehiow]

200SX is out of budget.

MPG isn't a deal breaker, but does hang a pretty large shadow over the RX8. Reliability is a concern, although I'd want to offset that slightly by purchasing from a 'Rotary specialist' - of which there are two fairly close to me.

I've had a 182, I liked it, I know them inside out, but I find it hard to get excited about downgrading back to a car I've had before - something different may take the sting out of it

[Rich n Em]

mikehiow said:

Which three have you owned?

The Accord is the only one I've not had. Of the other 3, the RX8 was just too thirsty but had the nicest interior, the Clio was all kinds of fun but didn't feel special, the Civic was just lovely, fabulous engine, incredible seats, well sized and essentially the best all-rounder.

[Patch888]

I was in the same position as you a few months back, needed something for work. I went with the ep3 in the end and I'm very happy. Test drive your shortlist, will give you a much better indicator of what you prefer.

[klunkT5]

850 T5, T5-R or R.

[billy939]

The EP3 sits 4 more comfortably than the Clio does.

I've owned one Clio 182 and two EP3's and the Civic is better IMO, 18k in my current one and it has cost me nothing other than brakes, tyres and servicing.
The Clio had small problems and a lot of rattles but wasn't that unreliable either.

The RX8 looks awesome and they are meant to handle very well but I've never driven one so couldn't comment on them for much else.

Go for the Civic

[mikehiow]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I'm off to view an S1 944 tonight.

[james_gt3rs]

Honda Integra Type R?

[otolith]

Had an RX-8 and an EP3 off that list - RX-8 was the nicer car to own and drive, though more thirsty and the Honda is relatively bulletproof.

[mark.c]

325ti.....not the prettiest but surprisingly good

[Devil2575]

mikehiow said:

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I'm off to view an S1 944 tonight.

Will a 944 really seat 4 people?

[mikehiow]

I mostly need a four sweater for the odd occasion I need to take the little one. Her car seat fits perfectly in the rear seats according to the owners club.

[RAClNG SNAKE]

If you love a sweet handling chassis and don't worry too much about MPG then the RX8 is a great car to own. Reliability isn't an issue if you do your homework before purchase and maintenance after. The only other characteristic that niggled me is the fact that it is not wise to do short journeys due to the risk of flooding and potential premature engine wear.

[masermartin]

How was the 944?

E46 330 is well in budget, depending on your definition of "fun" (it is certainly very competent). Also other possible options:

• RS Megane 225
• Octavia vRS
• Audi S3