Ideas...

[86simon]

Afternoon all,

Starting to think about what comes next car wise and would really appreciate any help/input given... sorry I know these must get tedious but just after some ideas to see if I've overlooked anything obvious.

I have a 2009 Civic Type R at the moment, had it for about 18 months and whilst it's great some of the time (empty b-roads) I do find it a bit lacking for mid range grunt. I will shortly have a 30 mile each way commute, want 5 doors for the next car and a reasonable sized boot. Needs to be similar economy to the civic, similar age or newer and I want it to be reliable. Budget is under £15,000 and I want something with enough poke to be fun, although realistically not anticipating track days.

I've thought about the Mk3 Focus ST, Leon Cupra R, 330i/335i and 130i - the Focus or Seat are probably ahead at the moment but seem pretty similar to what I've had before (Mk1 Leon Cupra), have reliabiltiy concerns over the age 330i/335i engine I'd want and the 130i is probably a bit small. An S3/Golf R probably out of budget and perhaps a bit understated. WRX STI probably too thirsty, although I don't know much about them. I've got a hankering for something rear wheel or all wheel driven, but won't rule out FWD.

What say ye, wise internet?!

[RobM77]

I was unaware of any issues with the 130i/330i engine? I've owned a 330i and Z4C 3.0si and not had any issues at all or heard of any other owners with problems.

[idibbers]

Saab Turbo X and tune it to the 400bhp level?

[86simon]

Thanks for the quick replies so far. The 130i is supposed to be pretty bombproof, but I've read about lots of problems with the 330i/335i for the age I'd want (N53/N54 engine?). Reading around gives the impression you're guaranteed a duffer, but suspect this is overly one sided. I hadn't even considered Saab, will have a look...

[RobM77]

86simon said:

Thanks for the quick replies so far. The 130i is supposed to be pretty bombproof, but I've read about lots of problems with the 330i/335i for the age I'd want (N53/N54 engine?). Reading around gives the impression you're guaranteed a duffer, but suspect this is overly one sided. I hadn't even considered Saab, will have a look...

It's a wonderful engine, so well worth looking into. It seems to combine everything: power, economy (even with the Z4C's low ratio final drive I could get over 40mpg being careful!), sound (seems to combine refinement with a gorgeous straight six sound) and refinement (it's super smooth). My only issue is the lag you get from the drive by wire throttle, which is why after loving my 325i, 330i and 328i I waved a final goodbye to the engine after a year of mixed blessings with my Z4C (the only negative was that lag, but it ruined the car for me so the car had to go in the end).

[idibbers]

The 2.8 is - although expensive to tax and run - phenomenally tuneable. The torque figures are immensely mind boggling, I remember someone selling one boasting it had the some torque as a Gallardo

If it's not your cup of tea, what about a Focus RS - I know I know, FWD - but how cool do they look Mazda 3 mps would be a consideration as well if you were up for a bit of fwd action.

Obviously if you want to go a bit more hardcore you've got things like Lotus' or maybe even a Noble M12?

Hope this helps again,

Elliott.

[Foliage]

Merc C55

ETA CL500 but only 2 doors, but spacious.

Edited by Foliage on Friday 13th February 14:38

[moffat]

With the 35i engines it just depends which one you get:

1. N54 twin turbo (my personal favourite) is fantastic but can suffer HPFP issues (Google it) but has great tuning potential - you will likely average 23-26mpg (this is the engine that is used in the 1M before M Power enhanced it)

2. N55 twin power (scroll) single turbo which has the same power but slightly improved (this engine is still in all 35i / 40i BMW's today (with revisions) but is about to be replaced with a new 40i engine - still 3 litre)

I would also consider the E82 BMW 135i M Sport which is a hugely under-rated car in my opinion - I had two. It's a proper weapon with 6 pot front brakes (de-branded Brembos) and hydraulic steering (which I am sure the 335i did not have).

[86simon]

Thanks for your input everyone. Reading up a bit more on the 330i and can see myself getting persuaded... need to sort out some test drives before I make up my mind.