What fast car under £5k?

[golfdsg]

Hello,

I have been driving a 2003 BMW 320d for the past year and have become traumatised (lol) by the diesel clatter, the st power delivery (power only from 2000-3500 rpms).

So now I just want a change and want nothing but a fast petrol. Problem is that I cant spend more than £5000 on it. Ideally I want a V8 but V6 will do, maybe even a 4pot if its a turbo rocket. Also it has to be 4 seats, and decent mpg (18mpg is acceptable around town) although mpg isn't a deal breaker.

This is what i've been considering, they arent all similar, so its like comparing apples to oranges:

BMW e46 330ci facelift - Looks good, good mpg, 231bhp.
Mercedes CLK320 - V6, not as fast as the 330ci, mpg is ok, looks decent, sound nice with a custom exhaust.
BMW 735i - V8, comfy, lot of car for the money, however breakdowns will be expensive.
Audi A8 4.2 - uber luxury, V8, looks like any other audi.
Jaguar XJ8 - V8, looks fantastic, doesn't suit a 22 year old.
Mercedes CL500 2003 - 5.0 V8, sleek coupe shape, best looking mercedes imo, Abc suspension problems.

Is there anything else I could get for under £5000 which would be a better all round package, as long as its fast, and doesn't remind me of my 320d i'll be glad to buy it.

Thanks

[Zad]

I would imagine any of the above at a price point of £5K would come with a similar repair bill not far down the line!

[lewisf182]

Should be anle to get a highish mileage bmw 130i for tht. Faster than the e46 330i and still has 4 seats with a better interior.
Running costs are extremely reasonable too.

[wadsy]

I'd have to look, but can you get an early Golf R32 for 5k?

[ikarl]

Clk55 AMG W208

[Malachimon]

Chrysler Crossfire Coupe?
3.2l V6
0-60: 6.5s
155mph

[SonicShadow]

Looking at that selection, you're looking for something with a fair bit of practicality?

[DS197]

Focus ST

[willmagrath]

Mk5 Golf gti, great engine, 200hp, good mpg (40 odd on a cruise) and quicker than the figures suggest!!

[Patrick Bateman]

Zad said:

I would imagine any of the above at a price point of £5K would come with a similar repair bill not far down the line!

I'd doubt that with most of them.

[pti]

Impreza?

[jogger1976]

Depends what you mean by fast?

For that money you could get a whole host of metal that's on Ebay Motors right now, starting from less than a grand, right up to your max budget.

E.g.,E46 330i, an E39 535i, a Saab 9-5 Aero, S60 T5, a 3.2ltr Boxster, a W210 E36 AMG, an Evo 4, or a "Bugeye" Impreza WRX STI.

I'm sure there's much more if you're prepared to look or none of the above appeal.

Edited by jogger1976 on Wednesday 9th September 20:14

[Tickle]

DC2 Integra, not a V6 but it has a characterful engine, polar opposites to the 320d lump

[egor110]

clio 182 for £1500 and spend the rest turboing it.

[300bhp/ton]

Zad said:

I would imagine any of the above at a price point of £5K would come with a similar repair bill not far down the line!

Some of you have a very bleak view of the world. I assume you've never run any such vehicles? And can I ask, on what rational level would you assume a V8 Jag would cost £5k to repair over a similar price V6 Mondeo??

[DS197]

egor110 said:

clio 182 for £1500 and spend the rest turboing it.

This sounds like a good idea too. £3000 for a 230 bhp turbo conversion (fitted) and £2000 to find a good 182 (which is pretty easy).

[300bhp/ton]

Wedge shaped TVR? Might be able to find a 5.0 Fox body Mustang.

[Patrick Bateman]

How much of that £3k would you ever see back?

[egor110]

How many people buying a 5k car make money off it?

Buy it have fun and sod the resale loss/profit.

[Ruskie]

330ci, £5k should get you a mint one with all main work done.