NEXT CAR - I'M STRUGGLING. HELP!!
NEXT CAR - I'M STRUGGLING. HELP!!
Author
Discussion

Blatchy

Original Poster:

7 posts

103 months

Monday 26th June 2017
quotequote all
Hello,

This is my first post so it might be awful.

I currently own an R56 mini JCW 211bhp. I'm looking for a new car in the upcoming months.

I have looked at new cars (leasing, PCP deals etc) cars such as the BMW M140i, GOLF R, type r, you get the picture.

After test driving some of these cars, i loved the performance of the m140i and for the monthly repayments its kind of a performance bargain.

I'm not fully convinced by going new with PCP as its a big commitment and in the long run you dont really have much to show for it after if you decide to hand the car back or do a private sale and pay it off.

This is where I have been looking at cheaper used cars and doing some simple modifications to make them just as fast and enjoyable like,

Evos, subarus, s2000, 370z, bmw 135i coupe etc. This way I would buy a used car for say 15k or less and maybe make some modifications (car dependant) to get the best out of it.

It's annoying me as I really can't decide what to go for next, I don't just like one of them, I like them all for their own characteristics and tuning potential. Like a JB4, Intercooler, decat, air filter on a 135i, looking near 400bhp. (Just am example) the s2000 would be the ultimate drivers car, the evo would be a point to point weapon, the 370z would sound amazing.

I'm going on a bit, I suppose Im just asking for advice off anyone else who has been in this situation before or is currently going through it right now, deciding to buy new and not worry about half the problems and just in theory "leasing" the car and handing it back, or buying fairly new or buying a used car (35k miles and under) miles is depends on the age of the car too obviously.

Any suggestions coming from a r56 mini jcw would be an ideal next step.

Looking for much more power, more character, more tuning potential, reliability and fun.

The car doesn't have to be an ideal 'daily' as i have a run around car anyway, this next car will be simply for FUN & FAST.

Throw any advice or ideas at me,

Budget for new (around the m240i, focus rs, type r price range)

Budget for used - 20k and under

CHEERS!!!

Edited by Blatchy on Monday 26th June 19:46

J4CKO

44,895 posts

218 months

Monday 26th June 2017
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Cayman ?

nipsips

1,166 posts

153 months

Monday 26th June 2017
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Default answer is an MX5...

Or a 350z if you fancy a try before you buy!

Personally I'd be doing a lease if I was spending that kind of money.

Ahbefive

11,657 posts

190 months

Monday 26th June 2017
quotequote all
Had an impreza for 7years, loved it. Have a new Focus RS, love it. Have a Megane R26 and also currently enjoying it.

I don't think you can go too far wrong with any well rated cars but if going new bear depreciation in mind as one of the biggest running costs on most cars. I think my RS has probably lost £1k in 8months so is doing much better than most.

Plate spinner

18,080 posts

218 months

Monday 26th June 2017
quotequote all
J4CKO said:
Cayman ?
Yup, would be my choice.

But I'd also toy with the idea of a decent e46 M3 and throw some money at suspension refresh / mild performance mods.

Depends really if it's a keeper or just passing through.
If the latter, keep it standard. If the former, get something and tinker until your heart's content.


JS2808

194 posts

103 months

Monday 26th June 2017
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I'd go down the used car route for around 15k personally, that's what I've done now and it's much better than buying new as you can sell when you want to or change the car. Also modding them is fun smile

Subaru would be a good weekend car, hard to find many good ones around though!

Edited by JS2808 on Monday 26th June 20:13

macky17

2,235 posts

207 months

Monday 26th June 2017
quotequote all
RS megane 275 trophy with the recaros, ohlins and akrapovic. If you're spending 20k used then it's crazy not to at least try one. Utter joy to drive.

ZX10R NIN

29,507 posts

143 months

Monday 26th June 2017
quotequote all
+1 to the above you wouldn't have to spend a penny to make it match a 140i in fact it would be the other way round, if the above is to much then for 15k you could get a very well looked after late RS265 or RS265 Trophy, if you did decide you wanted more shove just give the guys a K-Tec a call.

Trophy

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Lux RS265 with the Cup Chassis

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

The other car well worthy of a look is the 370Z great cars out of the box with a good chassis to boot.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

JS2808

194 posts

103 months

Wednesday 28th June 2017
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have you considered a Fiesta ST?