2 cars down to 1, 15k.

[PDpreza91]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice in regards to what to replace a daily and weekend car with. I currently have a mk4 golf tdi daily, which is due a good bit of work soon (probably more than the car is worth) and a 450hp v3 impreza type r for the weekends. As much as I love it, I barely end up using the impreza so I'm thinking of going down to one car.

15k budget, mpg not an absolutely huge concern. I do around 15,000 miles a year with an 80 mile round trip commute, this is part motorway and part fast B roads - thankfully at unsociable hours with sod all traffic. Would prefer a petrol but diesel not completely out of the equation, only car I've given any thought to so far is an E46 M3, but the potential for a huge bill is off putting.

Any thoughts? Do your worst PH!

[tektas]

How about an E55 AMG?

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

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

[CrouchingWayne]

How many seats do you need? An alternative to the E46 M3 is the Z4M which is the route I went. No subframe issue and M3 CS brake set up as pros, cons are obviously lack of practicality and the M3 is a better drive.

I hate to be "that guy" suggesting the same model he owns, but just throwing it in for consideration vs the E46. Plenty of other choices as well outwith these two.

[DoubleD]

How about a Boxster?

[PDpreza91]

Cheers for the replies guys!

Ideally I'd need 4 seats...but it's not absolutely essential and could be swayed by the right car. The Z4m does look great I must admit, never even considered one, I'll chuck it on the list to look at.

Boxter - I know they drive great but I really can't get over the looks. Not fussed on other people's opinion (I drive a bright blue impreza for crying out loud, chav chariot of choice) but I just wouldn't look back at it and love it.

E55 - Now there's a good shout! Do look lovely, all the toys etc etc...however, do these not have the potential to throw up a huge bill as well?

Thanks again!

[MiggyA]

Why not just use the impreza and ditch the golf?

[tektas]

As far as I know the engine on the E55 is nearly bulletproof.

Yes the air suspension can throw bills but a mechanic who knows his way around it will save you a lot of money.

I would say Go for it

[ZX10R NIN]

The E55's aren't to bad bill wise the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof here's a readers thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Well worth a look are the VXR8:

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

Depending on what you want from the car I'd say a Megane RS is a worthy successor to the Impreza:

Megane RS265 Lux with the Cup Chassis & a little fettling by KTR:

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

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

If you'd like like to lower the potential bill factor from the E55 then you could always look at the CLS/E63:

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

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

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

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

Lexus IS-F these have a very low bork factor & are an underrated steer:

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

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

Talking of leftfield:

Infiniti G37

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

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

The above is a 4 seater version of the Nissan 370Z:

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

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

BMW wise I'd go down a slightly different route, I'd get a 335i then give Birds/Schnitzer a call & add a diff some springs & an intercooler to help it get down the road at a rate of knots.

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

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

Jaguar XKR

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