New Car Advice - 330Ci? R56 JCW? GT86?
Discussion
Second time posting this, however the first time I got no response, but would really appreciate a bit of advice/guidance.
I am a 21 year old, looking for a second car to replace my Corsa C in January, by which time I will have had the Corsa for 3 years and will have 3 years No Claims Bonus all being well.
So the list of cars which I am considered is actually quite varied, I want something with decent performance, that is decent to drive but also good to live with on a day to day basis, and comfortable. Preferably want AUX as well. Most likely petrol as the mileage I do doesn't warrant me having a Diesel. Running costs are somewhat important but I will sacrifice that a little bit for something if I see it as being worth it, and I have a rough idea of insurance prices already.
Some of the cars which I am considering; Mini JCW R56, BMW 330Ci E46, Mazda MX5 NC (later model), Toyota GT86, BMW 1 Series (3 door M-Sport, most likely a 120i), Audi A3 (1.8 or 2.0 TFSi S-Line 3 door), Fiat 500 Abarth, Suzuki Swift Sport, Lexus IS200 and so on.
Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated, as it is quite a big decision for me.
I am a 21 year old, looking for a second car to replace my Corsa C in January, by which time I will have had the Corsa for 3 years and will have 3 years No Claims Bonus all being well.
So the list of cars which I am considered is actually quite varied, I want something with decent performance, that is decent to drive but also good to live with on a day to day basis, and comfortable. Preferably want AUX as well. Most likely petrol as the mileage I do doesn't warrant me having a Diesel. Running costs are somewhat important but I will sacrifice that a little bit for something if I see it as being worth it, and I have a rough idea of insurance prices already.
Some of the cars which I am considering; Mini JCW R56, BMW 330Ci E46, Mazda MX5 NC (later model), Toyota GT86, BMW 1 Series (3 door M-Sport, most likely a 120i), Audi A3 (1.8 or 2.0 TFSi S-Line 3 door), Fiat 500 Abarth, Suzuki Swift Sport, Lexus IS200 and so on.
Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated, as it is quite a big decision for me.
MildRelish said:
Er... budget???
You know GT86's are £12k+ right?
I am aware of that yes. It all depends really, I mean I am willing to go down the finance route on certain cars, if there is a good enough deal offered. I will have a higher budget by the time it comes to actually buying the car, at the moment I'd be looking at 7 or 8 grand. You know GT86's are £12k+ right?
A very odd selection of cars. All good in their own right, I'm sure, but they are not comparable. Fiat 500 and Suzuki Swift Sport are no doubt fun to throw around, but they are ultimately small city cars with modest power.
The GT-86 is, as the previous poster pointed out, much more expensive than the rest on your list.
The e46 330 do not have AUX, but you can fit it yourself (quite simple to do).
We need to know what budget you have, and how much you can realistically spend on upkeep. I can comment directly on the e46 330, having owned one for 5 years until very recently. They do need money spending on them, but they are reliable cars. I did most jobs myself, but if putting the car into a garage for those jobs would have cost me a minimum of £2k- that's excluding the other maintenance and things I did pay a garage for!
The GT-86 is, as the previous poster pointed out, much more expensive than the rest on your list.
The e46 330 do not have AUX, but you can fit it yourself (quite simple to do).
We need to know what budget you have, and how much you can realistically spend on upkeep. I can comment directly on the e46 330, having owned one for 5 years until very recently. They do need money spending on them, but they are reliable cars. I did most jobs myself, but if putting the car into a garage for those jobs would have cost me a minimum of £2k- that's excluding the other maintenance and things I did pay a garage for!
StuTheGrouch said:
A very odd selection of cars. All good in their own right, I'm sure, but they are not comparable. Fiat 500 and Suzuki Swift Sport are no doubt fun to throw around, but they are ultimately small city cars with modest power.
The GT-86 is, as the previous poster pointed out, much more expensive than the rest on your list.
The e46 330 do not have AUX, but you can fit it yourself (quite simple to do).
We need to know what budget you have, and how much you can realistically spend on upkeep. I can comment directly on the e46 330, having owned one for 5 years until very recently. They do need money spending on them, but they are reliable cars. I did most jobs myself, but if putting the car into a garage for those jobs would have cost me a minimum of £2k- that's excluding the other maintenance and things I did pay a garage for!
Yeah I feel like the Swift and Abarth, although good fun would lack a little in terms of refinement. The GT-86 is, as the previous poster pointed out, much more expensive than the rest on your list.
The e46 330 do not have AUX, but you can fit it yourself (quite simple to do).
We need to know what budget you have, and how much you can realistically spend on upkeep. I can comment directly on the e46 330, having owned one for 5 years until very recently. They do need money spending on them, but they are reliable cars. I did most jobs myself, but if putting the car into a garage for those jobs would have cost me a minimum of £2k- that's excluding the other maintenance and things I did pay a garage for!
The GT86 would probably be a little bit above my budget if I'm honest.
And I've been reading up a bit on the AUX install on the E46's, it doesn't seem too difficult, but the running costs do scare me a bit, not so much the fuel but if something goes wrong. If I'm working on cars I'd prefer to stick to the more simple jobs like oil and filter changes.
At the moment I would say my budget is around 7-8k, but I would be looking at more 9-10k when it comes to me buying the car. I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
Jordan Clarkson said:
Yeah I feel like the Swift and Abarth, although good fun would lack a little in terms of refinement.
The GT86 would probably be a little bit above my budget if I'm honest.
And I've been reading up a bit on the AUX install on the E46's, it doesn't seem too difficult, but the running costs do scare me a bit, not so much the fuel but if something goes wrong. If I'm working on cars I'd prefer to stick to the more simple jobs like oil and filter changes.
At the moment I would say my budget is around 7-8k, but I would be looking at more 9-10k when it comes to me buying the car. I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
If you buy a 2004 or later 330 then the AUX is a neater install as the retro-fit kits are compatible with the head unit. If you do decide on the e46 then send me a PM and I'll point you towards the kits I used.The GT86 would probably be a little bit above my budget if I'm honest.
And I've been reading up a bit on the AUX install on the E46's, it doesn't seem too difficult, but the running costs do scare me a bit, not so much the fuel but if something goes wrong. If I'm working on cars I'd prefer to stick to the more simple jobs like oil and filter changes.
At the moment I would say my budget is around 7-8k, but I would be looking at more 9-10k when it comes to me buying the car. I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
My advice is to spend £4k (perhaps £5k tops) on a good e46 (don't rule out the 325 either- just get a manual). Think of it as an excuse to learn how to work on your own car. When I bought mine I had only ever done oil/filters and brake discs and pads. I changed the whole cooling system, the crank ventilation valve (this one is an expensive one at a specialist- about 6-8 hours labour), suspension arms and most oil gaskets. Regarding oil leaks, BMWs do seem to like leaking oil- my 323 leaked, my 330 leaked a lot and my current 645 has a very slight cam cover gasket leak (V8, so 2x cam cover gaskets to change!).
This way you get a very usable car without building up debt.
StuTheGrouch said:
Jordan Clarkson said:
Yeah I feel like the Swift and Abarth, although good fun would lack a little in terms of refinement.
The GT86 would probably be a little bit above my budget if I'm honest.
And I've been reading up a bit on the AUX install on the E46's, it doesn't seem too difficult, but the running costs do scare me a bit, not so much the fuel but if something goes wrong. If I'm working on cars I'd prefer to stick to the more simple jobs like oil and filter changes.
At the moment I would say my budget is around 7-8k, but I would be looking at more 9-10k when it comes to me buying the car. I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
If you buy a 2004 or later 330 then the AUX is a neater install as the retro-fit kits are compatible with the head unit. If you do decide on the e46 then send me a PM and I'll point you towards the kits I used.The GT86 would probably be a little bit above my budget if I'm honest.
And I've been reading up a bit on the AUX install on the E46's, it doesn't seem too difficult, but the running costs do scare me a bit, not so much the fuel but if something goes wrong. If I'm working on cars I'd prefer to stick to the more simple jobs like oil and filter changes.
At the moment I would say my budget is around 7-8k, but I would be looking at more 9-10k when it comes to me buying the car. I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
My advice is to spend £4k (perhaps £5k tops) on a good e46 (don't rule out the 325 either- just get a manual). Think of it as an excuse to learn how to work on your own car. When I bought mine I had only ever done oil/filters and brake discs and pads. I changed the whole cooling system, the crank ventilation valve (this one is an expensive one at a specialist- about 6-8 hours labour), suspension arms and most oil gaskets. Regarding oil leaks, BMWs do seem to like leaking oil- my 323 leaked, my 330 leaked a lot and my current 645 has a very slight cam cover gasket leak (V8, so 2x cam cover gaskets to change!).
This way you get a very usable car without building up debt.
I looked at one not far from me, a 2004 facelift 330Ci but it was Auto, 85,000 miles and looked in good condition. Probably would be better off with a Manual in that car though.
StuTheGrouch said:
Quite easy to be honest. It is very well put together, so none of the broken plastic clips you find on things like Vauxhall. For the crank ventilation valve the biggest challenge was access, but not to bad overall. Everything else has been very straight forward.
Sounds quite promising, and yeah Vauxhalls are a bit of a pain to work on, I had quite a lot of the interior plastic trims off mine, one time for a water leak to get under the carpet, and another time to do the speakers, and they never really go back together properly haha. I would be quite willing to learn how to do maintenance on the E46 as they are a really nice car for not that much money. And I've always loved them.
Jordan Clarkson said:
I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
With all due respect, if you're applying any logic, then earning £16kpa is not the time to be spending "£10-12k" on a car with finance. That's utterly ridiculous - use your head, and put a few quid in your pocket rather than spunking it on a car you can't really afford.Jordan Clarkson said:
MildRelish said:
If you only want to be doing minor services as maintenance, rule out BMWs...
Yeah I think it would rule out the 330Ci, but possibly not so much the 120i if I used an independent specialist as opposed to a main dealer. Edited by MildRelish on Sunday 1st October 19:56
C70R said:
Jordan Clarkson said:
I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
With all due respect, if you're applying any logic, then earning £16kpa is not the time to be spending "£10-12k" on a car with finance. That's utterly ridiculous - use your head, and put a few quid in your pocket rather than spunking it on a car you can't really afford.Jordan Clarkson said:
MildRelish said:
If you only want to be doing minor services as maintenance, rule out BMWs...
Yeah I think it would rule out the 330Ci, but possibly not so much the 120i if I used an independent specialist as opposed to a main dealer. Edited by MildRelish on Sunday 1st October 19:56
Jordan Clarkson said:
C70R said:
Jordan Clarkson said:
I am earning around 270 pound a week however I don't really have much in the way of monthly payments.
With all due respect, if you're applying any logic, then earning £16kpa is not the time to be spending "£10-12k" on a car with finance. That's utterly ridiculous - use your head, and put a few quid in your pocket rather than spunking it on a car you can't really afford.Jordan Clarkson said:
MildRelish said:
If you only want to be doing minor services as maintenance, rule out BMWs...
Yeah I think it would rule out the 330Ci, but possibly not so much the 120i if I used an independent specialist as opposed to a main dealer. Edited by MildRelish on Sunday 1st October 19:56
C70R said:
Your call entirely, of course - but it seems completely stupid to be contemplating spending a five-figure sum (including borrowing money) on a car when you're effectively earning the national minimum wage.
No I see where you're coming from. Well my budget would be around 9k and that would preferably be to buy and run a car, hence why some of my options are cheaper; E46 330Ci around 5k, Abarth is about the same, IS200 is cheaper still sure you can get a good one for around 3k maybe less. And if I was to finance I would make sure it isn't too much as I don't want to be paying it off for too long. Edited by Jordan Clarkson on Sunday 1st October 20:47
C70R said:
Your call entirely, of course - but it seems completely stupid to be contemplating spending a five-figure sum (including borrowing money) on a car when you're effectively earning the national minimum wage. Not going "out drinking" is one thing, but no holidays, no hobbies, no nice meals out... all for the sake of a car? I can't imagine how little your mortgage/rent must be to make this viable.
I wouldn't go that far. Think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding here. Of course I have nice meals out, but not all the time. And I'm not sacrificing a holiday, of course I plan to go on holidays, but even still that isn't going to stop me getting a car, unless again I went frequently, as opposed to maybe once or twice a year and a few trips here and there. As for hobbies, yes I go to car events and I do a bit of filming (not on a professional level by any means), but I don't spend that much money doing that (maybe in the future if I buy more camera equipment but still).
I still live at home, so I just pay board, and I don't see any reason to get my own place just yet because I'm single and don't really fancy living alone, would get boring quick, and I would spend more of my time either working or out and about places, so having a house would be a bit pointless at this point in time. This is a discussion about cars though and I don't feel like I should need to go into depth about my personal life.
Edited by Jordan Clarkson on Sunday 1st October 20:49
The E46 330Ci Sport Facelift is a nice car to look at inside and out. I found the ride a bit too hard for my liking considering it was more of a A road/M way cruiser. Mine was an auto which made it very boring, although it was a good steer however you could certainly feel the weight. I had general maintenance stuff that needed doing which was quite costly when I didn't DIY. Averaged 25mpg which for just driving A to B was a waste of money in my opinion. I went out a handful of times for just for a drive and the only enjoyable bit was listening to the engine/custom exhaust.
If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
AB57 said:
The E46 330Ci Sport Facelift is a nice car to look at inside and out. I found the ride a bit too hard for my liking considering it was more of a A road/M way cruiser. Mine was an auto which made it very boring, although it was a good steer however you could certainly feel the weight. I had general maintenance stuff that needed doing which was quite costly when I didn't DIY. Averaged 25mpg which for just driving A to B was a waste of money in my opinion. I went out a handful of times for just for a drive and the only enjoyable bit was listening to the engine/custom exhaust.
If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
As a 2x owner, I agree on all points, particularly the bit in bold. However, when you realise that you can have the same car for ~£2k (as I did, twice), then it becomes an incredibly capable all-rounder, which (IMHO) suits the autobox much better (caveat that I haven't tried the 6spd).If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
In the OP's financial position, this is what I'd be doing - that, and moving out into a shared house with some friends to get on with my life.
AB57 said:
The E46 330Ci Sport Facelift is a nice car to look at inside and out. I found the ride a bit too hard for my liking considering it was more of a A road/M way cruiser. Mine was an auto which made it very boring, although it was a good steer however you could certainly feel the weight. I had general maintenance stuff that needed doing which was quite costly when I didn't DIY. Averaged 25mpg which for just driving A to B was a waste of money in my opinion. I went out a handful of times for just for a drive and the only enjoyable bit was listening to the engine/custom exhaust.
If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
The looks, interior and engine are the main reasons as to why I like them, and I've heard gold things about how they drive, they just seem like a good all rounder to me, but I have never driven one. I've heard mixed things about the fuel, depends how you drive it I guess, but I din't think I could live with 25MPG with day to day driving unless it was seriously enjoyable. Thanks for your input! If you want a good looking car with a nice engine then go for it. Personally I found it a boring drive and too competent to be any real fun; 255 rear section tyres do that. It was costly to run due to its age/general maintenance costs. Would I get another? Maybe, if it was manual but I know I wouldn't keep it long just because it didn't really excel at anything.
Hope this helps.
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