Review/Circumstances may force sale - what to do?

[stevekoz]

So. It appears my time with the FN2. May be at an end.

I am am 4000 miles into a 6 month relationship with an 2007 57 plate FN2 Civic Type R and i feel that i am about at the end of my love affair.

I have sung its praises in a number of posts but this weekend has been reflective in a number of areas and the car has become an outcome of that other reflection. Alas not positively.

Reaching 40 and a keen driver and petrol head who has had numerous cars and not all that much has always meant i've bought mid market. Never had the money to buy new or expensive machinary and so i look out for bargain gems.

The FN2 CTR could seriously be considered a "bargain gem" in a market saturated with high horse power hot hatches for the discerning buyer / driver.

Whilst never being overly shouty in anything but appearance most hate the FN2 for its looks and its poise in comparison to its predecessor or its cousin, namely the EP3 or the DC5.

True enough. For pure driving thrills these are perhaps more "on it" and hardcore in comparison. BUT. The FN2 avails itself well with good examples being around from the £3k mark.

I can happily sit on the coat tails of the EP3 all day. As it can with much of the rivals in its class, MK2 Focus ST and Megane 23 r26 f1. Whilst being more decisive drivers cars you'll struggle to get as clean a car in either of those guises for the same cost of an FN2 and you lose little for it.

For me though. The brash and quite crashy drive have actually ruined my spine - i know that it is not the only culprit but i am sure that it has contributed to my woes. Over short, town centric drives, traffic and potholes. The FN2 is bouncy and uncontrolled and crashes through its travel with too much ease. The suspension set up leaves much to be desired in this guise.

Not to be too overly derogatory though. It can and does handle very well when pushed to do so. It revs happily and highly. The traction control dealing with grip issues in the wet with ease. Despite or inspite of poor tyres or road surfaces. The steering wheel is perfectly sized, light and responsive and with very little in the way of lag. You point and the FN2 goes. Vagueness is nowhere to be found.

Fuel consumption is good. I average 24mpg and i drive it quite hard as i enjoy the remapped rev limit and vtec engagement alongise the non resonated exhaust and for the 6 months it has felt like a proper hoot to drive and raz about in what can only be described as a pretty good track car for the road. I guess the idea of the Type R realised?

But. Times are changing. My needs for a car have not changed so much as evolved and i want that bit more comfort and support whilst pressing on. And yes i still want to be able to press on. My driving is 80% town driving. But i love to drive and drive i do. Weekends away. Trips to Wales or Newquay are frequent and i will search out b-roads a plenty to find those hidden driving gems.

Alas as my circumstances have changed, as has my budget. I will only be able to spend around the £4-5K mark depending on what i get from my CTR Sale.

I want from that a good drivers car. Capable of engaged, fun, spritely driving across country and the ability to do some in a modicum of space and comfort. With good seats and a good drive.

I have scoured the Pistonhead posts and a couple of cars come up so far -

2006 onward 330i
2006 onward Vectra VXR

Both of which surprised me but both of which seem to offer what i'm looking for. Big neough for a 4 person family when required. Power enough to push on and dynamic enough to enjoy alongside some good serious metal, i'm referring here to the following article -

https://www.evo.co.uk/vauxhall/vectra/14196/mitsub...

I wondered then are there other unknown hidden gems that would satisfy a budget marauder of a petrol head looking for some comfort to go alongside his fun.

Comments on a post(Card) please.

:Thanks in advance.

[MuscleSaloon]

stevekoz said:

https://www.evo.co.uk/vauxhall/vectra/14196/mitsub...

Surprising read. I guess the hardest thing 13 years on will probably be finding a really good Vectra VXR ? They quickly gained a reputation for worn timing chains even at low mileages so worth checking that out.

Not sure what else is out there ? How about something bigger / bargetastic for the back ?

[designforlife]

Lightly modified Forester XT? Toyota Crown? Nissan Stagea? Toyota Caldina?

[ZX10R NIN]

The Vectra is hard to beat & it does have a good following make sure the one you're looking at has had the Timing Chain upgrade & you'll have yourself a swift set of wheels:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd say these are worth a look too:

3.2 Audi A4 a bit of a sleeper but would need a little suspension upgrade to make it more of a driver's car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Carrying on the sleeper theme 2.5T Mondeo although these are about the best FWD in class budget in a set of Eibach springs to sharpen (seeing as the Titanium X Sport is just out of budget) them up & a remap will add around 60bhp:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you don't mind two doors but with enough room for four:

CLK500 you'd need some Eibach springs for this one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLK350 Sport these come with a similar set up to the AMG models so are a decent steer out of the gate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLK280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

9-3 2.8T (same drivetrain as the VXR)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 Passat you'll be wanting the R36 suspension

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

335i do your checks but you could land yourself some fast fun:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

330i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Leftfield:

Skyline 350GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 Alfa Brera

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0t Insignia Elite springs & a map as a minimum but you get a newer car with lower maintenance than the VXR

[ninjag]

Perhaps throw the Mazda 6 MPS into the mix?

Bit of a sleeper, AWD and reliable. Best if the rear diff mount has been done or even better replaced with a poly bush version.

[spreadsheet monkey]

How about keeping it Jap, and getting an Accord or Lexus IS?

Both good cars with a bit of luxury and more of a sporting bias than the average repmobile.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[stevekoz]

spreadsheet monkey said:

How about keeping it Jap, and getting an Accord or Lexus IS?

Both good cars with a bit of luxury and more of a sporting bias than the average repmobile.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Love the idea of keeping it JDM. Found the IS a bit lacking to be fair when i test drove one many moons ago but never driven the accord.

[stevekoz]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Vectra is hard to beat & it does have a good following make sure the one you're looking at has had the Timing Chain upgrade & you'll have yourself a swift set of wheels:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd say these are worth a look too:

3.2 Audi A4 a bit of a sleeper but would need a little suspension upgrade to make it more of a driver's car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Carrying on the sleeper theme 2.5T Mondeo although these are about the best FWD in class budget in a set of Eibach springs to sharpen (seeing as the Titanium X Sport is just out of budget) them up & a remap will add around 60bhp:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you don't mind two doors but with enough room for four:

CLK500 you'd need some Eibach springs for this one

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLK350 Sport these come with a similar set up to the AMG models so are a decent steer out of the gate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLK280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

9-3 2.8T (same drivetrain as the VXR)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 Passat you'll be wanting the R36 suspension

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

335i do your checks but you could land yourself some fast fun:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

330i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Leftfield:

Skyline 350GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.2 Alfa Brera

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0t Insignia Elite springs & a map as a minimum but you get a newer car with lower maintenance than the VXR

As always a great choice of cars and some of which you'll find in my recent search history.

I wish there were more Jap domestic models available that weren't so crashy and a bit bigger than the civic but equally still good to drive. Alas bar i think the MPS there are not really, at least in my budget. So i have been looking further a field and some great choices above. So thank you. Food for thought.

I guess its a case of wishing i could increase my budget but realistically that would be futile given my circumstance change. So these are without doubt top of the shopping list so far.

My personal favourites standing out, at least driving wise, have to be the 330i, vxr and even the CLK. I wish i could find a cheap clk55 - v8 in a luxo coupe with space and comfort would be a great mix.

[ZX10R NIN]

stevekoz said:

As always a great choice of cars and some of which you'll find in my recent search history.

I wish there were more Jap domestic models available that weren't so crashy and a bit bigger than the civic but equally still good to drive. Alas bar i think the MPS there are not really, at least in my budget. So i have been looking further a field and some great choices above. So thank you. Food for thought.

I guess its a case of wishing i could increase my budget but realistically that would be futile given my circumstance change. So these are without doubt top of the shopping list so far.

My personal favourites standing out, at least driving wise, have to be the 330i, vxr and even the CLK. I wish i could find a cheap clk55 - v8 in a luxo coupe with space and comfort would be a great mix.

Well you may not be able to land a cheap 55 but the 500 is a very good option & a set of Eibach springs brings the handling to a nice level whilst still giving a nice ride as well as effortless pace.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-CLK500-AVANTGA...f:0

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-CLK-CLK500-AVA...f:1

Stretch the budget a smidge & a CLK55 is yours, I can recommend these (I've had more than a few) they're a great car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-CLK55-AMG...f:0

Or there's this one in budget but it has a few niggly issues:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MERCEDES-CLK55-AMG...f:1

[stevekoz]

ZX10R NIN said:

stevekoz said:

As always a great choice of cars and some of which you'll find in my recent search history.

I wish there were more Jap domestic models available that weren't so crashy and a bit bigger than the civic but equally still good to drive. Alas bar i think the MPS there are not really, at least in my budget. So i have been looking further a field and some great choices above. So thank you. Food for thought.

I guess its a case of wishing i could increase my budget but realistically that would be futile given my circumstance change. So these are without doubt top of the shopping list so far.

My personal favourites standing out, at least driving wise, have to be the 330i, vxr and even the CLK. I wish i could find a cheap clk55 - v8 in a luxo coupe with space and comfort would be a great mix.

Well you may not be able to land a cheap 55 but the 500 is a very good option & a set of Eibach springs brings the handling to a nice level whilst still giving a nice ride as well as effortless pace.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-CLK500-AVANTGA...f:0

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-CLK-CLK500-AVA...f:1

Stretch the budget a smidge & a CLK55 is yours, I can recommend these (I've had more than a few) they're a great car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-CLK55-AMG...f:0

Or there's this one in budget but it has a few niggly issues:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MERCEDES-CLK55-AMG...f:1

From what i've been reading, the mercedes offers a really high level of comfort whilst still being quite quick and a good steer. Not quite as good as its rival the m3 though i read - but i think the comfort levels are much higher. The seats certainly look comfortable.

I've had a look into that cheaper one - needs tyres and the passenger seat isn't working but the MOT history is completely clear of big advisories. I don't mind a bit of a project to maybe enable me to get into the car for less money. I can't imagine its much more than an electrical gremlin - window control module i read is a key indicator with the passenger seat. Easy swap and cheap 2nd hand part.

That is really tempting.

[kiethton]

I'd actually suggest the BMW 130i

Put a set of 17's on it with a good set of tyres, do the ARB mod and it'll handle nicely while providing a lot more comfort.

Also try and find a '55 plate to keep it in budget and benefit from the hydraulic steering

[ZX10R NIN]

stevekoz said:

From what i've been reading, the mercedes offers a really high level of comfort whilst still being quite quick and a good steer. Not quite as good as its rival the m3 though i read - but i think the comfort levels are much higher. The seats certainly look comfortable.

I've had a look into that cheaper one - needs tyres and the passenger seat isn't working but the MOT history is completely clear of big advisories. I don't mind a bit of a project to maybe enable me to get into the car for less money. I can't imagine its much more than an electrical gremlin - window control module i read is a key indicator with the passenger seat. Easy swap and cheap 2nd hand part.

That is really tempting.

I can confirm when you're correct when you say the M3 is the sharper car but the other 350 days a year when you're not driving at 10/10ths then the 55 is the better car.

The seats are actually Orthopedic seats hence the multi adjustment on them so for someone like yourself this could be a bonus, that first car has also had the 16 spark plug change.

Check the front of the rear arch as I'd expect it to be bubbling slightly as the stones from the rear tyres this is an easy fix that will cost £200-300 make sure they put stone chip in that area when they're doing it as this will keep it away.

I've had this done on all my CLK's, the seat issue is a simple fix with the number of used parts available can make that a simple fix find a good specialist in your area & these cars are very simple & not overly expensive to maintain.

As a car they're great car the wall of torque from the engine makes it a peach of a drive, yes the gear changes are slow compared to modern cars but it's not a deal breaker (you can get the shift sped up by the likes of Weistec) I had my change uprated & it made a noticeable difference but I'll be honest I'd spend my money elsewhere on more subtle mods first.

The first one ticks all the boxes as long as you don't mind doing some of the minor work sorted.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[V8RX7]

A 330 has awful throttle delay and make sure you remove the CDV

For commuting it's fine but I'd only have another as an automatic as it simply isn't fun to drive hard (I've had 3)

I'm told the compact and 1 series are better in this regard

[stevekoz]

ZX10R NIN said:

I can confirm when you're correct when you say the M3 is the sharper car but the other 350 days a year when you're not driving at 10/10ths then the 55 is the better car.

The seats are actually Orthopedic seats hence the multi adjustment on them so for someone like yourself this could be a bonus, that first car has also had the 16 spark plug change.

Check the front of the rear arch as I'd expect it to be bubbling slightly as the stones from the rear tyres this is an easy fix that will cost £200-300 make sure they put stone chip in that area when they're doing it as this will keep it away.

I've had this done on all my CLK's, the seat issue is a simple fix with the number of used parts available can make that a simple fix find a good specialist in your area & these cars are very simple & not overly expensive to maintain.

As a car they're great car the wall of torque from the engine makes it a peach of a drive, yes the gear changes are slow compared to modern cars but it's not a deal breaker (you can get the shift sped up by the likes of Weistec) I had my change uprated & it made a noticeable difference but I'll be honest I'd spend my money elsewhere on more subtle mods first.

The first one ticks all the boxes as long as you don't mind doing some of the minor work sorted.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

It appears i may've missed out on the cheaper one needing a bit of tlc. But i am very much sold on the idea of that interior and comfort with all that torque. I regularly do cross country trips to wales via A and B Roads as well as trips to Europe with friends on Ring trips so as a cruiser with a bit of bruise i think its definitely got to be at the top of my list. Just have to wait for the right car to come up.

Thanks for all the advice. Appreciate it your posts as always dude.

[stevekoz]

kiethton said:

I'd actually suggest the BMW 130i

Put a set of 17's on it with a good set of tyres, do the ARB mod and it'll handle nicely while providing a lot more comfort.

Also try and find a '55 plate to keep it in budget and benefit from the hydraulic steering

I have had a 130i and i did really like it but i am not sure size wise that it would help much from my back. It is more cramped in there than my civic and despite being a sublime drive i had to get rid of it in the end.

When i first started looking i was looking at the 330i and this was maybe 2 years ago now and i didn't really know the 130i existed, it was kind of a hidden gem. But in hindsight i think the additional space in the cabin and the comfort maybe associated with the SE model rather than the M-Sport model may be the way to go with me, but only as a backup. I think im very set on an CLK at the moment given what i read about how well they drive and the comfort levels you get. Just seems to tick most of the box.

Granted i don't think it will be the most dynamic car out there but i'm trying to save back pain at the moment and i can lose a bit of the sharp drive for a little less back disc pain.

Plus i doubt i could find a decent miled looked after car for £5k or under, you are generally looking at £5k to £7k, more if its a mint car.

[stevekoz]

V8RX7 said:

A 330 has awful throttle delay and make sure you remove the CDV

For commuting it's fine but I'd only have another as an automatic as it simply isn't fun to drive hard (I've had 3)

I'm told the compact and 1 series are better in this regard

I did the CDV delete on my 130i as well and that was manual and it made a bit but not masses of difference. I think the 130i was perfectly fine throttle response wise but then it is lighter and therefore more agile and eager to get up and go then maybe its bulkier brother. But. That engine is a peach. I've had two 330ci's and whilst i know the 330i is different and the engine changed that straight 6 is sublime and sings the more you push on. It isn't quite as composed once you are pushing hard i grant you. But, with my spine the way it is. I don't need to be pulling any major corninger manouvres else i'll be ending up in hospital with no spine at this rate ! lol

Thanks for the advice and comments.

[V8RX7]

I would mention that I have a bad back and find it's down to the seats rather than anything else

I spent 6 hrs in a Mondeo and couldn't move - osteopath said most found the Mondeo fine so as always, everyone is different.

Having driven a CLK - if you want a nice cruiser they are a lot of car for the money

[Strong Horse]

I remember watching old Top Gear and they said the Vectra VXR had huge amounts of understeer so I don't think its such a good drivers car. Cant go wrong with the BMW 330. Personally I would find a 335D if you don't miss the rev's

[stevekoz]

Just keeping those who input up to date rather than letting it go unanswered.

The CTR is up for sale but unfortunatelly looks as though it won't make what i hoped for and likely only have a budget of £3 - 3500.

That narrows my list massively. Back to the drawing board??

To restate my requirement.

Commuter car that is fun and good to drive and as good for going to work as it is at going for a-road and b-road blasts that won't ruin my spine.

I am thinking that there isn't much out there and that i'm going to have to finance my next purchase.

Ideas on a postcard lol

[mnaylor]

I tried for years to have a best of both worlds car, and it ended up with me changing cars..... a lot.

I now have a cheap barge for work, most of the roads are M & A roads and you can't "have fun" in commuter traffic anyway. So I went for comfort and got a Lexus GS300 to waft about it.

For weekend fun I have a JDM Honda with VTEC which if I drove every day would not be as special. It is tucked away in my garage and only bought out in nice weather for shows and b road blasts.

If you can't stretch to 2 cars, your options are quite limited because most of the cars may well be just as bad for your back as an FN2. Accord Type R? Newer Accord Type S is a bit softer? Mk5 Golf GTI? Skoda Octavia VRS?