Anything I’ve missed?
Discussion
So I reckon I have thought of all possible options for my next car but I would be interested to see if you guys can come up with anything I may have missed?
Currently drive a 2011 e92 325i.
What I like:
The engine sounds lovely.
Nicely balanced handling
Good quality feel
Practical for a coupe
Feels special
Not so good:
It’s a bit big and heavy
Maintenance costs and repairs are expensive
Fat, middle aged bloke image. (Bothers me because that IS me!)
The BMW has been good and if I can’t find anything better I may stick with it a bit longer. Better the devil you know and all that. But I do like to change and I’ve had it longer than I keep most cars.
Some options I have mentioned in recent threads and all the suggestions made so far are very much on the list. But there may be others perhaps?
Needs to be:
4 seats and decent boot, though 2 door preferred so coupe or hatch really.
Reasonably quick but more importantly fun to drive.
Under 10 years old and around 70k miles as I like to move on before they get to 100k
Running costs hopefully cheaper than the BMW
Budget up to £10k
Japanese would be nice but other than a GT86 (which is on the list) I’m struggling so anything else considered.
Currently drive a 2011 e92 325i.
What I like:
The engine sounds lovely.
Nicely balanced handling
Good quality feel
Practical for a coupe
Feels special
Not so good:
It’s a bit big and heavy
Maintenance costs and repairs are expensive
Fat, middle aged bloke image. (Bothers me because that IS me!)
The BMW has been good and if I can’t find anything better I may stick with it a bit longer. Better the devil you know and all that. But I do like to change and I’ve had it longer than I keep most cars.
Some options I have mentioned in recent threads and all the suggestions made so far are very much on the list. But there may be others perhaps?
Needs to be:
4 seats and decent boot, though 2 door preferred so coupe or hatch really.
Reasonably quick but more importantly fun to drive.
Under 10 years old and around 70k miles as I like to move on before they get to 100k
Running costs hopefully cheaper than the BMW
Budget up to £10k
Japanese would be nice but other than a GT86 (which is on the list) I’m struggling so anything else considered.
Also forgot to add that I'm wanting something that feels a bit special and out of the ordinary. Cars like the Fiesta ST are great, I've driven one and it did impress, but they are on every street corner if you know what I mean.
I know how good you guys are at offering left field alternatives!
I know how good you guys are at offering left field alternatives!
Cupra?
I don't see that many around, although It wouldn't be my choice as I prefer older things (We do currently use a Cupra)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I don't see that many around, although It wouldn't be my choice as I prefer older things (We do currently use a Cupra)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Ah yes the Leon cupra is nice, I like it. That one is cat d though and still over budget so I guess I couldn't afford a decent one as they'll be more like 12-13k?
I had in mind that the very first of those cupras had 260bhp and only 2wd but they're probably very rare. With the Leon I do prefer 3 door and manual box. Even looked at the cheaper 1.8 fr with that combo. Although that's then a lot more ordinary than the cupra version!
I had in mind that the very first of those cupras had 260bhp and only 2wd but they're probably very rare. With the Leon I do prefer 3 door and manual box. Even looked at the cheaper 1.8 fr with that combo. Although that's then a lot more ordinary than the cupra version!
DC2 prices are generally a bit higher for mint ones, slightly lighter and more focused drive, but also a slight loss of comfort and daily-ness... they are more prone to rust... Something of an appreciating classic really.
The DC5 is more comfortable but still firm, the k20 is a reliable lump and the car has a 10k service interval, you basically just need to keep an eye on the oil level regularly. I dailied mine for a while and it very much drives like a normal car when you need it to, very decent MPG for the performance too, driving enthusiastically i would get about 27mpg mixed, but over 40mpg on long sensible runs was also doable.
The rear seats fold flat, you can pretty much fit a wardrobe in the back, very ample boot space. insurance used to run me about £400 a year and tax is about £260.
They can rust but not horrendously compared to other jap stuff of a similar age, the usual spot is in the rear arch lips.
I know several owners who dailied their DC5s to over 150k, they aren't a car that has any issues with higher mileage, it's a Honda at the end of the day, and essentially an EP3 type R mechanically, albeit with an LSD, and pokier JDM engine.
The DC5 is more comfortable but still firm, the k20 is a reliable lump and the car has a 10k service interval, you basically just need to keep an eye on the oil level regularly. I dailied mine for a while and it very much drives like a normal car when you need it to, very decent MPG for the performance too, driving enthusiastically i would get about 27mpg mixed, but over 40mpg on long sensible runs was also doable.
The rear seats fold flat, you can pretty much fit a wardrobe in the back, very ample boot space. insurance used to run me about £400 a year and tax is about £260.
They can rust but not horrendously compared to other jap stuff of a similar age, the usual spot is in the rear arch lips.
I know several owners who dailied their DC5s to over 150k, they aren't a car that has any issues with higher mileage, it's a Honda at the end of the day, and essentially an EP3 type R mechanically, albeit with an LSD, and pokier JDM engine.
Edited by designforlife on Wednesday 22 January 11:20
A quick look on AT shows low miles are over budget but there's a nice 51 plate dc5 with 100k miles for £7.5k.
Never been a fan of white cars but I'd make an exception there as it seems they are all white!
Added to my favourite searches list. Probably worth looking at ep3 civics too as they won't go down in value.
Good shout the old 'teg' thanks.
Never been a fan of white cars but I'd make an exception there as it seems they are all white!
Added to my favourite searches list. Probably worth looking at ep3 civics too as they won't go down in value.
Good shout the old 'teg' thanks.
Dc5 might be a bit too specialist and attract too much attention. Looks quite hardcore and obviously they are imports. It'd be nice to try one though.
It has got me looking at ep3 civics though which I've looked at in the past. I wonder if something like this is worth a go..
https://www.staffordautomobiles.co.uk/detail/98754...
My thoughts are that it can't really lose money if I kept it 3 years (around 25k miles for me) so if it costs a bit more to run its maybe offset by nil depreciation.
What's the most people would pay for an ep3? I've seen some for 8-9k but I'm thinking that 5k max would buy a very good one?
It has got me looking at ep3 civics though which I've looked at in the past. I wonder if something like this is worth a go..
https://www.staffordautomobiles.co.uk/detail/98754...
My thoughts are that it can't really lose money if I kept it 3 years (around 25k miles for me) so if it costs a bit more to run its maybe offset by nil depreciation.
What's the most people would pay for an ep3? I've seen some for 8-9k but I'm thinking that 5k max would buy a very good one?
Most coupes will be mini GT cars more than hot hatches
G37 Coupe normally overlooked but these are a very nice, as for special it'll depend on you but they have a nice engine note.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
S5 Manual these are a nice car & with a few tweeks these can be a very good car but you'll have to lose the 10 year rule.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
135i Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
335i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If it comes to a hot hatches then there are two that standout for me & they are:
Megane RS250 Lux with the Cup Chassis & Recaro's
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
This may surprise a few people but I'm recommending the Astra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
G37 Coupe normally overlooked but these are a very nice, as for special it'll depend on you but they have a nice engine note.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
S5 Manual these are a nice car & with a few tweeks these can be a very good car but you'll have to lose the 10 year rule.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
135i Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
335i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If it comes to a hot hatches then there are two that standout for me & they are:
Megane RS250 Lux with the Cup Chassis & Recaro's
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
This may surprise a few people but I'm recommending the Astra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Sorry for the delay in responding, I'm still banned from posting in an evening due to being a newbie!
Digby, that Volvo is err...not really me!
ZX, many thanks for the extensive list. The Infiniti and A5 are a bit out of my league, as are a 135 or 335i really. I'm not looking for big power particularly or the bills that go with it. My 325i is the fastest car I've had and is plenty.
The Mégane is a great suggestion, I really like that. Not completely against a vxr as I've had Vauxhall's in the past but I think I'd rather have the Renault.
So far my top choices are:
Coupe:
GT86
Audi TT 2.0 (nobody has mentioned these)
Scirocco R. Technically a hatchback I suppose. Not sure if I'd get one in budget.
Hatchback:
208 GTi by PS. Never seen one on the road.
Mégane 250 or even hold out for a 265 perhaps.
Focus ST 2.0. yes I know it's 5dr and not particularly special but I don't see as many around as the fiesta and they seem nicer inside.
Wild card is to go for an older ep3 type r for half the budget. Heart says go for it, head says RUST!
Thanks so far.
Digby, that Volvo is err...not really me!
ZX, many thanks for the extensive list. The Infiniti and A5 are a bit out of my league, as are a 135 or 335i really. I'm not looking for big power particularly or the bills that go with it. My 325i is the fastest car I've had and is plenty.
The Mégane is a great suggestion, I really like that. Not completely against a vxr as I've had Vauxhall's in the past but I think I'd rather have the Renault.
So far my top choices are:
Coupe:
GT86
Audi TT 2.0 (nobody has mentioned these)
Scirocco R. Technically a hatchback I suppose. Not sure if I'd get one in budget.
Hatchback:
208 GTi by PS. Never seen one on the road.
Mégane 250 or even hold out for a 265 perhaps.
Focus ST 2.0. yes I know it's 5dr and not particularly special but I don't see as many around as the fiesta and they seem nicer inside.
Wild card is to go for an older ep3 type r for half the budget. Heart says go for it, head says RUST!
Thanks so far.
Regarding the Megane 250....
Can anyone elaborate on the cup chassis bit please?
I know what it is. In fact I seriously considered a clio rs200 last time around and came to the conclusion that cup chassis wasn’t really for me. Nor were the recaros. Took one for a drive which was non cup and even that felt pretty stiff. Is the cup chassis on the Megane really any good on the road or is it more for track use (which I wouldn’t do). I know it’s desirable but how does the car do without it? Just thinking about putting all that power through the front wheels and how suspension set up could really make a difference, more so than the clio.
I’m not particularly after a racer. My bmw is se spec and I have no regrets about not buying an m sport.
This Megane is not far from me and looks amazing (to my untrained eye)...
https://www.chriswroads.co.uk/search_page.php?vehi...
Those normal leather seats look very comfy. There’s no mention of cup chassis so I presume it doesn’t have it, is there any way to tell visually? I remember the clio had red calipers on the cup versions although I soon learned that people were prone to painting them!
Can anyone elaborate on the cup chassis bit please?
I know what it is. In fact I seriously considered a clio rs200 last time around and came to the conclusion that cup chassis wasn’t really for me. Nor were the recaros. Took one for a drive which was non cup and even that felt pretty stiff. Is the cup chassis on the Megane really any good on the road or is it more for track use (which I wouldn’t do). I know it’s desirable but how does the car do without it? Just thinking about putting all that power through the front wheels and how suspension set up could really make a difference, more so than the clio.
I’m not particularly after a racer. My bmw is se spec and I have no regrets about not buying an m sport.
This Megane is not far from me and looks amazing (to my untrained eye)...
https://www.chriswroads.co.uk/search_page.php?vehi...
Those normal leather seats look very comfy. There’s no mention of cup chassis so I presume it doesn’t have it, is there any way to tell visually? I remember the clio had red calipers on the cup versions although I soon learned that people were prone to painting them!
ChrisH72 said:
Sorry for the delay in responding, I'm still banned from posting in an evening due to being a newbie!
Digby, that Volvo is err...not really me!
ZX, many thanks for the extensive list. The Infiniti and A5 are a bit out of my league, as are a 135 or 335i really. I'm not looking for big power particularly or the bills that go with it. My 325i is the fastest car I've had and is plenty.
The Mégane is a great suggestion, I really like that. Not completely against a vxr as I've had Vauxhall's in the past but I think I'd rather have the Renault.
So far my top choices are:
Coupe:
GT86
Audi TT 2.0 (nobody has mentioned these)
Scirocco R. Technically a hatchback I suppose. Not sure if I'd get one in budget.
Hatchback:
208 GTi by PS. Never seen one on the road.
Mégane 250 or even hold out for a 265 perhaps.
Focus ST 2.0. yes I know it's 5dr and not particularly special but I don't see as many around as the fiesta and they seem nicer inside.
Wild card is to go for an older ep3 type r for half the budget. Heart says go for it, head says RUST!
Thanks so far.
The G37 will cost less to maintain than your current 3 series but will drink about the same amount of fuel.Digby, that Volvo is err...not really me!
ZX, many thanks for the extensive list. The Infiniti and A5 are a bit out of my league, as are a 135 or 335i really. I'm not looking for big power particularly or the bills that go with it. My 325i is the fastest car I've had and is plenty.
The Mégane is a great suggestion, I really like that. Not completely against a vxr as I've had Vauxhall's in the past but I think I'd rather have the Renault.
So far my top choices are:
Coupe:
GT86
Audi TT 2.0 (nobody has mentioned these)
Scirocco R. Technically a hatchback I suppose. Not sure if I'd get one in budget.
Hatchback:
208 GTi by PS. Never seen one on the road.
Mégane 250 or even hold out for a 265 perhaps.
Focus ST 2.0. yes I know it's 5dr and not particularly special but I don't see as many around as the fiesta and they seem nicer inside.
Wild card is to go for an older ep3 type r for half the budget. Heart says go for it, head says RUST!
Thanks so far.
ChrisH72 said:
Regarding the Megane 250....
Can anyone elaborate on the cup chassis bit please?
I know what it is. In fact I seriously considered a clio rs200 last time around and came to the conclusion that cup chassis wasn’t really for me. Nor were the recaros. Took one for a drive which was non cup and even that felt pretty stiff. Is the cup chassis on the Megane really any good on the road or is it more for track use (which I wouldn’t do). I know it’s desirable but how does the car do without it? Just thinking about putting all that power through the front wheels and how suspension set up could really make a difference, more so than the clio.
I’m not particularly after a racer. My bmw is se spec and I have no regrets about not buying an m sport.
This Megane is not far from me and looks amazing (to my untrained eye)...
https://www.chriswroads.co.uk/search_page.php?vehi...
Those normal leather seats look very comfy. There’s no mention of cup chassis so I presume it doesn’t have it, is there any way to tell visually? I remember the clio had red calipers on the cup versions although I soon learned that people were prone to painting them!
The Cup Chassis is stiffer but the ride isn't as stiff or crashy as a Type R obviously the LSD that comes with the Cup Chassis helps with the overall feel of being more tied down than the standard car (which imo is still a better car than a Golf GTI) you can get Cups with the standard seats, you can get a Lux with the Cup Chassis.Can anyone elaborate on the cup chassis bit please?
I know what it is. In fact I seriously considered a clio rs200 last time around and came to the conclusion that cup chassis wasn’t really for me. Nor were the recaros. Took one for a drive which was non cup and even that felt pretty stiff. Is the cup chassis on the Megane really any good on the road or is it more for track use (which I wouldn’t do). I know it’s desirable but how does the car do without it? Just thinking about putting all that power through the front wheels and how suspension set up could really make a difference, more so than the clio.
I’m not particularly after a racer. My bmw is se spec and I have no regrets about not buying an m sport.
This Megane is not far from me and looks amazing (to my untrained eye)...
https://www.chriswroads.co.uk/search_page.php?vehi...
Those normal leather seats look very comfy. There’s no mention of cup chassis so I presume it doesn’t have it, is there any way to tell visually? I remember the clio had red calipers on the cup versions although I soon learned that people were prone to painting them!
RS250 Lux
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
265
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
250 Lux Cup
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'll have to take your word for that. Tech specs says combined 26mpg which is around 10mpg less than the BMW. Tax is £555 compared to £235 as well. I'm guessing it's the engine our of a 350z though so probably easy to get it serviced.
Nice looking car but it's easily as big as my 3 series which I'm trying to get away from. And I do prefer manual.
I have looked at the newer g60 with the 2.0 turbo but they're way too new at the moment.
Nice looking car but it's easily as big as my 3 series which I'm trying to get away from. And I do prefer manual.
I have looked at the newer g60 with the 2.0 turbo but they're way too new at the moment.
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