PH help me get out of cautious comfort zone
Discussion
TLDR: Want something engaging, do I: Modify '06 330d manual, or drop ~£25k on something different.
I'm car shopping, well half window shopping, half saving up. I'm in a very fortunate position that I have some spare cash each month to make bad decisions and need a nudge. I've never had much spare money, and having seen my parents lose a house, and get devorced over money issues, I have a extremely cautious approach to spending. Did the sensible things and sorted, boring but comfortable, family estate last year which is main family car. So now it's my turn to get something for myself.
I live in Cornwall, trackdays/motorsport are tough because of distance, so I'm not after a track car. Roads are small, often wet and covered in mud. Has to be fun to drive, not necessarily blisteringly quick. It is very much a second car (2+2 would be ok), but parked on the road and will get maybe 4k miles a year at a push. Had a mx5 previously and it really ticked the 'fun' box. I currently own a '06 E90 330d Manual pre LCI, love the thing but it's a bit tatty (cosmetically but fully serviced mechanically) and I'm at the point where, do I scratch my Max Power childhood itch and spend £+5k on the E90 to liven it up, suspension, maybe a slight retune, etc etc or should I sadly part with it and get something else. Been looking at everything from an old Subaru STI mmmm bugeye, to a Golf R, a F80 M3 (at a push). Not too bothered about servicing/running costs, but it has to put a smile on my face. Bonus marks for awesome noise, shame there isn't a C63 manual.
Having not driven in most of the cars I'm thinking of (because Cornwall) it's really hard to decide which way to go, trying to get our of my sensible car zone. I'm sure this path is very well trodden by PH'ers so I bow to your sage advice.
I'm car shopping, well half window shopping, half saving up. I'm in a very fortunate position that I have some spare cash each month to make bad decisions and need a nudge. I've never had much spare money, and having seen my parents lose a house, and get devorced over money issues, I have a extremely cautious approach to spending. Did the sensible things and sorted, boring but comfortable, family estate last year which is main family car. So now it's my turn to get something for myself.
I live in Cornwall, trackdays/motorsport are tough because of distance, so I'm not after a track car. Roads are small, often wet and covered in mud. Has to be fun to drive, not necessarily blisteringly quick. It is very much a second car (2+2 would be ok), but parked on the road and will get maybe 4k miles a year at a push. Had a mx5 previously and it really ticked the 'fun' box. I currently own a '06 E90 330d Manual pre LCI, love the thing but it's a bit tatty (cosmetically but fully serviced mechanically) and I'm at the point where, do I scratch my Max Power childhood itch and spend £+5k on the E90 to liven it up, suspension, maybe a slight retune, etc etc or should I sadly part with it and get something else. Been looking at everything from an old Subaru STI mmmm bugeye, to a Golf R, a F80 M3 (at a push). Not too bothered about servicing/running costs, but it has to put a smile on my face. Bonus marks for awesome noise, shame there isn't a C63 manual.
Having not driven in most of the cars I'm thinking of (because Cornwall) it's really hard to decide which way to go, trying to get our of my sensible car zone. I'm sure this path is very well trodden by PH'ers so I bow to your sage advice.
Sounds like the perfect solution to your roads is a hot hatch of some sort. Megane 265, Clio 182 or 200. The WRX STI is a good shout too, as it looks like you'll potentially go down the modifying wormhole and the possibilities with Scooby are endless. Since you mentioned that, that would be my choice.
Modifying the 330d would probably just ruin the real-world all-round ability of the car, and make it worth about 50p. you're better off sinking that 5k of mods into a second car such as another MX5 or MR2.
A curveball if you're hankering for a C63 manual, would be a Monaro VXR, you can get big power versions, they are lovely to cruise in, handle decent and with the right naughty exhaust, make a spine-tingling noise...
Modifying the 330d would probably just ruin the real-world all-round ability of the car, and make it worth about 50p. you're better off sinking that 5k of mods into a second car such as another MX5 or MR2.
A curveball if you're hankering for a C63 manual, would be a Monaro VXR, you can get big power versions, they are lovely to cruise in, handle decent and with the right naughty exhaust, make a spine-tingling noise...
littleendbearing said:
Did the sensible things and sorted, boring but comfortable, family estate last year which is main family car. So now it's my turn to get something for myself.
littleendbearing said:
I currently own a '06 E90 330d Manual pre LCI
So you own 2 sensible boring family estate cars then... 
I'd agree with DSC OFF, don't waste your money doing anything to the 3 series. Hot hatch would make the most sense for Cornwall, probably a Megane 265.
DSC OFF said:
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A curveball if you're hankering for a C63 manual, would be a Monaro VXR, you can get big power versions, they are lovely to cruise in, handle decent and with the right naughty exhaust, make a spine-tingling noise...
Which is definitely not a hot-hatch and would be a nightmare down small country roads !A curveball if you're hankering for a C63 manual, would be a Monaro VXR, you can get big power versions, they are lovely to cruise in, handle decent and with the right naughty exhaust, make a spine-tingling noise...
Monaro VXR - used to be one down the road from me yea agreed a lovely noise but just too big.
Two sensible family cars - lol cheeky, yes it's a fantastic car but lacks the fun. I think you nailed it.
Megane 265, Clio 182 or 200 - I had kind of rules them out because the were FWD, I just imagine constantly having one wheel spinning, but having never driven one of them I should add it to my list of things to drive, I'm leaning more towards 4wd to be honest.
The STI would just me improvements as it ages, not really the ram raided Halford mods itch.
Two sensible family cars - lol cheeky, yes it's a fantastic car but lacks the fun. I think you nailed it.
Megane 265, Clio 182 or 200 - I had kind of rules them out because the were FWD, I just imagine constantly having one wheel spinning, but having never driven one of them I should add it to my list of things to drive, I'm leaning more towards 4wd to be honest.
The STI would just me improvements as it ages, not really the ram raided Halford mods itch.
Scrump said:
Recently driving Cornwall and Devon rural roads I kept thinking a GR Yaris would be ideal.
Probably not for £25k quite yet (although I haven’t looked to see what used ones are selling for).
Yea if the GR was a touch lower then agree it could be perfect I had a ST205 GT-Four a long time ago, belting motor made money on it but sold it for a number that makes me cry to think of now.Probably not for £25k quite yet (although I haven’t looked to see what used ones are selling for).
Scrump said:
Recently driving Cornwall and Devon rural roads I kept thinking a GR Yaris would be ideal.
Probably not for £25k quite yet (although I haven’t looked to see what used ones are selling for).
Yaris GR was my first thought as well, especially with the circuit pack and twin LSDs. Probably not for £25k quite yet (although I haven’t looked to see what used ones are selling for).
Small rally-inspired cars sounds perfect.
Agree with suggestions on GR Yaris.
Peugeot Sport 208
Fiesta ST
VW UP! Gti
Hot Subaru will be in its element
Peugeot RCZ R does very well around twisty racetracks. I’m sure auto express tested it - check YouTube
I’m not sure you’ll need your full budget to have loads of fun in a small car. Might be me but I enjoy twisty muddy roads more in small lower-powered cars rather than something quicker that’s always on part-throttle.
Agree with suggestions on GR Yaris.
Peugeot Sport 208
Fiesta ST
VW UP! Gti
Hot Subaru will be in its element
Peugeot RCZ R does very well around twisty racetracks. I’m sure auto express tested it - check YouTube
I’m not sure you’ll need your full budget to have loads of fun in a small car. Might be me but I enjoy twisty muddy roads more in small lower-powered cars rather than something quicker that’s always on part-throttle.
littleendbearing said:
TLDR: Want something engaging, do I: Modify '06 330d manual, or drop ~£25k on something different.
Engaging? I guess all the cars you mentioned are quick but apart from that, are they engaging? Does 30mph feel boring in them? I suspect so.You say it's a weekend car. You might be better off buying something like a Boxster or even an Elise. I am sure they will be more engaging than anything you've listed. Remember how the MX5 felt at the speed limit? How does anything else you've driven feel like at the speed limit? I do know that my 20 year old Porsche feels like an experience every time I get in in even to pop to the shops.
As a die hard Subaru owner, I have to promote the solution as the Impreza Sti or WRX. Both are very capable and feel light and nimble, almost hot hatch nimble but with bags of grunt. I have owned a 2006 WRX for 17 years and I still love it today. I don't like driving at high speeds so I am very much into cars that can manage a switch back B-road. The WRX is perfect and capable on the roads you are talking about and is unlikely to lose much value either, if it is well maintained etc.
I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
Hoofy said:
Engaging? I guess all the cars you mentioned are quick but apart from that, are they engaging? Does 30mph feel boring in them? I suspect so.
You say it's a weekend car. You might be better off buying something like a Boxster or even an Elise. I am sure they will be more engaging than anything you've listed. Remember how the MX5 felt at the speed limit? How does anything else you've driven feel like at the speed limit? I do know that my 20 year old Porsche feels like an experience every time I get in in even to pop to the shops.
The will have to very occasionally be a second family car so has to have back seats for a 10 and 8 year olds, Elise and Boxter would be on my list 100%. Really interesting observation about being engaging, are new cars too good and maybe something older would be better? An E30 would be much more engaging at 30 than a GR Yaris. You have opened my eyes to looking for something older as well. Thank you Hoofy!You say it's a weekend car. You might be better off buying something like a Boxster or even an Elise. I am sure they will be more engaging than anything you've listed. Remember how the MX5 felt at the speed limit? How does anything else you've driven feel like at the speed limit? I do know that my 20 year old Porsche feels like an experience every time I get in in even to pop to the shops.
Evil.soup said:
As a die hard Subaru owner, I have to promote the solution as the Impreza Sti or WRX. Both are very capable and feel light and nimble, almost hot hatch nimble but with bags of grunt. I have owned a 2006 WRX for 17 years and I still love it today. I don't like driving at high speeds so I am very much into cars that can manage a switch back B-road. The WRX is perfect and capable on the roads you are talking about and is unlikely to lose much value either, if it is well maintained etc.
I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
Eugh off down the Subaru rabbit hole I go. Any pointers you can give me? I've not driven one for a very long time so I need to make sure I add that to my list to do. If I went older I would make sure it was kept in really nice condition, the 'not losing much value' does help make the justification.I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
littleendbearing said:
Hoofy said:
Engaging? I guess all the cars you mentioned are quick but apart from that, are they engaging? Does 30mph feel boring in them? I suspect so.
You say it's a weekend car. You might be better off buying something like a Boxster or even an Elise. I am sure they will be more engaging than anything you've listed. Remember how the MX5 felt at the speed limit? How does anything else you've driven feel like at the speed limit? I do know that my 20 year old Porsche feels like an experience every time I get in in even to pop to the shops.
The will have to very occasionally be a second family car so has to have back seats for a 10 and 8 year olds, Elise and Boxter would be on my list 100%. Really interesting observation about being engaging, are new cars too good and maybe something older would be better? An E30 would be much more engaging at 30 than a GR Yaris. You have opened my eyes to looking for something older as well. Thank you Hoofy!You say it's a weekend car. You might be better off buying something like a Boxster or even an Elise. I am sure they will be more engaging than anything you've listed. Remember how the MX5 felt at the speed limit? How does anything else you've driven feel like at the speed limit? I do know that my 20 year old Porsche feels like an experience every time I get in in even to pop to the shops.
I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.
If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.
Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
littleendbearing said:
Evil.soup said:
As a die hard Subaru owner, I have to promote the solution as the Impreza Sti or WRX. Both are very capable and feel light and nimble, almost hot hatch nimble but with bags of grunt. I have owned a 2006 WRX for 17 years and I still love it today. I don't like driving at high speeds so I am very much into cars that can manage a switch back B-road. The WRX is perfect and capable on the roads you are talking about and is unlikely to lose much value either, if it is well maintained etc.
I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
Eugh off down the Subaru rabbit hole I go. Any pointers you can give me? I've not driven one for a very long time so I need to make sure I add that to my list to do. If I went older I would make sure it was kept in really nice condition, the 'not losing much value' does help make the justification.I only cover about 4k a year in mine as driving it as a daily can be a ball ache in stop start traffic. It isn't at all bad as a motorway cruiser though, I have driven across France in mine a few times and it was never a bind.
You don't need to blow 25k on it either to get a great one, but it will cost to keep it in good shape, even with the limited miles.
Mine is a UK hawkeye WRX with the 2.5 engine, you will hear many horror stories about piston ring failure on the 2.5's, but if it is looked after properly and not heavily modified, then it will be fine. I have driven over 100k in mine and have recently had it checked over and it is all good mechanically. The hatchback Sti 2.5 seemed to have the most trouble of the 2.5's and cars that were pushing big power. The 2.5 is worth a test drive though as the torque is a real eye opener over the 2.0, makes the car far more drivable.
Main things to look out for, knocking suspension struts, common and a constant issue. Drop links front and back can suffer, again, knocking noise. Car should feel tight and planted if it has been maintained well.
The other big issue of a car from the early 00's or earlier will be rust. A main point of issue will be rear strut tops, the sills also suffer, both things are difficult to spot and can be very expensive. I have recently had my both rear strut tops welded and the sills will be next in the coming years. The strut tops cost £700 and to look at the car, it looks immaculate on the surface, so be aware of this.
The truth is, most Japanese metal of this age will suffer rust, so it will be something you may have to deal with as part of ownership.
Good luck with the search!
Hoofy said:
I'm looking at 15-20 year old cars. The only problem with this is that they are 15-20 years old so won't be in top condition compared to say a £25k Golf R.
If it has to be a 2+2 then how about a 996 C2? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303135...
This has had the IMS and RMS done! Spend the rest on a suspension refresh.
Or an Evora? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...
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