Potential next daily, what should I consider?

[shojinryu]

I'm thinking of moving on from my Celica, a car I've enjoyed immensely, but the reality of rust issues in 2000s Japanese sports cars has prompted me to reconsider my options.

I'm on the hunt for a new daily driver that is nice to drive, reasonable long-term reliability. While I'm open to exploring rear-wheel-drive (RWD) options, my primary criteria is a car that wont crumble on its self in the next 2 years.

With a budget of around £4-5k, I've been considering the e9x 325i/330i or any BMWs with the 6 pot models due to their managable issues as well as being generally good against rust, albeit with slightly higher parts costs. I view this as a reasonable trade-off to avoid the pitfalls of corrosion.

I'm hoping to get any out any advice and recommendations. I'm wanting a car that strikes the right balance between driving pleasure and practicality. What recommendations do you have for a reliable daily driver that can handle the twisties without rotting any time soon?

[RoVoFob]

The BMW 130i is smaller, lighter and more powerful than e9x 325/330is with the N52 engine (the later N53 is known for being less robust). I’m on my third and all of them have been pretty reliable - even when not being driven very regularly, which can cause issues.

I haven’t had any particular issues with rust and find the 130i decently fun and usable. You should be able to get a reasonably good one for £5,000.

[Mr Tidy]

I had an E91 325i for a year, but needed a bit more go so I swapped it for an E90 330i that I've had over 4 years now. I deliberately found manual ones with the less troublesome N52 engine and have been really pleased with them both.

You ought to be able to find plenty for way below your budget whereas a 130i will be nearer the top, but probably more entertaining!

[shojinryu]

Mr Tidy said:

I had an E91 325i for a year, but needed a bit more go so I swapped it for an E90 330i that I've had over 4 years now. I deliberately found manual ones with the less troublesome N52 engine and have been really pleased with them both.

You ought to be able to find plenty for way below your budget whereas a 130i will be nearer the top, but probably more entertaining!

I'll be on the lookout for one then! Hopefully insurance is okay.

[shojinryu]

RoVoFob said:

The BMW 130i is smaller, lighter and more powerful than e9x 325/330is with the N52 engine (the later N53 is known for being less robust). I’m on my third and all of them have been pretty reliable - even when not being driven very regularly, which can cause issues.

I haven’t had any particular issues with rust and find the 130i decently fun and usable. You should be able to get a reasonably good one for £5,000.

My commute is really short, so I dont need a diesel for sure but I do love driving. I think the fuel economy could give me more mpg given I average 250 ~ 300 per full tank on my celica, I don't really mind it though. But I just need a car that won't rot and I think theres no point in owning one if its not a weekend car.

I've been wanting to experience driving rwd for a long time too. Hopefully insurance won't bite my ass. But if then, I'll try to run the celica till it can't MOT any more.

[shojinryu]

Would I be fine looking for looking from 2006/2007 in terms of rust?

[GreatGranny]

Golf GTI?

Just about get you into a MK6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310193...

Or a nice 1 owner MK5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311194...

[Mr Tidy]

shojinryu said:

Mr Tidy said:

I had an E91 325i for a year, but needed a bit more go so I swapped it for an E90 330i that I've had over 4 years now. I deliberately found manual ones with the less troublesome N52 engine and have been really pleased with them both.

You ought to be able to find plenty for way below your budget whereas a 130i will be nearer the top, but probably more entertaining!

I'll be on the lookout for one then! Hopefully insurance is okay.

I paid £245 in April for my 330iSE with Saga, so you can guess I'm getting on now! Live in Surrey, full NCD, no claims or points, etc. so an insurers dream really!

I've been impressed with fuel economy for a straight 6 petrol, but then I don't commute any more. All 4 of my N52 engine BMWs have comfortably averaged over 30 mpg. One bonus with the 3 Series is the tank is 63 litres instead of the 55 litres in a 130i (same as my Z4s) so on longer runs well over 400 miles isn't a problem.

There can't be too many other options if you fancy RWD. Funnily enough when I sold my 3.0Si Z4 in 2019 the buyer turned up in a Celica - he wanted to try RWD too!

[shojinryu]

GreatGranny said:

Golf GTI?

Just about get you into a MK6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310193...

Or a nice 1 owner MK5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311194...

WIll definitly consider the mk6s, I think the Mk5 is a bit too old for me right now, and i think they have also a common rust area from looking at forums.

Ideally this time I wanna go through trade because I kind of want some form of protection if I get a lemon.

And all of this just depends on insurance

[shojinryu]

Mr Tidy said:

I paid £245 in April for my 330iSE with Saga, so you can guess I'm getting on now! Live in Surrey, full NCD, no claims or points, etc. so an insurers dream really!

I've been impressed with fuel economy for a straight 6 petrol, but then I don't commute any more. All 4 of my N52 engine BMWs have comfortably averaged over 30 mpg. One bonus with the 3 Series is the tank is 63 litres instead of the 55 litres in a 130i (same as my Z4s) so on longer runs well over 400 miles isn't a problem.

There can't be too many other options if you fancy RWD. Funnily enough when I sold my 3.0Si Z4 in 2019 the buyer turned up in a Celica - he wanted to try RWD too!

Ah man, I could only dream to pay that much.I pay £214.... a month hahaha. But I do live in an area where there is high claim rates and too many boy racers, and I guess major cities are generally hit with higher insurance premiums. For the money Im looking at there's not alot of options for RWD. Other option is an MX5 Mk3 but they're rotten from the price and the RX8 is basically the same plus the unreliable engine.

I really would've loved to keep my celica especially because of the 2zz, but I just can't be bothered dealing with corrosion anymore and decided its better for me to have these types of cars as more of weekend types when I look for a new place with a garage.

But main thing with me getting a BMW is insurance. I'll run up some quotes and see how they're looking if i wanted to switch.

[shojinryu]

So, I just did a few insurance calculations on a few cars I'm looking at and some are really surprising lol.

I can only get insurnace on the 25is in which I had to fork out £200 extra on my current policy. Not bad to be honest and that's the most out of other queries. And it's especially a good deal given that an equivalent 320i is the same price.

A 120i in that same era, i'm actually due a small refund on. And I'd also like to consider it, but I heard bad stuff about the n47s.

Other cars I've considered:

Gti both mk5 and mk6 also give me a small refund ~£70 off my policy.
Ford Fiesta St ~2008 era is not alot I think I also get a refund
Honda Jazz - I also get a refund
Audi A3 and A4 2.0 TFSI I'm also considering too and I also get a slight refund off my policy.

Given that I want a car that handles well like my Celica (I care alot about power to weight ratio), but I also want to experience a reliable RWD under my ownership I think I would order rank the cars based on my assumpotions about their pw/r and assumed driving feel and handling in the following:

RWD seperate category:
- 125i (Are 125is mostly convertibles?)
- 325i

Others:

GTI
Honda Jazz
Audi A4 TFSI 2.0T
Audi A3 TFSI 2.0T
Fiesta ST

Another important factor I need to consider now is running cost and driving feel

I'll do some calculations on consumables and expected common issues and the final thing left is to go on some test drives. But I think likely it's either the 25is or the GTI.

[culpz]

shojinryu said:

So, I just did a few insurance calculations on a few cars I'm looking at and some are really surprising lol.

I can only get insurnace on the 25is in which I had to fork out £200 extra on my current policy. Not bad to be honest and that's the most out of other queries. And it's especially a good deal given that an equivalent 320i is the same price.

A 120i in that same era, i'm actually due a small refund on. And I'd also like to consider it, but I heard bad stuff about the n47s.

Other cars I've considered:

Gti both mk5 and mk6 also give me a small refund ~£70 off my policy.
Ford Fiesta St ~2008 era is not alot I think I also get a refund
Honda Jazz - I also get a refund
Audi A3 and A4 2.0 TFSI I'm also considering too and I also get a slight refund off my policy.

Given that I want a car that handles well like my Celica (I care alot about power to weight ratio), but I also want to experience a reliable RWD under my ownership I think I would order rank the cars based on my assumpotions about their pw/r and assumed driving feel and handling in the following:

RWD seperate category:
- 125i (Are 125is mostly convertibles?)
- 325i

Others:

GTI
Honda Jazz
Audi A4 TFSI 2.0T
Audi A3 TFSI 2.0T
Fiesta ST

Another important factor I need to consider now is running cost and driving feel

I'll do some calculations on consumables and expected common issues and the final thing left is to go on some test drives. But I think likely it's either the 25is or the GTI.

You'll still have to watch for rust on those models mentioned. German cars can be just as bad and Fords are known for it too.

I wouldn't even entertain the Jazz or the Audi's for any real kind of engagement. I'm similar and fancy something RWD but it doesn't instantly make a car good to drive, despite what you think or may have been told. BMW's are set up pretty well though so it's always hard to look past, but a decently set up FWD hot-hatch can be the better bet. 5k opens up all sorts of options for you.

[shojinryu]

culpz said:

You'll still have to watch for rust on those models mentioned. German cars can be just as bad and Fords are known for it too.

I wouldn't even entertain the Jazz or the Audi's for any real kind of engagement. I'm similar and fancy something RWD but it doesn't instantly make a car good to drive, despite what you think or may have been told. BMW's are set up pretty well though so it's always hard to look past, but a decently set up FWD hot-hatch can be the better bet. 5k opens up all sorts of options for you.

I agree with the Jazz/Audis. Although the jazz handles pretty well, it doesn't really make any sense from a longevity point of view. I'd rather just spend the money on repairing the rust on the celica.

I just checked a few forums for the GTi and the BMWs. Seems like E9xs hold up pretty fine so I'll probably be swayed to go for a the BMW. RWD wise, there are better options but for the budget, it seems BMW is the only option for what I'm looking for.

Ultimately its between the GTi and the BMW. I'll definitly need to test drive them both to choose.

[culpz]

shojinryu said:

culpz said:

You'll still have to watch for rust on those models mentioned. German cars can be just as bad and Fords are known for it too.

I wouldn't even entertain the Jazz or the Audi's for any real kind of engagement. I'm similar and fancy something RWD but it doesn't instantly make a car good to drive, despite what you think or may have been told. BMW's are set up pretty well though so it's always hard to look past, but a decently set up FWD hot-hatch can be the better bet. 5k opens up all sorts of options for you.

I agree with the Jazz/Audis. Although the jazz handles pretty well, it doesn't really make any sense from a longevity point of view. I'd rather just spend the money on repairing the rust on the celica.

I just checked a few forums for the GTi and the BMWs. Seems like E9xs hold up pretty fine so I'll probably be swayed to go for a the BMW. RWD wise, there are better options but for the budget, it seems BMW is the only option for what I'm looking for.

Ultimately its between the GTi and the BMW. I'll definitly need to test drive them both to choose.

Scirocco's seem to rust a bit less than Golfs. Also lower and wider, so should handle a bit better and still look really fresh. I've had 2 and enjoyed both. 2.0 TSI is the one you want.

[shojinryu]

culpz said:

Scirocco's seem to rust a bit less than Golfs. Also lower and wider, so should handle a bit better and still look really fresh. I've had 2 and enjoyed both. 2.0 TSI is the one you want.

Had a look, and I like it. I think it's better than the Golf. Pretty much a direct replacement to the Celica in my opinion. Had a look at insurance for it and my current policy don't even want to insure me but would happily insure me on the Golf. But I see golfs everyday and see how they get drive around thinking I'd be paying a bigger premium or getting refused but they'd offer me a partial refund lol.

[shojinryu]

shojinryu said:

Had a look, and I like it. I think it's better than the Golf. Pretty much a direct replacement to the Celica in my opinion. Had a look at insurance for it and my current policy don't even want to insure me but would happily insure me on the Golf. But I see golfs everyday and see how they get drive around thinking I'd be paying a bigger premium or getting refused but they'd offer me a partial refund lol.

Had a look at running costs and all seems ok. the BMW will cost more on consumables due to being heavier. Both seem to have a similar levels of common issues that I will need to look out for.

Looking at the prices for an OEM water pumps for the BMW and GTI - ouch. But I guess its the experience.

For now, I'll run the celica till MOT see how it goes. When the time comes for me to get rid, I'll test drive the two options.

[Gad-Westy]

I'm a serial BMW owner and I had a an E91 335i for a little while earlier this year. Like many BMW's the highlights are six cylinder engines and innate balance that is lovely in the right circumstances. Mine was manual as well which I highly recommend unless you really want a cruiser. The ZF6 auto box is great but robs the car of a big layer of interaction. For what it's worth despite having the 335i, I'd say I prefer the N/A cars. And if you can, seek out N52 engine cars as they come with far fewer headaches vs. N53/4/5 engine cars.

Two big downsides for me, firstly they can rust. Mine had rust on both rear arches and this tends to emanate from the inner arches so what you see on the outside is only part of the story. The E91 thread on here will tell you this is not uncommon. A few owners are dealing with this. It's something you want to catch early but can only really be seen by peeling the arch liners back. The rear sub frames also rust ferociously (1-series as well) though this is less of a problem IMO as you can see it and it's stuff that bolts on and off so you can tackle it yourself. You could even buy a spare sub frame relatively cheaply and refurbish it at your leisure and swap them over. Cheap and readily available parts.

The other downside IMO (and this also applies to 1-series) is that the rear suspension just cannot cope with the type of roads I have around here. It's not about pot holes and rough surfaces etc, for that it's fine, but fast compressions or just typical undulations that you get on lots of British B-roads just see it running out of ideas so early. I really don't drive very hard on the road but I found myself having to really back off a lot on certain roads because I was concerned that I could be spat off as the suspension would still be unsettled from a small bump as I'm entering a direction change. It really spoilt my enjoyment on those roads. Fast, flowing roads, excellent. It's very un-BMW like and I think 5-series and early 3's do not have this problem but it's very obvious on the E9x cars. You can get aftermarket set ups that improve things but that all cost, hassle and potentially insurance hikes.

I had a MK5 Golf GTi too. I really like these though the one I had was pre-fettled with remap and other bits and was a total pain. A standard one is a lovely car. Front wings are a known problem (mk6 as well) but bolt on so easily sorted. They can rust on the sills as well though so check carefully there as that is much harder to sort. It's worth mentioning that there are some very tatty MK5's around though! The Mk6 never gets mentioned as it comes with a treasure trove of know issues but they drive every bit as well as a MK5 or 7 IMO. You could get lucky and find a car with the later engine or an early car where someone else has dealt with all the painful stuff already. Could be a good option.

That red mk6 linked earlier looks great but I'd want to tread very carefully with the 'partial' history. Cam chain in particular.

Any thoughts about Renault options? You might have to deal with the odd niggle but they don't seem to rust. Some lovely Megane and Clio options at this price.

You mentioned as well buying from a trader. I'd think carefully about that. I really don't think you get much protection at this end of the market unless you are buy from someone with a stellar reputation. This site is full of people getting no support whatsoever from the vendors of problem cars. I'd place quite a lot of value on being able to speak to the previous owner and gauge their attitude towards car care and mechanical sympathy. You'll likely get better value too.

How bad is the rust on the Celica? I only mention this as I've been guilty in the past of selling cars to avoid big bills, only to spend much more on a replacement that I didn't like as much. You seem to love the Celica so is it also worth pondering whether to spend what you would have spent on upgrading on some welding and paintwork and then think about a long term protection strategy?

[bodhi]

If you're looking at 130is then a 125i with a remap will be very similar, but obviously in the (more attractive imo) Coupe body. I've had mine for 9 years now and it's been (mostly) painless to own. Now it's on 172k it's thrown up a couple of bills (water pump, radiator, starter motor and a pothole snapping a bolt on the rear suspension) but it's been a great thing to own.

I do have a tiny patch of rust on a rear wheel arch from a stone chip but nothing compared to my old E36/E46, BMW did seem to sort the corrosion protection on this generation.

Only issue might be finding one - as you note most of the 125is for sale are cabrios, and from memory they only sold around 600 Coupés in the UK.

[culpz]

shojinryu said:

culpz said:

Scirocco's seem to rust a bit less than Golfs. Also lower and wider, so should handle a bit better and still look really fresh. I've had 2 and enjoyed both. 2.0 TSI is the one you want.

Had a look, and I like it. I think it's better than the Golf. Pretty much a direct replacement to the Celica in my opinion. Had a look at insurance for it and my current policy don't even want to insure me but would happily insure me on the Golf. But I see golfs everyday and see how they get drive around thinking I'd be paying a bigger premium or getting refused but they'd offer me a partial refund lol.

Wouldn't say direct replacement, but it's a bit more sporty than a golf, being a coupe. Probably be a bit numb compared to the Celica, as most VW's generally are, but they're still pretty good to drive with a decent turn of pace. How far are you into your policy? Have you shopped on a new quote? Could always cancel your current one and start a new one if it's much cheaper, but if you're close to renewal, probably better off waiting.

[RoVoFob]

Gad-Westy said:

I'm a serial BMW owner and I had a an E91 335i for a little while earlier this year. Like many BMW's the highlights are six cylinder engines and innate balance that is lovely in the right circumstances. Mine was manual as well which I highly recommend unless you really want a cruiser. The ZF6 auto box is great but robs the car of a big layer of interaction. For what it's worth despite having the 335i, I'd say I prefer the N/A cars. And if you can, seek out N52 engine cars as they come with far fewer headaches vs. N53/4/5 engine cars.

Two big downsides for me, firstly they can rust. Mine had rust on both rear arches and this tends to emanate from the inner arches so what you see on the outside is only part of the story. The E91 thread on here will tell you this is not uncommon. A few owners are dealing with this. It's something you want to catch early but can only really be seen by peeling the arch liners back. The rear sub frames also rust ferociously (1-series as well) though this is less of a problem IMO as you can see it and it's stuff that bolts on and off so you can tackle it yourself. You could even buy a spare sub frame relatively cheaply and refurbish it at your leisure and swap them over. Cheap and readily available parts.

The other downside IMO (and this also applies to 1-series) is that the rear suspension just cannot cope with the type of roads I have around here. It's not about pot holes and rough surfaces etc, for that it's fine, but fast compressions or just typical undulations that you get on lots of British B-roads just see it running out of ideas so early. I really don't drive very hard on the road but I found myself having to really back off a lot on certain roads because I was concerned that I could be spat off as the suspension would still be unsettled from a small bump as I'm entering a direction change. It really spoilt my enjoyment on those roads. Fast, flowing roads, excellent.

Took my 130i for a service with a decent BMW specialist today. They told me that the rear subframe has surface rust starting to develop, which I might want to address if planning to keep the car long-term - which I plan to do. It can be treated but as GadxWesty has mentioned, you can get rear subframes (which are the same as the E9x, apparently) and have them treated before being fitted for a real belt-and-braces approach. It’s the first long drive I’ve had in it for a while and I forget how smooooth the engine is - way smoother than the V6 in my 2011 S5. Lovely thing - it’s quick and agile, but relatively refined and relaxing to drive, too.

I had Bilstein B12 suspension fitted a few years back and, for me, it’s spot on for UK roads; planted but smooth and more than comfortable enough. I find that it deals well with undulations and doesn’t do too badly with bumps, unless they’re particularly big or there are dozens dotted all over the road. Ditching run-flat tyres makes the biggest difference, if fitted. I found them atrocious on UK roads…