£7000 to spend but on what?

[rosstkent]

Right I have the above sum to spend and need some help within certain parameters. I want to tap into your combined brains for some suggestions and experiences.

I would like RWD or 4WD, 200 bhp+, not too old (N reg onward) Under 75k miles, but prefer around 50K miles.

Have looked at and driven lots already, 944-too old, VR6s-FWD, Fiat Coupe-As VRs, Impreza-loved it but mostly imports at this money please show me a good one or convince me!, Nissan 200sx - Liked it but something not quite right, call me odd! and I definitely dont want something too small ie 106 gti although would buy a sorted Westfield for the crack.

I seem to be going around in circles and would appreciate all your guidance experience with anything around this price that's fun, or I'm going to throw my toys and buy a Vectra.

Also will be doing about 10k miles per annum and dont want to be crucified on running costs - nearly bought a fantastic XJR until found out cost of ownership.

Help

[samn01]

although would buy a sorted Westfield for the crack.

Westfields are great, but I did not know drugs were an optional extra - Just say no. It's not big and it's not clever !

[raceboy]

BMW 3 Series, £7k should get you into a 328i E36 or E30 M3

[rosstkent]

Like the E36 idea would that be a coupe or saloon and what is the real difference in driving terms?

As for the crack quote who would need it in a Westfield?

[gtir]

How about this, and with the change who knows?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1921261334

[raceboy]

Should get you in a coupe but may be leggy or low spec, driving wise no real difference except coupes will have M-Tech suspension,
A mate had a 323i Coupe for sale at £7k a few weeks ago, N plate 100k miles, but full Schnitzer S3 look alike.

[rosstkent]

Hmm a SnoTrac, not that useful in Surrey but otherwise a valid suggestion.

Good luck selling it.......i think you might need it.

[JonRB]

rosstkent said:Good luck selling it.......i think you might need it.

With 28 bids so far, I don't think there's going to be a problem selling it. I'd buy it just for novelty value if the wife would let me, if the truth be known.



>> Edited by JonRB on Friday 6th December 17:43

[rob.ellis]

M5 is possible at that money, but you may be looking at a higher mileage or older vehicle than you wanted.. great car though.

I know you said RWD or 4WD, but don't rule out something like a VR6 Corrado - it still cuts the mustard, and you'll get a really nice one on your budget.

If you really must have 4wd, you get a LOT of car for your money if you find yourself a good A8. E.g. 4.2 quattro all the toys etc. good ones 8ish or so. If that's too big, how about an A4 quattro - e.g. this one on autotrader
1997 AUDI A4 2.6 Quattro,
1997, P reg . 88000 miles, full leather interior, CD, alloys, 8 months MOT, taxed, will consider offers above trading price of £5,000

cheers
Rob
(i'm just going thru the same thing myself..!)

[rosstkent]

Certainly would turn a few heads on the High St at least, 28 bids though, hard to believe but obviously true.

[RUF 3]

My Audi A4 2.8 quattro is what you need !! The ad will appear with photo later today in the classifieds.
Almost perfect for you - R reg, 7 less than 200bhp (its got the newer 2.8 engine, not the old 2.6), 8 more than 75k mls, Four wheel drive, Sensible running costs. Suits you Sir!!

>> Edited by RUF 3 on Friday 6th December 17:51

[JonRB]

rob.ellis said:don't rule out something like a VR6 Corrado - it still cuts the mustard, and you'll get a really nice one on your budget.

Very true. Its a very entertaining car to drive both on the road and on the track. I've had mine out on Castle Combe a number of times over the years and it has not disappointed.

I think the greatest testimony I can give it is that I still enjoy driving it even though I also own a Chimaera 500 and a Lotus Elan SE Turbo*

* I should point out that the Elan is my wife's car. She'll get very upset if I imply its mine.

[rosstkent]

M5 no can do due to running costs, same as 4.2 I guess, but A4 certainly worth a look. I will revisit the Corrado, but wasn';t convinced when I had a go due tio excessive wheelspin under hard acceleration. Not hung up on 4wd at all but would definitely prefer the RWD option.

Thanks for the advice Rob and I would be very interested to know what you choose and why.

[polar_ben]

gtir said: How about this...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1921261334

[dougal]

TVR S3, cheap to run, just as fast as the rest above (not 200 bhp though), looks good, sounds good, Ford mechanicals (hence cheap) and more likely to have been loved.

[rosstkent]

Ok RUF I will have a look at the ad, sounds interesting, as does the s3 idea - but reliability?

[dougal]

I know people who have had S3's for a few years and not a hiccup, it's basically a Ford Sierra XR4i with a decent chassis and body, find a good one (and you will for that money, especially at this time of the year) and chances are it will be no more un-reliable than any other sports car especially as you are going to use it, it's when they get left that they go wrong. Get to know people on the S list and ask them, they should know. I've had my Griff (92 J) for 5 1/2 years and only once has it let me down and the part only cost a tenner. Not all TVR's are un-reliable, the simpler they are the less likely they are to go wrong and the S is simple.

Worth considering, but do your homework.

[deltaf]

Nissan Sunny GTI-r.
250 bhp out of the box, 4wd, 0 to 60 ----5.4 secs.
Check out some of the tuned up ones...390bhp...gulp!!!!

[Froth]

Be brave and look for a Sapphire Cosworth. You might have to settle for a RWD example and it may be modded. But if it's been modded sensibly then this is a good thing! Remember a cossie can be tuned to 550bhp+ so an example with 330bhp isn't going to be too strained but will absolutely anilate an M5 say.

[Froth]

deltaf said: Nissan Sunny GTI-r.
250 bhp out of the box, 4wd, 0 to 60 ----5.4 secs.
Check out some of the tuned up ones...390bhp...gulp!!!!

I may be wrong, but I thought GTI-r's where FWD and hence a little dubious in the traction terms? Or am I just being silly?