£1000-£5000 - what should I get?

[danhf]

I'm going to try and convince my employers that it's a good idea for my Mrs to use my company car so I can sell hers, get something cheaper and have some cash left over. She does more miles than me so it makes sense.. to me at least.

Anyway, my dilema is this - her car is worth about £5k so do I buy a Pug 205GTi or something similar (suggestions) and pocket the remainder or do I use my Integrale to go to work in every day. I'm not too keen on using the Grale like that as a) it's expensive to run and b) I will be compelled to anhilate anyone who dinks it in the car park. But it would make the 15 minute journey more entertaining. Obviously I tax, insure, etc the Grale anyway.

Selling the Grale and getting a Scoob or TVR is not an option. It's my mistress and it's here to stay.

Dan

[Fatboy]

What about a VW Jetta GT - Mk2 Golf GTi with a boot - pick one up for **** all, nice and cheap to run, built like a bloody tank and good fun to drive?

[moleamol]

Good to see you're not going completely mad and thinking of selling the 'grale

If you want a cheap, fun car I would say go for a 205 gti. You should be able to get a very nice one for about £1500, they are fairly reliable, fairly cheap to run (if properly maintained of course) and lots of fun for the money they cost.

I'm goind having a look for some calipers tomorrow, The cheapest ones are the AP's from a Tuscan. Going to see how they look. If the discs are big enough and on bells, and the calipers beefy enough, I think I'll get these as they are way cheaper than the ones from Ferrari's Porsches etc because they all have the marques name on the side. The place I'm going to though has all sorts of exotic cars in so I may end up with something a bit strange, the only thing I know is they are going to be big

[incorrigible]

You wouldn't need to sell the Grale to get a TVR

You could get an "S" as a daily driver, super cheap to keep on the road if you do the maintenence yourself and IMHO better fun than a GTI

Hmmmm slidy roundabouts

[Big Chris]

In silly scally manchester accent...

Get yourself an RS turbo with all the works....you can getting a rippin system and fit a big fot dumpvalve!

Maybe not!!!.....how about a Clio 16v or Williams?

[danhf]

I had a 205 GTi some years ago - I'm sort of tempted to not get one so as not to taint the memory. I bet they feel sh!te now.

Lancia Beta? Lotus Excel?

[The GMan]

I bought Mrs GMan an Alfa 146ti TSpark for £2000 (P reg 38000 on the clock FSH). The 5 door one not the bread van! Not the best looking car in the world, but I put a decent set of alloys on, and sorted the suspension and it looks okay! The 2.0 engine sounds great throughout the rev range and performance and handling have shocked a few people when we have been out and about in it!! It was just a bit different to Golf's and PUG's that's why we chose it.

>> Edited by The GMan on Friday 21st March 11:36

[bcms]

Ok don't laugh, because its what I did and you wanted suggestions. I wanted something newish, with reasonably low mileage and a bit of grunt for not too much dosh.

I bought a Fiat Marea HLX (I said don't laugh!)
BUT for 3,200 pounds:

'S' reg - so quite new and well built Full Fiat SH
42k miles
2.0 20v 5 cylinder engine = 150bhp and a lovely sounding Italian engine (0-60 in 7 to 8 seconds)
ABS, PAS, alloys, RCL, alarm/immobiliser, full electrics

Conclusion - not too much dosh, a smart (if not beautiful ) car with a bit of oomph

still not as good as my dads Griff though obviously!!!

[mikes]

Run the 'grale - £5k should just about see you through the 1 st year

or Pug 309Gti 1.9 - V Cheap and fun

or Nissan Primera GT 40k on an S about 3.5 to 4k

Mike

>> Edited by mikes on Friday 21st March 12:45

[tim_s]

what about a fiat punto gt turbo for around 4k? they're quick & easily to tune etc

[dave_s13]

200sx (s14) gets my vote, nowt better for the money IMO.

[robp]

What about a 306 XSI or Ralle?

Should be able to pick one up for under £5k, they are quick,, handle well and cheap (ish) and will be more reliable than a 205 gti.

Or, if economy is important what about a DTurbo instead?

[danhf]

mikes said: Run the 'grale - £5k should just about see you through the 1 st year

Ain't that the truth. My first service was £1500. I admit that included upgraded disks, pads, cambelt, chip, filter, etc but still.....

I quite like the Punto GT Turbo. Might even be tempted by a R5 Turbo.

Dan

[trackdemon]

"I bet they feel sh!te now"

No chance - get a 205GTi. Bloody great car, possibly the best handling front driver around.

[danhf]

Mi16 valver would be nice. Could use it for track days when the Grale breaks down.

Hmmm, think I'll start the charm assault on the gaffer next week.

Dan

[cinqster]

Keep the 'Grale and get a turbo Cinquecento!

It's the perfect partner for the car you already have, and is as quick as all the cars mentioned here. Drive one...it's just like a mini version of the Lancia. I love mine and I've previously driven (or have owned) Thema 16v Turbo's, 205 GTI's, and Integrale's.

John S.

[danhf]

A bit different.....

I'll take a look around

Dan

[monty_python]

Nissan 300ZX

Apparently they're fast (twin turbo V6) , well tweakable for little cash , are targa tops which would be nice for summer and are all wheel drive (i think they have most of the power to the rear wheels but i'm not sure).Met somebody on the ferry who owned one and e had nothing but good things to say about it.

Tony

[mikes]

Another thought, as you obviously like your twin cam turbo, what about a fiat coupe turbo 16 or 20v? Retains all the build quality and a bit of the charisma of the 'grale - both nice cars.

The 300zx is rear drive with 4 wheel steer. They're supposed to be reliable, but I expect it hurt if it goes wrong

Edit to say - really I like the 'grale and the fiat

>> Edited by mikes on Saturday 22 March 16:18

[danhf]

mikes said: Another thought, as you obviously like your twin cam turbo, what about a fiat coupe turbo 16 or 20v? Retains all the build quality and a bit of the charisma of the 'grale - both nice cars.

lol - I think I'll steer clear of it then! The Sultan of Brunei couldn't afford to run TWO Integrales.

I've never liked the Fiat Coupe - Chris Bangle can't design for toffee. The 7 series BMW is truly awful - god knows how he gets work.

Dan