Time for a change - new car help please

[kiwifraser]

Well, big decision made. Vicki and I are having a new family project to get on with later this year (and before anyone assumes incorrectly, it's not another baby). That means some changes to our current plans, the first of which is removing some capital from the Climate Killer parked in the drive. I have just put it up in the PH classifieds, and will be sad to see it go considering it has been so unbelievably reliable and cheap to maintain and run (with the exception of fuel at 18MPG when the right foot gets a bit heavy ).

We still have the Mercedes estate beast, and Vicki's RAV, but I'm now looking for ideas for a replacement car to fill the Monaro's parking space for £1500 up to £2500 max.

First thoughts: Toyota MR2 Turbo rev3 targa, E30 325 Cabriolet or Sport, Omega MV6 ex police special, or something classic like a Triumph TR7 V8. I've never owned a convertible, so I'm thinking it could be fun for a while (although not essential)
The only 'wants'/ 'must haves' are reliability, not ridiculously expensive to insure or buy parts for, aircon, and at least a little bit fun to drive. Based on what I have written, an MX5 would be the obvious choice, but it's not really me. Any suggestions?

[Vixpy1]

E39 of some variaty ?

[bmw2002]

kiwifraser said:

Well, big decision made. Omega MV6 ex police special.

HTH

[kiwifraser]

Vixpy1 said:

E39 of some variaty ?

Hmmm, tempting although how much fun versus how much barginess?

[kiwifraser]

bmw2002 said:

kiwifraser said:

Well, big decision made. Omega MV6 ex police special.

HTH

Let me guess ---> you know a man, who knows a man, who can help

[Vixpy1]

Um.. E36 evo ?

[VerySideways]

E36 328i Sport (coupé)
E30 cabs are great roof down, rubbish roof up (noisy).
Personally i prefer the mk3 MR2 over the MX5 - more nimble, more edgy - but that could be more to do with my driving

P.S. Errr, Scotland?

Edited by VerySideways on Tuesday 7th July 00:29

[kiwifraser]

VerySideways said:

E36 328i Sport.

P.S. Errr, Scotland?

I forgot you missed the conversation at Ben's birthday. Still coming, but blagging rides for the trip. Any chance of a ride in a nice black Tuscan please???

[VerySideways]

Ah... if i take it, sure. Basically i am going to look at the weather report the night before - if it's too hot or too wet then i'll take the 130.
Mind you - we've got a good selection going anyway

[kiwifraser]

These are what I found on ebay so far.

E30 325i Sport:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

E30 325i Cab:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

E36 Evo: over budget?

E39: possibly 535/540, but would it be fun or just bargy?

MR2: lots of power and reliable for little outlay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Miggy:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

TR7: reliability questionable, but look at the spares list!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[kiwifraser]

VerySideways said:

Ah... if i take it, sure. Basically i am going to look at the weather report the night before - if it's too hot or too wet then i'll take the 130.
Mind you - we've got a good selection going anyway

In that case, how about a ride in a nice black 130 instead

Just hoping I don't end up left behind in the middle of no-where

[VerySideways]

E30 325i Sport:
Genuine sport for £2.5k?

E30 325i Cab:
Roof up will drive you nuts.

E36 Evo: over budget?


E39: possibly 535/540, but would it be fun or just bargy?
For £2.5k? Knackered.

MR2: lots of power and reliable for little outlay.
Just make sure you find a decent one.

Miggy:
Mmmm, like that. Subtle too.

TR7: reliability questionable, but look at the spares list!
Questionable? No, it'll definitely be st

[VerySideways]

Whichever i take, you're welcome to my passenger seat.

[bmw2002]

Here you go

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-SPECIAL_W0QQi...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-V6-SPECI...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-V6-SPECI...

[VerySideways]

Nice one Nigel

[kiwifraser]

Cheers Pete!

Your summary comments looked a bit like I expected. Going off a 30 cab in a hurry. E39 of any sort, not sure for the budget.

Mk3 MR2's not my favourite with their bubble headlights, and not quick enough with a 1.8. Pre 94 MR2's (rev2) = scary handling.

[VerySideways]

E39 528i will be achievable for £3k i reckon, and is a cracking car. Has rack rather than steering box and engine is light so is much more fun than the 535i. Admittedly the 540 has enough power to make it interesting again, so i'd say if you go E39 it's gotta be 528 or 540.

[VerySideways]

Seriously, check this out:

bmw2002 said:

Here you go
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-V6-SPECI...

[kiwifraser]

I like the Omegas, but it's quite close to the monaro with extra doors and a smaller engine. Considering finding a toy for a few summer months, then get one of these over winter. Would need a siren and some stickers though

[VerySideways]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1021722.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1123352.htm