What car thread - fun DD 6-7k

[Eddh]

I have made the decision to break my MK2 CRX, this will give me around 6-7k to play with to buy myself something else.

I will also sell my DD 316i to raise a bit more cash towards what I want.

Currently what I have come up with:

Very tidy E36 M3
Maybe borrow a few K and get an E46 M3
E46 330ci

I like BMWs but am open to other suggestions.

21, Male, no kids or commitments.

I already have a bike so that provides me with all the hoonability I need so nothing like a track car or a caterfield style car, it needs to be usable!

[SamPet]

I'm in the same boat....interested to see what happens....free bump

FYI- Look into running costs as a E46 M3 could bite you in the arse, as could a 330i, interestingly the E36s are reportedly more reliable.

Sam

[5charlie46]

what about Civic type R? not in the same league as the m3 but still loads of fun and a bit better on fuel

[Devil2575]

You'll need a fair few more £k to get a decent E46 M3. Also running costs for any M car are high.

I've been looking at E46 330s but in that price range you'll have rust issues starting to rear their ugly head and plenty of other niggles like failing electric windows. Also early E46s have a potential problem with the rear subframe parting company with the boot floor of the car in a nice metal tearing way. However a facelift 330 is a nice car.

[RDE]

Check insurance for an E36 M3 - whenever I get a quote for one it's horrific. Admittedly my address is considered high-risk, but similar cars are considerably cheaper for me. Maybe it's considered a high-risk vehicle?

[Devil2575]

RDE said:

Check insurance for an E36 M3 - whenever I get a quote for one it's horrific. Admittedly my address is considered high-risk, but similar cars are considerably cheaper for me. Maybe it's considered a high-risk vehicle?

It's in insurance group 20 and with over 300bhp on tap, so if you're under 25 insurance will be insane.

I'm 35 with a full protected NCD and for me to insure an E36 M3 I was looking at quotes in excess of £600. A 21 year old is going to be paying a lot more.

[snorkel sucker]

clio trophy

[Martial Arts Man]

I had an E46 M3 at 21.

Insurance: 4K per year.

It was new, mind. Whether that makes a lot of difference to insurance, I dunno.

They are a right pain, reliablility wise imho. I've listed what went wrong with mine here before (lots of things). One without a comprehensive warranty would give me sleepless nights.

[Ash From Flux]

Yeah at that age insurance is one of the first things to check. Courses like Ride drive or ROSPA would probably help if you are struggling.

[300bhp/ton]

Eddh said:

I have made the decision to break my MK2 CRX, this will give me around 6-7k to play with to buy myself something else.

I will also sell my DD 316i to raise a bit more cash towards what I want.

Currently what I have come up with:

Very tidy E36 M3
Maybe borrow a few K and get an E46 M3
E46 330ci

I like BMWs but am open to other suggestions.

21, Male, no kids or commitments.

I already have a bike so that provides me with all the hoonability I need so nothing like a track car or a caterfield style car, it needs to be usable!

Is this the turbo CRX you've been talking about (the one which is more fun than rwd cars?).

As for the BMW's, they are all good cars. But if anything I'd say a little too sensible if you truly want a fun car and have no commitments.

Especially in the case of the 330ci. Not saying its a bad car, just a bit of a waste of all that money if you want something fast, fun and individual.


I suspect insurance might still be an issue at 21, although if you are considering M3's then maybe not.

So I'd say look at a TVR Chim/Griff or maybe a Cerbera.

A tidy good spec C4 Corvette is also available for this money, which would be hoot and very easy to live with.

Kit cars are great value for money in bang per buck senses. You've got things like Seven-alikes and Fury's at this money. Or more everyday usable a GTM Libra.

£7k is also early Elise money, ok not as quick as an M car, but much better looking and so much more a sense of occasion.

On the Jap front there are RX7's although beware of running costs, R32 Skyline GT-R's and of course the MK IV Supra, which in TT form is a superb car.

On the classic front £7k would net you a sorted Porsche 944 Turbo and scope for some mods or the opportunity to build up a cheaper car to silly spec. Such as buy a tidy MGB V8 and swap in a supercharged 4.6 Rover V8 engine or something equally silly.

And of course my favourite, the 4th Gen Fbody which is a very easy car to live with and offer high fun and good performance.

sn95 Mustangs of various flavours also offer similar everyday usable entertainment with 4 seats and a boot.

[Eddh]

Changed my mind... I'm keeping the CRX, I just had a little paddy with it.