Another 'what car..?' thread...
Discussion
Would like some help regarding new car choice.
Since the coming of age/cheaper insurance, can finally get something half-decent.
Three choices currently:
- BMW E36 323i Coupé
- Honda Civic 1.6 VTi
- Honda Accord Type-R
Driven the BMW, absolutely lovely. Do want. However... I'd like to know what experiences people have had with running cost, because so far I've heard nothing but horror stories about how expensive they are to run, get parts for, service, and how everything goes wrong, etc.
Not had the chance to test out the VTi or ATR yet, so any opinions on them would be great. Seeing as they're Hondas... I'd imagine they'll be fine. But again- any opinions would be great.
Also open to other suggestions- Mondeo ST24, etc.
Since the coming of age/cheaper insurance, can finally get something half-decent.
Three choices currently:
- BMW E36 323i Coupé
- Honda Civic 1.6 VTi
- Honda Accord Type-R
Driven the BMW, absolutely lovely. Do want. However... I'd like to know what experiences people have had with running cost, because so far I've heard nothing but horror stories about how expensive they are to run, get parts for, service, and how everything goes wrong, etc.
Not had the chance to test out the VTi or ATR yet, so any opinions on them would be great. Seeing as they're Hondas... I'd imagine they'll be fine. But again- any opinions would be great.
Also open to other suggestions- Mondeo ST24, etc.
Not had experience with any of the cars you mention,we run an audi RS6 Avant,but all work being done by an audi/vw master tech,friend of a friend,if you don't have to use main dealers,lots of cars will come into the picture,ask around,if we had to use audi main dealers every time the beast threw up an alarm,we would be penniless....try to find a recomended mechanic who does private work...enjoy what ever you buy...
Cant really throw an RS6 into the mix there Dollie. If your looking at Civic's or BM 323;s then the RS isnt one to consider (mainly due to crippling running costs). Ypu should see my pile of bills!!
Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 24th July 18:52
ecain63 said:
Cant really throw an RS6 into the mix there Dollie. If your looking at Civic's or BM 323;s then the RS isnt one to consider (mainly due to crippling running costs). Ypu should see my pile of bills!!
Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
Thanks, this was very helpful!Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 24th July 18:52
As it happens my actual dream car is an old-shape RS6 Avant... wanted one for around 8 years now... just waiting for the age barrier to go down!
I'm a musician and need something relatively practical, but still want something that thrills. Obviously I can't buy a Maserati Quattroporte or Mercedes E63 estate just yet... so those three were kind of my main choices.
I've read that the Accord is one of the best front-driving cars ever... so that's what draws me to it. Plus we've had Hondas for bloody ages, and we know what to look out for- i.e. nothing!
How was your Civic torque-wise? And I take it economy was OK when not thrashed around? I'm not a chav... I like to subtly change my cars... usually just the rear lights/headlights/colour coding & tasteful and/or manufacturer wheels. I like the VTi, ATR and 323 as standard... which helps!
And a DC5 in mint condition is in my dream garage. One day.
I currently drive a Civic aerodeck, 1.8VTi for what it is, it's brilliant. 167bhp torsen diff (LSD) and a relatively large estate car. Initially the handling isn't brilliant, I've added an MG ZS 180 rear antiroll bar which transformed the car beyond recognition. Torque wise, there isn't a vast amount but what there is, is well spread throughout the rev range combined with the low ratios of the gearbox makes for a very tractable car (30mph in 5th).
ecain63 said:
The civic wasnt the torquiest car ive ever owned but what really pleases you is the push of the power cam. Rev it a bit and you get this almost turbo like push as the power cam kicks in. Like i said, it was a great little car with bags of potential.
That sounds good... I get to play in the Type S we own quite a lot, and the VTEC coming on song- although not incredible- still feels and sounds great!Apparently the ATR has a similar power delivery. This intrigues me. Guess I'll have to see where a few grand will get me.
minimatt1967 said:
I currently drive a Civic aerodeck, 1.8VTi for what it is, it's brilliant. 167bhp torsen diff (LSD) and a relatively large estate car. Initially the handling isn't brilliant, I've added an MG ZS 180 rear antiroll bar which transformed the car beyond recognition. Torque wise, there isn't a vast amount but what there is, is well spread throughout the rev range combined with the low ratios of the gearbox makes for a very tractable car (30mph in 5th).
I have been observing those quietly for a few years now. Not too keen on the Aerodeck style- it's not exactly a BMW Touring- but I do like the idea of a sleeper like that.
ecain63 said:
Cant really throw an RS6 into the mix there Dollie. If your looking at Civic's or BM 323;s then the RS isnt one to consider (mainly due to crippling running costs). Ypu should see my pile of bills!!
Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
wasn't throwing the rs into the mix Eddie,lol.just saying if you can stay away from main dealers/stealers,a few more cars may come into the mix...Ive had a Civic 1.6vti (old shape) back in 2002 and i loved it. Very rev happy and well built. If you can find one with lower than average miles then this would be the one i'd go for. The handling is very good, parts are pretty affordable and there are plenty of sensible mods out there (along with some less sensible ones). The BM's are good but have BM running costs to go with the marque. I'd avoid them as you might discover it to be a money pit.
Integra Type R's are awesome but you might find that they fetch a premeium due to them being so brilliant. The handling is amazing, the engine lovely and they are incredibly desirable (insurance stinger). If you can get a good, low mileage uk model at a good price then i'd be temepted. If you do, keep it standard, get it looking like its just come out of the showroom and then stick it in the garage for use on weekends / events only. Then i'd get a banger and use that to collect my no-claims. The Teg is a future classic and a decent one will only gain in value.
Enjoy the thrill of car shopping!
Edit: Sorry just seen it was an accord Type R and not a Teg. Accords are nice, but it depends what you want from it. The civic is a more focussed handling car whilst the Accord is more of a cruiser. Both good at different things. Still look at the Teg if you can find one.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 24th July 18:52
Don't rule out the Accord Type R. Once it hits 5,800rpm you will know why.
A little larger than the others listed but Palmers little company at the Autodrome used them as a coporate track weapon for a few years. It was (may still be) one of the best FWD handling cars you could buy.
Go & try one.
ETA Am I right in thinking I'm too late??
Paul.B
A little larger than the others listed but Palmers little company at the Autodrome used them as a coporate track weapon for a few years. It was (may still be) one of the best FWD handling cars you could buy.
Go & try one.
ETA Am I right in thinking I'm too late??
Paul.B
Edited by Paul.B on Saturday 21st August 13:19
Paul.B said:
Don't rule out the Accord Type R. Once it hits 5,800rpm you will know why.
A little larger than the others listed but Palmers little company at the Autodrome used them as a coporate track weapon for a few years. It was (may still be) one of the best FWD handling cars you could buy.
Go & try one.
ETA Am I right in thinking I'm too late??
Paul.B
It's on my list to own as a fun car at some point, don't worry. A little larger than the others listed but Palmers little company at the Autodrome used them as a coporate track weapon for a few years. It was (may still be) one of the best FWD handling cars you could buy.
Go & try one.
ETA Am I right in thinking I'm too late??
Paul.B
Edited by Paul.B on Saturday 21st August 13:19
Right now this car suits my needs best as well as being a bloody good steer. It's a lot of fun, it's very agile and extremely quick for a nice comfy hatch.
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