Quick and reliable for around 6.5k?

[theundecided]

A mate of mine has around the 6500 to spend on a car.

It must be pretty quick, reliable and ideally won't depreciate like a stone. It will ideally have under 60,000 on the clock.

So far I reckon a 2004-2005 civic type r would fit the bill. Solid, quick and won't cost the earth if it goes wrong.

What do you reckon?

[Matt UK]

Depends what sort of car you want.

That budget could get you a last of the line e39 530i. It's done most of it's depreciation so not much further to go.

[theundecided]

Not particularly fussed about type of car, so long as it's not enormous.

The BMW is a good shout, but it's getting on a bit now, would have far more miles and I suspect would cost far more to put right.

[BRISTOL86]

Mondeo ST220?

Picked mine up for £6250, and is kitted out to the max with toys.

Full Recaro leather interior, Touchscreen SatNav, CD Changer, Heated Seats, only had 38k on the clock!

[theundecided]

Good shout on the ST220, but I don't think it'll keep its money as well as a type r. And I'm guessing fuel consumption is worse too?

[Backtobasics]

Impreza wrx sl

[boobles]

Leon Cupra R.

[bazking69]

Best suggestion so far is a late E39.

[J-Skid]

Last shape Lexus IS300?

[BRISTOL86]

theundecided said:

Good shout on the ST220, but I don't think it'll keep its money as well as a type r. And I'm guessing fuel consumption is worse too?

Don't know, I think they've kind of levelled out now in terms of depreciation, I wouldn't expect to lose a massive amount on it over a couple of years. I think they retian their value a little more due to their rarity value when compared to something like the type r but who knows.

On a 65-75mph cruise on the motorway i can get 35-36 out of the ST220 but town kills it...

[pbirkett]

Integra type-r all day

[Chris_w666]

Depends on what kind of quick you wanted, an early leggy focus ST may be creeping in reach of that budget.

CTR is a good shout but totally different to a E39 which is a much nicer choice IMO.

[theundecided]

Nothing wrong with the E39, but it'd be a high miler if it was to be in budget. I can't help but think that if and when things do go wrong it'd cost me a lot more than a Civic to get sorted.

The 530 is more than powerful enough, rear wheel drive, cracking chassis etc, but would be 3-4 years older too.

I'm not sure I could live with the MPG of the ST220 or Focus ST.

[sklar]

theundecided said:

Nothing wrong with the E39, but it'd be a high miler if it was to be in budget. I can't help but think that if and when things do go wrong it'd cost me a lot more than a Civic to get sorted.

The 530 is more than powerful enough, rear wheel drive, cracking chassis etc, but would be 3-4 years older too.

I'm not sure I could live with the MPG of the ST220 or Focus ST.

Wasn't this 'a mate' who was choosing a car rather than you?

Are you sure you haven't already decided on a CTR and just wanted some affirmation from PH'ers? Nowt wrong with that.

Edited by sklar on Wednesday 18th August 22:53

[theundecided]

sklar said:

theundecided said:

Nothing wrong with the E39, but it'd be a high miler if it was to be in budget. I can't help but think that if and when things do go wrong it'd cost me a lot more than a Civic to get sorted.

The 530 is more than powerful enough, rear wheel drive, cracking chassis etc, but would be 3-4 years older too.

I'm not sure I could live with the MPG of the ST220 or Focus ST.

Wasn't this 'a mate' who was choosing a car rather than you?

Are you sure you haven't already decided on a CTR and just wanted some affirmation from PH'ers? Nowt wrong with that.

Edited by sklar on Wednesday 18th August 22:53

I was getting a bit carried away there. No, the car's for a mate. And you're right, definitely nothing wrong with a civic type r.

[Wadeski]

I'm thinking you can probably get a bit more than a 200hp FWD hatchback for 8k, no?

[theundecided]

Wadeski said:

I'm thinking you can probably get a bit more than a 200hp FWD hatchback for 8k, no?

He's only around 6.5 to spend...

[2 Wycked]

If your mate can find it within himself to not be such a bender about fuel economy then I'd suggest this.

[mrmr96]

pbirkett said:

Integra type-r all day

on that budget??

[Wadeski]

theundecided said:

Wadeski said:

I'm thinking you can probably get a bit more than a 200hp FWD hatchback for 8k, no?

He's only around 6.5 to spend...

I was well good at reading at school, honest.

[point still stands though]