A decent 'drivers' car for 8-10k (help)

[MrJysta]

Very undecided where to look after my Type R EP3.

Black/ pre-facelift, looked really nice and got lots of comments. Loved the revvy engine and gearbox but time to move on.
Looking for something a bit more refined for longer journeys but still with some edge.
I wasn't a fan of the lack of torque and the ride seemed a bit too harsh IMO + noisy thrust bearing.

Budget around 8-10k mark.
So here's the short list, let me know what you'd go for and if I've missed anything better.

Alpha 147 GTA
Golf R32
BMW 325/330ci
130i m-sport (depending on £££).

http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2047/204782...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2086/208696...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2054/205451...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/1878/187804...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2092/209215...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/1763/176349...
http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/1924/192471...

P.S. no VXR or ST/RS

Thanks/
J

[TTwiggy]

I had an Alfa 147 Gta and I thought it was an awesome car. It's not a hot hatch really, more of a GT, but the performance was very good, it was incredibly comfortable on long runs and it made a glorious noise.

Just be aware that they have a drink problem. Mine sat around the 9mpg mark, mainly town driving.

Edited by TTwiggy on Monday 27th September 15:38

[kam tunio]

Nissan 200sx S15 Spec-R. 250bhp, 1250 kilos, 6 speed manual, RWD, proper LSD.

Enjoy!

[mat205125]

E46 M3 for that money.

[carter711]

E46 M3 on a budget
E36 M3 with plenty left over for upgrades/maintenance
Chimmy Chim Chimmy
944 tubby
Fast Imprezza
968
E39 M5 (a bit big I know)
tuned S3

[MrJysta]

TTwiggy said:

Just be aware that they have a drink problem. Mine sat around the 9mpg mark, mainly town driving.

Christ!!!! 9mpg, :O that's the GTA out the question then (was my pick of the bunch as well)

M3 - not too sure, think the running costs/servicing would be a lot more then the others listed, correct me if I'm wrong.

[varsas]

Boxster? It'd be on my list for that money (if decent ones can be had, I think they can?) beware servicing costs though.

[carlove]

its Alfa
Yes it does annoy me, get a GTA

Edited by carlove on Monday 27th September 15:27

[mat205125]

carter711 said:

E46 M3 on a budget
E36 M3 with plenty left over for upgrades/maintenance
Chimmy Chim Chimmy
944 tubby
Fast Imprezza
968
E39 M5 (a bit big I know)
tuned S3

The front engined Porsches are a good shout, as is a Boxster.

The budget will get a really excellent example of a 944 S2, or might just stretch to a thoroughly inspected leggy Boxster S

[theboyfold]

mat205125 said:

carter711 said:

E46 M3 on a budget
E36 M3 with plenty left over for upgrades/maintenance
Chimmy Chim Chimmy
944 tubby
Fast Imprezza
968
E39 M5 (a bit big I know)
tuned S3

The front engined Porsches are a good shout, as is a Boxster.

The budget will get a really excellent example of a 944 S2, or might just stretch to a thoroughly inspected leggy Boxster S

I'd look at a Boxster S as well, just make sure you pick a good one and get it inspected before you hand over the monies.

[TTwiggy]

What about the BMW z4? I know the looks are a bit marmite, but the 3.0l is in budget and goes well. I assume they handle ok?

[MrJysta]

http://cdn.images.pistonheads.com/aimg/2096/209611...

[texasjohn]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-130i-Low-Mileage-excelle...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-55-BMW-1-Series-130i-SE...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Z4-3-0i-/120589813537?pt...

[MKnight702]

MrJysta said:

Alpha 147 GTA
Golf R32
BMW 325/330ci
130i m-sport (depending on £££).

Sorry, but none of those gets my vote as a "drivers" car. Quick, powerful hatchbacks and saloons they may be, but for driver involvement you need to find a car that has no drivers "aids" to get between you and the car. My vote would be for a Westfield at that price.

[pinchmeimdreamin]

May I ask why you wrote the ST/RS off straight away?

[y282]

lancer evo.

[MrJysta]

pinchmeimdreamin said:

May I ask why you wrote the ST/RS off straight away?

Nothing against them as a driver car (and a friend just bought an ST so I'll be driving his as a named driver anyway).

[charliedaker]

Big thumbs up for the Alfa!

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2075997.htm

[ewan221]

varsas said:

Boxster? It'd be on my list for that money (if decent ones can be had, I think they can?) beware servicing costs though.

They can ;-), servicing not too bad if you use an indy