5k budget and havent a clue what to get

[Nutisbak2]

As the title says, I've 5k to spend (max) and find myself needing to get a replacement car.

Ideally I'd like something sporty and fun, reliable and as I'm by the coast something well built thats not going to rot so easilly.

I've a hefty no claims bonus about 19 years and my current car is a group 16 so insurance permiums probably isnt a major issue for me as I currently pay about 200 per year.

My current car is fwd and I've never owned a rwd car.

I'm thinking I'll probably pump for something other than fwd this time around although I'm not dead set against fwd just don't think there is much out there to have fun in apart from maybe a saab viggen (torque steer lol).

Whatever I do get will also be driven by the g/f(she'll just have to get used to it).

Any ideas anyone?

[g3org3y]

Welcome to the forum.

5k should get you a decent E36 M3 Coupe.

[harryowl]

mx5

[TRUENOSAM]

Honda Integra Type-R would be my choice for realiable fun and reasonble running costs


On a side note I would reccomend undersealing what ever you buy if you live by the coast

[Nutisbak2]

Not going to make the mistake of not undersealing again lol.....

[Ben Hughes]

Nutisbak2 said:

maybe a saab viggen

Edited by Ben Hughes on Sunday 24th October 23:42

[SteA]

E36 M3 Evo, try test driving a good one, you may just love it

[Nutisbak2]

Finding a good one is half the battle, trouble is g/f doesnt like them as she thinks they look too dated, I actually am inclined to agree with her on that one.

[slomax]

couple of options.

Ford Focus ST170 Mk1
Volvo S40 T4
Toyota MR2
MX5
MG TF

[McSam]

How about an Audi S4? Quick out of the box, easy to tune if you get bored, easy to drive fast or gently, good image. And you can even have an estate if you so choose

Edited by McSam on Monday 25th October 00:04

[Nutisbak2]

Aren't audi drivers the new BMW drivers?

[Swoxy]

X308 XJR.

[Nutisbak2]

Ford Focus ST170 Mk1
Volvo S40 T4
Toyota MR2
MX5
MG TF


Most of the above list is ful of girl cars isnt it oh and 2 fords.

[McSam]

New Audis are certainly getting a bit of a bad reputation, but older ones seem to get by fine. I have an A4 of the same shape as that S4, and get treated quite well on the road.

[Nutisbak2]

Quick search on s4's finds nothing on less than 96k....... well not within budget.

[Wadeski]

if you have 5k, i would recommend buying the best of cars in the 3-5k bracket, rather than the cheapest example in the 5-10k bracket.

stuff like: Fiat Coupe Turbo, Alfa GTV, E36 M3, MR2 Turbo, MX-5, Integra Type-R, Audi TT.

I went for the MR2 and i love it.

[71notout]

Buy the kind of car:

a)which meets your requirements
b)fits with your finances (purchase and running costs)
c)you like.

It seems to me that you are just trying to find fault with whatever options people are submitting to you.

[Nutisbak2]

I can't help it if I'm fussy, I'm not finding fault with everything people are submitting I'm just saying my take.

I've looked at the RX8 (would only get one of the special edition 231bhp versions) but petrol consumption and oil useage puts me off, even though I know I could grab a nice example for 5k.

What people on here are suggesting so far are really cars I've already checked out myself and come to a conclusion on.

Like the 350 z but it's out of my budget really, audi tt is nice especially the 3.2 version but think I'd be lucky to get one of those for 5k.

[slomax]

Nutisbak2 said:

slomax said:

Ford Focus ST170 Mk1
Volvo S40 T4
Toyota MR2
MX5
MG TF

Most of the above list is ful of girl cars isnt it oh and 2 fords.

I disagree
The mk1 Focus ST is meant to be great to drive, and in my opinion looks miles better than the newer shape.

The Volvo S40 T4 is surprisingly quick, they are known to be a very good sleeper, and the bodywork on these is fantastic. My brother has a boggo 1.6 version that is getting on for 14 years old now and both the paint and metalwork is fantastic. No rust whatsoever. (all the panels are galvanised before the paint process)

The MX5 is a PH favourite. They appear to be a bit girly, but they are surprisingly nippy. Personally i haven't driven one, but have been in a few 1.8s and they certainly feel spritely.

Again, the MR2 is another PH favourite. Not the girly mk3, the mk2. It is begining to look a bit dated now, but for your budget you could get a high spec model with circa 35k on the clock- not one to be ruled out instantaniously.

I thought i'd throw the MG in as a bit of a wildcard to be honest.

[71notout]

Mate at work just bought a 350Z. He is averaging 15mpg

RX8s are available very cheaply...for a reason. They rust (like MX5s ) and use a lot of oil, that's before you get to the MPG.

Really depends on what you need.

What about an Octavia vRS?

I had mine for 3 years and it was a great car - only sold it as I wanted a mid-life crisis sports car.