What car thread, just because we haven't had one in a while.

[VerySideways]

Morning all!

I've been contemplating replacing the 130 with something else, but cashflow is something of an issue so i can't afford to spend much more than i can sell the 130 for, and i need something which won't be horrendously expensive to run.
You all know my preference for rear wheel drive, but i'm not necessarily averse to 4wd in the right circumstances.
So, a budget of £12k to £16k, 4 usable seats are a must, a decent boot (bigger than the 130!), and a minimum of 5 cylinders.

So far i've come up with a very short list:
BMW 335i
Vauxhall Monaro.

Any suggestions?

[wackojacko]

Monaro and 335i are great choices as both have a good tuning scope etc.
What about :
-E39 M5 (+ potentialy a 180+mph car) (-but running costs are relatively high)
-Jag XJR +(smaller S/C pulley and remap is apparently good for 400bhp+) (-cylinder linings go on earlier examples)
-E55 AMG (+Hugely fast and comfortable) (- Running costs and you may be mistaken for a drug dealer)
- 15k could also get you a hugely high
powered evo 6 or R32,R33,R34 Skyline GT-R

[flimper]

One of the older Audi S4 or RS6?

[Marlboro Gold]

Pete, you can guess which of those 2 I'd recommend, the 335i of course. Highly capable and pretty reliable but I'm guessing you'd only get an SE for that money as I looked around last week for a 335i M coupé and couldn't find one, hence the E46 M3 being bought instead.
Have you thought of a 650i coupé? They are now around that money for a 2006/7...

[VerySideways]

E39 M5 is a bit too barge, and running costs scare me.
Ditto XJR
E55 is just a bit too dull to drive.

Use an S4 for work, and RS6 costs are bordering on the ridiculous

Nigel - would prefer the four door 335i actually, but hadn't even considered a 6. Good suggestion, will have a look. Slightly concerned about stories of turbo wastegate failures, but there are a huge number of second hand 335i's out there and not that many stories of wastegate failures.

[VerySideways]

Drove a 335i auto yesterday, was a bit dull, drove a 335i manual today and it was better but still not all that impressive. Quite torquey i guess, but not as "exciting" as i'd hoped.

6 series is just too big and heavy and barge-like.

The search continues.

[Sods Law]

VerySideways said:

Drove a 335i auto yesterday, was a bit dull, drove a 335i manual today and it was better but still not all that impressive. Quite torquey i guess, but not as "exciting" as i'd hoped.

6 series is just too big and heavy and barge-like.

The search continues.

135i coupe?

[outnumbered]

E46 M3 ? Certainly well within the price range.

[VerySideways]

Not sure it offers enough over the 130 - might have to have a go in Mike's to find out though, since he's offered

[john_r]

MkV R32?

[NWVT]

ok going a bit left wing here but how about

1989 Alfa Romeo 75 35 V6 tastefully tweaked
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2268407.htm

2007 Chrysler 300C SRT 8
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2221169.htm

1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v Evoluzione 1
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2167543.htm

2004 Ralliart MR 340 400bhp+
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2263318.htm

2004 BEETLE RSI 3.2 V6 4 WHEEL DRIVE
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2253507.htm

as said a bit left wing but saome trully fun cars there

[VerySideways]

Sorry Nick, the missus just veto'd your whole list

[NWVT]

lol thought that might happen lol

ooooo just had a thought this is a bit more pratical but along the r34 route

WIDEBODY R34 GTR FRONT STAGEA
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2267019.htm

[VerySideways]

Wagons are banned too - she wants me to buy John_R's GTR as it has four seats

[NWVT]

hmmmmm its not for sale tho is it ???? i could see u in a r35 gtr tho

[John D.]

VerySideways said:

Wagons are banned too - she wants me to buy John_R's GTR as it has four seats

Is it for sale?


Do you really need a bigger boot or what? I'd rather have the 130 over the 335i.

Monaros' are looking quite cool though.

[john_r]

John D. said:

Is it for sale?

[wackojacko]

High powered R33orR34 Skyline ? That would epic !

[john_r]

A few ideas...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

[John D.]

john_r said:

John D. said:

Is it for sale?

Thought not!