Hello & car advice needed

[Karl123]

Hello, my name is Karl, my son (BenMk3) has recently introduced me to this site and it looks very good. Anyway I'll get straight to the point, as some of you may know from the thread my son posted, I own a silver 1998 Lancer Evolution V. Unfortunately petrol prices are getting too high nowadays and I think, after just 4 months of ownership, it's time to say goodbye. However of course I'll need a replacement, this is where you come in, you guys clearly know your stuff and I was hoping you could help me with making the best choice possible.

- I'm looking to spend up to £3,000 maximum
- I need at least 4 doors
- I need a car with reasonable MPG
- Something a little bit special, something I can be proud of. There's plenty of sub 1k knackers I could have but I'd rather have something a bit nicer.
- Reasonable reliability/Something me and my son can fix if needed

I've had a quick look with my son and so far I like the look of the BMW 325/8i E36, the Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 and the Mondeo ST200. But is there anything anyone here can recommend? Cheers

[nottyash]

I bought a 525se 2001 manual with 75000 miles, 2 owners and BMW FSH off ebay for £2350.
The bigger the car the better value. If your going around town Its not good economy but I use it on longer runs and achieve 32-35MPG every time.

[Karl123]

That 5 Series is very smart. How's the reliability been on it? Any niggles?

[911motorsport]

I think the Pug 407 is a smart looking car for the money







http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2539383.htm

[B.J.W]

Karl123 said:

I own a silver 1998 Lancer Evolution V. Unfortunately petrol prices are getting too high nowadays and I think, after just 4 months of ownership, it's time to say goodbye.

I've had a quick look with my son and so far I like the look of the BMW 325/8i E36, the Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 and the Mondeo ST200. But is there anything anyone here can recommend? Cheers

Hello Karl. Welcome to P.H

A quick observation, you say that petrol prices are getting too high 'nowadays', but having only owned the Evo for 4 months, does a few pence rise in petrol prices during this time really warrant a change in car ownership?

I can't imagine that either the Alfa or the Mondeo will be that much easier on the wallet in terms of fuel costs when compared to the Evo?

Just a thought...

Either way, in answer to your question if it was my money I'd go for the Alfa. Why? Because it would be the one I would look back as I walked up my drive to the front door.

[B.J.W]

911motorsport said:

I think the Pug 407 is a smart looking car for the money

The OP did say in his opener that he was ideally after something 'a bit special; something he could be proud of' The 407 is a perfectly decent run of the mill saloon - but I wouldn't really say that it is particularly over qualified in either of the two criteria?

[Garlick]

Hi Karl, welcome aboard.

I've amended your title as not everyone reads hello posts. A few more eyes should see it now

[BenMk3]

The 405 is indeed a very smart looking car, I had no idea they were so cheap.

I understand what you mean about the fuel prices comment, sadly I unexpectedly lost my job shortly after purchasing the Evo (Just before Christmas), so it's all been a bit difficult since. That said though thanks for the input, me and my son both like the look of the Alfa, is just the horror stories of reliability that worry me.

Also, thank you Garlick!

EDIT: Just realised I'm on my son's account! Sorry for the confusion

[B.J.W]

BenMk3 said:

The 405 is indeed a very smart looking car, I had no idea they were so cheap.

I understand what you mean about the fuel prices comment, sadly I unexpectedly lost my job shortly after purchasing the Evo (Just before Christmas), so it's all been a bit difficult since. That said though thanks for the input, me and my son both like the look of the Alfa, is just the horror stories of reliability that worry me.

Sorry to hear that. Hope that something comes along for soon.

Any car can suffer from poor reliability if it has not been looked after. My personal ownership experience with an Alfa (a 159) was excellent.
It didn't miss a beat in 15,000 miles of motoring. Not sure about the Beemer, but I am guessing that the ST and the 156 will be fairly popular with enthusiasts - I am sure that some likely suspects will be along to offer their advice. If not, take a look at owner club websites. There is a good chance that some well looked after examples will be found for sale on there (as with here too). Can't see you getting much more than low 20's for either car though - which isn't going to improve the fuel costings for you that much.

[nottyash]

Karl123 said:

That 5 Series is very smart. How's the reliability been on it? Any niggles?

I have had it 3 months and it has 82000 miles on now, so in 7000 miles it cost nothing. I bought it just having being serviced at BMW. It cost the previous owner £1100 as the water pump blew through the radiator and it can happen on these so something to see if its been done. Still have 3 lights on the dash, so quite a while till the next service, I put a tiny bit of oil in it about a month ago.
In the snow I wound the frozen window down and it come off the runners/ clips inside the door, which was my own stupid fault.
It was terrible in the snow, virtually undrivable, but apart from that its been one of my best buys ever.

[B.J.W]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2473039.htm

Not the best colour (perhaps) but looks to be pretty well sorted.

[VeeFour]

911motorsport said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2539383.htm

That has to be a scam.

[911motorsport]

VeeFour said:

That has to be a scam.

You're probably right

[911motorsport]

BenMk3 said:

The 405 is indeed a very smart looking car, I had no idea they were so cheap.

407 you mean

[5charlie46]

only listed these as you seemed interested in the 156, and the 166 imo is a more interesting car
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2508756.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2340796.htm

if it was my money i would be looking along these lines

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2525336.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2532173.htm they aren't that great on fuel when you push on but the 6 speed box means they are good on the motorway

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2454523.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2009955.htm

[LukeSi]

Something like this BMW 7 Series might suit you http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

It has a V8 and is pretty special, you won't see many. Oh and Jason Statham drove one in The Transporter

[VeeFour]

B.J.W said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2473039.htm

Not the best colour (perhaps) but looks to be pretty well sorted.

Looks like it could be 'Nuvola Blue' - which, when new, cost more than that car costs now!

A V6 going to drink fuel faster than the Evo, though.

[B.J.W]

VeeFour said:

B.J.W said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2473039.htm

Not the best colour (perhaps) but looks to be pretty well sorted.

Looks like it could be 'Nuvola Blue' - which, when new, cost more than that car costs now!

A V6 going to drink fuel faster than the Evo, though.

That's why I questioned the OP's motivations for selling the EVO, and moving into a V6 on the basis that the EVO was costing too much in fuel.

[LukeSi]

V12 Version http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[Eunos]

Mazda Xedos 9?

2.3 supercharged, pretty quick and make a great noise.