The Megane is going... but to replace with what?
Discussion
I'm always fearful of striking up another 'what to buy' thread but I'm looking for some wider opinions on my next car after I sell my RS Megane (previously had a Focus ST). I've been through the throws of looking at a number of cars, listed below, but obviously owners forums are going to have good praise for their respective car - I just feel I may be missing some other bargains out there in the market and the range of experiences with other marques on here may lead me onto something sensible... (as my mate tells me, I change my car idea every other day!)
At the minute I'm working with a budget around £8000 - but I don't mind looking at something a little higher than that for the right car. I'm not tied by needing some practical as I have another car I can use when needed, but it would be advantageous in the long run and probably mean I'm more likely to keep the car if it's adaptable to a changing situation. It's also worth noting the car would be a daily drive but I work locally and as such have no requirement for a ridiculous commute. I also would like to do the odd track day - 1 or 2 a year.
At the minute I've been looking (and test driven) a range of cars from impracticle roadsters to more practical saloons:
- Nissan 350Z
- Vauxhall VX220
- Mini Cooper GP
- Honda DC5 Integra
- BMW E46 - poss M3?
I realise this list of cars is completely night and day but in their own way they have pros and cons I like and I've been impressed when driving - I just wanted to see if anyone had suggestions of cars I've not even thought of that they feel may be worth a look at? I'd rather not rush into it and take my time to drive a few cars before I decide what's right for me.
Cheers!
At the minute I'm working with a budget around £8000 - but I don't mind looking at something a little higher than that for the right car. I'm not tied by needing some practical as I have another car I can use when needed, but it would be advantageous in the long run and probably mean I'm more likely to keep the car if it's adaptable to a changing situation. It's also worth noting the car would be a daily drive but I work locally and as such have no requirement for a ridiculous commute. I also would like to do the odd track day - 1 or 2 a year.
At the minute I've been looking (and test driven) a range of cars from impracticle roadsters to more practical saloons:
- Nissan 350Z
- Vauxhall VX220
- Mini Cooper GP
- Honda DC5 Integra
- BMW E46 - poss M3?
I realise this list of cars is completely night and day but in their own way they have pros and cons I like and I've been impressed when driving - I just wanted to see if anyone had suggestions of cars I've not even thought of that they feel may be worth a look at? I'd rather not rush into it and take my time to drive a few cars before I decide what's right for me.
Cheers!
That high?! Whoa jeez man!!
I just tried a quote on a 350Z and GP and both are coming out around £600 - £720 per year fully comp. I'm 24, 5 years NCB and live in a 'very good' postcode so that probably makes a massive difference.
EDIT: Just tried same quotes based on my parents postcode back home in Wakefield (they happen to come under a terrible postcode!) and the quotes are up near the £2k mark - jeez!! I have to admit, bike insurers wouldn't touch me and my old man has high enough premiums as it is after riding for 30+ years! Glad I live in Oxford now!
I'd never considered a Boxster... I may have to add that to the list to look at!
I just tried a quote on a 350Z and GP and both are coming out around £600 - £720 per year fully comp. I'm 24, 5 years NCB and live in a 'very good' postcode so that probably makes a massive difference.
EDIT: Just tried same quotes based on my parents postcode back home in Wakefield (they happen to come under a terrible postcode!) and the quotes are up near the £2k mark - jeez!! I have to admit, bike insurers wouldn't touch me and my old man has high enough premiums as it is after riding for 30+ years! Glad I live in Oxford now!
I'd never considered a Boxster... I may have to add that to the list to look at!
Liking the black on black Boxster TS - looks very nice indeed! 
I have to admit that I probably want a car that isn't going to ruin me - i.e. I've driven an M3 and loved it... but to own it would be another matter - purely on running costs. What's the Boxster like for running costs and services?
I have to admit that I probably want a car that isn't going to ruin me - i.e. I've driven an M3 and loved it... but to own it would be another matter - purely on running costs. What's the Boxster like for running costs and services?
Anatonic said:
EDIT: Just tried same quotes based on my parents postcode back home in Wakefield (they happen to come under a terrible postcode!)
Ha, the dreaded WF... just moved back up north and landed in one, am out towards Selby but still sneak into an insurance shagging WF11 postcode, bit of a shock from being in Sleepy Weybridge in Surrey 
Cant help with the car advice, I'd suggest an Evo or a C32 merc but they'll be as bad on insurance I'd guess? Merc might be marginally less punishing than M3 though.
I'm lucky that I live in an OX29 postcode - my parents WF4! Strangely enough they live in a sleepy village about 10 miles out from the places that categorise WF4 as a bad postcode... so my dad has real trouble getting a good premium on his motorbike, despite locking it up in a secure specialist bike garage.
I'm not sure how bad the insurance would be on an Evo in my postcode - I'd never really considered one, neither considered a Subaru, just as I felt they didn't seem very attractive for the interior comfort. Maybe I ought to have a ride in one and judge for myself before just go on what I've seen from photos or the 'stigma' attached to them. hey certainly fit both the practical yet sporty bill!
C32 I imagine would be a good call - just worried again that it could ruin me on expensive servicing and maintenance now they're getting on a bit... Though I'd expect any of the cars I'm looking at to need some TLC and I'd rather pay for a well maintained high mileage car than a low mileage, poorly looked after one. I begrudge spending money on a car that clearly hasn't been looked after, but don't mind spending to keep a fantastic example in tip top shape - I guess it's a silly mentality I have but it feels easier to part with money for the right reasons!
I'm not sure how bad the insurance would be on an Evo in my postcode - I'd never really considered one, neither considered a Subaru, just as I felt they didn't seem very attractive for the interior comfort. Maybe I ought to have a ride in one and judge for myself before just go on what I've seen from photos or the 'stigma' attached to them. hey certainly fit both the practical yet sporty bill!
C32 I imagine would be a good call - just worried again that it could ruin me on expensive servicing and maintenance now they're getting on a bit... Though I'd expect any of the cars I'm looking at to need some TLC and I'd rather pay for a well maintained high mileage car than a low mileage, poorly looked after one. I begrudge spending money on a car that clearly hasn't been looked after, but don't mind spending to keep a fantastic example in tip top shape - I guess it's a silly mentality I have but it feels easier to part with money for the right reasons!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff