Need inspiration in my next car choice...

[theboyfold]

So I'm trying to work out what to get for my next car, currently I have 2 cars. A Boxster S (986) and a Mondeo TDCi Estate. Both are very good at what they do, but I would like just the one car. To pick the car I have to tick 2 boxes:

• Must have rear seats and be fairly practical
• Budget £20k max, would be happier spending around £15-17k but you know how these things go!

At the moment I'm tempted by the E90 335i/d or the E46 M3 CS, however neither of them really light the fire for me.

So outside of the 3 series, what other options do I have? I'd like a Monaro, but I don't want to live with the costs at the pumps, same with the Audi S4 4.2 V8, plus I've driven the latter and it's dull. Which I suspect the 335i might be as well.

I don't want to go back to having 2 cars again and I don't want anything that's not going to need too much in the way of up keep as it will be used as a daily driver.

So, any thoughts? I'm struggling at the moment!

[randlemarcus]

Bear in mind that the pumps thing applies to an awful lot of people at the minute, so a thirsty car ought to be cheaper. Whether its cheaper enough to justify the 20mpg is up to you.

[RZ1]

Have the e90 m3's dipped to that budget yet?
What about an m5 or e55?

[theboyfold]

randlemarcus said:

Bear in mind that the pumps thing applies to an awful lot of people at the minute, so a thirsty car ought to be cheaper. Whether its cheaper enough to justify the 20mpg is up to you.

It's tricky, I understand the logic that a car at 20mpg is now 'good value', but if good value still means that it's £20k it's still the top end of my budget, so it's not actually any cheaper. If that makes sense?

RZ1 said:

Have the e90 m3's dipped to that budget yet?
What about an m5 or e55?

Not seen any decent E90s at my budget. The M5 could be an option, but the running costs could be an issue. I might be happy to cough up for the running costs if the car is spectacular though. It'll be on to test drive I guess.

[randlemarcus]

theboyfold said:

randlemarcus said:

Bear in mind that the pumps thing applies to an awful lot of people at the minute, so a thirsty car ought to be cheaper. Whether its cheaper enough to justify the 20mpg is up to you.

It's tricky, I understand the logic that a car at 20mpg is now 'good value', but if good value still means that it's £20k it's still the top end of my budget, so it's not actually any cheaper. If that makes sense?
Sort of.

I'd suggest looking at things that would have cost you £20k last year, but will now cost you £15k.

Bigger question is what do you use the estate bit for? If you never use it, an M5 or similar might work. If you do, a coupe is going to kill you.

[kiethton]

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2771920.htm


Its a little lighter and cheaper than the 335i and has already been evolve tuned to 390bhp....it should put a smile on your face (i have a standard 335i but wish i had that map/JB 3 piggyback tuning box!!!)

[Fleckers]

[quote=kiethton]http://pistonheads.com/sales/2771920.htm

quote]

Avoid a 1 series

this may be quick but there is not much room inside

what about a KPG coversion on a car you do like, the older A4 or such like

[Jem0911]

Fleckers said:

what about a KPG coversion on a car you do like, the older A4 or such like

What is this new conversion you talk of?
The crisp conversion oh no thats KP.
Or a large accountant. Nope KPMG.

[theboyfold]

randlemarcus said:

I'd suggest looking at things that would have cost you £20k last year, but will now cost you £15k.

Bigger question is what do you use the estate bit for? If you never use it, an M5 or similar might work. If you do, a coupe is going to kill you.

I don't need an estate, but having had one for the last 12 months it's been great when you need it, and the dynamics between a saloon and estate when you are looking at the 335i won't be like night and day (this is without of course doing a back to back drive)

Gaz. said:

Wouldn't the fuel costs of the Monaro end up being similar to the M3 CS once you take into account that superunleaded is 5-10p a litre more? I'd also consider the lower maintenance costs of the Monaro compared to the BMW's suggested.

Do you have to run is on Super Unleaded? It's a valid point you make though if you do..

As for the 135, I've looked at one and didn't really take to it. Can't say I like the styling or the amount of space inside.

I'm in a weird place at the moment, there is nothing out there that inspires me!