Another what car thread...

[Neil_H]

Having some issues with the DC5 at the moment, basically the result of it being a 6 year old car and once sorted I will be getting rid for something newer.

So this summer I'd like to replace it but can't decide what the replacement will be. I can't even decide what kind of car I want

I've had 2 Honda VTECs over the last 4 years and I want to move away from them now, great fun they are but I want a change. Fun only and will spend most weekdays in the garage.

Must be

- Powerful/ fast
- Reliable
- Reasonable servicing costs
- No older than ~3 years (ideally about 2 years old)
- Can't justify any more than £20k for a car I don't 'need', ideally less
- Not French

I've been thinking about:

Golf R32 (newest shape), but I'm not sure what depreciation is like on them, or if it wouldn't feel special enough as a weekend car?
Lotus Elise, but they're a bit small (was thinking of a European trip at some point), reliability?
VX Turbo, as above
Boxster, heard about engine issues, expensive servicing?
350Z, meets most of the criteria, I'm just not a huge fan of the looks, thinking of a change from Japanese cars
Tamora, too many question marks for reliability/ cost
M3, sub-20k cars a bit long in the tooth, expensive to run?
Z4, I'd only be interested in the M model and they're still a bit expensive

Any other ideas?

[Neil_H]

I do quite fancy a VX Turbo, how are they for boot space? I do like having a decent boot occassionally.

Caterham/ Westfield - too hardcore for me to be honest, needs an element of practicality to it!

Murtaya - any more info? With things like that I worry about servicing etc

Any more suggestions? Surely there must be more cars around that fit the bill?

[Neil_H]

Impreza - not keen on the image, having just come from a similarly-styled car I want to move away from that really.

Monaro - very nice! I'm a bit put off by the mileage but definitely something I hadn't considered

[Neil_H]

I think the VXT is worth a look but I suspect it will be too small for my needs.

I like M3s but cars under 3 years are over 20k I think.

I guess I'm hard to please - any opinions on the R32?

[Neil_H]

So you like it then? I know nothing about these, can anyone enlighten me?