anc-sti

Subaru Impreza, I've heard there quite good Hehehe

DarkStar66

What about an Alfa 156 V6?

Good Points:
Probably the best looking modern saloon ever.
Probably the best V6 ever.
Plenty around in your price range.
Insurance group 16.
Much more reliable than the old Alfa reputation would have you believe.

Bad Points:
Heavy engine + FWD = Understeer
Interior not up to BMW quality and can get some squeeks.
Some dealers are a bit dodgy.

But the main good point is that people will be nice to you if you drive an Alfa. In a BMW people will get jealous and assume you're a thrusting w@nker.

Dave C.

Ive done the skoda vrs brought new had it jabba'd and zorst boost controller
KW's result 242BHP but i could not live with the skoda badge its not cool telling your mate you own a SKODA friends used to ask me if i was having hard times so i waved bye bye to SKODA.

CraigH

What about one of the last old M5s? You'd get an absolute minter for £8k

Senior_AP

You and Dave really need to stop PM'ing each other.......

iain atkins

I'd second the S4 idea, infact, i'm quite tempted to sell my subaru and get one.

Over 400bhp attinable from standard engine, gearbox etc. A nice conversion with 350bhp and over 400ftlb sounds very tempting indeed

You can get a late unmolested one for around the 20 mark.



Iain

Old_Fart

I think the S4 (2.7 classic) will be a huge dissapointment. Yes they can be quick. But unless you do alot of work you just will never enjoy driving it...steering, gearchange, suspension and brakes are all uncommunicative as standard...there is just no driver involvement.
Mine was lovely as a motorway cruiser, but left me and the wife cold as a cross country hacker. After the 944 it'll feel like driving a motorhome...albeit a quick one.
Rgds
Chuck

Senior_AP

I've always liked them, just the 20mpg business worries me. I do about 16k miles a year. How do they fair on motorway MPG??

iain atkins

I think on a motorway cruise you can expect around 28mpg, maybe higher. I must admit to always liking these, a real q-car. A quick shift soon sorts the long gear throw, and and impressive 2.7l V6 with twin turbos and twin intercoolers, producing 265Bhp and 295 ft/lb, as a standard staring point

I'm getting more tempted by the minute myself

CraigH

great minds etc - and experience. We can't help being not as bling bling as you and your Mfree ideas

How about this - it'll put some hairs on ya chest

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...00437161157274

Senior_AP

No thanks.

This thread has thrown a few other nice motors into the works. Saab 9-3 Aero, S4, M3 (as expected), some 5 series'.

As for being bling, it's not yours and Dave's fault after all, can't be seen to drive a car better looking than the driver can you.

You two can stick to your smokey oil burning toys. I'll join 2005 before I too get left behind.

Gutmann pug

Just buy a pretty coloured car ,,,,,,, coz you never use it in anger anyway

CraigH

What you mean is you can't be seen to drive cars that don't have The Golden Arch kudos?
Hmm, gutted, truly truly gutted

Mine doesn't smoke, doesn't burn oil. Won't have Vanos problems or insecurity complexes when pulling up next to 318is either

You've already got left behind - you're looking at buying a car that not only has been replaced, but it's replacements replacement has already been announced. Kids

Don't buy a Saab - not at that price anyway. They may be good but if you want to do that, go a pour 10k down the drain 1st, cos after a few years it'll be worth sweet fa.

Senior_AP

A case of "new is better" eh?? I'm surprised Davyboy even talks to you!! As for the 318 complex, nope....not me. My previous M3 was the best car I have ever owned (what was that about experience).....??

I'm tired os a ****ty old 944. They are dull and boring, sound like hairdryers and quite frankly look crap.

For 12k or so I'd love a genuine argument for a decent motor instead of all these scooby gay smiley face things.

CraigH

Never said it was better - you were talking about joining 2005 before you got left behind. You're not exactly keeping up to date with an E36 are you?

Was it not you who said "944 Turbo is the best bet, thats why I got one. Tuneable, fast as standard, handles superb and a quailty motor"

You don't want a decent argument for £12k cars - you want everyone to say buy an M3 - you've got your heart and mind set on one so why bother asking? Nothing else is good enough, you're too "samey" to want to try something classy like an Alpina, so just go buy an M3.

Experience is about learning - but in your case better the devil you know eh?

Senior_AP

The 944 argument is old. I want rid of it. Its embarrassing to be in/seen in. End of.

e36 Evo is better than a vast majority of new cars AND I could afford one.

I am not closed minded hence why I'm going to look at a few other cars once I've sold the retchid 944.


P.S. I love SN banter. Cracks me up.


What have you got now Craig anyway?? Sounds nice so tell me. (not a wind up, I'm, genuinely interested).

CraigH

I've got a lovely, metallic brown, totally battered 2.0lx auto mondeo. It is 16v though so has got some poke

cheddar bob

If you want something a bit more 'involving' and don't mind losing a bit of straight line speed you can't get better than an Integra Type R at your budget. For £10/11k you'll be able to get a mint UK 1 owner low mileage example with Air Con & Alarm options.

Plus points are they look nice, are amazingly quick for a N/A 1.8, are rare, will be much cheaper to run/maintain than the other cars you're considering, quite practical with hatchback and half decent size boot for a coupe, won't depreciate that much as with these it's a sellers market. Very reliable.

Bad points are it's a squash to fit 2 adults in teh back although it is a 4 seater, no torque or action below 6k revs, harder to buy a late one of the above spec (I should know been looking for one for just over a year ). Only White/Red/Black choice of colours.

CraigH

What about a Mitsu Galant VR4? Pretty quick, lovely engine, decent handling...

Senior_AP

Haven't even seen one. I'll have a look though I'm not a major fan of Jap cars though I do appreciate Hondas - damn good cars.

CraigH

How about this?

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...00435158804810

Senior_AP

Christ that's cheap!! I thought they were still going for 22k !!

Petem95

You could just about pick up an Audi S4 for £15k - nice understated performance, great build quality - I still prefer the old shape A4 to the new.

0-60 is 5.5 which isnt too bad, and Im sure theres good tuning potential as its twin turbo

bloke

Why 4 seats, you're young and single ain't you

maxim

thats what I'm getting! Should be here next weekend!

Senior_AP

Car share to work. Need to accommodate 2 extra carcasses in my car.