Scenario as follows.

Currently enjoying a 2001 Honda S2000 which has been a real hoot, but now need something more practicle for business. Was thinking of going all 4x4, Range Rover etc., but can't justify the cost of a good example (£30k), especially with our Wedding booked next June. <gulp> I have been offered around £17.5k p/ex for the S2k against cars of £20k value which is now my self imposed limit.

So, which £20k 2nd hand cars do I try? New car has to be quick and fun to drive. Needs to have plenty of toys and creature comforts with charismatic engine & strong market image . It will be my everyday car to do approx. 18k miles per year. I have shortlisted a few below off the top of my head. Please offer your opinion's on these and also add your own suggestions as I don't want to waste too much time test driving duffers! I do fancy either Straight or V6, V8 or Forced induction 4.

In alphabetical order;

Alfa Romeo - ???
Audi - S4
BMW - 330ci, 330d, 5 Series??
Chrysler Jeep - Grand Cherokee
Lexus - IS200 Sport
Maserati - Ghibli Cup
Mercedes - CLK
Mitsubushi - EVO7
Seat - Leon Cupra R

If anybody fancies my S2K by the way, it's a 2001 (X) Berlina Black with Black Leather, 23,000 miles, Still under Honda 3 year waranty until '02/04, Full Honda Serv. History.

Cheers guys.




[Edited by Magic Boot - 10/8/2003 9:25:47 PM]

[Edited by Magic Boot - 10/8/2003 9:29:32 PM]

 

Come on people, any opinions welcome in order to reduce the number of possibles. Let's throw Saab into the melting pot as well.

£20,000 to spend - What should I be test driving at the weekend?

I will try a used STI 7/8 out of curiosity but having owned a UK97 and STI V Type R previous, I can't envisage owning a 3rd, but you never know!!!

 

Audi S4 if you want something fast and moddable and don't mind the outgoing model.
I have a 330ci Sport, which is a cracking car, make sure you get the sport model though as it handles much better than the standard 330ci (also owned one so know the difference), this applies to the 330d too, sport is the only one to get.
330d sport is a brilliant compromise, easy to get over 220bhp and ridiculous amounts of torque.

 

If you pick the Evo for instance you are gonna need deeeeeeeeeeep pockets on 18k/year. 20mpg + a service every 4.5k which in your case will be every 3 months.
I have no hands on experience of the cars you've listed but i would be inclined to pay particular attention to the 330D!

 

Oooooooooooo **** i think i've just grown up

 

Cheers guys.

Bobby,

My only reservations with the BMW 330d is the engine noise. I know that oil burners have become a lot more refined but can the engine note be described as charismatic?? It would be nice to have a torquey engine after the S2K which relies on high RPM for rapid progress. Will deffinately be visiting my local BMW dealership on the weekend. Do you know the performance difference of the 320, 323, 325 & 330ci? Also what options are a must have?

Brun,

Agree that EVO and Scoob would be an expensive love affair! Already crossed them off the list but will still blag a test drive to top up my adrenelin levels.

 

all depends on what you want from the car really. I know you want to do 18k per year, but is that motorways/A roads/B roads? What do you need to cart around with you? One of my choices is a bit predictable as its what I chose. I've now done 116k in the last 2 years in it and it seems like i made a good choice (for me).

Merc E55AMG
BMW 540i
Passat W8
Octavia RS
Audi A6 2.7T Quattro
Accord Type R
Saab 9-3 ss Aero
Volvo S60 T5

 

Buy a £5k Mondeo oil burner for the week and a TVR or similar for weekend action

 

BMW is certainly favourite at the moment. Been looking on Autotrader at 330ci Sport & 330d Sport and they do look tempting. They also get glowing reports from the likes of EVO mag. etc. Still not sure how the smaller engined 328, 325 stack up in performance terms or what spec. to look out for.

The Audi S4 is a tempting 2nd but at £20k you are getting a few more miles and a more dated model than the BMW. 2.7 Turbo though ... MMmmmmmmmm Might try a local car just to see. Quite fancy an Avant version for QUICK trips to the tip!

Keep the ideas coming.

 

Magicboot, YHM

 

MB C32AMG?

 

Not5 for 20k, at 30k, you would still be struggling.

 

Audi A6 4.2 Quattro!!
Total Q car 24mpg and 300bhp ish. Evo magazine said it was the best drivers car Audi made when launched (better than the S4 and TT). You should be able to pick a good one for £20k

 

Another vote for a 330d BMW.

 

Bobby,
Will pick up mail when I get in the office tomorrow am. Thanks.

Cheers to everyone else. BMW is still favorite but will look into Audi also.

 

How about an esocrt cosworth?

beats me why you want to sell an s2000.

 

I'd go with TaviaRS's suggestion of the Accord. Fun, practical, economical. And not too common.

 

Don't make them anymore so it is a obsolete model, I had one a few years ago, it was a cracking car, but compromised. The 330ci is the most complete car I have ever owned.
The BM's are likely to be the best in a residual sense as well as the best compromise between luxury and sportiness.

 

Bobby,

Thanks for the mail. Very helpfull. I'm trying a local 2001 330ci (non-sport ) this afternoon. It is a very well spec'd car so we will see what happens.

 

Just make sure its German, whatever you pick.

In your situation (mileage, spec wanted etc) its gonna give the best return after a couple/few years.


CM

 

MB, how'd the test drive go?