Biggins

HELP!!!!

Like many of us Petrolheads, I like to change my cars fairly frequently to enjoy all the different facets of motoring. I have had my current car, Seat Leon Cupra R, for nearly a year and am looking for the next motor.

This is where I have a problem as nothing this side of Exotica is grabbing my attention saying buy me, buy me. It seems that my budget of £25k will not buy me anything to start salivating over. I have owned all the iconic hot hatches from 205Gti, Golf GTI, CTR to now my Revo'd (280bhp/280lb/ft) Cupra R. I have had my fill of rally reps. with 2 Imprezas both UK and JDM STI Type R. Last summer (which was a summer ) was enjoyed in a Honda S2000. I have also owned some querky cult cars in my 15 years driving like the '67 VDub beetle which wasn't fast but had a great club scene back in the early 90's. Are Bug Jam, Beetle Bash & RTTS still going?????

Where now though??????????

I have thought long and hard about it and can only shortlist the following options:

- Buy something silly like a TVR Griffith (always wanted one) and buy a Smart or similar for the commute.

- Porsche Boxster (would want the 3.2 S which might be over budget)

- BMW M3 (e46) (again might be over budget)

- Luxury saloon or coupe (never owned a BMW or Merc., am i ready at 32?? )

- 4x4 (again i've never owned one so it might fit the bill)

- Get a loan/finance and up the anti a little (Cupra is paid for & no debts)

Having had sports cars pretty much every year since '94, only the Porsche, BMW & TVR that evoke any sort of emotional reaction when I contemplate buying.

Have any of you guys experienced a similar dilema and could offer advice. I think they call it being spoilt!!!!!!

TopBanana

You can get a nice M5 for £25k now privately. 400hp V8, should be enough to get any petrolhead's blood pumping

Biggins

Mmmmmmmmmm interesting. Although I do think that the M5 is starting to look dated now and the fact that you can get a newer M3 for similar money & performance goes against it.

Still interesting thought though, mildly inspiring.

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

If you haven't tried a Caterham / Westfield then perhaps try one of these plus the smart?

S1 Lotus Exige?

VX 220 turbo + remap?

gregjd

New 350Z, Clio V6?... 2nd hand.. lots of options spring to mind, Audi S8, 911, Maserati 3200GT, Boxster S (probably what I'd have).. Think your idea of a runaround and something more exotic is worth a pop too.

Biggins

I think I would use a Caterham etc. less than I would a TVR which I would aim to drive all the time when it's functioning properly. The Smart would be for the missus and as a practical safeguard for when the TVR spits it's dummy out.

I have thought about a Lotus Elise, maybe the S2 but the difficult getting in and out worries me a litltle. I have tried an S1 in the local Lotus dealer and found it rather amusing getting out. I am told however that there is a knack to it.

VX220 = No No i'm affraid (can't get past the badge)

More food for thought though.

Thanks.

Biggins

Greg,

We can dismiss the Clio, 911 & Maser as one is unreliable, one is underwhelming and to buy the other at this price would ruin the experience, best to wait until i can afford the most up to date version. I'll let you guess which is which.

The 350Z however is a good idea, I forgot about this one. V6 250bhp RWD, very interesting.

MattOz

Biggins,

£25k will bag you an NSX. It'll get you a 308GTB QV with enough left for a runabout for work. It'll get you a 2.7 Boxster, 993 Carrera or even somthing off the wall like an Audi RS2.

Matt

lem0ncurd

I think I have the answer.

+ 25-30K
+ V. high credibility and legendary image
+ V fast, handles v. well and rewarding to drive
+ Carries 4 adults in comfort
+ Rare and not ordinary with no negative snob image issues
+ V. reliable and can be tuned easily and relaibly

Guess what I'm thinking?...





























Nissan Skyline R34 GTR V-Spec!

The car that has and does everything.

gregjd

Not particularly sensible but how about a DB7?

Brendan Hughes

Can't believe you haven't thought of a Skyline.

I'd forget the 4x4. Bit of a one-trick pony, though if you're comfortable with selling it after 3 mths you should be OK.

MCoupe.

ProdriveSTI

Evo mr340.... very fast car...
& the new evo mr400 has beat a Zonda.....

Terzo 333

I was in the same (unfortunate ) position as you not too long ago, see this thread :

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=328194

I've gone for a Nissan 350z in Gunmetal Grey, Rays alloys and GT Pack - I am having slepless nights at the moment thinking about it coming and its not due until December

matlow

not sure of the prices but what about a noble? i tried to trade in my left ******** for one but he still wouldnt budge on the price! mutter grumble