turboman786

Im after a new car but not sure what to get....

My list has the following included:

BMW m5 (e39) 2001 facelift
Porsche 996 (any age)
BMW M3 (e46) (any age)

I'm quite flexible as to budget, but I would like to spend in the region of £25k, but for the 996 I think I would strecth to £30k (but wouldnt go that far for the other 2)...

Can anyone suggest some other cars ...

Im after: Strong performance (300 bhp +), a certain amount of pimp factor, and something that will be practical as an everyday car. Bootspace/passenger space is not really a consideration....

C2forWRX

Audi A3 3.2 quattro or S3

16vmarc

Get the Porsche

turboman786

Not really keen on the s3......The only audi I like is the rs4, but even then I dont think I really desire one......(I'm in my 20s!)

16vmarc

But wouldnt you just love an RS6! Now thats a machine!

Deep Singh

imho:
M3, common, image issue(unless its a CSL!). Engine has the worst note I've ever heard.

M5, good car but showing its age.

996, prestige, still looks fresh as the 997 is so similar. Depreciation should be very low now for early models

taffyboyo

db7 still looks good today

LG John

Get a rover

FletchCSL

M5 IMHO. Fastest car out of the 3, very subtle but those in the know appreciate it, however the other two are more "youthfull". 911 isn't too hot on practicality though, if you are considering a 911 how about an NSX or even BMW M coupe

An M5 doesn't stir envy or jealousy like the M3 or 911, but residuals may take a further hit with the E60 on the horizon.

The fact that you are prepared to spend 30k on the porsche rather than 25 on the BMWs says something to me though. Personally i's rather have a mint 993 than 996 at similar price

Patt@firstime

Porsche - Go for it

Patt@firstime

or 10 for much money

GC8

Hadnt you considered a 993 bodied Porsche (or maye even a 965, now theres a monster for you)? The 996 has more in common with a 928 than it does with the earlier models whose name it shares.

Simon

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

get a 2cv

turboman786

I would love an rs6, but its a bit too dear for me....

Looks like 996 so far.........but there must be some other cars worth considering...I just cant think of any though....

willipdarling

What about one of the new ford mustangs? If you want raw power then something like that would do it for ya.

Skittles

Make sure that whichever car you get (and in particular the 996) comes with a warranty. As a former owner of two of the cars from your list I'd recommend it.

I had a well specced MY00 996, I didn't get the OPC warranty extended and got hit with £1,500 of work. I thought that was bad, but here's a sobering thread that makes me feel lucky:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...71353&f=48&h=0

I had a MY02 BMW M3 (E46) before the 996. I had the following done under warranty (this is a serious list):

-2 x gearboxes. One at 500 miles, the other at 15,000
-2 x M-differentials
-2 x engine racalls for con rod bearings (2 days of work each)
-1 x prop shaft
-1 x door lock
-2 x rear windows
-1 x air con unit
-1 x door trim
-1 x boot mechanism

The M5 has vanos issues.

zoog

I vote for 996 - only choice as long as passenger/load space not an issue.

turboman786

Ive also just thought of a Jaguar XKR, although they also appear to have some engine issues (nikasil etc)......Look very nice with the 20" Detroit rims..........mind you I think the walnut dash looks dated and tacky................they also appear to be relatively cheap.

Brendan Hughes

matthefezz

rare i know but for 32k you can import a new xr6t from aus land ,360 bhp and thats standard ,6 speed ,or the falcon xr8 big ****** that is 560 bhp+ hehehe
got to love the ausies bless em ,propper fords not slow duratec turbo cr@P
cheers
matt

Jonathan Davies

Newer XKRs (2000-) won't have nikasil problems... for £25k you should be in that region. Some Jag literature says nikasil is used on the new 4.2 v8, but that's apparently not true.

If you fancy an xkr, get one post 2000, or with a new engine (lots of them have warranty replaced engines). Some say it's not that bad a problem (including dealers I should think), and if you've always put low-sulphur petrol in, that's probably right.

I think they still look great outside (pretty high pimp-factor, surely), but dated inside and like all jags, fairly cramped.

MMaynard

What about a Monaro VXR. Fits most of the criteria,don't know about s/h prices though.

StevieG

I bought an E39 M5 last November and haven't looked back. Just make sure you get one with the extended BMW warranty. Much more subtle (and rarer) than the M3, great car all in all......

DanTheMan

don't be a *****, there is a 400bhp Monaro for sale in the scoobynet classifieds for under 25K