skoobidude

Ok I'm setting myself a target to purchase another performance car in January.
I've had 2 Subarus and have decided on a complete change.

So far I am considering one of the following:-

BMW 330ci (must be manual)
Nissan 350Z
Renault Sport Clio V6
Honda S2000
Mazda RX8

I drove my mate's 330 which is an auto 4-door. Although it was quick I found it too smooth. Is the Ci much different?
The 350Z is my current favourite.
The Clio is the most recent on my list as they are rare and the 255 is in my price range - although it may not have the luggage space I need.
The Honda has a great interior and I do like the driving position and the fact the roof comes down. I get the feeling a new model is on the horizon so I'm worried I'll lose out a lot financially.
I like the Mazda but see as many of them as I do Subarus.

I have not driven any of the above and plan to do this when I have the money ready.

Any thoughts?

Nick

Andy M3

Right then - you are in a good position

BMW 330ci (must be manual) Not that fast, smoother than anything you have owned so far i think . Is it interesting?

Nissan 350Z Quite quick, stunning looks, excellent cabin equipment - reliable?

Renault Sport Clio V6 Reasonable performance, hand built, unique, dodgy residuals.

Honda S2000 Most reliable car ever? Quick when in the 'zone' fastest retracting hood erm erm, can you live with 2 seats only?

Mazda RX8 Not sure on performance, i passed one at Donnington in a diesel Skoda? I have been told they are very quiet and use a lot of fuel. They look quite nice IMO, but haven't heard much about them.

nickwrxstiV2

Lancer Evo VIII MR, gotta be!

AudiLover

M3 the clio aint all that fast

Kuro

I was in exactly the same situation last year, when I parted with my Scooby and exchanged it for the joys of 350z driving.

Have to admit, best car I have ever owned, and I have never looked back

Bad bits;

1. Going to Ikea in it isn't a good idea, you'll get two sets of golfs clubs in it, but that's it
2. Nissan are about as good as Subaru, i.e. ok but not Lexus

Good bits;

1. Goes like stink, similar bhp/tonne as WRX
2. Everyone will still look at you, more so in fact
3. You can still by the car you own on GT4 and show yer mates
4. It sounds completely awesome; so much grunt/burble - lovely
5. Very economical for 3.5 litres of NA power. (30mpg )
6. Looks

LG John

For all round performance and enjoyment I see the S2000 and 350Z as being the most suitable. My S2000 is on the market HERE and I'm willing to move on the price a reasonable amount if you are interested. It's been by far and away the most entertaining and enjoyable performance car I've ever owned and the only reason its for sale is because it's now been relegated to 'weekend' car and I think it's too everyday usuable for that. Which brings me to my next point - I intend to replace the S2000 with a VX220 Turbo with Stage 2 modifications; have you considered one of these?

Gutmann pug

205gti and a lot of change ..... why would you ever need anthing else?

LG John

If its outright mental performance then I'll second the suggestion of an MR evo You'll get a 340MR with 400bhp mods for that kind of money - would be tempted myself!

LG John

If my a new model you mean S2001 or S2010 or S2000 II return of the VTEC then you need not worry and this really doesn't look very likely anytime soon. Perhaps for 2010 but until then Honda seem content to subtly update the model range and the current 2006 cars are still selling and still do the business

john banks

I love the 350Z except the boot. We tested one just after I sold an E46 M3 and when I had just bought an Evo IX FQ340. It was intended to be a car for the wife, and in the end she went for a Golf GTI simply because it was more practical, safer handling for her driving style and the snow, and cheaper running costs for something she'd enjoy as much. I honestly felt though that it was every bit as good a car as the M3 in that the acceleration was 90% of the way there, the brakes were better, suspension more compliant with more steering feel, and it felt a more tractable engine low down, and the engine sounded better without the rasp of the M3. It rattled less than the M3, although the interior wasn't quite so nice to look at as a specced M3 with all the toys and good colour combos. 90% of the time it was a nicer drive than the Evo, but the cornering attitude, steering and acceleration aren't on the same page as the Evo FQ340 as stock, never mind with a remap and exhaust. As an all rounder for the price though, the 350Z is simply amazing IMHO.

skoobidude

nickwrxsti2/Saxo boy
I'm staying off rally reps for a while. I have driven a friends 340 and was impressed but I want some rear wheel drive non-turbo fun.

Saxo boy
If it was to be an S2000 I would want post 2004 I'm afraid. Nice car, good luck with your sale.

VX220 sounds considerable. I looked at an Elise recently but was worried about everyday use, particularly through winter.


Thanks everybody else for your valued opinions


Nick

Vapid

330ci is a boring car, the coupe is actually slightly slower, heavier and worse to drive than the saloon.
Of the cars on your list I'd take the 350Z.

Andy M3

I get this feeling you are picking on me

I think i made a fair judgement. It has reasonable performance. 15 second 0-100 will do 150 mph

PeteBrant

How about a 92-95 911 (964) Porsche - Bugger all depreciation for the next year or so - rock solid reliability, great fun to drive. Sell it next year and lose far less than you would on any of the other cars listed.

wadsy69

iTrader: (1)

A few potential ideas:

Exige
M3(E46)
Caterham
Elise S2
AlfaSZ Zagato
VX220Turbo
22B
EVO6
EvoExtreme
RS2 maybe RS4
TVRTamora
Z3MCoupe
Alpina B3 or B8
964/993
NSX
Evo8MR
Exige S1
Maser 3200

Kuro

mikeesingh

iTrader: (3)

nick, my bro will be selling his 350z (jap model) soon, arround 13k, let me know if you need more details, are you still in derby?

skoobidude

Hi Mikee, yes I'm still in Derby mate. Now working at Rolls-Royce.
I'll be looking to make a purchase in January '07 - saving hard until then
I'm really looking for a uk-spec car, circa 1-2 years old. I guess your brother's car is a bit older for the money he is asking?

I heard a while back that you sold the DBM classic? What have you got now then?

Nick

Bradus

clio v6 all the way

C2forWRX

350z. lush and hold value

bob r

iTrader: (46)

another vote for 350z or failing that an m3

sti-04!!

FQ 320 ???

55 Plate ??

Thinking about one myself to be honest

skoobidude

A complete change from Subarus counts for Evos too. Great cars but I want something different.
350Z is definately my current favourite for the money - they are still quite new, not too common and seem to hold value well.

Nick