Getting fed up with the money pit my scoob is turning into, and as I don't like the new one, I'm thinking of going for something else, (the scoob is costing me over £1k a year in insurance despite max no claims / being 36 years old, and I've spent over £4k on it in the last year on servicing)...

I need something sporty (I can't see myself driving anything "ordinary"), with 4 seats, that's cheaper to service / insure etc, and preferably one that I can get my 'cello in !! Probably looking to spend max of £30k

I would really like an Elise, but it's only got two seats and there's no way I'd get my cello case in it. I've been looking around for something similar but more practical, but have drawn a blank so far. I think I may have tastes beyond my wallet

Any suggestions gratefully received

 

used rs4 avant?
M3 CS?

VX8R?

Dan

 

I've heard that rs4s are a nightmare for servicing costs? Same for M3s?

What's a VX8R? A web search just seems to bring up a make of alloy wheels...

 

oops spolling mistook!!

sorry can't be bothered to host the image......

The RS4 doesn't necessarily require Audi servicing - just like a Subaru: go to a 3rd party specialist, such as MRC, which IIRC, is quite close to where you are

DAn

 

Aha. That might be worth a look. Thanks for the pointer...

 

He said "cheaper to insure"...

 

Any option on two cars Iain? I'm planning on getting an Elise as a second car with a more sensible daily hack. Will help keep the interest as the Elise will always feel fresh and fun after the daily hack (Mk IV Golf). Costs might be prohibitive with 2x tax, insurance (although can get S1 Elise on classic policy cheapish) and space could be a premium. Might be worth considering

 

Most cars are cheaper to insure than scoobies and evos'

9 month old 335i se's are available for 25k.

 

as above - I rest my case

DAn

 

Lol at Dan

That might be an option Hanslow. I'm beginning to think the car I actually want doesn't exist (i.e. something like a 4 seater elise/exige), so I'm going to have to compromise in some way or other...

 

Have you considered a JDM Civic Type R.

Litchfield Imports

It's sporty, practical and being a Honda bulletproof.

I've been running a DC5 Integra Type R for the past 4 years and has been all of these

 

We're currently awaiting delivery of our new Focus ST2, 2.5 turbo, 225bhp, 150mph, 0 - 60: 6.5 secs, loads of torque It's much bigger than the old Focus inside and comfortably seats five adults and boot is huge. I took one for a test drive and was hooked within 10 seconds

The servicing costs are the best thing, £120 for a small service and £150 for a biggy

We got a very good deal on ours too

You could buy one of these and a second hand Elise

 

fookin hell is that how cheap it is to service fords these days. That ST does look magnificently tasty now!

 

Scoobychick, why did you go for a 2?
Just being nosey.

 

335i/d

My 335d costs £340 a year to insure (37 year old, full ncb), and service intervals are 20k miles.

Gary.

 

Just had a test drive in a astra vxr. 19 inch alloys 240 bhp half leather recaros. Brand new and change from £18500. Was well impressed. Looking to mod my 2003 wrx or get somet new undecided at the mo.

 

How about a Lexus IS250 or Accord Type-R?

 

Can't go wrong with those 335's

 

Downside is Scoob like fuel consumption

 

The ST2 has a better spec than just the basic ST but not the leather interior and 6 CD changer that the ST3 comes with. Unfortunately the leather Recaros in the back of the ST3 only seat two people as opposed to the cloth Recaros of the ST2 which seat three.

Our dealer (and the STOC forums) said that very few of the basic ST model are sold.

 

Yeah but on the plus side is all that power I bought my last car due to its good fuel economy and have spent the last two years driving round bored out of my mind

 

Good news about the ST Sal, I'll be calling over for a nosey

I was looking at a silver ST2 yesterday which was parked next to a 04 WRX Sportwagon, both for sale at a local Ford dealer. I want to buy either a FST or a WRX Wagon/STI UK to replace the 205 but just can't decide.

What colour is your ST?

 

You'll be most welcome to come for a look Simon, we were both really impressed when we went for a test drive. It's performance blue although it hasn't arrived yet as it's still being built

The facelifted version is out next year so there are some stonking deals to be had at the moment.

 

The facelift is foofing ugly aswell so now is the time to get a Focus ST

 

Cool, will call in one day when you have it, for a nose.

We test drove an ST before we bought the BMW over a year ago and it was superb though tht has gone now for the Civic.

 

Lotus Europa, take up the violin instead