silent running

No not after a cheap fast hooker, but a LHD car, 5 grand, 10 grand at a push. I'm expecting to be doing a lot of driving (and possibly living) on the continent soon, plus do a few track days over here now and then and do annual trips to the 'Ring already.

Now the first few things I'm thinking of are a Delta Integrale, a 911 SC, and old M5 Touring or an E30 M3. Perhaps the 911 is the odd one out because it's not a LHD only motor. But anyone got any experience of these? I've always wanted an Intergrale, but will I be disappointed in the drive and pace - kind of like when you get a DVD of some old 80's show and it turns out to be not as good as it was back in the day. By all rights the M3 will never be a disappointment, but can one be had for sensible money?

Edcase

Gotta be the E30 M3 IMHO! 8.5k gets you a very good example.

GenericUser

While the E30 is a great car I think you can do better if you need a multi-role vehicle. An Audi RS2 has climate, heated seats, 4 wheel drive and works better on the Nurburgring than you would imagine although they are a big old car.

RS2 isn't as sought after as the E30,a lot more power, newer and some excellent examples available in the 7.5K price range, 10 grand will get you an absolute minter of a lhd RS2. RS2 will make over 350bhp with an MRC or similar remap and feel a lot faster than the figures suggest. I've driven a couple of RS2's, one on it's original suspension-it was a bit of a barge. The other on recent shocks,springs, bushes was great, it really belied it's size and weight and the 'big red' brakes were very effective stoppers. So if you do decide to take a look at them make sure you get one that's had the suspension refreshed and has the better brakes.

I reckon you'd be mad not to include the RS2 on your shortlist.

what would scooby do

Pal has a 1990 911 Carerra 4 LHD he paid circa £13k for a few years ago. Does road trips all over europe and is fast, frugal and very reliable

GenericUser

I have to say 964 Porsches have a justified reputation for oil leaks and flywheel problems (later ones).
That doesn't mean you can't find a sorted one but all those I've looked at have had problems.

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

For lots of miles I think that the Lancia may struggle (I stand to be corrected), don't get me wrong I think they're great cars, just not designed for reliability and huge millage. The BM'r on the other hand.......

Just my 2p worth

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Have you considered buying on the continent and privately importing it?

If the car is 10 years old I don't think its too hard to do.

944 turbo?

GenericUser

The only problems with the 944 turbo is that they are either getting to be sheds or command top money when mint. Finding a minter isn't easy either. Nice car if you can find a good one and faster than a 968. There are some really nice looking ones on mobile.de.
I reckon a good 968 is going to be at the very top of your budget and a CS out of reach.

silent running

Mmm some interesting things I hadn't thought of there - the RS2 for one. I'm sure I saw a Carrera 4 up for decent money somewhere recently. I've never really been into the 944/968 shape so that's out. Another thing I've got on the back burner (not as LHD, just as a nice runaround) is a Merc 190 Cosworth with the 2.5 lump. Only thing is I can never find one with decent looking rims and most of the ones I see are now sheds.

Might be worth looking at importing, but I was more thinking of what sort of tasty motors are only available in LHD so buying one wouldn't be so much of a drawback now I need LHD anyway.

GenericUser

A 964 C4 will be cheaper than a comparable C2. Make sure you do your homework before buying one. As previously mentioned they have some intrisic faults that need to have been sorted before you purchase one.

superscoobx

Audi TT.

Practical and LHD. Do it

GenericUser

You've got something there. If you can live with the image then a 225bhp 99 TT in good nick for around 7 grand looks like value. A lot more modern than the other cars on the list and not that many weak points other than stuff like the dash pod, clutch pedal sink and obviously that it's had the spoiler/ESP recall.
A cheap 250 quid remap will see it a 260-70bhp and a haldex controller will make the handling less bland, all for less than a grand.
Xenons, heated leather seats and climate as standard as well as a high quality feel isn't to be sniffed at.