Truss

iTrader: (2)

Im currently trying to help my old man in getting a new car.
At the moment he had an Audi S3 which he loves, but wants a change.
He has around £30k, maybe a little more.
We've looked at the new S3 specs, but he's a bit underwhelmed for the price (35k fully spec'd).
He also has been looking at the early Nissan GTR's, but he's not sure on running costs and potential problems. Probably not quite got enough to get perfect example.
Ive suggested the e9* M3 which is appealing, along with the 135 and 123d.
He isnt interested in a subaru, he's mid 50's and doesnt like my blob much.

Any other sensible suggestions? Cant be any bigger than the m3 ideally, and around the £30k mark.

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

M135, close thread

TX.

stilover

RS4

Truss

iTrader: (2)

I think the same, but still seeing whats out there.

A little out of budget unfortunately.

Daryl

I'd either get a new M135i, or a used Cayman/Boxster.

I actually nearly bought an M135i, the local BMW dealer was desperate to do a deal before the end of the year and they were offering a very good price. In the end, my better half decided it was too ugly (it is)!

If you get a Porsche from an OPC, it will have 2 years warranty and will be relatively cheap to run.

macmac

iTrader: (1)

seen as hes cuming from a hatch back , did he even entertain the idea of a subaru hatch , a subtle r205/6 . jus a thought

Brun

I assume he has eyes so he's unlikely to entertain a Scoob hatch

Truss

iTrader: (2)

Fair shout, think it'd be the cayman overthe boxter but i'll get on porsche used.

I've tried very hard to get him in one of them to ave a go, even the uk 330s thing. Won't entertain the idea!

even as a saloon purist, i actually like the hatch!

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

How true That and the OP said he didn't want a Subaru!

john banks

I've not driven it, but at £30k for a new car I'd go directly to BMW and test the M135i for sure. It appeals to us Lidl shoppers who pay taxes with a sense of a bargain as after we are taxed we can't afford Asda.

For the smokers amongst you that **** all your benefit up the wall by smoking a pack a day (sorry about the mixed metaphors) and are too poor to experience the ultimate driving machine, you too can buy this exclusive car if you give up smoking for 12 years

Truss

iTrader: (2)

Awesome John!
Well, Stafford Audi have a new M135i in at the moment and he has a test drive in the morning. We'll see how that goes.
Audi are currently dangling the new S3 carrott in his face, however there is no official spec or price yet

john banks

I think the M135i was quicker than the outgoing RS3 in some tests.

stilover

Not a new one, but for £30k, you can get a low milage V8 car, with........

a manual gearbox.

Just you mentioned M3's, so I assumed you'd look at second hand cars.

macmac

iTrader: (1)

good input f1








not

stilover

The BMW M135i.

Aren't these £30k basic? So by the time you add any extra's worth having, it'll soon ramp up to £35-40K?


EDIT.
Just been on BMW's website and specced a M135i. Not going silly, and got it to just shy of £35k.

Truss

iTrader: (2)

With various dealer discounts, there working out at ~ £31500.
When tt/3 RS is £45k, they're looking very good value.

Still looking at second hand, but there isnt much around at our budget with acceptable mileage/age in RS4 market.

john banks

I'd want the auto, adjustable suspension, heated seats (as they are leather), upgraded speakers. About £2500. I bet the dealer would twist your arm to add prof Nav for another £2000 and tell you they can't get you a car without or that they'd not take it as a trade in if you didn't, and make it sound like you'd be driving a 3 wheeler without it.

The option that might make me actually buy one is if they have xDrive.

Brun

F1's post was factual - what rattled your cage?

Matteeboy

Might be useful to know that the M135i also has the artificial interior sound like the M5. Wouldn't put me off one (I'm plotting on getting one once the 335d goes) but it seems BMW were a little underhand about it!

Truss

iTrader: (2)

That's no great issue to be honest!

P1Fanatic

Didnt know that Mattee and have watched a few review vids now and no one mentioned it?

Davey96wrx

iTrader: (1)

Why does it have to be brand new? You lose soo much money just driving out of the forecourt!

Something with 3-4k miles on is always a better bet, people are way to obsessed with having a new car thinking they are the only ones to have pretty much been in it, fact of the matter is all of the salesmen will have been in it, numerous other customers taking a look. The QC guys at the factory, truck drivers, more salesmen, and then mechanics doing their PDI's

john banks

Some new models that are in demand can be difficult to find used for quite some time.

Littleted

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...ort-2dr/988188

unsure about the seats but leather and pro audio will make that car 37k if u buy new. not bad

but looks a bit crap inside to say how much it costs, the s3 will be better

But I know some hate them, but I actually do love these but only this model

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...edition/901038


Does that wrap on the rs500 have any special materials, I think it looks great but I've seen some matt wraps that look ****, if anybody knows what it is, or is 3m matt all you need to achieve that look. Also what are they like to wash? I presume you can't polish it or anything

Matteeboy

Strangely it seems to have been kept quiet. A mate with one discovered it, disabled it and got a fairly weak interior sound.

stilover

£32k for a second hand Focus?
I wouldn't pay that for ANY Focus, new or second hand. And the dealer is telling us to grab advantage of this outstanding price reduction!!!!!
Bet it doesn't sell.

P1Fanatic

You wouldn't and tbh I wouldn't either but that is the cheapest RS500 on PH. 2yr old car at £3k less than list. You could buy one drive it for a year and probably only lose another £2k. Not many cars you could do that with.

Littleted

I still think they look good, and probably the only focus I would buy, other than maybe that new cosworth should it ever appear

Truss

iTrader: (2)

Nah, the rs500 looks tat. The matte scratches/marks very easily and then its a whole panel re-wrapped.

Well, the m135i is a weapons grade car! I think he will end up with the estoril blue one he's just had a go in.

Truss

iTrader: (2)

Nah, the rs500 looks tat. The matte scratches/marks very easily and then its a whole panel re-wrapped.

Well, the m135i is a weapons grade car! I think he will end up with the estoril blue one he's just had a go in.