Another "what should I buy?" thread (NLC)

[VXJON]

Id agree with Campbell the integra DC5 and new FD2 are great looking cars

[alicrozier]

Something cheap but fun? Panda/Cooper/Abarth...
...plus 340R for the weekend sir?

Wee hatches are more than adequate for the commute. I've been taking Nicola's Mincer to work rather than the Exige of late (partly 'cos the Exige's gear cable is fcuk'd I must admit).

One other thing to throw into the mix, I know it's FWD but will you use/exploit rwd/oversteer on a daily basis - you don't want to end up with an ASBO.

This is in no way 'family' or 'sensible'...shake that ass!
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/news/defau ... ryId=18418

[graeme]

Some more good suggestions there.

Integra now on the list... bit rarer than a CTR. Nice one!
RX-8 is not going back on the list. I'm sure it's great, and has a good rep, but it's not for me. No spark of interest there at all, not even in a PZ.
Don't want a hatch, so Panda/Mini etc are out. Too similar to V's Aygo in terms of practicality.
Z3 M - not a fan of the looks. Dated now. Z4 M is off the list too. Can't find a glowing review of any Z4 anywhere on the 'net.
Looked at a 996 C2, but I really do NOT like cooking 911s. The 996 looks dated now, and it'll still cost Porker money to service, so that's out.

Still can't find any review which has a bad word to say about the 350Z, so looking promising on that front. It's growing on me and ticks every box. 2 seats, RWD, 300bhp, driver-focused, reasonable MPG and bomb-proof.

Also interested in Robin's suggestion... sit and wait. It had occurred to me. Problem is I've got petrol in my blood and there are bargains to be had while everyone else sits and waits...

Cheers,
G

[Rag_It]

Yup get the 350z matey, only drove Andy's for half an hour, but for something that looks like it is a tank, it is suprisingly nimble, gutsy and albeit a little thirsty, likes to chew gearboxes (agricultural variety!) it was along with Ed's new exige at the time, one of the best drives at ful tilt i have done up the Cairngorms!

Powerslides very well with the traction off!

So the new guy in Carlisle won't be on here i take it then Graeme!

D

[campbell]

Also interested in Robin's suggestion... sit and wait. It had occurred to me. Problem is I've got petrol in my blood and there are bargains to be had while everyone else sits and waits...

Just a theory, but gas-guzzlers like Impreza Turbos (especially the models up to 2001 pre-bugeye disaster) are likely to be available at great prices for just this reason. I took a look when considering my "runabout" options a month or so ago! If you put some of your purchase budget aside into a "fuel fund", you could have yourself a massively practical yet capable Impreza 5-door and still have change left for brakes, tyres, servicing, trackdays and holidays Our 5-door is still sadly missed...other than its thirst of course.

Same goes for Audi S-models in Avant spec...just without the classic burble!

[graeme]

So the new guy in Carlisle won't be on here i take it then Graeme!

I didn't say he was from Carlisle... I said I was delivering it to some guy in Carlisle.

[graeme]

Just a theory, but gas-guzzlers like Impreza Turbos (especially the models up to 2001 pre-bugeye disaster) are likely to be available at great prices for just this reason. I took a look when considering my "runabout" options a month or so ago! If you put some of your purchase budget aside into a "fuel fund", you could have yourself a massively practical yet capable Impreza 5-door and still have change left for brakes, tyres, servicing, trackdays and holidays Our 5-door is still sadly missed...other than its thirst of course.

Same goes for Audi S-models in Avant spec...just without the classic burble!

Ha! You read my mind Campbell... was just about to PM you about this.

I could get AA P+L and run that for 6 months until I decide what I really want. What would you look out for on an old scooby?

Cheers,
Graeme

[meatball]

I'm not helping with this.....but I almost bought an ITR last year!
Lotsa fun......and cheap!

[campbell]

Ha! You read my mind Campbell... was just about to PM you about this.

I could get AA P+L and run that for 6 months until I decide what I really want. What would you look out for on an old scooby?

Cheers,
Graeme

We only had ours to about 35k miles IIRC, from nearly new, but much as with the Elise the main thing was going through the "big" service which ran to several hundred pounds and was the last straw for Lisa.

I think in the main I'd be looking for one that hadn't seen too much track action, because although lighter than the current Scoobs, the brakes take a lorra abuse on a trackday.

No faults arose on ours at all, but the service interval on the pre-2001s is 7.5k miles and it's important that's been adhered to.

John Stewart is your authority, PM him for summary, he's had just about one of every incarnation of Impreza I think!

My only observation on the one you've linked to is that it's a MY97 or 98, they were improved upon with MY99-01 - slightly more power, slightly better specs available etc...I think given the budget you had, getting the latest lowest miler you can is worth trying.

Just remember they are not frugal especially around town...upside is, it barely matters how you drive them, the range of MPG is relatively narrow 30mpg on a 70mph m-way cruise if you are LIGHT with throttle movements, 27mpg general average was our experience, and 22-25mpg around town at best...poorer on cold mornings!

Enjoy though.

Get a Scoobysport tailbox. Nothing else. The Scoobysport (Hayward & Scott) is just perfect.

[graeme]

Much obliged to you for your advice sir. Now looking at MY99-01.

Cheers,
Graeme

[campbell]

oh yes and meant to say, "induction kits" (even just K&N filters) can be trouble on Imprezas, they upset the MAF (mass airflow sensor, I think that is)...Cameron Leask had a bit of bother like that when he got a kit on his P1, so again, maybe best left alone...although I think a panel filter replacement (RamAir was a popular one?) does no harm, much as with the Elise.

[tuscan_thunder]

I'm not a 350Z fan: very thirsty and just a bit 'built down to a price' for my liking.

M3 (especially a CSL, despite it's paddle shift box) would work for me.

Spanner-in-works-time: Boxster S? Image issues I know but a very impressive car.

RX8 was a wee bit 2 dimensional for me.

Z4 has a very poor ride: it lifts wheels all the time which leads to traction issues, hindering decent progress and it also feels very uncomfortable. I know of some who suffer from motion sickness in it (as with modern Audis etc). Good engine, nice box: looks aren't my cup of tea.

[gorrie]

Get a T350... it was on your original list, and will remain one of the lowest to tax in your list, regardless of the fact you are getting a 2003 or later car.

[robin]

Get something boring, put the money in the bank - bad times ahead!!

Only for those in debt!

I think it will stretch a little further than that ... e.g. "only for those who aren't independently wealthy"

Cheers,
Robin

[campbell]

Yep our Classifieds section might get a bit busier before it's over...until we realise no-one else has any cash to buy our prides n joys here either