Advice Needed, ~£5k Budget : What are my choices?

Freakbro

Freakbro

Freakbro

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Hi Motors, It's time for me to change my car and I need some help to narrow my choices down, currently driving an old, 15yr+, BMW 318i.

Now, I will say I don't know a great deal about car maintenance and have no ability to do running repairs - so primary importance to me is reliability, so probably Japanese? I haven't had the most prestigious ownership history, my favourite car to date by a mile was my Toyota Celica 2.0GT ('94), and that never let me down in 5 years. This beamer on the other hand is falling apart around me :p

I am looking for something sporty, that drives/handles well and looks good. I don't do a great deal of miles, probably only 5-7k a year, so MPG is not that much of a concern - though I would like enough room inside & in the boot to make it a practical daily car. So no MX5 sized 2 seater cars, a 2+2 would be more in order.

A lot of my driving is on B roads around Lincolnshire, so cornering ability is a must ;), though something that will be comfortable on that drive down to London too.

I have had a look in other 'spec me' threads and done some searching on Auto trader, but currently feel a little lost with the array of choice.

Two cars I did see are

Nissan 350z - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../postcode/m460lr/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p

or

Nissan Skyline GTR - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../page/1/postcode/ln44pp/radius/1501?logcode=p

No I'm not fixated on Nissans! it's just these two had the sort of shape I liked and seemed reasonably priced - but I have no idea if they are good models or not.

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated :)
 
Gribs said:
You'd be mad to pick either of those if reliability is the primary concern. That's bottom end 350z money plus they're both imports so you've no idea of the history.

I'd suggest something like this.

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301194981002

They're not fast but handle ok and have adequate performance. They look fairly sporty though.
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Oh, so those Nissan's aren't known for reliability?

No go with that Celica though, I really can't stand that 'new' shape, especially after the great looks of the previous model.
 
Why would he be mad? Both look like good options and although Nissans are not what they were there far from unreliable
 
I used to like the Honda Civic Type R's, 10+ years ago, but I'm now over 40 (:eek:) and don't really see myself in one now. Nor the Mini cooper S.

I'm an accountant with my own self emp business and do go and see clients, so something that looks a bit of class as well would be good.

I did initially weigh up the sensible car (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../postcode/ln44pp/radius/1501/page/2?logcode=p , that is a lot of car for the money!) vs mid life crises car and mid life crises car is winning atm :p The £5k budget is flexible for the right car.

What would be wrong with those Nissan's btw?

I would prefer to buy off a trader tbh, to at least get some limited warranty and maybe p/x for the Beamer.
 
Some guy on here bought a Mazda 6 MPS for £4k, which was an awesome buy for the money. Might be worth a consideration?
 
Persil said:
Why would he be mad? Both look like good options and although Nissans are not what they were there far from unreliable
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They look good options? They're bottom of the market imports with completely unknown history. Good 350z's seem to cost at least £6.5k so way over budget.
 
'Harry said:
Audi A4 - Safe and boring just like an accountant ;)
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:D

I have wrestled with the thoughts of finally succumbing gracefully to that moniker...hence originally looking at something like that Skoda Superb, but.... I never have been a typical accountant so far, so I don't really see it starting now :p

If I am being unrealistic with my expectations on that budget I can increase it :)
 
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