£4-5k to spend..

Guv

Guv

Guv

Soldato
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Warwickshire
It's probably 3-4 months away but I'm thinking about changing cars. I currently have a 1998 Mondeo ST24 that I've had for 2.5 years.

* I want something quite quick, 0-60 in 7 ish seconds.. or less.
* I'd be happy with a car of similar size. A decent coupe such as 3-series size is also fine but I'd find a prelude or MR2 too low.
* Insurance group 17 or less ideally although obviously I'd have to get a quote. The ST24 is group 16 and fully comp insurance is ~£600 with 0 NCB which is fine. If insurance was a bit more that wouldn't be a problem.
* Must be high spec, I like leather seats, air con etc.
* Reliable
* MPG 25+

If looked after I don't have a big problem with above average mileage.


What would you suggest?

Is £5k be enough for an E46 BMW 330, petrol or diesel? coupe?
 
Guv said:
Is £5k be enough for an E46 BMW 330, petrol or diesel? coupe?
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Not enough for a 330Ci. A 330i might just squeeze into your budget, but its likely to be a tired example. Not enough for a 320d or 330d. In any event, an early 320d isn't to be recommended due to its well documented turbo problems.

Guv said:
What would you suggest?
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Keep your existing car.

Guv said:
The ST24 is group 16 and fully comp insurance is ~£600 with 0 NCB
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Seems incredibly low. So with 5 years NCB, fully comp would be £300 for a ST24!?

Which insurer are you with, where do you live, and how old are you?
 
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Difficult. With the exception of the odd high mileage 7 owners from new example with patchy history low spec 530i SE, you wont be finding x30i or x30d BMW's for this sort of money. You'd have much more look with with a 328i.

That said, I'd keep the ST24 until I had a tad more cash. That or replace it with an ST200?
 
I've thought about an ST200 but would like something different.

A 328i would be ok, just been looking on autotrader and there are some reasonable examples for £5k.

I could keep the ST24 for a few extra months and save up some more cash and get a 330.

Apart from the engine size is there any advantage of a x30i over an x28i?
 
Well the x30i is newer than the 328i, is 40bhp more powerful and has DSC instead of ASC. It's also available as a Sport model which the 328i in E46 form was not. The main difference, however, is in the facelift models but these start from £8-9k.
 
Great power and torque levels when remapped and also return an excellent MPG when motorway cruising, have all the toys too, climate, 6cd changer, electric windows/mirrors and half leather interior and whatnot. /pimp.
 
MarkDavis said:
Seems incredibly low. So with 5 years NCB, fully comp would be £300 for a ST24!?

Which insurer are you with, where do you live, and how old are you?
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Haven't tried a quote with 5yrs NCB so couldn't say.

I'm with Bell Direct, live in a low risk town and I'm 24 (23 when I took out the policy). That was with a couple of extras like DOC as well added on.
 
Thanks for the other suggestions.

I'll look into the Octavic VRS.
I need to decide if I'd rather wait until I have enough for a 330 or not..
 
[TW]Fox;11368313 said:
If you want a really nice 330, find £9-10k. You can buy them for less but why would you want one that isn't mint?
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Yep I agree it's pointless buying one that isn't mint.
I'll have to think about what I can do and how long it'll take to find the extra cash etc.
 
Octy VRS and Accord Type-R both make sense for this money. Both are circa 6 seconds and both a hoot (octy slightly more power when remapped, accord handles much better)
 
[TW]Fox;11369203 said:
When remapped, sure, in standard 180bhp form surely not? :p
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Autocar got 6.7 secs when they reviewed it. So probably around 7 secs+ standard for the average driver.
 
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