Ideas for a new car... 2k ish

[LostPhil]

After owning my 25 GTI for 3 years and putting up with the poor condition of the paintwork and other problems previous owners have caused (should've looked at the car more carefully on purchase!), I'm considering selling it and buying something else while it needs bits doing to it.

I'd probably chuck in up to £2000 for the new one, plus anything I get for the 25, but I'll say just £2000 for now. At the moment I'm just considering options, need to sort a new job first but I'd like some ideas at what I can get. Insurance shouldn't be much of a problem....

Looking for a coupe or a saloon (basically, anything bigger than mine) that looks nice with a bit of poke that'll drive nicely on both long distance motorway cruising and the odd A/B road short journey (usually at some speed. I'll leave it at that!). Would like to get 30mpg cruising at 80 if at all possible, I think I only get around 35 in the 25 anyway.

On the list at the moment is:
- MG ZT 190. Comfortable, nippy and supposed to handle well. Quite a lot of car for the money.
- Peugeot 406 Coupe V6. Love the look of them, a bit thirsty... But still! Supposed to drive nicely too.
- Ford Cougar V6. A friend has one and it's quite a nice place to be even if the V6 isn't all that powerful considering.
- Alfa GTV or 156 (not sure about engine choices...). I love the GTV interiors from pictures and the overall look of the car. Getting on a bit now though and it's an Alfa... Same story with the 156.

Mondeos aren't my thing I'm afraid, unless it's a mk3+ ST then I'm not going to consider it. Diesel I'm not too keen on to be honest but throw in suggestions if it's a good drive.

Something just a bit different yet competent would be ideal

Any opinions on the cars listed above are welcome and any warning about massive running costs besides fuel would also be appreciated! I'm not on much of a salary...

 

[LostPhil]

I did look at Mk1 Hyundai Coupe's before I bought the 25. The top spec ones weren't tooo bad to sit in although never got to test drive one. Engines seem a bit low on power for their size though? At least they used to be. Any particular spec that I should look at?

I'll have a ganders at the HDI Pug. I guess the power delivery could suit the car. My heart's with the V6 but the mind's with the diesel! Is there any decent site I could look up regarding the tuning?

Would 2k get a decent example of a Prelude? Being a Jap car I expect them to keep their value well!

 

[LostPhil]

9-3 Aero
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1231460.htm
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1256401.htm

Bingo, that might just be the ticket! That second one looks immaculate too. Anyone have anything to criticise them on? The steering wheel looks nice to hold, one worry I had switching from mine Seems to tick all the boxes to be honest. Guessing they're generally pretty reliable?

EDIT: I do agree that the Alfas will be money pits, it's more of a heart than a head thing. As for the other points, anyone else want to confirm?

I would also LOVE an Accord Type R but I can't stretch to that at the moment unfortunately!

 

[LostPhil]

the ZT is the only one in the list i would consider.

anyone who buys a cougar should be shot for the sake of the gene pool.

Could you please explain why I should be shot? The interiors are much nicer than the equivalent aged Mondeos, use the ST24 engine, I find the seats comfortable in both the front and back, quiet cruiser as far as I remember and about as quick as my car currently.

If you could explain quickly, I'm just about to walk to the army range to borrow an MP5. If I'm going to go, might as well be by my favourite gun.

And how is the TDCi "one of the best sounding engines of its generation"????
It's a DIESEL for chrisakes.

He was talking about the 156's engine. iaind; I'd probably make tractorish remarks about a diesel Mondeo too and I'm 24 Just stop the bickering, I got the point a while back and ruled it out.

unfortunately i don't know enough about them.
There are a few people on here running those Saab 4 pots in one form or another.
I know they need an oil change every 5k or something otherwise sludge stars to clog things up..

there's some info on honestjohn, but perhaps start a new thread?
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=351

Thanks! Never really know where to look when it comes to common problems. Looks like a good bit of info. The oil changes don't bother me, I don't do a massive amount of miles a year and I can do that myself easy enough and it's nice to know someone's sorted the bulkhead problem!

Anyone here want to chip in with any more suggestions or is that my lot?

May have gone for an FTO for no other reason besides being cool if they weren't expensive for a decent example... A Galant is also playing at the back of my mind... Whether a decent manual's within reach I have no idea.

I'll prowl Pistonheads/Autotrader later...

Anyone want my 25 as a trackday project?

 

[LostPhil]

If I'm honest, the Saab's at top of the list still!

I agree with the interiors on the Galant now I'm looking at pics... Not exactly the most inspiring place to sit... Guess the outside lured me into a trap!

The Toledo, whilst looking like a very good sensible purchase (that's a very impressive spec for the money!), just doesn't do anything for me. Would probably pass on the recommendation to other people though, I'm sure they're good cars.

After a very quick search on Autotrader:
MG ZT
FTO
Saab

This is going to be a tough choice...

 

[LostPhil]

I'm sure the OP would appreciate you getting out the thread. I appreciate I haven't done much to help keep you quiet, I should ignore trolls like you but at least I've made some useful input.

It's cool, I've had some good input, you can fight if you like

*Grabs a seat*

 

[LostPhil]

Saab 9-5

Any thoughts? It's miles away from me but the first one that caught my eye!

Looks like better value than the 9-3s...

EDIT: Seems like it's a one off, the others seem to be much higher mileage!

 

[LostPhil]

do it

If it wasn't in Newcastle, I would

 

[LostPhil]

We may have a winner!

Going to see if I can pop up there tomorrow afternoon to have a look. They've got a 406 coupe there too so we'll see how it goes.

Doesn't seem too bad a price for a dealer... Appears to be the 185bhp version too!

 

[LostPhil]

yeh, but it doesn't have leather or heated seats.
it also has some cheap tyres

it's not an aero either, but 185 should suffice
i dunno, if you're happy, go for it. i'd hold out for a top spec one, or a 9-5

How does the Aero compare? I can't tell whether it's a sportier setup or just the top spec. 185bhp's enough for me, quicker to 60 than mine! Although wouldn't argue with more...

I'm in no huge rush, so I don't have to buy the first one I see. Would give me a chance to sit in one and give a feel for it at any rate.

I think I will wait for one with leather and cruise control - that's the one thing I've always fancied after being sensitive with my throttle all this time... Although if a nice enough example comes up, could do without the leather. Saying that, heated seats... mmmmm

 

[LostPhil]

Just "bought" this!

Picking it up tomorrow. Exterior's in very good nick, interior's pretty decent too although needs a bit of a clean. Air con makes a creaking sound but I can ignore it since it wont be on most of the time. Drives very nicely though! Advert says it's the 150bhp version and I'm not too sure, drives kinda like the 185 I drove yesterday and the insurance doesn't seem to be any different... Is there any way to check using the Reg number?

 

[LostPhil]

does it ****. it offers less power with the same economy
that car is the 150bhp, you can tell as it doesn't have a turbo boost needle on the dashboard above engine temp and the fuel guage.

seems expensive compared to the other (more powerful) ones, but it depends on the condition..
at least it's full spec (bar leather) and it seems in good condition
150bhp is enough anyway, at least it's not the NA 130bhp

Thanks for the info! It seemed quick enough since it isn't going to be anything like a go kart however you look at it... Saying that, it'll be fun to find the limit I guess the main difference is just the turbo? Might be able to tweak it later if I get bored. Haven't read into the tuning at all.

Got it for £2300, the front tyres need replacing soon but it's just had a service and in otherwise good condition! I think I got a decent deal compared to others in my area. Not bothered about leather - to be honest cloth would be more comfortable for me.