Something fast for 3-5k

Psycrow

Psycrow

Psycrow

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Joined
16 Jan 2003
Posts
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Location
Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Having turned 21 at the start of this year and also coming up for having 2 years no claims bonus, I fancy something a fair bit faster than my current Accord Sport. Budget is whatever I can sell the Accord for (3-3.5k) + 2k I have in savings if needed. The less spent the better but its not too much of an issue.
My current short list is

Honda Prelude VTI Nice 197Bhp VTEC engine, solidly built, pretty fast. Only downside is I dont really like the power delivery of VTEC engines too much. Biggest plus is they can be had for the same price as my Accord, so my only extra cost would be a hike in insurance.

Skoda Octavia vRS Very tunable. 5k Can get a very good condition one. Turbo so more the sort of power delivery I'm looking for. Only downside is I dont think they are very nice looking.

Nissan 200SX S14a Fast, tunable, well spoken of on a number of forums. Only bad points are they might be too much in insurance, they are RWD which would only become a problem come winter time as it would be my only car (Plus it would be my first RWD car and I might end up backwards in a hedge, though I do drive quite carefully so I doubt it).

Impreza UK turbo Always loved scoobies, but I fear insurance would still be a killer at this age.

Any other ideas and comments on my ideas so far?
 
328i BM.

But having read your post about your lack of driving skills, try an advanced driving course first, you'll find more performance if you have a bit more ability. ;)

It would be a shame to trash a new, faster car, would'nt it? ;)
 
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Jez said:
All he'll get is an E36. Need to move up to the 5 in this price range sadly :(
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He'd get a high miler e46 for £5k, depends how brave he is. ;)

Although probably a 325, not 328. :o
 
[TW]Fox said:
325i not introduced until late 2000 so not for £5k. I'm dissapointed you didn't realise that :p
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You'd be surprised what fleet disposal auctions can turn up, as I say though, very high mileages. ;)
 
200sx has to be the way forward IMO :).

Prelude - very little scope for tuning without spending £lots
Octavia - Dull
Impreza - Scary insurance, it'll be stolen/vandalised, image problem (if that bothers you)

200sx is RWD, moderately quick as standard, loads of scope for cost effective tuning, nice looking. Only downside is practicality. I can't see any reason why you'd crash it just because it's RWD. Unless you drive like you have a death wish, you'll be fine :).
 
What should I be looking for/avoiding with 200SXs. I know almost nothing about them other than they look nice apart from the rear :)

Regarding the BMWs, I love the 5 series to look at and maybe drive when I have a family and still want to have fun, but for now I think it seems overly big considering theres only ever me and my GF in the car. 3 series seems more to my liking so just how good a 328 could I get? Will it be of an age where problems start occuring? How expensive are they to run and service?
 
I've done enough E36 mauling for tonight so I shall step back and let R124 give you some sensible advice.



They still look old and naff though :o
 
[TW]Fox said:
I've done enough E36 mauling for tonight so I shall step back and let R124 give you some sensible advice.



They still look old and naff though :o
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Wrong thread matey, I am on about e46's in this thread.... ;)

Threads crossed, easily done, I know. :o ;) :D
 
Going to sleep now, I expect one of you two to have explained the ins and outs of buying a 3 series by the time I check back tomorrow :P
 
Rover 220T / Rover 620Ti pimpage here. Less than 2k for a mint S reg Rover 620Ti, 197BHP. It's a group 17 car, but as it's a saloon, less to insure than than any of the above choices in the OP.

You can fit 3 golf bag and trollies in the boot (just)

The T25 turbo is easily swappable for a Nissan Pulsar or s14 T28 turbo.
 
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Another potential option would be a Leon Cupra turbo.
Personally I don't like them, but they're clearly very fast in a straight line for not much dosh, and you've talked more about being fast than being a sports car.
 
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