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MikeHiow

MikeHiow

MikeHiow

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Isle of Wight
Where I finally need to buy a car I want.

My shortlist;
RX8
UK DC2
E36 M3
Impreza RA
Evo 5

My requirements:
Something that'll be used to go out when the OH is out, or needs the Focus, and for weekends, as well as a few trackdays a year. It needs to be capable of transporting the little one, so two seaters are out.

Budget: ~£5k.

My thoughts are that I really want an RX8, but I kind of think that a weekend car should be a bit faster. On the plus side, I love the image, the feel, driving position, noise and value for money that the RX8 offers.

The DC2 appeals mostly through being cheap, reliable and "raw".

The M3 is more there in terms of capability and performance, but its dated and lacks in image somewhat (Due to the amount of modified 318/328s it just looks like another E36 these days).

The Impreza is right there in terms of performance and that special feel behind the wheel (acceleration, y0!). Reliability and the "chavvy" image classics seem to carry these days are concerns.

I have a huge thing for the Evo 5/6, but it is potentially £1-2k over budget and will be difficult to find one that isn't rusting underneath.

I am of course open to other suggestions, but I really cannot decide - hell, I've even considered just sticking the money in a savings account and insuring the Strada - I'm that torn.
 
I wouldn't even ask on here if I was you, I would just go and buy the one YOU like best and live with it.

You're just asking for a flaming here.

Good Luck! And I hope you get sorted with a nice car :)
 
doublefacepalm.jpg


Seriously ??

you only just bought a new car !
 
dont rule out an ep3 either they going for about your budget nowadays but i would say that a dc2 may be a bit harsh on ride if the little on is very young could not imagine a baby seat managing over bumps in the dc2 but its ok for me as i have kept the original 15inch wheels on so the rides alright

also add the focus ST to the list possibly or a clio 182 :)
 
You just keep coming back for more eh!?

The problem you have is you are mentioning a requirement for 2 children in the back AND then saying track days. One of the two areas will need to compromise, and based on you having another car I'd go for the children in the back.

£5k should get you a 98 spec (go for this over 96 spec) DC2 ITR. Problem is they are getting on a bit now, you will need to budget to spend cash on one. Personally I'd only want an absolutely stock example, and would want to keep it that way. Search for the BMI video of 96 spec vs 98 spec ITR to see the reason why.

You of course should really get RWD for track work if you want more 'fun'. You'll learn more and be able to get more from the car as your skill improves. Personally, at this price point I'd look at an E36 328 and use that, saving the rest of the cash for track day running costs.

Evo/Impreza On track days? you must be loaded. In which case you wouldn't be spending 5k.

RX8... depends if you want to be overtaken, constantly.
 
E36 M3 as we've already discussed in great length, but ONLY if you can afford the upkeep.

Failing that, as Conanius said, E36 328i Sport.
 
MikeHiow said:
Where I finally need to buy a car I want.

My shortlist;
RX8
UK DC2
E36 M3
Impreza RA
Evo 5
Click to expand...

Now THAT, is a varied list, lol

Given that list id go with the e36 M3, the best looking of the bunch (imo anyway, tho id take a pristine condition one over the current M3 any say, but then I think BMW's have been getting uglier with every revision, just personal pref).

NB: I based my recommendation on looks as they are all fun to drive, wouldn't be disappointed owning any of them.
 
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Conanius said:
You just keep coming back for more eh!?
Click to expand...

I don't like this "tone", especially when its unfounded and you've failed to read my post;

Conanius said:
The problem you have is you are mentioning a requirement for 2 children in the back AND then saying track days. One of the two areas will need to compromise, and based on you having another car I'd go for the children in the back.
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I don't really need to compromise, there are plenty of perfectly capable 4/5 seater cars? I didn't say two children either.

Conanius said:
£5k should get you a 98 spec (go for this over 96 spec) DC2 ITR. Problem is they are getting on a bit now, you will need to budget to spend cash on one. Personally I'd only want an absolutely stock example, and would want to keep it that way. Search for the BMI video of 96 spec vs 98 spec ITR to see the reason why.
Click to expand...
I've already stated, I want a UKDM DC2 if I have one.

Conanius said:
You of course should really get RWD for track work if you want more 'fun'. You'll learn more and be able to get more from the car as your skill improves. Personally, at this price point I'd look at an E36 328 and use that, saving the rest of the cash for track day running costs.
Click to expand...
Doesn't get any more condescending than that, but I did actually contemplate a 328 and a load more track days, I concluded that I don't have the time to do any more than I already plan to.

Conanius said:
Evo/Impreza On track days? you must be loaded. In which case you wouldn't be spending 5k.
Click to expand...
Would you mind clarifying this point?

Conanius said:
RX8... depends if you want to be overtaken, constantly.
Click to expand...
:D

Sin_Chase said:
Does a 5k budget not rule out half that list already?
Click to expand...

Not really, whilst it is variable, the only thing it really rules out is the Evo?

General opinion seems to be M3, does anyone have any thoughts on my concerns with these?
 
Can you stretch to an S1 elise? I'd say it will be much more fun than any of the above on the track or even on the road. Practicality isn't an issue since you have the ST.

The other option is fit a tow bar to the focus and get a cheap single seater :)
 
I;d be looking towards an Impreza, Evo or RX8 type car. I wouldn't be buying a raw car when you involve kids. You don't want them going deaf in the back of a DC2 whist their brain is sloshed around their skull via the firm suspension.

For a compromise in rawness, an early EP3 would be newer than most of the options but still have thrash-ability and drive-ability where it counts without costing the earth to run. There's plenty of room for kids and the associated junk but although still a firm ride, not too harsh for a kid in the back seat. I would say they are plenty fast enough too.

You would have to spend some time finding the right one for 5k but they are out there and I know two people who have owned them for 2 years from paying that much. As I read into it, you have and are keeping a Focus ST? That's probably just as quick and capable as your options. Why not get the Mrs something more appropriate?
 
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