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CreAtiv3

CreAtiv3

CreAtiv3

Associate
Joined
10 Nov 2004
Posts
492
Location
Northampton
I currently own an '04 BMW 318Ci Sport Coupe which has just cost me just short of £900 on its last service. While it was in the garage I also got them to look into the cause of it sounding like a diesel. Apparently the noise was due to the timing which had "skipped/jumped a tooth", they also changed the tensioner, belts and pulleys including alternator pulley as the bearings were on the way out.
Now ive got the car back im quite bored of it and realized just how gutless it is. It seems to lack any pulling power and im not sure if it used to be like this or if they've not put it back together correctly! During the 10 days they had it I was driving a 2l tdi passat which pulls like a freight train compared to this!
I'm now tempted to sell up while its working/sounding normal and get something else.

I've estimated I would get around 4.5k for it as a part ex and looking to add 3k to that. After something for my 40 minute commute everyday and a bit of fun at the weekends. 30mpg would be a nice bonus!
Top of my list at the moment is an '07 Mazda RX8 231. It looks like you get a lot of car for the money but they too can have several problems of their own not to mention guzzle fuel. Dont want to spend any more than £800 on the insurance which is what the mazda would be.

Recommendations greatly appreciated!
 
The RX-8 is a whole world of different compared to a 318, running costs border on the obscene and it's a very fussy car. Warning bells should ring when you go to the RX8 owners forum and one of the biggest threads it titled 'It's a great car and other non-negative RX8 stuff' and most of the other threads are about it's problems :p

I'm not saying don't go for an RX-8 but do your research before buying one and expect the potential for problems that may/may not arise.

Maybe a Focus ST-2 is in budget?
 
If its in good health the RX8 should hit around 21-22 mpg mixed. Ill only be doing 20 miles a day so thats not too bad compared to what im getting now to be honest. I must have got a real lemon with this bmw! :(

Ill look into a Focus ST-2 now, thanks!
 
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CreAtiv3 said:
If its in good health the RX8 should hit around 21-22 mpg mixed. Ill only be doing 20 miles a day so thats not too bad compared to what im getting now to be honest.

Ill look into a Focus ST-2 now, thanks!
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The problem with the low mpg is that its disproportional to the performance of the car. If it was me I think I would be looking at the ST220, although I don't think it would feel as quick as the focus.
 
Looks like the Focus ST is outside of my budget to get a decent one + the insurance is £1k.

The few ST220's I can find are close to 100k miles which puts me off :(
 
As much as I love the looks of the E46 coupe I want something different. Current one has put me off which is completely my fault for going for the 318ci to begin with! Not got an issue with the service bills providing it feels worth it.

Whats the general opinion of Honda Accords? 2.2 CTDi Sport GT any good?
 
I wouldn't want a 4.5k 2.2 I-CTDI Accord tbh, it's a good engine but as many owners have found out it can throw some rather large bills up at you.
 
I got 17mpg from my RX8! Shocking fuel economy!
The engines only last 60k before needing a rebuild too, due to rotor tips wearing out. Mine had this problem and Mazda just fobbed me off despite having a full years warranty. My advice is not to touch one with a ten foot barge pole!
 
IvanDobskey said:
The engines only last 60k before needing a rebuild too, due to rotor tips wearing out.
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I'm not sure this is entirely correct, with the RX-7 yes but as far as I was aware the rotor tips are now ceramic and a lot stronger. As long as it is looked after properly they should see you much further?
 
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