What would £5k buy someone today?

kinger8938 · 25 May 2022 at 13:23

Hey all. Debating ending a pcp deal and going for a "run around" or cheap older used vehicle to get me to and from work.

We have another car for the family/weekends.

I was thinking something a bit fun like a coupe, a TT or something like that.

I know it's a get what you pay for world out there, but what would be a good/reliable option?

I used to love the RX8 BUT.. I understand they definitely aren't a reliable choice?

HangTime · 25 May 2022 at 13:57

Don't know why, but I was expecting RX-8 to cost more. Cheaper than I expected looking on AT.

One bit that doesn't quite stack up though, you are wanting something "a bit fun" but to use for commuting, with a different car used at weekends. Will you get the opportunity to have fun during rush hour? Is there a reason you can't use the other car for commuting (this will likely be cheaper than buying another car)? RX-7 has low MPG, high road tax and relatively high insurance banding, which doesn't really fit with the "cheap" bit.

Normally, people would tend to get a coupe, convertible or whatever as a weekend toy with something a bit more frugal and comfortable used to ferry them to and from work.

Bear · 25 May 2022 at 14:00

TT and something a bit of fun doesnt really go together for that price point does it. Isnt the original one boring AF?

kinger8938 · 25 May 2022 at 14:01

HangTime said:
Don't know why, but I was expecting RX-8 to cost more. Cheaper than I expected looking on AT.

One bit that doesn't quite stack up though, you are wanting something "a bit fun" but to use for commuting, with a different car used at weekends. Will you get the opportunity to have fun during rush hour? Is there a reason you can't use the other car for commuting (this will likely be cheaper than buying another car)?

I never really have a good reason to explain myself

but I shall try!

Yeah, RX8 Seems cheaper than I expected too. Then I googled it and got scared. They sound a bit unreliable?

So use wise. I say commute, I live 15 mins from work. So it's hardly a long one.

Other car is used during the day by partner for her school run, work, and school run again.

sovietspybob · 25 May 2022 at 14:09

Yeah an RX8 would require a brave pill, cool cars but you need to really do your homework. It used to be the case of being better to buy one with the engine pre-failed and get it rebuilt yourself as you should get 60k fairly trouble free out of it then.

If you've got the tools and know how to rebuild yourself i dont think it's that expensive but is quite different to a regular engine but i dont think it's THAT complicated.

HangTime · 25 May 2022 at 14:13

Will it cost you anything to end the PCP early? What car is it? Depending on the scenario, keeping hold of it might be a better option than buying a cheap fun car with unknown history.
edit: Just seen other thread, Megane RS300 trophy sounds fun on paper and presumably is under warranty, isn't there a risk the replacement car will be less fun and more unpredictable with bills etc?

kinger8938 · 25 May 2022 at 14:16

HangTime said:
Will it cost you anything to end the PCP early? What car is it? Depending on the scenario, keeping hold of it might be a better option than buying a cheap fun car with unknown history.

Indeed all up for debate really.

Just something I'm considering thats all.

The PCP settlement is just shy of £22k and car is valued roughly at £27k on the usual buying sites WBAC etc

Robbo · 25 May 2022 at 14:24

RX8's:

Use silly amounts of fuel
Need rebuilds fairly regularly at significant cost
Have rust issues, among other things
Expensive tax
Not really that fast or good to drive (stock, anyway)

They are cheap for a reason.

bazzabear · 25 May 2022 at 14:30

The other problem with the RX8 for your planned use is that they are particularly unhappy being used regularly for short journeys I believe.

Doobedoo · 25 May 2022 at 14:33

Clio 182

RENAULT CLIO RS 182 FULL FAT FSH HPI CLEAR 97k | eBay

WINDOW SCREEN (SMALLL CRACK). FULL HISTORY UP TO 2013 WHEN IT CHANGED OWNER AND GOT LEFT IN THE CORNER OF THE GARAGE UNTILL RECENTLY. NEW BRAKES ALL ROUND AND DISKS. NO OIL LEAKS. BODY WORK IN GOOD ENOUGH CONDITION FOR THE YEAR OF THE CAR FEW LITTLE BITS ON FRONT BUMPER TO SORT (AS WITH ANY).

www.ebay.co.uk

MrRockliffe · 25 May 2022 at 14:38

5k would get you in a Ford Fiesta, which I would hazard would be fun enough, but also a decent commuting car

rodenal · 25 May 2022 at 17:42

Similar to the 182 above but that tiny bit more modern, Clio 197/200

Great little cars, just watch for gearbox issues and be aware that they drink a little bit for a relatively light, na car (nowhere near rx8 levels though)

Haze · 25 May 2022 at 18:01

I miss my 182. one of my mates had an Rx 8, and I was gobsmacked how rusty they get

JonRGV250 · 25 May 2022 at 18:33

Avoid an RX8 like the ****ing plague, unless you're really really into self flagellation/have money to burn on constant repairs, and like spending more money on engine oil rather than fuel.
Buy an MX-5 if you want reliable and fun.

ShiWarrior · 25 May 2022 at 19:11

assuming you are not doing over 10K a year then if its just commuting ?

Focus ST-3
or facelift ST-2 ?

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theres even a mk 3 ST :

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AWPC · 25 May 2022 at 19:20

I would keep the Trophy 300 myself your not going to get anything better for the money! How about downsizing to a Sport 300 (no DESS battery issues & more comfortable seating) or even an RS250 starts around £7K!! Raw cars but lots of fun for sure !!!

BennyC · 25 May 2022 at 21:17

Another shout for a 182. Had two in the past.

Cheap as chips on consumables and plenty in the graveyard if you need cheap replacement parts. Cliosport forum is a good resource too.

dlockers · 25 May 2022 at 21:22

LOL I knew to challenge you on your "man maths" in the previous thread

Infiniteey · 25 May 2022 at 23:35

Curveball. What about an old luxury saloon like an S-Class? It will probably smell like old farts but should be plenty comfortable for a daily commuter.

kinger8938 · 26 May 2022 at 11:13

AWPC said:
I would keep the Trophy 300 myself your not going to get anything better for the money! How about downsizing to a Sport 300 (no DESS battery issues & more comfortable seating) or even an RS250 starts around £7K!! Raw cars but lots of fun for sure !!!

I probably won't get rid, just having a think