£16k - what to buy?

[oliie]

Hi everyone!

As some may remember, I was in the market originally for a 993/996. Unfortunately in the interim I've bought another flat which means that my budget has been reduced a bit

I'm actually having a HUGE problem trying to decide what to buy...

- Has to be unique
- Should be at the bottom of depreciation curve
- Must be economical to drive (currently doing a London <-> Leicester drive twice a week although that is set to end in December)
- Must be good to drive
- Should be relatively comfortable for two people
- Must be reliable and must not feel like it is going to fall apart
- It should be a hit with the girls!

This is harder than it looks. I've considered a 3.0 Z4 with all the comforts, but it's not great to drive with its infamous electrically assisted steering. The 350Z looks good and is unique, but it is notorious for poor fuel quality. A CLK270 diesel is terrible to drive but ticks the other boxes. A 330D is too common and 'grown up'. A Boxster S is always seen as a poor man's 911 and will be too old in this price bracket.

At the moment I've shortlisted a 330CD (coupe diesel 3 series) and a Volvo S60R. Historically I've had a 330ci (two of them actually) so a diesel may be good for the long commutes. The S60R is a bit left field and surprisingly quick with electronic dampers and 4WD. It is comfy too!

Any other ideas oh Petrol Head ones?

O.

 

[Cue]

What about an M5?

i'd start by narrowing it down to countries of origin.
Australia? - Holden?
Germany - you may be able to find early 996 C2's for just a bit more than £16k, E46 M3's can be had for £16k. Stay away from mercs for this budget - the build quality for anything younger than 10 year olds is a lot worse than you think.
France - stay clear
England - you'll struggle for anything reliable for this money that's considered 'evo'
USA - not sure on the price of early 2000 vettes. mpg may be a bit low though

Personally i'd go for a '99 M3 Evo and pocket a couple of grand.

 

[AWESOM-O 4000]

I love these sorts of challenges - my mates and I are always doing hypothetical scenarion's like this (albeit with slightly higher cash assumptions :wink: )

So I did a pistonheads search for the cash and the ones that stand-out to me are:

Golf GTI - New shape, many to choose from in this range ~2005, but golf's so won't depreciate too much, not at all unique though, but try http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/218664.htm

350z / Skyline import - you mentioned about fuel, and tbh I Tube it to work, so can't appreciate how much the cost rocks-up, but they are great cars so would be damn good fun & always the option for powerslides etc.

Mini cooper S - ...obviously not as much fun as the Clio, but more refined and presumably therefore more comfortable on long journeys, not sure of MPG, but again will hold its value - could get a special edition like - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/171377.htm for the unique desires

S2000? - Great engine and car, possibly feel a little dated (and hairdesser)

Numerous TVR's - but reliability... ; E39 M5 - but is a bit family like, but hell Evo love it so it must be a grest car; Some Evo's & Impreza's about, but assume they are too common? What about a Monaro??

Any of these in the right sort of place?

 

[Drew196]

Have you thought about one of those Clio Trophies??
I've heard they're quite good!!
Save you some cash too!!

 

[SpaceMonkey]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/177474.htm ???

I know the petrol consumption might not be what your after, but alot of car for the money.

Like the Volvo idea though :twisted:

Mondeo ST220???

 

[Gazza]

I would go for the s2000, was looking on pistonheads and found this

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/247116.htm

sod the list and get a pocket rocket :twisted:

 

[Johnnytheboy]

The 350Z looks good and is unique, but it is notorious for poor fuel quality.

Please elaborate.

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

The 350Z looks good and is unique, but it is notorious for poor fuel quality.

Please elaborate.

I'm thinking he must have meant 'poor fuel economy' - if not i'm completely baffled!

I wouldnt say the 350z is that bad on fuel it should return a combined figure of 24/25 mpg - which is not too bad considering it has a 3.5 litre engine with approx 300bhp. 350Z would be my choice but i dont think 16k will get you much - at that price its likely to be an undesirable non GT car or an import.

The 330cd you mention has good residuals but is nowhere near the bottom of its depreciation curve. If you want something indivdual thats pretty bulletproof with regards to depreciation why not consider an original M coupe?

I think you'll struggle to find a car that will tick all the boxes Ollie - you have to look at your list and narrow it down by identifying what your priorities are.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

If you want something indivdual thats pretty bulletproof with regards to depreciation why not consider an original M coupe?

Gotta have a warranty on these imo.
They are circa £1000ish per annum iirc with £250 excess per claim.
Expensive, but well worth having considering VANOS replacement is about 2K :shock:

 

[artdealer]

I think you'll struggle to find a car at the bottom of the depreciation curve. Maybe a V6255 is not going to go that much lower as they have stabilised and even gone up in the last 18m.

I think your old Trophy may come back on the market. LOL

 

[oliie]

Hi guys

A big apology for not replying sooner... it has been very hectic at work this week.

Thanks for all of the suggestions... I have actually considered all of them carefully (except the Mini Gazza!!). When I said 'poor fuel quality' I did in fact mean 'poor fuel economy'. Oops!

My feedback and opinions from my tinted shades:

- M5 - great car but will cost a fortune to run and service. Also feels a bit grown up (I've not got kids yet so have my entire life to enjoy a 4 door car still...)
- 996 - at this price range will be very early cars - most of which are prone to engine failures
- E46 M3 - very high failure rate on various components (odd things here and there like steering racks, ABS sensors etc)... just ask Artdealer! Also insurance is not fun... although it is a real shame as it is a good car (only when under warranty though)
- '99 M3: a bit too old - I would regret it every time I saw the E36 interior (we had an E36 when we were living in Bangkok all the way back in 1994) so it would feel like a step backwards
- Golf GTI is one I considered more carefully. I had the previous GTI, so again, I just felt like I would be going backwards. I also know the Trophy is quicker in a straight line and around corners so would never be happy about that!
- Cooper S - never in a million years. My GF has a Cooper S. Enough said.
- S2000 - love it but can't help feeling it is so old (you really feel it when you get in). It just feels a bit machined and doesn't really have much emotion about it. You also have to work it hard to get the most of it (not fun for London)
- TVR: I can't be late for meetings. Enough said!
- Mondeo: Not even companies give those out as repmobiles any more...
- MCoupe: My friend has one of these and they really are dated. E30 rear suspension and E30 switch gear... that's over 25 years old! Also most have the E36 M3 engine which has the VANOS problem. Otherwise they do look superb...
- V6 255: also very high on the list but just can't live with a low rate Clio interior in a car worth close to £20k when there is so much competition. This however would be best for long-term value
- S60R: decided against it as per E39 M5: There will be a time in my life when I really need this car for the room and can't do with anything else. Now isn't it.


Soooo.... I'm about to buy a 350Z GT. It's a 54 plate UK car, still under warranty with just 9k miles. It has the Rays alloys, BOSE stereo, Brembos and Japanese reliability and servicing costs with European looks and desirability. It's comfortable, great to drive, sounds fantastic (as a big V6 would) and isn't that expensive to insure when you consider it has 300hp and tops out at 170mph with the limiter removed. I've decided to go for orange to keep it unique and make it stand out (should I have gone for gun-metal grey?).

I hope I have not made the wrong decision....

Here are some piccies:

 

[shiftspark]

Nice choice! (tup)
I may change mine but thats the problem , to what?

Food for thought me thinks

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Very smart cars, but am I right in thinking they run the same engine as the Vel Satis or am I talking cod shiz????

Either way, I think they are superb cars.....look forward to hearing your thoughts after some miles :wink:

 

[Cue]

brings back memories that, the one i nearly bought was that colour with that interior.

my only bug bear with the 350z, well two bug bears is coming from a M3 it seemed slow, most things would i suppose and the orange front indicator covers just wind me up for some reason.... I'm not a aesthetics man normally but see if you can stick silver visions in and change the cover to clear plastic.

 

[trophy176]

350z every time!! Or vx220 turbo/elise as they will be ace on mpg.

 

[duffer987]

Or as they call it over here "Lemans Sunset"
"Daytona Blue" is my pick of the Zed colours.
In North America the 350z and TT are reversed, you can't help but get run over by a 350, while the Audis are few and far between. Regardless, they're a class motor and that engine does sound great

I'm sure you've found all the good sites for it, but when I was looking for a car this forum was particularly helpful:
http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/350Z-TECH

 

[artdealer]

My 53 plate V6 255 is unmarked, 20000m only and £16000 with 12m MOT, Serviced and 12m Warranty. Add a set of Recaros and it's amazing per £ to drive and look at. They don't drop much in value either.

But if I get offered a nice 350Z I'll let you (and another former CT owner) know.

Hi guys

A big apology for not replying sooner... it has been very hectic at work this week.

Thanks for all of the suggestions... I have actually considered all of them carefully (except the Mini Gazza!!). When I said 'poor fuel quality' I did in fact mean 'poor fuel economy'. Oops!

My feedback and opinions from my tinted shades:

- M5 - great car but will cost a fortune to run and service. Also feels a bit grown up (I've not got kids yet so have my entire life to enjoy a 4 door car still...)
- 996 - at this price range will be very early cars - most of which are prone to engine failures
- E46 M3 - very high failure rate on various components (odd things here and there like steering racks, ABS sensors etc)... just ask Artdealer! Also insurance is not fun... although it is a real shame as it is a good car (only when under warranty though)
- '99 M3: a bit too old - I would regret it every time I saw the E36 interior (we had an E36 when we were living in Bangkok all the way back in 1994) so it would feel like a step backwards
- Golf GTI is one I considered more carefully. I had the previous GTI, so again, I just felt like I would be going backwards. I also know the Trophy is quicker in a straight line and around corners so would never be happy about that!
- Cooper S - never in a million years. My GF has a Cooper S. Enough said.
- S2000 - love it but can't help feeling it is so old (you really feel it when you get in). It just feels a bit machined and doesn't really have much emotion about it. You also have to work it hard to get the most of it (not fun for London)
- TVR: I can't be late for meetings. Enough said!
- Mondeo: Not even companies give those out as repmobiles any more...
- MCoupe: My friend has one of these and they really are dated. E30 rear suspension and E30 switch gear... that's over 25 years old! Also most have the E36 M3 engine which has the VANOS problem. Otherwise they do look superb...
- V6 255: also very high on the list but just can't live with a low rate Clio interior in a car worth close to £20k when there is so much competition. This however would be best for long-term value
- S60R: decided against it as per E39 M5: There will be a time in my life when I really need this car for the room and can't do with anything else. Now isn't it.


Soooo.... I'm about to buy a 350Z GT. It's a 54 plate UK car, still under warranty with just 9k miles. It has the Rays alloys, BOSE stereo, Brembos and Japanese reliability and servicing costs with European looks and desirability. It's comfortable, great to drive, sounds fantastic (as a big V6 would) and isn't that expensive to insure when you consider it has 300hp and tops out at 170mph with the limiter removed. I've decided to go for orange to keep it unique and make it stand out (should I have gone for gun-metal grey?).

I hope I have not made the wrong decision....

Here are some piccies:

 

[oliie]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I bought the 350Z on Monday.

If you are free this weekend and are bored, make a point to go to a Nissan dealer and ask them to start their 350Z (if they have one!). This car is pure porn - really unlike anything I've heard before... and all stock! It really is worth five minutes out of a Saturday diary to go and check out. I didn't think I would like it but I fell in love with it the moment I turned the key. Then I drove it and now I'm not sure anything can come close for the money - it has the most amazing weighted steering, a soundtrack to die for, and more fun than 300hp has any right to be!!!

I never thought the Japanese could do an emotional car and practical car at the same time - but this one really goes the extra mile. I know it sounds crazy but I would not settle for a 993 after spending just a week with the Z - it really is that good in my books, and far superior to drive / listen to than the 330cis I've had in the past.

Just find five minutes and ask the dealer to start the car... I promise you won't be disappointed. Then imagine what an after-market exhaust might do to it (if indeed you would even think it was necessary - it really is that fantastic - and unbelievable from a stock car!).

Ok, flame suite off!

P.S. I only just realised that Evo rated the Z so highly - I foolishly did not read their review before going to listen / drive... but now understand why they think it is top of the league. Amazing stuff.

 

[duffer987]

You're sounding...as the kids might say... like a Nissan 'fanboi' :wink:
In fairness the only negatives I can think of (just test driving them, not owning) is the built to a price interior, hard scratchable plastics FTL.
Have fun with the car, if not the drive up the M1 :? and get it out on track!

 

[trophy176]

I ve heard it is absolutely amazing car. If I could afford I d go buy a brand new one for approx 28k.

Everytime I go to my local nissan dealers they never have one ine!!

I ve only seen a couple on road too. How much did you pay?