Rab

As I've not had an entertaining car for what feels like ten million years, my mind has drawn a blank on what to buy.

I'm currently poking around in a 306 GLX (it has 'auto' wipers ) which although functional, and practical is NO fun whatsoever...

Now. A few years ago I'd just revert to default settings and buy another RS Turbo or something equally hopeless. But, a combination of now being in my 30's, some common sense and the fact I dont want to break down constantly with my 2 kids in the car has ruled that one out.

Which leaves me with a condundrum. What the fuck do I buy that gets my snake standing up?

So far, I've looked at E36 M3's. But for my budget of 4k ish, they're fairly rough. Skoda Octavia RS 1.8T... Well, nice and all that, but FWD and ugly as sin. I don't really like Golf GTi's, Astra GSi Turbo's seem ok for the cash, but again FWD which I'm trying to avoid. Did have a scout about some E39 535i/540i Sports, but couldn't live with an Auto and a Manual is more rare than my daughter tidying up her toys at 7pm every night!
200SX's don't seem to have the room on the back seats for the car seats. And the whole point is I need to take my kids with me. Otherwise I may aswell just use the 306 and give the wife a lift to work!

So, as I can't think of anything and everyone else has an opinion, I'd like some useful suggestions. So, essentially that means Benni can't post

Cheers!

Escow-Van

230bhp 4x4 Mondeo? Perhaps not as entertaining as an RST, but much more practical
6.6 to 60 ain't too shy considering it has 4x4 weight to shift.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01104378047644

Rab

Interesting!

However, I'm in my 30's, not my 60's......

Magnum PI

Mondeo ST220?
SEAT Leon?
Audi A3?

Miller 3

iTrader: (4)

May not be what your after bud, but i was in a Supra garage today and if i didn't have the saph' That would be exactly what i would have instead... chatting to the guy and he said he would have No problem running 700hp with just bolt on parts

stevos

What about this had one a few years back great cars and this one looks to be in standard form,well apart from all the handling goodies.
Really reliable too as long as they havent been back street tuned
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2359052.htm

Rab

Doug, could I get a TT for my money? And could I put my kids in the back?

Stevos, I hadn't thought about a Pulsar. Cheers. I'll investigate!

stevos

great cars mate bought mine in standard from nice set of wheels a few handling mods,stainless with decat and it rollered at 250bhp.


A couple of pics for ya

Rab

Hmmmm.... Aren't the brakes and gearbox a bit shit? Should I look for one with uprated bits or not?

It's fairly stressful this shit I'm away back to the ship in a week and need to have something to look forward to when I get back

russellsmith

old shape audi s3's would be worth a look too mate.

FletchCossie

iTrader: (4)

The Octavia VRS is a very good car, can fit the kids, massive boot and 180bhp which is quite nippy. Ive had mine 3 years and am only tempted to sell for Ł3000 due to wanting a cabrio for the summer

This is mine, 66,000 miles, full service history, half leather interior, 4 brand new tyres, new disks and pads all round and new lower wishbones (Common problem). Brilliant cars for the money Mine should be Ł3500-Ł4000, but I want a quick sale.

stevos

Gearboxes werent great cos people cranked the shit out the turbo and gave them hard launches.If you were thinking about tuning then definatly fit an organic clutch as there alot better for the gearboxes and a new fuel pump.
Brakes were ok but not expensive to upgrade to better discks and pads.
I went for a standard one as i didn't want the engine messed with and i never had one bit of bother oh apart from the alternator.
Again they are getting on a bit in age but there are still plenty for sale and parts are still readily available

stevos

Can also vouch for the octy vrs as had one for two years,i actually liked the look of them but evryones taste is different.

collierm

Evo 4 - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...%204?logcode=p

Impreza Turbo - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...urbo?logcode=p

Both good fun and in budget. I've owned both and they both made me cheer up if I'd had a shit day. The Impreza edges it for me as its easier to live with on a day to day basis and the I love the engine noise.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

What about a 328I E36 AKA the easy way to 193BHP, ok so it hasen't got the pace nor the power of an M3 but it's still a potent car and meets your RWD criteria, within your budget as well.

Martin

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

Classic Impreza springs to mind.

Miller 3

iTrader: (4)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/lis...dist=&nodays=0

Rab

Cheers folks. Food for thought.

Russell, like an S3 you mean? Or just a 1.8T Sport?

russellsmith

s3 mate great little cars,you will get a facelift one for 4k

come with 4wd and 225 bhp,a remap takes it to 270

with the right set a wheels they look smart as fuck

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

VR6 I suppose as well.

Saaamon

iTrader: (2)

Volvo 850R? My old one.

Rab

You know that never even crossed my mind mate! German reliability, hell the wife could ever operate its controls without disaster!

I assume they're quite plush on the inside, being an Audi?

russellsmith

the wife would love it mate,feel quite refined still even though there getting on a bit

inside there lovely,you get recaro seats and a few different interior options like full leather or some come with half leather and alacantra,all electric and most have heated seats

russellsmith

heres a few that are advertised mate,this one is a pre-facelift but still looks good for the money
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2417549.htm

or this looks a nice standard car,if that's what your after
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2256855.htm

colour coded back bumper looks shit though,easily sorted a suppose

rsmark86

iTrader: (3)

for 4k there is loads of cars to have

fiesta st
civic type r or the older ek9 import
integra type r
astra gsi
golf gti 20v turbo
e36 m3

then theres evos and scoobys but with kids i would get something thats abit more userable... even with 4k i dont think the m3 would be a good choice but any of the others will...

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Toyota avensis

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

The Audi isnt really practical for kids if you ask me.

DAN P

iTrader: (1)

i have a vrs skoda as said goes ok with 180 brake the boot is massive

Gazzonator

iTrader: (9)

What about an R33 Skyline GTS?

Willis1989

I like these cars, theyre fuckin rapid too

Rab

What do you think is making way for the new toy

Going for a look at one of those Astra GSi turbos later. With no intention of parting with any cash. Just to see what it feels like.

Glenn, when I asked about getting a TT for my money, I didn't mean an Audi. I was asking in reference to Dougs suggestion of a Supra, where I meant Twin Turbo.

Some good suggestions so far! Especially Russell's S3 idea. Never even thought of one of those! Want to avoid the Scooby though, purely because every fucker in my town has one. Always chavved up to fuck, with the old bill following close behind...

Rab

Aren't they a bit shit in standard form?

big_wig_074

aristo v300!
supra tt engine,5 series in size,auto but can be converted
easily within your budget!
heres one i found the bay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-ARISTO-...#ht_2658wt_958

but there are cheaper more subtle ones on there too

Benni

Meh! I had a great suggestion...

rs-tuner

iTrader: (1)

Leon cupra r

jme-rst

R32 skyline,2.0l turbo, classic looks,rwd and change from 4k for some mods

Guile1

4 K ...

SKODA octavia (best bet) - you wont be dissapointed

focus st 170 - good all rounder .

MAYBE a cupra leon .... but may be high milage



all i can think of with that budget , anything else would be dog rough for that cash...

i wouldnt dare say ... impreza ... nissan gtr .. or anythin with a million owners and 100000,000 miles .... just not worth the grief!!

jammerrs

old scooby, then youve got the 4 doors and as much tuning as you could want