Jimmyc

Hi guys, does anyone have any suggestions, I've just started a new job and i have to travel a good 70-80 miles a day so i need something a little bit easier to live with on a day to day basis so i'm thinking of replacing the Escort with something new (plus i have a bit more cash coming in now)

I have between around £4k & £7k to play with for the initial purchase of the car.

So far i've thought about:

BMW 3 series, something like a 320 D sport, look smart as standard and i won't have to do much to it. But i don't know much about them??
Quite like the look of something like this but it really is at the top end of my budget and it would mean it would be a flexi loan job:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-54-Reg-BMW-3-SERIES-320-CD-SPORT-2DR-COUPE-/350466229882?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item51996a467a

A newer 04 shape A3, petrol or diesel. Again like the look of these and seem to go on forever. But not very keen on the interiors, seem to let the whole car down, plasticy and not very well put together from what i've seen. Not what i expected from a new Audi.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-AUDI-A3-3-2-V6-QUATTRO-SPORT-3DR-/290565976327?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43a714f107

Potentially a bugeye onwards Impreza turbo, but insurance would kill me big time i think.

Or a bit of a wildcard:
An S2000, easily tuneable with turbo or superchargers in the future, look less hairdressery with a decent set of rims, a good hard top and lowered. Plus always always secretely had a soft spot for em.

I had thought about an RX-8, but i've been put off by horror stories of them eating loads of oil, being very thirsty and not very reliable so not so keen on that idea, but could be swayed.

Has anybody had any experience with any of the above cars, good points, bad points, how much i should look to spend, whether i'm being realistic etc etc.

Looking for peoples first hand experience here, not a mate of a mates said they're mint

Or has anyone got any other suggestions? Has to be something a little special or smart. Not really looking for a boggo Golf or anything a long those lines.

Terry tibbs us whats your thoughts?

matts1

The BM will be a nice cruiser and in m sport or CD models should have some nice toys. Cant remember if the early 2.0d models had turbo issues.

Buying private you should pick up a nice example with some nice toys.

The Audi has a great trim but imo only in the S-line models, I have one and it is a stunning interior, totally out classes the bm, but on your budget i doubt you would pick on up unless it is a tired example.

What about something like the Mondeo ST Tdci? nice big cruiser, plenty of poke and bags of toys and style. Seems that those that have owned them really rate them and they still look modern today.

tobyjug_1988

Mate of mine had a 330d m sport saloon. Awesome car, plenty of toys and plenty of power, good on fuel if youre on the motorway. Only reason he got rid is he had a job that required motorway driving but at the last minute they changed it so he only had to travel 10 miles a day. Sold it for 5k with 95k on the clock, seriously nice car and he said he would recomend to anybody. Also surprisingly tuneable, remap and an exhaust should see around 240-250bhp. Also saounded the tits with an aftermarket exhaust.

I also like the look of the Mondeo ST TDCi but havent had any experiance with them. Good luck with the search matey.

Jimmyc

Thanks for the advice lads, I've had a look at the Mondeos and they don't really do anything for me personally.

The Beemer sounds pretty promising though, think i'll have to get out and have a look around some dealerships

danneth

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi.../mps?logcode=p

Well worth test driving one to see what you think

arch

+1

Jimmyc

Had completely forgotten about those!
Good shout.

Actually have a 3 in the familly aswell, only a 1.6 but its a great car. Will have to have a look, cheers bud.