Another What Car thread...
Discussion
Another 'What Car' thread, I know, I'm sorry 
I posted a similar request a while ago in GG but none of the replies really flicked my switch. Plus a load of people in TV&S seem to be buying cars recently so I feel a bit left out! So I thought I'd see what ideas the finest minds on PH could come up with 
My brief is:
The recurring car that's ticking most boxes so far is an Impreza.
What cars have I missed, there must be others to consider?
I posted a similar request a while ago in GG but none of the replies really flicked my switch. Plus a load of people in TV&S seem to be buying cars recently so I feel a bit left out! So I thought I'd see what ideas the finest minds on PH could come up with My brief is:
- car must be able to be a daily driver, that I can take on hoons and that can tow (Caterham not caravan)
- Budget £5k max
- Decent-ish mpg
- Manual
- Probably pre-2001 to avoid road tax rip off
- nothing too barge-like
- preferably not an in line four engine, I'd like something that sounds good
- I’m not too fussed about age but would prefer something less with than 80k miles that isn’t going to start to cost big money to keep in good condition
The recurring car that's ticking most boxes so far is an Impreza.
What cars have I missed, there must be others to consider?
John R, your thread is here muppets_mate said:
Quite like the idea of an S3 or S4 but they're out of budget.
These could probably be had for £5k...http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/AUDI...
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/AUDI...
Just to add some options:
Fulfills the noise but budget for some repairs...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/820163.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/769497.htm
Mileage is high but it's a good engine...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/725774.htm
These are getting mighty cheap these days but again, keep some $$$ aside for repairs.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/832620.htm
Big too barge like?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/758704.htm
It's a bit left field but you could also pick up one of the 4.0 W8 engined Passats for around £5k.
Although having written all the above, the Impreza or ST200 options are probably best
Fulfills the noise but budget for some repairs...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/820163.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/769497.htm
Mileage is high but it's a good engine...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/725774.htm
These are getting mighty cheap these days but again, keep some $$$ aside for repairs.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/832620.htm
Big too barge like?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/758704.htm
It's a bit left field but you could also pick up one of the 4.0 W8 engined Passats for around £5k.
Although having written all the above, the Impreza or ST200 options are probably best
bmw2002 said:
That a lot of car and fun for that price Nigel 
Thanks for the replies and suggestions.
Some interesting cars, a few of them are a bit too wafty. I like the W8 suggestion for some understated luxo-barge motoring (debadge essential). I wish you could get an XJR with a manual box - that would be a definite candidate. I'll have an Alfa in my life at some point.
That Alpina has intergalactic mileage, although it does look in good condition I don't want to be facing a £1-2k bill for new suspension as it'll be baggy at that mileage.
Always had a soft spot for M5s, but it'd be criminal to stick a towbar on one! As a second car it would be awesome.
Having done a bit of research it seems that you can't fit a towbar to a ST200 because of the special rear bumper/valance.
Impreza it is then...! Any useful things to note when looking at Scoobys? (apart from a magnetic draw to McDonalds car parks, cruizes and burberry)
Some interesting cars, a few of them are a bit too wafty. I like the W8 suggestion for some understated luxo-barge motoring (debadge essential). I wish you could get an XJR with a manual box - that would be a definite candidate. I'll have an Alfa in my life at some point.
That Alpina has intergalactic mileage, although it does look in good condition I don't want to be facing a £1-2k bill for new suspension as it'll be baggy at that mileage.
Always had a soft spot for M5s, but it'd be criminal to stick a towbar on one! As a second car it would be awesome.
Having done a bit of research it seems that you can't fit a towbar to a ST200 because of the special rear bumper/valance.
Impreza it is then...! Any useful things to note when looking at Scoobys? (apart from a magnetic draw to McDonalds car parks, cruizes and burberry)
muppets_mate said:
Thanks for the replies and suggestions.
Some interesting cars, a few of them are a bit too wafty. I like the W8 suggestion for some understated luxo-barge motoring (debadge essential). I wish you could get an XJR with a manual box - that would be a definite candidate. I'll have an Alfa in my life at some point.
That Alpina has intergalactic mileage, although it does look in good condition I don't want to be facing a £1-2k bill for new suspension as it'll be baggy at that mileage.
Always had a soft spot for M5s, but it'd be criminal to stick a towbar on one! As a second car it would be awesome.
Having done a bit of research it seems that you can't fit a towbar to a ST200 because of the special rear bumper/valance.
Impreza it is then...! Any useful things to note when looking at Scoobys? (apart from a magnetic draw to McDonalds car parks, cruizes and burberry)
Simon,Some interesting cars, a few of them are a bit too wafty. I like the W8 suggestion for some understated luxo-barge motoring (debadge essential). I wish you could get an XJR with a manual box - that would be a definite candidate. I'll have an Alfa in my life at some point.
That Alpina has intergalactic mileage, although it does look in good condition I don't want to be facing a £1-2k bill for new suspension as it'll be baggy at that mileage.
Always had a soft spot for M5s, but it'd be criminal to stick a towbar on one! As a second car it would be awesome.
Having done a bit of research it seems that you can't fit a towbar to a ST200 because of the special rear bumper/valance.
Impreza it is then...! Any useful things to note when looking at Scoobys? (apart from a magnetic draw to McDonalds car parks, cruizes and burberry)
I had a UK model 2000 turbo (yr2000) bought it with 10k miles drove it for 4 years(sold it with 70k miles on the clock). Great car, very reliable never missed a beat.I had it serviced every 10k and just paid for the usual stuff. Great seats and very comfortable. Got around 24-29 mpg
Then had a Impreza STI Prodrive(53 Reg), another great car bought it with 2k miles drove it like hell… again did not miss a beat or use a drop of oil, serviced regularly .
22-27mpg.
As long has you buy a straight car… not turned to the hilt then ..it ticks all the boxes
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/739365.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/701330.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/823995.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/847800.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/701330.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/823995.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/847800.htm
Edited by Turbofun on Monday 12th January 10:09
SVT Rick said:
bmw2002 said:
That a lot of car and fun for that price Nigel Oh, I don't know where I would put it...
smack said:
SVT Rick said:
bmw2002 said:
That a lot of car and fun for that price Nigel Oh, I don't know where I would put it...
Now, back to looking for Scoobs.
rsstman said:
you can get a high miles s3 for that money.
Probably, but I'd rather not get a high mileage car as the state of our roads kicks the crap out of the suspension and bushes, etc. I really don't want to have to spend c. £1k on a suspension refresh. I'm sure Ben's got a first hand view of leggy S3 ownership. Care to share the highs and lows?
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