5k budget - Some help please

[anonymous-user]

Hi all,

So I've had my E46 330ci for almost a year now. I was looking to replace it for a Mk3 MX5 but bailed on the idea at the last minute. Had it up for sale but took it down. I love the car but it needs another 1-2k to get it in top nick (Fresh suspension and other minor problems). Now I've just got back from my holiday and I've discovered it's decided to go from max to min on the dip stick in a week. Also I've just had a check engine management light come on with a rough idle which developed on a blast back from girlfriends house. I'm taking this as a sign to move on and find something else.

I'm looking for something that is comfy when cruising but engaging to drive when I fancy giving it some. Reliability would also be ideal. I don't mind spending money to fix or bring a car into shape but not when it's dipping into every months pay check. 5k budget. The fact I liked the GT nature of the BMW wants me to have something similar. However I'd love to have a drop top which is a hoot to drive.

Any help on suggestions for cars that fall in my budget? My mind has been so narrow when it comes to choices, thanks.

[ryanthescot]

rx8

[anonymous-user]

ryanthescot said:

rx8

Too thirsty and too much faffing around with it from what I've read. Look really nice though, if it wasn't for the reliability I'd be right in there!

[Johnny 89]

Alfa Romeo Brera / GT / 159

If you like the GT side of things any of these would be good

[SlimJim16v]

Diesel MX5

[anonymous-user]

Johnny 89 said:

Alfa Romeo Brera / GT / 159

If you like the GT side of things any of these would be good

The 159 always took my eye but I wasn't sure on reliability and price. I'd like a similar power output to my 330ci. The 3.2V6 would be the obvious choice however I believe they are way out of budget?

[schmalex]

BMW 630i ? An absolutely superb GT car.

According to WBAC, my 2007 car is only just worth £5k

[s m]

AB57 said:

Hi all,

So I've had my E46 330ci for almost a year now. I was looking to replace it for a Mk3 MX5 but bailed on the idea at the last minute. Had it up for sale but took it down. I love the car but it needs another 1-2k to get it in top nick (Fresh suspension and other minor problems). Now I've just got back from my holiday and I've discovered it's decided to go from max to min on the dip stick in a week. Also I've just had a check engine management light come on with a rough idle which developed on a blast back from girlfriends house. I'm taking this as a sign to move on and find something else.

I'm looking for something that is comfy when cruising but engaging to drive when I fancy giving it some. Reliability would also be ideal. I don't mind spending money to fix or bring a car into shape but not when it's dipping into every months pay check. 5k budget. The fact I liked the GT nature of the BMW wants me to have something similar. However I'd love to have a drop top which is a hoot to drive.

Any help on suggestions for cars that fall in my budget? My mind has been so narrow when it comes to choices, thanks.

May just be as simple as the cyclone valve needs doing plus you've got a split intake hose downstream of the AFM

[Johnny 89]

AB57 said:

Johnny 89 said:

Alfa Romeo Brera / GT / 159

If you like the GT side of things any of these would be good

The 159 always took my eye but I wasn't sure on reliability and price. I'd like a similar power output to my 330ci. The 3.2V6 would be the obvious choice however I believe they are way out of budget?

Here's one for 6k.. A bit of bargaining will have you close!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[anonymous-user]

Johnny 89 said:

AB57 said:

Johnny 89 said:

Alfa Romeo Brera / GT / 159

If you like the GT side of things any of these would be good

The 159 always took my eye but I wasn't sure on reliability and price. I'd like a similar power output to my 330ci. The 3.2V6 would be the obvious choice however I believe they are way out of budget?

Here's one for 6k.. A bit of bargaining will have you close!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Mmmmmmm now that is lovely!! What's the reliability like?

Anyone chime in with some info on the car?

[egor110]

9-5 aero then get it remapped to 400bhp 580 Nm.

Clio trophy might just about be able to pick one up for £5000 , not as straight line fast as the aero but far better on b roads, plus less to go wrong with no turbo.

Megane f1 r26

Edited by egor110 on Tuesday 6th September 22:26

Edited by egor110 on Tuesday 6th September 22:51

[Johnny 89]

AB57 said:

Johnny 89 said:

AB57 said:

Johnny 89 said:

Alfa Romeo Brera / GT / 159

If you like the GT side of things any of these would be good

The 159 always took my eye but I wasn't sure on reliability and price. I'd like a similar power output to my 330ci. The 3.2V6 would be the obvious choice however I believe they are way out of budget?

Here's one for 6k.. A bit of bargaining will have you close!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Mmmmmmm now that is lovely!! What's the reliability like?

Anyone chime in with some info on the car?

I asked a similar question and got some great feedback here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Liggle]

Z4 3.0 is a logical choice, same reliable M54B30 engine as the 330ci (as someone else has mentioned it'll be CCV system causing oil burning) but lighter shell and its a drop top. You'll get a decent one for £5k too.