Another "What car" thread...
Discussion
I have a 2005 Civic Type R which I've owned for around 3 years and it has been brilliant! Cheap to run service etc and only using oil, tyres and brakes/pads a bit. It's also been great fun to drive too but I'm looking to change in the next 2 months or so.
I'm tempted by the Honda S2000, DC5 Integra Type R and I'm also tempted by various Impreza's and I had a test drive in a Hawkeye STI model yesterday which seemed good fun. My neighbour is also trying to sell me his Golf R32...
I want to spend no more than 10k, and the car has to be reliable, commutable and reasonable in term of running costs and fun too!
I can't seem to make my mind up... Anyone on here fancy helping me out?
I'm tempted by the Honda S2000, DC5 Integra Type R and I'm also tempted by various Impreza's and I had a test drive in a Hawkeye STI model yesterday which seemed good fun. My neighbour is also trying to sell me his Golf R32...
I want to spend no more than 10k, and the car has to be reliable, commutable and reasonable in term of running costs and fun too!
I can't seem to make my mind up... Anyone on here fancy helping me out?
kayzee said:
Do not get an STI if you want decent running costs lol... just had a service @ £500 and I get 12mpg on average, and am paying £1,200 insurance (26 with 6 years NCB) I must be mad!
12mpg indeed. Your car is broken then 
I get 8 on track and 24+ mixed driving.The running costs are cheap if you consider the fact that you have considerable performance on tap.
Sounds like you are having the same thoughts as me, looking to change from a Gen7 Celica 190 later this year. I really ideally wanted to stay jap but did consider BMW 3 series, Mazda 3MPS, Mazda6MPS, Seat Leon Cupra R 225 and a blobeye Impreza WRX with PPP. For me, at of those, the WRX PPP is the best and what I am now hoping to buy in the next couple of months.
wilbo83 said:
Sounds like you are having the same thoughts as me, looking to change from a Gen7 Celica 190 later this year. I really ideally wanted to stay jap but did consider BMW 3 series, Mazda 3MPS, Mazda6MPS, Seat Leon Cupra R 225 and a blobeye Impreza WRX with PPP. For me, at of those, the WRX PPP is the best and what I am now hoping to buy in the next couple of months.
Yes sounds familiar… I’ve looked at some BMW 3 Series, but in my view they are a bit sensible and I can own one of these whenever. While I am single I might as well get an S2000, I don’t need 4 or 5 seats. I think an S2000 would be cheaper to run than a scoob plus it comes with an awesome engine/gearbox.I definitely want an Impreza sometime though, it’s one of those things that I just need to do! (And before petrol gets any crazier on price)
britsportscars said:
While I am single I might as well get an S2000, I don’t need 4 or 5 seats. I think an S2000 would be cheaper to run than a scoob plus it comes with an awesome engine/gearbox.
You need to drive everywhere with your pant on fire - its mandatory. That engine does need to be reved.to the OP....
Price up an STi with PPP and one without. If you're happy paying the premium for a PPP'd car then great. At least the warranty stays intact.
Alternatively, taking a standard STi and custom modifiying/remapping it will reap bigger rewards and may ultimately work out cheaper. Equally, you get one of the best bang per buck machines on the market.
Subaru's are not so expensive to run or service regularly, urban myth!! If you own one and really think that is the case then the truth is you cannot afford to run one.
To the poster with the 12mpg Subaru.....Subaru's aren't great on fuel but then you don't buy one because it's economical, however, you have either a very heavy right foot or as has been suggested you have a serious issue with your car. 12mpg with normal driving is not normal. Maybe you need a remap!!
Price up an STi with PPP and one without. If you're happy paying the premium for a PPP'd car then great. At least the warranty stays intact.
Alternatively, taking a standard STi and custom modifiying/remapping it will reap bigger rewards and may ultimately work out cheaper. Equally, you get one of the best bang per buck machines on the market.
Subaru's are not so expensive to run or service regularly, urban myth!! If you own one and really think that is the case then the truth is you cannot afford to run one.
To the poster with the 12mpg Subaru.....Subaru's aren't great on fuel but then you don't buy one because it's economical, however, you have either a very heavy right foot or as has been suggested you have a serious issue with your car. 12mpg with normal driving is not normal. Maybe you need a remap!!
I don't think warranty will be an issue for a 10K car, I think it will be past that...
The markup for a PPP on both a WRX and an STi is about 500 quid. For the WRX its a no brainer as it will cost more than 500 quid to get there, and a custom map wont be that much better. However, for an STi its well worth getting a custom map as you'll liberate another 45 horses (mine is running 336 on a standard turbo, which is 30 up on the PPP. On Shell V-Power it would have made 350)!
The markup for a PPP on both a WRX and an STi is about 500 quid. For the WRX its a no brainer as it will cost more than 500 quid to get there, and a custom map wont be that much better. However, for an STi its well worth getting a custom map as you'll liberate another 45 horses (mine is running 336 on a standard turbo, which is 30 up on the PPP. On Shell V-Power it would have made 350)!
Would be an impreza for me but classics are best.
12mpg is certainly not normal.
My RB5 over 20 or so months has cost me 3 oil changes, air filter, fuel filter and discs and pads all round as well as a set of tyres although the old ones were fine but I wanted new ones to go nicely with my wheel refurb.
All these are consumables which would have neede replacing whatever car it was, but the oil changes are every 6 months rather than yearly in a "normal car". I get about 25mpg average.
Only way to decide would be to go for a couple of test drives. I found imprezas seem much more of an event than most cars when you get in the drivers seat and start the engine due to the lovely deep burbley sound and looking down the bonnet at that intercooler vent with the seats hugging you tight in position, then you drive it and start grinning.
12mpg is certainly not normal.
My RB5 over 20 or so months has cost me 3 oil changes, air filter, fuel filter and discs and pads all round as well as a set of tyres although the old ones were fine but I wanted new ones to go nicely with my wheel refurb.
All these are consumables which would have neede replacing whatever car it was, but the oil changes are every 6 months rather than yearly in a "normal car". I get about 25mpg average.
Only way to decide would be to go for a couple of test drives. I found imprezas seem much more of an event than most cars when you get in the drivers seat and start the engine due to the lovely deep burbley sound and looking down the bonnet at that intercooler vent with the seats hugging you tight in position, then you drive it and start grinning.
britsportscars said:
I have to say, the 2.5 engine in the Hawkeye I had a test in was great!
It is a good engine, but not as much of a riot as the 2ltr. If you are going to track it and modify it I would go for the 2ltr (unless your willing to rebuild the engine). For a daily then the low down grunt the bigger displacement provides might be the one.
I vote for the S2000.
The Subaru will be quick and when you really push it then it is involving, but then you are at licence losing speeds. The fuel consumption is terrible, and you need to be aware of that fact before buying. Before I got my Scoob, I researched the combined cycles and calculated the fuel costs. Were they accurate in real life? No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
I like the DC5, but have not driven one. Everything I have read is positive, great handling and power but still FWD and too similar to the CTR?
I presume for £10k your neighbour has a MK4 R32? Love these, but again, not driven one. It will be a more refined cruiser than the S2000, but not as much fun or frugal (probably).
The S2000 is a great, great car. A lot of criticism centres round the high insurance, dangerous handling and engine that has no torque and requires thrashing to make progress. The insurance is high, but worth it IMO. The handling is NOT dangerous, as long as you give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet. The engine is an absolute gem, and you CAN make decent progress without engaging the VTEC. I think it is a perfect compromise in a sports car, in that it is relatively economical, tractable and easy to drive when bumbling around yet explosive when you are hooning. Effectively two engines to suit your mood.
Just worth mentioning the fuel economy - I took the S2000 for a long run, and managed well over 300 miles before needing to fill up. The fuel tank is also 10 litres smaller than the Scoob, so just a bit better Criticisms? The steering wheel is non-adjustable, there is no trip computer and the steering feels a little numb and lacking in communication (but I had a MK1 MX5 to compare it to, so a little unfair). It is noisy and unrefined on the motorway, and perhaps here you might notice the lack of torque. Not a problem coming from a CTR though, just do the same and drop it into third 
The Subaru will be quick and when you really push it then it is involving, but then you are at licence losing speeds. The fuel consumption is terrible, and you need to be aware of that fact before buying. Before I got my Scoob, I researched the combined cycles and calculated the fuel costs. Were they accurate in real life? No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
I like the DC5, but have not driven one. Everything I have read is positive, great handling and power but still FWD and too similar to the CTR?
I presume for £10k your neighbour has a MK4 R32? Love these, but again, not driven one. It will be a more refined cruiser than the S2000, but not as much fun or frugal (probably).
The S2000 is a great, great car. A lot of criticism centres round the high insurance, dangerous handling and engine that has no torque and requires thrashing to make progress. The insurance is high, but worth it IMO. The handling is NOT dangerous, as long as you give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet. The engine is an absolute gem, and you CAN make decent progress without engaging the VTEC. I think it is a perfect compromise in a sports car, in that it is relatively economical, tractable and easy to drive when bumbling around yet explosive when you are hooning. Effectively two engines to suit your mood.
Just worth mentioning the fuel economy - I took the S2000 for a long run, and managed well over 300 miles before needing to fill up. The fuel tank is also 10 litres smaller than the Scoob, so just a bit better
Criticisms? The steering wheel is non-adjustable, there is no trip computer and the steering feels a little numb and lacking in communication (but I had a MK1 MX5 to compare it to, so a little unfair). It is noisy and unrefined on the motorway, and perhaps here you might notice the lack of torque. Not a problem coming from a CTR though, just do the same and drop it into third JFReturns said:
The Subaru will be quick and when you really push it then it is involving, but then you are at licence losing speeds.
I am mixed on this. Find the right country lanes and you can still have an involving blast. However, you need to be very aware of the speedo. As I have said though, if you are going to do some track stuff then you can really go mental (I am addicted and have 6 planned for the year).JFReturns said:
The fuel consumption is terrible, and you need to be aware of that fact before buying. Before I got my Scoob, I researched the combined cycles and calculated the fuel costs. Were they accurate in real life? No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
Quite how people manage this is a mystery to me - you must drive everywhere like your pants are on fire. I easily get 300 miles on 50 litres and mines mapped for more power. Its a 60 litre tank, and I fill up when the fuel light pops at which point there is still 10 litres left in the tank. The only compromise I make is that I stick to 70 on the motorway, but on country lanes I hardly get out of 3rd S2000 is a great car though - a few guys at work had them. Once chap used to sometimes wonder though how he got home from work in one piece
I would like to know what they are like as track toys as its only a matter of time till I try a RWD car (never owned one).paulmoonraker said:
JFReturns said:
No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
Thinking about it - I got 90-100 miles (50 laps) on a tank at Woodbridge track... What have you been doing 
JFReturns said:
I vote for the S2000.
The Subaru will be quick and when you really push it then it is involving, but then you are at licence losing speeds. The fuel consumption is terrible, and you need to be aware of that fact before buying. Before I got my Scoob, I researched the combined cycles and calculated the fuel costs. Were they accurate in real life? No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
I like the DC5, but have not driven one. Everything I have read is positive, great handling and power but still FWD and too similar to the CTR?
I presume for £10k your neighbour has a MK4 R32? Love these, but again, not driven one. It will be a more refined cruiser than the S2000, but not as much fun or frugal (probably).
The S2000 is a great, great car. A lot of criticism centres round the high insurance, dangerous handling and engine that has no torque and requires thrashing to make progress. The insurance is high, but worth it IMO. The handling is NOT dangerous, as long as you give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet. The engine is an absolute gem, and you CAN make decent progress without engaging the VTEC. I think it is a perfect compromise in a sports car, in that it is relatively economical, tractable and easy to drive when bumbling around yet explosive when you are hooning. Effectively two engines to suit your mood.
Just worth mentioning the fuel economy - I took the S2000 for a long run, and managed well over 300 miles before needing to fill up. The fuel tank is also 10 litres smaller than the Scoob, so just a bit better Criticisms? The steering wheel is non-adjustable, there is no trip computer and the steering feels a little numb and lacking in communication (but I had a MK1 MX5 to compare it to, so a little unfair). It is noisy and unrefined on the motorway, and perhaps here you might notice the lack of torque. Not a problem coming from a CTR though, just do the same and drop it into third
Just a quick correction....your scooby tank, if it's a newage car will be 60ltrs not 65. The older classics are 50ltrs. The Subaru will be quick and when you really push it then it is involving, but then you are at licence losing speeds. The fuel consumption is terrible, and you need to be aware of that fact before buying. Before I got my Scoob, I researched the combined cycles and calculated the fuel costs. Were they accurate in real life? No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
I like the DC5, but have not driven one. Everything I have read is positive, great handling and power but still FWD and too similar to the CTR?
I presume for £10k your neighbour has a MK4 R32? Love these, but again, not driven one. It will be a more refined cruiser than the S2000, but not as much fun or frugal (probably).
The S2000 is a great, great car. A lot of criticism centres round the high insurance, dangerous handling and engine that has no torque and requires thrashing to make progress. The insurance is high, but worth it IMO. The handling is NOT dangerous, as long as you give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet. The engine is an absolute gem, and you CAN make decent progress without engaging the VTEC. I think it is a perfect compromise in a sports car, in that it is relatively economical, tractable and easy to drive when bumbling around yet explosive when you are hooning. Effectively two engines to suit your mood.
Just worth mentioning the fuel economy - I took the S2000 for a long run, and managed well over 300 miles before needing to fill up. The fuel tank is also 10 litres smaller than the Scoob, so just a bit better
Criticisms? The steering wheel is non-adjustable, there is no trip computer and the steering feels a little numb and lacking in communication (but I had a MK1 MX5 to compare it to, so a little unfair). It is noisy and unrefined on the motorway, and perhaps here you might notice the lack of torque. Not a problem coming from a CTR though, just do the same and drop it into third Equally, to get 150 miles from a tankful of 99RON you have a fairly heavy right foot. My scooby is modified to c. 350bhp and i've managed to get 300 miles from a tankful of 99RON on a run to Scotland fully laden, and at c.80mph for most of the way. Equally, general town and country driving with a bit of hooning here and there i was getting around 200-225 miles per tank. On a track day i could easily get that down to between 5-7miles per gallon and rightly so!!
The fuel consumption is not terrible. Perhaps you have an issue with your scooby or your driving style requires some modification. If you really felt the need to calculate fuel consumption/costs combined cycles and all that then perhaps a scooby is not for you. The words scooby and economical never went together nor should they.
As for licence losing speeds.....I think the same can be said for most high performance vehicles. That's where they come alive and into their own which is after all the reason we buy them.
My scooby isn't very involving at low speeds, specially around town and multi storey car parks but then that's how my granny likes it.
Have you thought about a Nissan LEAF?
JFReturns said:
paulmoonraker said:
JFReturns said:
No. To put it in perspective - I used to fill the 65 litre tank with premium fuel and do 150 miles before the fuel light went on.
Thinking about it - I got 90-100 miles (50 laps) on a tank at Woodbridge track... What have you been doing Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff