2-3k, reliable, fast-ish car?

[onlinebacon]

I'm a bit of a long-time lurker and I'm after a bit of advice really. I've had a few fast-ish cars so far, two remapped Octavia vRS' and also a Mini Cooper S. Essentially I'm about to move in to my first house and I'm after a new car that will be fun to drive but also able to transport flat packs and the associated 'new house' stuff.

I've got 2-3k to spend, maybe a bit more for something special. Reliability is really important as my Mini cost me loads to keep on the road and got quite annoying. Equally a fast-ish car would keep things fun!

Ideally it would be with me for a year or so before I move on to a 350z or something. Has anyone got any ideas? I'm not a fan of intergalactic mileage so would hopefully be under 100k.

[ZX10R NIN]

2004 CLK320 Avantgarde 85k FSH 215bhp 3.2 N/A they're quick the only downside is the spark plug change because there are 12 of them.

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

[SilverSixer]

SAAB 9-5 (or 9-3) Aero estate.

[CX53]

My Saab 9000 is really big inside, very reliable, and has 275bhp. It cost me £1850.

If you need speed, space and reliability you can't go too far wrong with a turbo charged Saab, the handling isnt the best mind, but aftermarket suspension certainly helps.

[Ransoman]

Was about to suggest a SAAB but it has already been covered

Alternativly, try a Volvo v70r. 250bhp minimum, tunable, reliable and sounds good with a 5 pot under the bonnet.

[onlinebacon]

Cheers for the replies, I'll have a look at some Saabs, already looked at Volvos but it appears at my sort of price range they're fairly high miles. Shouldn't really put me off as loads are 200k+ but for some reason it does!

Anything else? Was thinking maybe an Accord 2.4 Type S?

[Ian Geary]

If you are brave, you could try and find a Renault Laguna gt205, which has the detuned engine from the renaultsport megane.

Still, I wonder why 2006 cars can be had for under £2k, and I reckon finding spares would be hard.

You might find a low milege mondeo st220, but perhaps not stretch to the 2.5T engined model, unless very leggy.

I recall some Insignias shared the Saab 9-3 aero engine, and I reckon they'll have lost a lot of their value by now (unlike higher spec bmws and audis)

Ian

[Yiliterate]

5-door WRX:

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

[fat80b]

BMW 330

[johnwilliams77]

BMW 540

[MrAverage]

probably not the most fun cars but 2.5T mondeos are looking good value can get a ~2008 titanium for £3k or less

they are currently on my radar.

[onlinebacon]

I totally forgot about WRX Wagons! That one looks awesome as well. I think I'll give them a call if it's still around next weekend. I didn't think of the Mondeo either... I think the Beemers may have a bit too high of a bork factor if they go wrong?