300 bhp for 8k

[rubez]

hi, looking for a new car. i'd like 300bhp (minimum really) for around 8k.

this probably means high miles.

to give you an idea... i have looked at a BMW E92 335i, and an Audi S3. one had 100k miles on the clock (a little too much for my liking) the other was 80k miles.

coming from a JDM Spec C Impreza, ran around 370bhp.

AWD/RWD, petrol, MT, hardtop is a must.

any thoughts or ideas?

thanks.

Edited by rubez on Thursday 13th April 10:53

Edited by rubez on Thursday 13th April 11:06

[sc0tt]

I think you should post in the car buying section.

[generationx]

The easy answer USED to be a tuned Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth. Sadly that ship has now sailed...

[tomtom]

E46 M3.

[AshBurrows]

tomtom said:

E46 M3.

[james_gt3rs]

Can you get a Focus ST for that money?

[rubez]

have thought about E46 M3. but they are pretty old now... older than my Impreza. would be pretty stupid to trade in for an older, higher miles car than the one i already have!

should have mentioned... looking for AWD or RWD... Focus ST is a good shout otherwise.

Edited by rubez on Thursday 13th April 11:08

[VGTICE]

Volvo S80 V8 AWD. If you can look beyond the grandad's car image it will surprise you with a very good V8 exhaust note and decent performance.

[TheVole]

Maserati 3200GT (although one at this money is likely to be trouble)

Vauxhall Monaro

350Z

Audi S4

[spreadsheet monkey]

VGTICE said:

Volvo S80 V8 AWD. If you can look beyond the grandad's car image it will surprise you with a very good V8 exhaust note and decent performance.

Is that available with a manual gearbox?

I would have suggested a Jag XK8 (or S-type) with the 4.2 V8 engine, but they are all auto only.

[vtecyo]

Monaro if you can find a good one for sale that isn't sold by the time you get to go view it.

I've given up.

[HedgeyGedgey]

Tbh honest with you anything now after the Subaru will feel slow and boring regardless if it has 300bhp+. The truth is you will have a very tough job finding a replacement that's better in every way, there's a certain way a turbo Japanese AWD car delivers and puts it's power down, ability to be thrown round the little Britain roads etc

[rubez]

HedgeyGedgey said:

Tbh honest with you anything now after the Subaru will feel slow and boring regardless if it has 300bhp+. The truth is you will have a very tough job finding a replacement that's better in every way, there's a certain way a turbo Japanese AWD car delivers and puts it's power down, ability to be thrown round the little Britain roads etc

yeah, i've basically resigned myself to this fact. especially the Spec C was 90kg lighter and more powerful than a UK scoob.

still want something that can at least overtake like a champ and looks decent.

[VGTICE]

spreadsheet monkey said:

Is that available with a manual gearbox?

I would have suggested a Jag XK8 (or S-type) with the 4.2 V8 engine, but they are all auto only.

Auto only too.

[Filibuster]

Audi B6/B7 S4 with that fabulous 4.2 V8!
They come in estate, avant and convertible form.
Maybe, just maybe, you will even find an RS4 within budget..

[spreadsheet monkey]

VGTICE said:

Auto only too.

Pity. The S80 is an interesting rare car with the V8 - and pretty much the polar opposite in image terms from the OP's JDM Impreza!

[300bhp/ton]

Might still find a C4 Corvette for that kind of money. Finding a manual in the UK is always a challenge though, but not impossible.

[anonymous-user]

vtecyo said:

Monaro if you can find a good one for sale that isn't sold by the time you get to go view it.

I've given up.

Have you spoken to James at elite? http://www.elitecar.co.uk/used-cars

[parabolica]

Last gen 6 series? Plenty of 650Ci around for £8k. Won't be as precise as your past cars, but the straight-line speed is brutal.

[GreatGranny]

OP, I wouldn't worry about an E46 M3 being older than your Scooby, it's an entirely different type of car apart from being quick.

Have a go in one first before you dismiss it.

Or what about a 350Z?