Bollards! TVR sold... ideas for cheapo funmobile?

[Marshy]

OK, well I've gone and sold the TVR.

(Pause for a couple of comiseratory pints.)

I've got a really miniscule budget for the next tin box, about £4000 top whack, as I've decided to avoid finance for the moment. There could be geographic moves afoot on the job front, so a few years of finance hanging around on a car makes no sense.

So, question is, what next? Requirement are: needs to be fairly good at long journeys, needs to accomodate 6'4" person, preferably 6 or more pots, would like air-con, and a whole bunch of other stuff. A bit (well, excess, if possible) of poke, and the possibility of some fun are also vital. These requirements may change at random.

Practicality isn't too much of an issue: my backup car is a truly laughable Fiat Tipo 1.4ie, with a rediculous "S" badge on the front wings. 1.4? S? Ha ha. It's not too bad I suppose, especially after a bit of TLC, but my head brushes the roof, my legs are all cramped up and I can't reach the stereo. Or heater. Or the goddam wheel for that matter. I emerge from that after 150 miles looking like Notre Dame's finest.

Things I've seen so far that tweaked my interest are:-

BMW 325/328 (early/mid 90s age. There's the odd one or two starship 328i's lying around. Not scared of the miles... scared of the bore wear and whether it's been fixed...)

Previous gen BMW M3 (again, a few starships around. 4 banger, but supposed to be brill)

Scooby WRX (Again, early/mid 90s.)

Porsche 944 S2 (and there's that late 80s turbo at under 4000 quid, but it could be a real nail, recent work receipts or no)

Lancia Delta HF Integrale (there's a tatty but mechanically sound one locally for 1500 quid...)

I've got irrational prejudices against most things Nissan, and most things PSA. And don't even think about anything Fiat...

So... surprise me. Go on.

[steve-p]

OK, you may be shocked to find out that TVR have actually been making cars since 1949, and there was life before the Griffith. Consequently, there are TVRs for all budgets. 3000Ms and Taimars are classic 6 cylinder coupes and are really rather good. Still distinctive, still relatively quick, and with the benefit of cheaper classic insurance. Also you wouldn't have to put up with a load of abuse from the TVR fraternity

[bob the planner]

quote:
...[snip]So, question is, what next? Requirement are: needs to be fairly good at long journeys, needs to accomodate 6'4" person, preferably 6 or more pots, would like air-con, and a whole bunch of other stuff. A bit (well, excess, if possible) of poke, and the possibility of some fun are also vital. These requirements may change at random.
[/snip]...

Marshy,

How about a 24v Senator - manual, uprated cam & chip (as used by plod) - early 90s. Good for 175 with 5 seat comfort, air con, cruise control and about as much boot space as you will need to take 5 adults on holiday for a month. Anybody up to about 6'6" either front or back should not be an issue. Also temp selectable for driver passenger (although this is not too sensible if the passenger has a 28C setting & driver with aircon !)

Bob

[m-five]

How about an E28 M5 or even an E12 M535.

Expect high mileage, but shouldn't be an issue with them - also less mainstream than the competition.

(I would go for an E30 M3, but £4k is the bottom end of the market for them and you will get what you pay for)

Found this on BMW CC website though . . .
M5351 ZINOBAR RED,TOTALLY ORIGINAL 1987 CAR,VERY GOOD CONDITION,GOOD HISTORY, 124.000 MILES, SWITCHABLE AUTO BOX.LONG MOT.£1595 CAMBERLEY SURREY - Steve 01276 32572 / 07836 385751

[williamp]

I'd take the 944..

...but then I did!!! (for £4K)

Great car.

[moleamol]

I would say for 4k if you want big power and rear wheel drive fun go for a Sierra Cosworth, they are a bit Max Power but they are also very good cars. Very fast, and very tail happy.

Don't get the Integrale for that price because you will spend at least the remainder fixing it. Believe me I know what the bills for these fellas (see profile) and they aint pretty.

[MikeyT]

Marshy, shame about selling the Chim – describe quickly for me the extra noise from the 'scaffolding pipe' – cos I might get mine done.

Do you regret getting rid of the Bimmer now? Wouldn't that have come into its own ... I know it cost a lot to run though.

The 944 route sounds promising, still a few good 'uns about for that money.

[Tabs]

How about a Merc 190 2.5 16v (Cosworth). All the kit you need. Buy it right and you might even make a profit.

[AJLintern]

Yep, 944 sounds good Though you might want to pay a bit more than 4k if you want an S2 or Turbo. Practical cars that handle nicely, pretty quick (0-60 in about 6 and 150mph;S2) and a good comfortable driving position (I'm 6ft and have plenty of room)

[Jason F]

An MR2? Dunno how tall is comfie in 'em though, but both the MK1 and 2 are fun to drive, not much poke, but enough tp play with, and the roof comes off.

[polar_ben]

If you fancy something a little different from big bhp, hairy chested, rwd brutes, how about a Peugeot 106 Rallye. I ran one for a couple of years (1.6 litre Series 2). Brilliant fun & wholeheartedly recommended

[Marshy]

Approximately in order:-

Steve-p: TVRs - yes, I know I can find comparatively recent TVRs for the money, but am not sure that's the choice for me right now. If it's to be TVR, I'd like it to be more modern than the Chimaera, rather than older.

Bob: Senator... yeah, there's those, and 3000GSi Carltons, the styling of which I confess to prefer. Might have to drive one to see what it does for me.

E28 M5 is heading for too old, and there's none about anyway, at least judging from Autotrader. M535i is a possibility, although a friends auto box has just gone wrong (i.e. bang, loud) on his. Caveat to starshp miles BMWs: manual OK, auto scary.

944 still tempting, but never driven one. Need to do that first, or at least get a ride in one. WilliamP, where art thou?

Cossie, yes that had vaguely crossed my mind as well. Are there any left that haven't been thrashed half to death? The one that gave me some serious hassle on the A2 recently was clearly very quick, but was burning a ton of oil at the same time. Danger Will Robinson. If I bought the Integrale, I'd still have some wonga to stick in the bank against it going bang in some way. And it's just had clutch, 2 shocks, discs/pads all round, and the cambelt (or chain) done.

Mikey... exhaust? Imaging the screams of terror from the pits of hell channeled down a couple of drainpipes, and you're mostly there. Actually, you need to meet Apache (Pete) and his Griff for the full on experience - mine was the halfway-but-what-about-the-neighbours-house jobbie.

Tabs: Merc, yeah, but I'm ergonomically wrong for a 190. Drove one ages ago, just didn't fit right.

Jason: MR2. Dunno. Friend has a turbo, which is quick, but just a bit too common. And I couldn't possibly have the same car as him. No way, hose A.

Polarben: Nop. 106s and me don't mix. Another ergonomic disaster that sees me get out feeling like someone's kicked me in the ankle... hard.

So... keep 'em coming. Cheers (time for beer, methinks)

[shadowninja]

Nissan 200sx 1.8 Turbo? RWD, 170bhp (0-60 in 6.7s, 140mph max)
Can get a great example for about £2500, average for £2000, and spend the rest on tuning... could get around 250bhp with the change from your £4000 budget.

www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/car_reviews/main_review.asp?model_id=279 and
www.sxoc.com for more info

[TR MIKE]

This will be controversial but my TR7-V8 now has an LS1 and 6 speed in it although it's not ready for driving yet. Previously I had a turbocharged 5.0 Rover. It's got 330mm Brembo brakes, lsd and all the good bits that I won't bore you with. My point is you can fit what you like to these cars. How about a thunderbird axle to take the power, it fits. Really good handling as standard over .75 g in the corners from a standard car or over 1g if modified. Ridiculously cheap to insure, I mean a few hundred pounds for a turbocharged Rover v8 in a TR, fully comprehensive with agreed values up to £15k. The TR Register is a really good club and get this, kids keep saying 'is that a TVR mister'. I tell em no every time. You may want to say yes, who knows. You could buy a show car for under £4k. There are a few very heavily modded versions out there for similar money and they certainly aren't run of the mill. Mike.

[spnracing]

Actually I'd go long with the Nissan 200SX too - about the same pace as an S3, LSD and rear wheel drive as standard too. 4K would get a good example that might look naff but would be a great laugh to drive.

[Farmer]

Integra type R . must be getting cheap now ?

[Leadfoot]

Tegra R - no way for 4k
I had a '90 200sx years back. Good car, quick & all the toys but the handling was a bit vague. Dunno if the later ones are any different but I'm sure a better set of springs/shox would make it a pretty good tool.

[JonRB]

I know regular PHers are just waiting for me to jump in and say this, but how about a Corrado VR6?

[dan]

How about a late BMW 635csi? Not a common sight these days, but still has oodles of road presense.

[Podie]

quote:
I know regular PHers are just waiting for me to jump in and say this, but how about a Corrado VR6?

(I have actually been waiting! - was going to send you an e-mail to prompt you! )