€25k on sporty car...

E92

siralfalot wrote: »

jeebus, since when is a 320i considered a sports car

It's not. A sports car is something like a Z4, Mazda MX-5 etc.

It's merely something sporty that also happens to be reasonably sensible.

And it has rear wheel drive, an important ingrediant in making a car handle well, which is what something sporty should do.

Because it's a straight 6, it also has a great sounding engine. And it will be fast enough, 170 bhp will be plenty in a car that size. 0-60 in 8.2 is hardly bad. Though a 325i or 330i will have yet more power(especially the 330i with 231 bhp) and more performance (0-60 in 7.2 and 6.3 respectively)if it's required for the OP's cousin.

I admit I just don't like the sound of a 4 cylinder engine, and that I far prefer the sound of a 6 cylinder engine. Even a high revving VTEC screamer does nothing for me. A Subaru flat 4 is the only 4 cylinder engine that makes a good noise, a very good noise at that.

I've been a Ford fan for quite some time but I think the RS is just far too much of a boy racer special appearance wise.

I'm sure it handles very well, after all the standard one is the best in the class for driving pleasure.

It's the only thing really that stands a chance if somebody's got their mind set on something from Munich.

jozi

siralfalot wrote: »

jeebus, since when is a 320i considered a sports car, its a shopping trolly for yummy mummys!! :P

question: how practical does the car need to be?

my personal choices would be something along the lines of these:

link

link

link

or there is always the old reliables, Scoobys and Mitsu Evo

Did you miss this post?

11K Sterling for an Elise!!!!

it's sporty!

B00MSTICK

If it were me I'd grab an S2000.
Not only is it a hoot but very reliable, tops some satisfaction chart too IIRC.

~120bhp per litre, 9k redline and 6 speed gearbox, very sweet if he can make do with 2 seats.

Lex Luthor

conceited wrote: »

I want to be english can anyone help me?:rolleyes:

thats an awful thing to say.....:eek:

Dolph Starbeam

25k on a sports car, easy;

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/478108.htm

or

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/787322.htm

NeVeR

350Z
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2541336

Lexus
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2520457#

Evo
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=545751

Type R
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=1987826

Skyline
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=2282843

JJJJNR

Boxster! keep the change..

hmm might go for this myself!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/Boxster/2.5-Conv/200840190270861/advert

Dolph Starbeam

JJJJNR wrote: »

Boxster! keep the change..

hmm might go for this myself!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/Boxster/2.5-Conv/200840190270861/advert

The only reason anyone buys a boxster is because they can't afford a 911:p Not that i can though:o

siralfalot

MOG7 wrote: »

25k on a sports car, easy;

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/478108.htm

or

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/787322.htm

stunning cars, but no way would you get one home and on Irish plates for less than €25k unfortunatly, if you could, I'd have one myself

conceited wrote: »

I want to be english can anyone help me?:rolleyes:

WTF are you on about?:rolleyes:

JJJJNR

CL500 for 19k

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/CL-Class/500-REDU/200840190224597/advert

NewApproach

E92 wrote: »

It's not. A sports car is something like a Z4, Mazda MX-5 etc.

It's merely something sporty that also happens to be reasonably sensible.

E92 has hit the nail on the head here.

When I said sporty, I meant something that isnt a dull, bland, run of the mill car, instead something that looks well with reasonable performance. While some on here would think a 3 series is bland and common, more wouldnt, and it is the type of car my cousin is looking for.

While I appreciate all the suggestions, the likes of an S2000 and Boxster aren't really what my cousin is looking for.

As a possible alternative to a 3 series, how would people on here rate the Lexus IS?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS200/220-D/200839190143283/advert

JJJJNR

Might get this for 25 if he's pushy.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Leon/2.0T-FSI/200847190906485/advert

bibi-phoque

JJJJNR wrote: »

CL500 for 19k

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/CL-Class/500-REDU/200840190224597/advert

That would be my choice....a very cheap CL500! You get comfort and sporty. Can't believe this car was over 100k€ a few years ago...
for a pure sporty, I'll go for a Clio V6 (they are quite rare now..) or a lotus Elise.
But if the guy is looking for a BMW 320, I doubt he would consider any of these cars! Obviously, he is looking for a confortable car with more power than his Golf and a good look. I myself was between 2 cars a year ago, a BMW 320i and an RX-8. No comparison obviously, but that was the 2 cars I wanted. Went for the RX-8 fortunatly :-)

siralfalot

bibi-phoque wrote: »

That would be my choice....a very cheap CL500! You get comfort and sporty. Can't believe this car was over 100k€ a few years ago...
for a pure sporty, I'll go for a Clio V6 (they are quite rare now..) or a lotus Elise.
But if the guy is looking for a BMW 320, I doubt he would consider any of these cars! Obviously, he is looking for a confortable car with more power than his Golf and a good look. I myself was between 2 cars a year ago, a BMW 320i and an RX-8. No comparison obviously, but that was the 2 cars I wanted. Went for the RX-8 fortunatly :-)

RX-8!!! now why didn't I think of that??

http://www.octane.ie/ads/car.php?id=3620

E92

NewApproach wrote: »

E92 has hit the nail on the head here.

When I said sporty, I meant something that isnt a dull, bland, run of the mill car, instead something that looks well with reasonable performance. While some on here would think a 3 series is bland and common, more wouldnt, and it is the type of car my cousin is looking for.

While I appreciate all the suggestions, the likes of an S2000 and Boxster aren't really what my cousin is looking for.

As a possible alternative to a 3 series, how would people on here rate the Lexus IS?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/IS200/220-D/200839190143283/advert

The Lexus will have less power but Japanese reliability and like the 320i it will have a straight 6 and RWD, which are big plus points in my book. Dunno what they're like to drive but I'm sure that straight 6 is a very good engine, Toyota VVTi engines are usually very good though they need plenty of revs to deliver some performance. The Japanese reliability isn't to be dismissed either, it will probably be a more reliable car than the 320i(though the straight 6 BMWs are bulletproof usually, it's more the fact that some of the suspension components go on the 3 series that causes me to say the 320i is going to be less reliable).

Their sister car the Altezza tends to be associated with the skanger element though(FWIW the Altezza would have a fair bit more power but it is only a 4 cylinder engine), and it won't have the image or the nice interior of the BMW, but choosing a car on image or the badge is pretty lame IMHO.

I really don't know which would suit your cousin the best tbh, but the BMW does have a reputation for being better to drive and with more power is obviously faster.

bibi-phoque

siralfalot wrote: »

RX-8!!! now why didn't I think of that??

http://www.octane.ie/ads/car.php?id=3620

Check this one out! Much better value...
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/RX-8/231BHP-E/200847190933916/advert

(that's mine but I'm going back to France soon!!)

NewApproach

siralfalot wrote: »

RX-8!!! now why didn't I think of that??

http://www.octane.ie/ads/car.php?id=3620

It crossed my mind alright but I thought between the high running costs and the Mazda badge, it would be suitable for what he is looking for.

But a great car I agree

bibi-phoque

I can confirm the running cost, 250 miles is as far as she goes with a full tank. Still though, I enjoy every minute of it.
Funny enough, the people that come to check it out are also looking at BMW... Probably the fact that it is a "real" confortable 4 seats coupé.
it's a shame about the turbo blowing up on the BMW 320D, because this is a very good car (after 2002).

Lex Luthor

MOG7 wrote: »

The only reason anyone buys a boxster is because they can't afford a 911:p Not that i can though:o

I thought that what a Caymen was..

a boxster is in a class of its own

R.O.R

E92 wrote: »

The Lexus will have less power but Japanese reliability and like the 320i it will have a straight 6 and RWD, which are big plus points in my book.

:eek: look a little closer at the ad and the car. It's the new model so there was/is no IS200, ad says it's the IS220d.

ninty9er

Few options if it were me

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Celica/vvti/200846190873750/advert


High running costs but rare:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Supra/3.0-NON-/200835189820002/advert

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/Legacy/B4-TWIN-/200845190802852/advert

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/TT/1.8T-QUA/200842190504427/advert

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/RX-8/EXCLUSIV/200846190873719/advert

Boskowski

E92 wrote: »

but choosing a car on image or the badge is pretty lame IMHO.

Maybe and I guess some of these Subarus and Evos and Clio R6 and Focus RS and whatnot are probably nice to drive. But tbh I wouldn't want to be seen dead in something that looks like a skanger has won the lottery... Nothing wrong with a bit of class.

Ferris

MOG7 wrote: »

The only reason anyone buys a boxster is because they can't afford a 911:p Not that i can though:o

Drive a Boxster S on a twisty road and then come back to us and say that. Its pure sportscar.

The only reason people buy S2000's is because they can't afford an NSX.
The only reason people buy TT's is because they can't afford an R8.
The only reason people buy SLK's is because they can't afford an SL.

Never understood why porsche is singled out for having a range of cars.

HashSlinging

realcam wrote: »

Maybe and I guess some of these Subarus and Evos and Clio R6 and Focus RS and whatnot are probably nice to drive. But tbh I wouldn't want to be seen dead in something that looks like a skanger has won the lottery... Nothing wrong with a bit of class.

Do you think, I would rather possess something that is scarce and useful.

pburns

Hammertime wrote: »

Buy an 2002 M3

Silver-Tiger wrote: »

FYP

He'll deffo find a 03 mint M3 with that money, Maybe maybe a 04

Jaaaaaaaayysus!!!

The M3 seems to be deemed the panecea of all 'what car?' related questions on here!

It is an enthusiasts car with high running costs and (possibly) precarious resale in these troubled times. It is a truly great car for enthusiasts but for someone who comes on here looking for a broad range of recommendations and is obviously not a petrolhead? The M3 is just a bit too specialist and I think it's mental to recommend it in this particular situation...

MOG7 wrote: »

The only reason anyone buys a boxster is because they can't afford a 911:p Not that i can though:o

Ferris wrote: »

Drive a Boxster S on a twisty road and then come back to us and say that. Its pure sportscar.

The only reason people buy S2000's is because they can't afford an NSX.
The only reason people buy TT's is because they can't afford an R8.
The only reason people buy SLK's is because they can't afford an SL.

Never understood why porsche is singled out for having a range of cars.

Porsche is singled out because JC Almighty declared it so...

I must have gotten out the wrong side if the bed but...this REALLY annoys me! JC mentioned it in passing AGES ago and now we have every la quoting it verbatim whenever the Boxser is mention:rolleyes:. The baby Porsche is mid-engined and has very different characteristics to the 911. In truth it has the layout the 911 should have if Porsche weren't burden with the whole history and heritage thing propping up it's icon.

I just think when I see this statement: fair weather car fan and someone who taakes TG WAY too seriously!

OK so the cousin wants something less common than a 3 series but similarly sized and semi-practical.

How about RX8, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6 MPS?
I guess all will be heavy on petrol though.
A 08 Legacy diesel should be available for that kind of money (I know a lad has one;)!)

If Saab got the finger out and produced fine cars again they'd have this market sewn up...

Lex Luthor

Ferris wrote: »

Drive a Boxster S on a twisty road and then come back to us and say that. Its pure sportscar.

The only reason people buy S2000's is because they can't afford an NSX.
The only reason people buy TT's is because they can't afford an R8.
The only reason people buy SLK's is because they can't afford an SL.

Never understood why porsche is singled out for having a range of cars.

Thats like saying the only reason people buy a Corolla is cos they cant afford an Avensis....

people buy what they want and within their budget

I'd love an 8C but I didn't buy the GT cos I couldn't afford one (its cos they only made 500 and I missed the cut )

Dolph Starbeam

Why settle for an m3,

M5 FTW

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M5/Saloon/200845190740820/advert

bibi-phoque

and for the same kind of "luxury" you find in a BMW, you can also go for Volvo S60 (T5?), I know you can beat the drive of a RWD, but confort will be better than a 320. This car is a rocket (even the 2L turbo!). The running cost would be similar than a BMW in regard to servicing and parts, maybe cheaper (beside fuel consumption, higher than BMW).

Ferris

pburns wrote: »

OK so the cousin wants something less common than a 3 series but similarly sized and semi-practical.

How about RX8, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6 MPS?
I guess all will be heavy on petrol though.
A 08 Legacy diesel should be available for that kind of money (I know a lad has one;)!)

If Saab got the finger out and produced fine cars again they'd have this market sewn up...

I was actually going to say the MPS but I thought that your cousin was hung up on BMW's. They're defo rare and a complete sleeper. I'd say they're difficult to shift tho.

Here's one and i'd say you could deal here:

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1213094

Oh and Clarkson loved it so you'll be alright here:pac:

If there were any good 9-5 aeros on the market i'd suggest them. They actually are reasonably economical.

Rx-8s are great but I think but they don't like short journeys or running cold. Also you cant turn them off until they rev evenly for a few minutes or it'll aparently blow the rotor seals.

bibi-phoque

Ferris wrote: »

I was actually going to say the MPS but I thought that your cousin was hung up on BMW's. They're defo rare and a complete sleeper. I'd say they're difficult to shift tho.

Here's one and i'd say you could deal here:

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1213094

Oh and Clarkson loved it so you'll be alright here:pac:

If there were any good 9-5 aeros on the market i'd suggest them. They actually are reasonably economical.

Rx-8s are great but I think but they don't like short journeys or running cold. Also you cant turn them off until they rev evenly for a few minutes or it'll aparently blow the rotor seals.

Nice Mazda 6!
And yes, the Rx-8 needs a little care but even though there are a lot of talks about flooding (if you turn the engine off too soon), it has never happened to me (a few recalls fixed this). The RX-8 is way more robust and reliable than the more powerful RX-7.