Fast Powerful and Inconspicuous - car choices

Kurva · 02-12-2008 06:59PM #1

Alright, Ive been spending way too much time on pistonheads and parkers lately and its got me in the mood for a change

something fast powerful but Inconspicuous - not really into the jap cars with the 4" Wavin pipes for exhausts

My own shortlist includes
* Audi A3 - either the 1.8 T quattro petrol or the 1.9 TDi quattro

* Mondeo ST 2.2lTDCi ( still a bit expensive though - all 15k mark)

* Ford Cougar 2.5l V6 ( puma is faster but looks like a Tigra - not a good thing)

* and if i saved up (a lot) a BMW 520 or 523 M spec

Anything else I should consider? ( below Group 15)

all of the above come under the 8.5 second range - and I wouldn't mind at least 1 turbo charger

I know the easy option is a GTi Golf or the Seat Cupra or GTi versions - but i was never a VW person

besides i know 3 people with a VW that have serious problems with the central locking (98 to 03)

Anan1 · 02-12-2008 07:02PM

Subaru Forester 2.5XT. In the words of my Spanish sister-in-law, it 'blends in with the ground', and it's easily faster than any of the cars on your list.

Philush · 02-12-2008 07:05PM

mondeos st's a savage machine altogether. much rarer car than the bmw's great drive too, what about an s line audi?id def have the mondeo out of your list anyway

the skoda octavia VRS is a nice machine also either diesel or petrol

Berty · 02-12-2008 07:08PM

What do you currently have?

Anan1 · 02-12-2008 07:08PM

Philush wrote: »

what about an s line audi?

Isn't that just a sporty-looking trim level, ie the exact opposite of what the OP's looking for?

Philush · 02-12-2008 07:19PM

no the s line range in the audi is a much more performance orientated version of the car models, they're not just sportier trim,they have a lot more optional extras varying from both luxery to sporty as well as an upgraded engine.still look the same more or less as a normal audi :ie no crazy spoilers or huge exhausts

joeperry · 02-12-2008 07:19PM

Hey op none of those cars are fast,also it may need pointing out to you that quattro audis are heavier than the 2 wheel drive audis you've mentioned due to extra weight of the 4 wheel drive system.

NewApproach · 02-12-2008 07:21PM

How about a Volvo S60r?

Or failing that, the T5 version.

Both are quick and very inconspicuous!

edit:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S60/T5/200840190270264/advert

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S60/T5/200833189697457/advert

Theres no R's on carzone, but 5 T5's.

Anan1 · 02-12-2008 07:26PM

Philush wrote: »

no the s line range in the audi is a much more performance orientated version of the car models, they're not just sportier trim,they have a lot more optional extras varying from both luxery to sporty as well as an upgraded engine.still look the same more or less as a normal audi :ie no crazy spoilers or huge exhausts

Are you sure you're not confusing the S Line with the S4/S5/S6 etc? I always thought the S Line was just a trim pack, ie no changes to power output.

RobAMerc · 02-12-2008 07:32PM

Kurva wrote: »

Alright, Ive been spending way too much time on pistonheads and parkers lately and its got me in the mood for a change

something fast powerful but Inconspicuous - not really into the jap cars with the 4" Wavin pipes for exhausts

My own shortlist includes
* Audi A3 - either the 1.8 T quattro petrol or the 1.9 TDi quattro

* Mondeo ST 2.2lTDCi ( still a bit expensive though - all 15k mark)

* Ford Cougar 2.5l V6 ( puma is faster but looks like a Tigra - not a good thing)

* and if i saved up (a lot) a BMW 520 or 523 M spec

Anything else I should consider? ( below Group 15)

all of the above come under the 8.5 second range - and I wouldn't mind at least 1 turbo charger

I know the easy option is a GTi Golf or the Seat Cupra or GTi versions - but i was never a VW person

besides i know 3 people with a VW that have serious problems with the central locking (98 to 03)

none of these are particularly fast although the two fords and beemer would all be superb handlers - I would throw in the Mazda mps range of q cars, I dont see a budget mentioned.

I would go for cubes rather than a turbo too, but thats just my driving style

Philush · 02-12-2008 07:33PM

sorry my apologies thats what i meant, the s type variants, not the sports packages which as you rightly say is trim level stuff, apologies

tossy · 02-12-2008 07:44PM

The audi A3 will suffer from all the problems your mates car does such as central locking etc,the S3 is a cracker of a car though,as is the cupra R and VRS.

I would also nominate my own car (v6 4mo bora or to a lesser extent golf as the are more common) but i feel the engine size would rule it out,defo a good sleeper though.

-Chris- · 02-12-2008 07:50PM

Find yourself a Xedos 9, Alfa 156 V6, Fiat Coupe, Opel Omega or something similar - they're quick-ish, comfortable, inconspicuous to the untrained eye and good bang-for-your-buck.

What's your budget (max)? Are you buying for driving in UK or Ireland?

Kurva · 02-12-2008 07:54PM

Anan1 wrote: »

Subaru Forester 2.5XT. In the words of my Spanish sister-in-law, it 'blends in with the ground', and it's easily faster than any of the cars on your list.

and knowing my right foot it'll blend with the trees and the ditches too:D

I looked at the stats 5.8 secs - group 17 - but i doubt id pick one up for under 10k

But those 2nd gen Foresters are exactly what id be after

budget wise : €5 to €7k - so pre 03 and used

See Ill more then likely be moving to the uk for around 18 months where the likes of what im after will be a lot cheaper - and I wouldn't mind taking advantage of the vrt rules once i get home

I know I have the Mondeo ST on the list but I reckon in around 3 years they'll be selling for around the 7k mark

Also - the 3 cars on the list are all said to be under 8.5 secs 0-60 ( according to Parkers anyway

) which is faster then most things on the road

gofaster_s13 · 02-12-2008 07:56PM

BMW e46 330d fantastic handling and shockingly fast !!

gofaster_s13 · 02-12-2008 07:59PM

Kurva wrote: »

besides i know 3 people with a VW that have serious problems with the central locking (98 to 03)

Central locking would be the least of your worries if you fell for the VW=reliability lie!!

Kurva · 02-12-2008 08:03PM

AudiChris wrote: »

Find yourself a Xedos 9, Alfa 156 V6, Fiat Coupe, Opel Omega or something similar -

Are you buying for driving in UK or Ireland?

Studies and Training will be bringing me to the uk - so back and forth every month or so for the odd long weekend

those 156's are pretty classy alright - especially in the light blues and dark reds - must do more investigating

Always liked Mazdas too

-Chris- · 02-12-2008 08:07PM

You'll have to check it out, but I'd be nearly certain you'll find a better selection of cars in the UK for your budget. Certainly, don't buy here and bring it over there if you have the choice.

Kurva · 02-12-2008 08:07PM

Re: Mondeo ST maybe 3 years time was being optimistic

http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/811039.htm

i love the white dials - reminds me of my Escort they glow green in at night with the lights on

http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/784656.htm

id prefer cream seats - but those ST220's are perfect

it reminds you why James Bond wears a suit instead of dressing like Rambo

unkel · 02-12-2008 08:32PM

Folks, when making suggestions can you check here first please?

It is a database with UK insurance group details. Iirc when Irish insurance companies use groups, they use the same classification

Several of the suggestions I made are group 16 and higher unfortunately

@Kurva - why the restriction to group 15 and lower? Can you not get a quote at all for group 16? If you can, how much is the insurer asking you extra for group 16 over group 15?

unkel · 02-12-2008 08:53PM

The fastest by far I've come across is the Mazda RX-8 (190BHP). 0-100km/h in 7.2s. I'm amazed it is only group 15 tbh

Not very inconspicuous though, I'll admit

Edit: Mini Cooper S (7.1s) - not very inconspicuous either

I'd pick a Subaru Legacy 3.0 245bhp. Biggest engine, biggest power of the lot. 4WD and 0-100 in 8.2s.

Kurva · 02-12-2008 09:14PM

unkel wrote: »

@Kurva - why the restriction to group 15 and lower? Can you not get a quote at all for group 16? If you can, how much is the insurer asking you extra for group 16 over group 15?

I could but Im cheap

besides if the worse did happen I don't want to attract the wrath of the insurance investigators

my ex-girlfriend works for one of the big 3 insurers (starts with Hi) she always told me they'll try their hardest to avoid payouts on cars group 15 and above

Sqaull20 · 02-12-2008 09:19PM

Cheap 2.5 diesel and remap it?

BMW 525?

tossy · 02-12-2008 09:27PM

I really don't think that by todays standards that 8.5 secs to 100kmph is that fast either,also the budget of the OP is the main thing to look at most of the cars suggested are out of his budget unfortunately.

Cyrus · 02-12-2008 09:29PM

Kurva wrote: »

I could but Im cheap

besides if the worse did happen I don't want to attract the wrath of the insurance investigators

my ex-girlfriend works for one of the big 3 insurers (starts with Hi) she always told me they'll try their hardest to avoid payouts on cars group 15 and above

sounds like nonsense, and none of the cars on your list are that fast

something like an old shape audi s3 or mkiv golf 32 would be nice, dunno if they fit in the criteria, also seat leon cupra

all relatively quick and understated enough

Kurva · 02-12-2008 10:29PM

Cyrus wrote: »

sounds like nonsense, and none of the cars on your list are that fast

Someone from Blackrock acting like a snob :eek: - never would have expected it

Be careful or you'll end up giving those fine people a sterotype

Besides i've the stories of someone I lived with for 3 years to go by

Anan1 · 02-12-2008 10:34PM

Kurva wrote: »

Someone from Blackrock acting like a snob :eek: - never would have expected it

Be careful or you'll end up giving those fine people a sterotype

Besides i've the stories of someone I lived with for 3 years to go by

Your insurance story does sound like nonsense, and none of the cars on your list are that fast. Am I a snob too?

Holsten · 02-12-2008 10:39PM

That ST is yummy!

HJL · 02-12-2008 10:40PM

An older Saab is your best bet for something fast that isnt all spoilers and stuff.

pipsqueak · 02-12-2008 10:43PM

Something fast? sporty, luxurious? try mine!!
let us know.....http://www.carlist.ie/114795

Flesh Gorden · 02-12-2008 10:46PM

Hahaha, He has a point, not just about the blackrock thing

my last boss had a 95 RS2000 Escort that was broken into, someone tried to forced the door open with a crowbar and ended up doing serious damage to the frame work

insurance company refused to pay out, disputing the selling value the insured value and the cost of repairs needed

Anan1 · 02-12-2008 10:48PM

Flesh Gorden wrote: »

my last boss had a 95 RS2000 Escort that was broken into, someone tried to forced the door open with a crowbar and ended up doing serious damage to the frame work

insurance company refused to pay out, disputing the selling value the insured value and the cost of repairs needed

What does this have to do with the insurance group of the car?

-Chris- · 02-12-2008 10:57PM

Anan1 wrote: »

Your insurance story does sound like nonsense, and none of the cars on your list are that fast. Am I a snob too?

+1

Kurva wrote: »

* Audi A3 - either the 1.8 T quattro petrol or the 1.9 TDi quattro

I wouldn't consider either of these cars particularly quick, and I wouldn't think quattro will add much to their performance - I think FWD is fine up to 200BHP.

Kurva wrote: »

* Mondeo ST 2.2lTDCi ( still a bit expensive though - all 15k mark)

Way out of budget, and there are better/faster cars out there.

Kurva wrote: »

* Ford Cougar 2.5l V6 ( puma is faster but looks like a Tigra - not a good thing)

This would be pretty quick, but why are you choosing a coupe? Look for a Mondeo with a similar size engine for identical performance.
Also, I would expect a Cougar to have a higher insurance rating than the equivalent Mondeo

Kurva wrote: »

* and if i saved up (a lot) a BMW 520 or 523 M spec

I definitely wouldn't consider a 520 to be quick, and wouldn't consider a 5-Series M Spec to be inconspicuous....

I'd think any of these cars would fit the bill (I know one is a VW, but have a look anyway.):

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/2.8-Vr-6/200840190222578/advert
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/525tds/200845190742041/advert
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/X-Type/2.5-V6-C/200821188912463/advert
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/Evolutio/200847190933695/advert
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/530-D/200842190527043/advert
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Subaru/Legacy/2.5-4CAM/200824189124310/advert

-Chris- · 02-12-2008 11:00PM

pipsqueak wrote: »

Something fast? sporty, luxurious? try mine!!
let us know.....http://www.carlist.ie/114795

Your car is €11,400...

OP said:

Kurva wrote: »

budget wise : €5 to €7k - so pre 03 and used

Are you pimping, or are you showing your hand on your bottom-line price...

?

Del2005 · 02-12-2008 11:01PM

Flesh Gorden wrote: »

Hahaha, He has a point, not just about the blackrock thing

my last boss had a 95 RS2000 Escort that was broken into, someone tried to forced the door open with a crowbar and ended up doing serious damage to the frame work

insurance company refused to pay out, disputing the selling value the insured value and the cost of repairs needed

I'd bet what happened there was he was looking for them to payout on an 95 RS2000 and they where only willing to pay for an 95 Escort. Nothing to do with the insurance group more the book value of the car, which is why you should always have an agreed valve on classics and modern classics.

Friend of mine was trying to sell a Punto HGT a few years ago, everywhere he went they only offered him the money for a Punto not a Punto HGT. Not really relevant to the OP more the above story.

galwaytt · 02-12-2008 11:04PM

powerful ? fast ?

a 520 ?

are ya kidding ??

tossy · 02-12-2008 11:16PM

A 525tds audichris? are you loosing it

and why apologise in advance for one being a VW esp when it happens to be one of vw's finest (if not the best example)

As for mondeo ST's please 150 bhp from a 2.2 l diesel rep mobile.

galwaytt · 02-12-2008 11:29PM

Del2005 wrote: »

Friend of mine was trying to sell a Punto HGT a few years ago....

ooh, now that is an interesting choice. V fine engine, btw.

is this it ? http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Punto/HGT/200848191025931/advert

Graham_B18C · 02-12-2008 11:31PM

That M3 that was posted a few posts back looks like a super car. Old BMW's are ment to be fantastic engines. Seriously fast too

JJJJNR · 02-12-2008 11:34PM

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/1.8T-220/200848191012887/advert

Passat FTW...

JJJJNR · 03-12-2008 12:20AM

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Ibiza/1.9-TDI-/200846190835999/advert

Ibiza chipped up to 180bhp with a few mods, this would be a real giant killer..

tossy · 03-12-2008 12:33AM

The only ibiza giant killer worth buying would be the TDI cupra 160 out of the box with suspension and brakes to match,remap will see 200 easily.

ninty9er · 03-12-2008 12:46AM

Was gonna say Mazda 3 MPS but your budget is considerably short.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Corrado/2.9-VR6/200840190246105/advert

The tax man · 03-12-2008 01:24AM

JJJJNR wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Ibiza/1.9-TDI-/200846190835999/advert

Ibiza chipped up to 180bhp with a few mods, this would be a real giant killer..

That Ibiza has been up on carzone for as long as I can remember. Love the quality photography.

Have my eye on the ultimate sleeper car. It would be considered a car for the middle aged man doing OK in life.A car for the kind of man that spends his Sunday afternoons reading the newspapers rather then watching F1.

Over the OP's price range but just shy of 300bhp.:D Professionally tuned by a company that are synonymous for working with this car brand.
Car is totally standard to look at from the outside.
Hell this thing wouldn't look out of place towing a caravan. Price is dropping on it so just waiting for (hopefully) another price drop and I might just go for it.

bazz26 · 03-12-2008 01:27AM

Kurva wrote: »

Alright, Ive been spending way too much time on pistonheads and parkers lately and its got me in the mood for a change

something fast powerful but Inconspicuous - not really into the jap cars with the 4" Wavin pipes for exhausts

My own shortlist includes
* Audi A3 - either the 1.8 T quattro petrol or the 1.9 TDi quattro

* Mondeo ST 2.2lTDCi ( still a bit expensive though - all 15k mark)

* Ford Cougar 2.5l V6 ( puma is faster but looks like a Tigra - not a good thing)

* and if i saved up (a lot) a BMW 520 or 523 M spec

Anything else I should consider? ( below Group 15)

all of the above come under the 8.5 second range - and I wouldn't mind at least 1 turbo charger

I know the easy option is a GTi Golf or the Seat Cupra or GTi versions - but i was never a VW person

besides i know 3 people with a VW that have serious problems with the central locking (98 to 03)

I was going to suggest one of these but it appears to be Group 17:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1267370

Kurva · 03-12-2008 02:12AM

The tax man wrote: »

Professionally tuned by a company that are synonymous for working with this car brand.
.

Is it an Autotech Golf or Jetta - an Alpina?

( i know - they only mod bmw's but i love them )

Del2005 · 03-12-2008 03:46AM

galwaytt wrote: »

ooh, now that is an interesting choice. V fine engine, btw.

is this it ? http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/Punto/HGT/200848191025931/advert

No it was many years ago.

kayos · 03-12-2008 08:04AM

tossy wrote: »

The only ibiza giant killer worth buying would be the TDI cupra 160 out of the box with suspension and brakes to match,remap will see 200 easily.

Na the 1.8T remapped to 210 with 256lb/ft torque has been known to beat many giants on the track

... nothing beats the look on an evo drivers face when you pass them coming out of dunlop in mondello. The porche drivers face wasnt as good.

And my 01 ibiza curpa, 210 oettinger remapped with TIP and exhaust, H&R Coilovers and Brembo brakes was the little car that could and is up for grabs

Ferris · 03-12-2008 09:06AM

Saab 9-5 Aero:

http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1261351

Probably the best overtaking car for the money. Group 17 though.

-Chris- · 03-12-2008 10:03AM

tossy wrote: »

A 525tds audichris? are you loosing it and why apologise in advance for one being a VW esp when it happens to be one of vw's finest (if not the best example)

In terms of big engined diesel 5-Series, I've only driven the 530d, found it pretty lively, would the 525 not be close?

OP specifically didn't want VWs (something to do with central locking).

Ferris · 03-12-2008 10:21AM

AudiChris wrote: »

In terms of big engined diesel 5-Series, I've only driven the 530d, found it pretty lively, would the 525 not be close?

OP specifically didn't want VWs (something to do with central locking).

In the e39 the 525d engine only put out 140hp and wasn't that economical. Its the same engine that was in the e34 525d. 530d is a far better job.

Fast Powerful and Inconspicuous - car choices

Comments