Want a fast saloon - any advice?

[Chris56]

Hi all, i currently drive a 2005 Mazda6 diesel and I can't fault it: its done 88,000 miles, sips fuel and never misses a beat (touch wood).

Im looking to change it this year for a performance saloon, for less than £5k and less than 60K on the clock. I would prefer a pre-2006 model as theese are cheaper and don't carry £400 + per year in road tax. My shortlist is as follows:

Subaru Legacy 3.0R (4wd might be just out of my price range though)
Ford Mondeo ST220
BMW 330i (not my favourite, but they are rear wheel drive)
Saab 95 HOT Aero - probably the cheapest and quickest, but 250Bhp through the front wheels!! :woot::woot:

Do any of you folks drive any of these cars? which would be your choice? are there any areas to stay clear of? are there any cars that should be on the list but aren't?

[daz]

The question is, how many miles do you do a week to justify the fuel costs. I own a BMW 530i sport (petrol), currently averaging 24mpg was doing 19mpg in the winter months.
I dont use it for communting anymore and only do around 100 miles every 3 week, but when i was communting doing around 160 miles a week, it was costing £50 a week to run, and that was before the fuel prices went silly.

[daz]

And my choice would be a BMW 330i sport, but i dont think you would get a decent low mileage one for that price tho. Followed by the moondog st220, these in petrol format are getting cheap as chips now and are probably cheaper to up keep than the unrealible diesel shat version. I wouldnt waste a good fart in the other 2 tho. :lol:

[Chris56]

Cheers for the info Daz - im not doing the high milage I used to (less than 10K a year now) so am not too concerned about the higher fuel consumption. With my last job I was commuting 300 miles a week and was costing me a fortune - even with a frugal diesel.

Looking on autotrader, there does seem to be an abundance of pre-2003 BMWs (both 330 and 530) with a low milage - they seem to be quite cheap now so might be able to bag a bargain

[daz]

No worries, dont forget tho 10000miles a year is nearly 200 miles a week. That would cost me 70-80 quid a week to run, in mine. But if thats what you want, go for it. I sold a Mondeo tdci what was doing 50 mpg for a big barge. Just cos a wanted one and couldnt stand driving a bag of shat diesel. Diesels in my eyes are for people who have given up on life and brag about how much fuel they save a year, but when it goes wrong they go all quite and realise that the petrol equivalant is actually cheaper to run in the long term.

[Robbiejuk]

The St220 is a good car. I loved mine when I had it hugely practical saloon and the engine is great. Little bit more exclusitivity than the bimmer if you ignore the ST diesels. Recaros in leather are nice to :thumbsup:

[cmgreen]

Audi a4 3.0 tdi

Bmw 330d

[Bagman]

I'm biased but a 330d is a fantastic car.

[Chris56]

Cheers for the comments guys - there certainly seems to be a lot of love for the Mondeo and the BMW.
Has anybody had much experience with the Saab or Scooby?

I have also looked at the 330d but im going to struggle to find a low-milage one for my budget.

From what i've read I shouldn't be disappointed with any of the above. The Beemer seems to be the best engineered, best drivers' car, there are plenty of them out there to choose from and would be a sensible choice, but lacks the exclusivity that the others have and am worried about the price of parts (a mate has also told me that Subaru parts are quite expensive too).

[Bagman]

My favourite car I've ever owned (not the best mind you) was an old school Saab 900. For me after the early to mid nineties Saabs were just rebadged GM crap, just pale imitations of the the real thing. I'm still thinking about getting an older non turbo 90016vS as a bit of a weekend car.

I'd still say that once you've owned the 3 litre BMW diesel (my best not my favourite mind you) your hooked for a long time and it's very difficult to go back to anything else. It still puts a smile on my face after more than a year.

[Southwell]

No love for the Mazda 6 MPS?

[Chris56]

No love for the Mazda 6 MPS?

Lots of love for it mate - only problem is there are very few pre 2006 ones out there (cheaper tax) since it was only lanched on the 55 plate. If I can find one I'll definately take a look since my Mazda 6 diesel has been superb:thumbsup:

[Southwell]

Lots of love for it mate - only problem is there are very few pre 2006 ones out there (cheaper tax) since it was only lanched on the 55 plate. If I can find one I'll definately take a look since my Mazda 6 diesel has been superb:thumbsup:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201110381891120/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/mazda6/make/mazda/postcode/rg226ey/page/1/keywords/mps/radius/1500?logcode=p

Bit over priced but that could be knocked down.
Loved my 6 143 Diesel, got a 3 2.0 Sport Petrol, which i love even more. :wub

[Chris56]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201110381891120/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/mazda6/make/mazda/postcode/rg226ey/page/1/keywords/mps/radius/1500?logcode=p

Bit over priced but that could be knocked down.
Loved my 6 143 Diesel, got a 3 2.0 Sport Petrol, which i love even more. :wub

I was just looking at that one mate! - only 10 miles from where I live too

[Alfonzo]

I have a Saab 9000 running 320BHP through the front wheels, and it's fun. It's an old shed now, but a facking quick one :thumbsup:

I'd imagine the 95 HOT would be pretty much the same. It will suck the fuel down if you boot it of course, but I get 34 mpg on a steady run which ain't bad all things considered..

[Chris56]

I have a Saab 9000 running 320BHP through the front wheels, and it's fun. It's an old shed now, but a facking quick one :thumbsup:

I'd imagine the 95 HOT would be pretty much the same. It will suck the fuel down if you boot it of course, but I get 34 mpg on a steady run which ain't bad all things considered..

Apparantly you can get a performance filter/remap that boosts power to 280Bhp which I may have to go for if I get the Saab. I'm really tempted to take this one for a spin:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201113383406229/sort/priceasc/usedcars/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/4000/model/9-5/make/saab/page/3/radius/1500/postcode/ng85qn?logcode=p

[Alfonzo]

I like it. Lot of car for the money. You either like Saab's or you don't. I've had mine for 8 years so no surprises which camp I'm in..

They are generally well built with loads of torque so feel faster on the road than the figures suggest, if that makes sense.

To be fair, there's so many good cars around I don't think you can go far wrong with any of your choices..

[kinggareth]

I owned an ST220 estate for 18 months and only got rid of it cuz of the ridiculous fuel economy - other than that I would put it in my top 3 cars owned (and i've owned a few!)
It had plenty of torque and no blowers so there was always instant power. The handling was amazing for a big car, it was comfy on motorways, had plenty of room and all the kit you'd ever need (leather, auto lights, auto wipe, cruise, air con etc).

The BMW will probably be a great car, but you'll no doubt get a much lower mileage Ford for your money.

[Steve.T]

Honda accord type R?

[Chris56]

Honda accord type R?

Bloody good car - shame that low milers are rare as hen's teeth

[Bagman]

What about an Alfa? The monster depreciation will have leveled out for a 2006 car and play right into your hands.

Every car fan should own one at one point in their lives, it's a box that needs to be ticked. You could also go a bit wildcard and get a Volvo S60.

[Chris56]

What about an Alfa? The monster depreciation will have leveled out for a 2006 car and play right into your hands.

Every car fan should own one at one point in there lives, it's a box that needs to be ticked.

Definately on my wanted list for some point in my life as it would be wrong of me to call myself a petrolhead without it!

[steelie600]

what about a VR-4 saloon?? You can get them for £4k for a minter 280bhp twin turbo goodness!!

[Chris56]

what about a VR-4 saloon?? You can get them for £4k for a minter 280bhp twin turbo goodness!!

Soemthing like this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201106379368832/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/mitsubishi/page/1/postcode/ng85qn/radius/1500/keywords/vr4?logcode=p

Might have to search long and hard for one with fewer miles but what a car!!!!!

[clumsysaint]

have you considered the mazda rx-8....cracking car for very little money these days........would it be big enough for you thought,i quess thats the question......

also the last vectra vxr's and signum 2.8 turbos can be a steal for the money these days

[Chris56]

have you considered the mazda rx-8....cracking car for very little money these days........would it be big enough for you thought,i quess thats the question......

also the last vectra vxr's and signum 2.8 turbos can be a steal for the money these days

I have flirted with getting an RX8 for some time as they are excellent value for money. Only 2 things put me off:
1) Not really enough space - the wife and I go camping around Europe every year and we struggle to fit everything in the 6
2) The rotary engine - if the previous owner has looked after it correctly then they fine but they can be a nightmare if they haven't

[steelie600]

Thems the bad boys!! Heres mine!!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn42/steelie600/vr4.jpg

Currently under lock and key in my mates garage as pictured behind it.

Super VR-4 1 of 24 ever made in red with 400 bhp at the wheels, and plenty mods! Still just gets 20mpg if you drive like a tart, single figures if you get silly!! Will make most evo and scooby owners shrink into non existance!

[rob m]

have you looked at skoda octavia vrs? massive boot for all the camping gear.10mpg better on feul then st220 and quicker and i bet the build quality is up with the rest

[Chris56]

have you looked at skoda octavia vrs? 10mpg better on feul then st220 and quicker and i bet the build quality is up with the rest

I like the VRS - especially the new shape but out my price range :(

Steelie - that VR4 looks ace, I like the fact that the power in the brocure is stated as "280" bhp because Japan won't allow the marketing of anything more powerful, even though it blatantly has so much more!. What advice would you give to somebody looking for one?

[steelie600]

service history!!

Car is pretty much bullet proof ALTHOUGH if you get the tip tronic, the gearbox oil need changing every 10,000 miles no particular hardship, but must use the right oil. if the torque converter is juddering its usually cos the wrong oil has been used. The gearboxes are pretty much indestructible. Only other things are centre diffs thru neglect by not changing the oil on service intervals (£100 for a good second hand one and 2 hrs to fit! Piss easy job) and the active rear diff again thru not servicing.

Basically service it properly and they live for ever OH and do 180 mph!! (well if you turn the boost up a touch they do)

[Chris56]

Cheers for that advice - the Mitsubishi is definately one to look out for, particularly as exclusivity is pretty high on my list (not to mention doing 180mph!)

[Chris56]

The Volvo S60 T5 is also a contender (thanks dad!), nearly fell of my chair when I saw this one on autotrader :lol::lol:(although I can afford it):
http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=1638549020

[Southwell]

Went for a spin in my mates Audi A6 2.7 twin turbo. He booted it up the dual carriageway and got it down to 5.4MPG :lol:

[Chris56]

Thats good going, I only managed to get a Dodge Viper down to 6MPG (and that was on a track too:woot:)

[bigred5765]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201115384279676/sort/priceasc/usedcars/radius/1501/postcode/pr77ar/page/1/keywords/vr4?logcode=p

[Ash.]

I wouldnt touch the RX-8 Chris.
I think the Mondeo fits your bill perfectly although the Volvo also looks nice!
Mondeo 0-60 7.4 seconds
Volvo 0-60 6.9 seconds

The Volvo ticks all the boxes for performance according to parkers website, but the mondeo is rated better for being more practical and less costly.

[steelie600]

but there both fords and both shit slow!! My vr-4 will get to 60 in about 4.5ish if I launch it right! And bear in mind the saloon VR-4's are lighter so theoretically faster!

Just to tease you some more this is the Saloon SUPER vr-4 (mine is the estate version), they only made 18 red ones and are rare as hens teeth!!

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=4591&d=1302412829

and the view the chavs will get in the corsa's and 106's

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=4595&d=1302412862

[Ash.]

Whats wrong with Fords? :p

EDIT: Just seen your pics afterwards.
The Vr-4 is nice, but will cost more to run and maintain etc.
Also depends if Chris wants a slightly newer car with a more modern feel.
For outright speed, yeah get the vr-4, for something a bit more modern and pokey rather than balls out speed, Mondeo or Volvo,

[budfish]

The Volvo S60 T5 is also a contender (thanks dad!), nearly fell of my chair when I saw this one on autotrader :lol::lol:(although I can afford it):
http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=1638549020

Tough robust motorway cruncher good for 200k miles

[steelie600]

the Mitzis drive like a new car mate! I was amazed when I bought mine cos I was looking at an evo or a scooby but the vr-4 drives soooooooo nice. Dont have to drive like a twat, can use it as a big luxo barge because it drives like a tight 5 series/e class, but will destroy them all except the mcLaren mercedes (I tried and got made to look silly!!)

[budfish]

but there both fords and both shit slow!! My vr-4 will get to 60 in about 4.5ish if I launch it right! And bear in mind the saloon VR-4's are lighter so theoretically faster!

Just to tease you some more this is the Saloon SUPER vr-4 (mine is the estate version), they only made 18 red ones and are rare as hens teeth!!

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=4591&d=1302412829

and the view the chavs will get in the corsa's and 106's

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=4595&d=1302412862

I appreciate the awsome power of the vr4 but it looks like a cross between a shopping trolly and a taxi :thumbdown:

[Ash.]

the Mitzis drive like a new car mate! I was amazed when I bought mine cos I was looking at an evo or a scooby but the vr-4 drives soooooooo nice. Dont have to drive like a twat, can use it as a big luxo barge because it drives like a tight 5 series/e class, but will destroy them all except the mcLaren mercedes (I tried and got made to look silly!!)

Oh yeah i dont doubt that they do, i just meant more like the cabin feel. You got any pictures of the interior? I know some Jap cars around that age look really dated inside and obviously wont have the same gadgets as say a 2005 model car.
Whats the mpg like on yours?

[steelie600]

ill get some pics in a sec wont be mine cos its 40 miles away and locked up but i have got in no particular order

leccy windows all round
central locking
2 front airbags
side airbags
pre tensioners
hi vis dash
computer controlled climate control
6 speaker stereo (standard)
trip computer
tv and dvd player (standard mitsubishi system)
Active centre diff
Yaw control
active rear diff
traction control
launch control
remote tailgate release
and most of all RECAROS as standard on the super!

[steelie600]

found some of the recaro interior!! took me a while but I found some

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=3868&d=1272865431
http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=3867&d=1272865417

and now leather

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2105&d=1207100253

and cloth

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1976&d=1202676083

and the engine just to make you fwibble!!

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1975&d=1202676067

[budfish]

My Volvo t5se lux dash :thumbsup:

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/788862c4.jpg

[Bagman]

It's not my cup of tea that Galant but I wanted one when they were new (I was a LOT younger then though). As they're so rare I think it rules them out for now. The Volvo looks good though and I'm happy to take the credit for suggesting them.

Just out of interest though what sort of bhp/torque do you get from that Galant?

[Bagman]

Budfish, has your Volvo got a fancy sliding door pocket?

[budfish]

Budfish, has your Volvo got a fancy sliding door pocket?

It's a c70 hard top cabriolet so it had plent of fancy dampened doors on the door and rear storage pockets

Buds

[Bagman]

Very nice. I'm guessing global warming is probably making convertibles possible now in Rochdale. Nice car, what colour is it?

[budfish]

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/87cb7666.jpg

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/bfba0c1f.jpg


The wife can hit 30mpg around town I get around 22mpg goes down to an average of 15 mpg when tickling it a bit

[Bagman]

Proper 4 seater cabrio with hard top that is much better for winter/thieves. Very nice though I think we may be hijacking the thread a bit.

[budfish]

Proper 4 seater cabrio with hard top that is much better for winter/thieves. Very nice though I think we may be hijacking the thread a bit.

But you can see the difference in quality between jap and European

[Chris56]

You're not hijacking guys - I really like the Volvos (not sure if I can stretch to a C70 mind!)- it would have to be a t5 though!

I appreciate all the advice - you guys have talked a lot from experience in owning the cars im interested in and you don't get that through reading a Top Gear review so thank you.

I think taking all into account (costs, reliability, exclusivity) I can pretty much narrow it down to:

Ford Mondeo ST220
Volvo S60 T5
Saab 95 HOT Aero

I haven't heard a bad word said about any of them so as long as I choose carefully I shouldn't feel let down and will have a lot of fun blasting down to southwest france this summer!

Now, does anybody know anyone who will be intersted in an 05 Mazda6 2.0d TS with 88K on the clock? Mostly motorway miles, fsh and recent cam belt change. Mechanically it is spot on.

I've just realised that I do need to sell mine before venturing out!

[budfish]

You're not hijacking guys - I really like the Volvos (not sure if I can stretch to a C70 mind!)- it would have to be a t5 though!

I appreciate all the advice - you guys have talked a lot from experience in owning the cars im interested in and you don't get that through reading a Top Gear review so thank you.

I think taking all into account (costs, reliability, exclusivity) I can pretty much narrow it down to:

Ford Mondeo ST220
Volvo S60 T5
Saab 95 HOT Aero

I haven't heard a bad word said about any of them so as long as I choose carefully I shouldn't feel let down and will have a lot of fun blasting down to southwest france this summer!

Now, does anybody know anyone who will be intersted in an 05 Mazda6 2.0d TS with 88K on the clock? Mostly motorway miles, fsh and recent cam belt change. Mechanically it is spot on.

I've just realised that I do need to sell mine before venturing out!

Got the Volvo off my mate garage owner accident repaired 7grand with 27k miles 220bhp 150 mph 7.5 o - 60 I thought it was a bargin so bought it I wasn't even after new car buy when I drove it I had to have it

My favourite car I've ever had was a 330d awsome car my was a 2001 model se so had a 6 speed manual it was only 2 year old when I had it in 2003 I loved it I'd buy one same age for 5grand now the bollocks

[Bagman]

Sod it I'm going to have to post pics of mine now. Give me a minute.

[Bagman]

Too much sunlight for the phone camera inside but you get the idea, I probably need a convertible but I haven't found a hardtop estate yet. I haven't mentioned the remap either and that is another story. It's not tidy inside but I was caught on the hop. Driving to the UK tomorrow and it's getting valeted just before I set off. German autobahns early on Sunday morning. Diagonally across Germany on the longest unlimited road in Europe, possibly the world.

[budfish]

Too much sunlight for the phone camera inside but you get the idea, I probably need a convertible but I haven't found a hardtop estate yet. I haven't mentioned the remap yet and that is another story. It's not tidy inside but I was caught on the hop. Driving to the UK tomorrow and it's getting valeted just before I set off. German autobahns early on Sunday morning. diagonally across Germany on the longest unlimited road in Europe, possibly the world.

330d se I think with nav nice I'd have a tourer can't knock it

[Bagman]

Not really an estate but I think it's more like a big hatch. 2 labs in the back is a hell of a squeeze. Love it though.

[teamorsum96]

no compo, mr plods, Z-cars mini, before you say anything, a mini is a saloon :p

[Bagman]

Can it get his camping gear in? That's the big issue.

[Chris56]

Can it get his camping gear in? That's the big issue.

A mini - definately not, a 330d (saloon or estate), probably

[teamorsum96]

Can it get his camping gear in? That's the big issue.

to say the backseats and floor is cut out, to house Suzuki busa that takes it to 60 in less than 4secs, if you want to take camping gear,get a camper :thumbsup:

and thats what roof racks was made for :lol:

[budfish]

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/1d072c00.jpg

Get one shit picture but only one I have

[bigred5765]

what a lovely






puppy

[Chris56]

Yes, picture is shit, but that dog looks awesome!

[Bagman]

After the remap, 57mpg on long trips, 49 day to day and it drops to 37 when pushed. On the rolling road the it has 268 bhp but that isn't the magic number with these things. I'm not sure in metric but I now have 611nm of torque. That is just peak. On the peak curves as the power comes in earlier at some points it has more than 100bhp more, the torque is even more! It hasn't rained since the remap but I'm cacking it. This is my mid life crisis car and to be honest nobody needs something this quick. I've done it, had it and I think the next car will be a 2l diesel. The BMW 2l does 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds which is more than fast enough and the economy will be fantastic. I'll remap that too as I haven't found a downside to it yet (waited till warranty finished first).

[budfish]

what a lovely






puppy

That bastard dog cost me £500 then when the kids came along the dog became pissed off and I gave it away!!
Didn't cost me as much as the BMW though I gave £18500 for it and got 15 grand back 12 months later !!!

[Bagman]

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/1d072c00.jpg

Get one shit picture but only one I have

Does your dog stick his head out from your Volvo, that's the picture to get. Wind in the ears etc.

[Bagman]

Nice blue BMW though, subtle but let's you know it's good at what it does.

[budfish]

After the remap, 57mpg on long trips, 49 day to day and it drops to 37 when pushed. On the rolling road the it has 268 bhp but that isn't the magic number with these things. I'm not sure in metric but I now have 611nm of torque. That is just peak. On the curves as the power comes in earlier at some points it has more than 100bhp more, the torque is even more! It hasn't rained since the remap but I'm cacking it. This is my mid life crisis car and to be honest nobody needs something this quick. I've done it, had it and I think the next car will be a 2l diesel. The BMW 2l does 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds which is more than fast enough and the economy will be fantastic. I'll remap that too as I haven't found a downside to it yet (waited till warranty finished first).

Should I get my t5 remapped? I hasn't got much traction from set off now but I've been told I can get 300bhp for £300?

[Chris56]

Should I get my t5 remapped? I hasn't got much traction from set off now but I've been told I can get 300bhp for £300?

For £300 yes. Although traction may be in issue, the in-gear acceleration will be unbelievable:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Bagman]

From a reputable firm why not. Is it front wheel drive? Could be an issue but not a deal breaker. You've got traction control I should think so probably fine. Don't know what it does to consumption in a petrol. Is it a power remap or a sort of balanced one (I went for the balanced one but could have gone mental on power if I wanted to however I like my clutch)

[budfish]

From a reputable firm why not. Is it front wheel drive? Could be an issue but not a deal breaker. You've got traction control I should think so probably fine. Don't know what it does to consumption in a petrol. Is it a power remap or a sort of balanced one (I went for the balanced one but could have gone mental on power if I wanted to however I like my clutch)

That's a power remap the focus has the same engine plent of torque but shreds the 18" rubber 270 bhp balanced remap

[Bagman]

You had a scan through Volvo forums to read stuff from people who've done it? I spent an evening on the internet trying to find remap problems for the car, did the research and went from there. I think one potential issue might be the particle filter, but you can get them removed if needed, or it might not be an issue in the Volvos case.

[budfish]

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/230a8ac9.jpg

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/00c8f0df.jpg

But can the 330 do this??!

[Bagman]

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/230a8ac9.jpg

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb457/Budfish1975/00c8f0df.jpg

But can the 330 do this??!

Right, just tried it, pressed every button and this is the best I can do.

I can see this is developing into top trumps here. If Chris56 was after an estate or a convertible it might even be relevant. I've got 4 12v/fag lighter sockets, how many have you got? This is a proper question.

[budfish]

Right, just tried it, pressed every button and this is the best I can do.

I can see this is developing into top trumps here. If Chris56 was after an estate or a convertible it might even be relevant. I've got 4 12v/fag lighter sockets, how many have you got? This is a proper question.

I've only got 2 12v sockets mate one in the front one in the boot but I've got a dyn sound system 16 speaker pro logic 2 with sub woofer behind back seat factory standard £36.750 new !!!'

[steelie600]

It's not my cup of tea that Galant but I wanted one when they were new (I was a LOT younger then though). As they're so rare I think it rules them out for now. The Volvo looks good though and I'm happy to take the credit for suggesting them.

Just out of interest though what sort of bhp/torque do you get from that Galant?

398bhp and 421lb/ft torque mines not standard but standard ones are usually about 290bhp for autos and 300 for manuals

[Bagman]

I've only got 2 12v sockets mate one in the front one in the boot but I've got a dyn sound system 16 speaker pro logic 2 with sub woofer behind back seat factory standard £36.750 new !!!'

16! I've got 13 but it's the Harmon Kardon Pro 7 BMW option system, 2 subwoofers, 1 under each front seat. Separate CD and DVD in the front and multichanger in the back. 16 is impressive though. All in including options, which on a BMW really add up, it comes to a bit more than £36,750 but we're both happy that we didn't have to pay those prices. Best way to go is to buy a 3 to 5 year old quality car. Can't go wrong.

[steelie600]

16 feckin speakers!!!

Shit me my stereo sounds awesome with 6 and a sub!

[budfish]

16! I've got 13 but it's the Harmon Kardon Pro 7 BMW option system, 2 subwoofers, 1 under each front seat. Separate CD and DVD in the front and multichanger in the back. 16 is impressive though. All in including options, which on a BMW really add up, it comes to a bit more than £36,750 but we're both happy that we didn't have to pay those prices. Best way to go is to buy a 3 to 5 year old quality car. Can't go wrong.

Agreed mate my car is less than 5 years old I got it for 30 grand less than new when I sell it next year I'll be in profit

[Bagman]

I think I heard that the new Jags had 19 or 20. It might have been in the pub so not 100% accurate.

[Bagman]

Agreed mate my car is less than 5 years old I got it for 30 grand less than new when I sell it next year I'll be in profit

You selling at the start of the summer next year? Best prices for a convertible.

[Bagman]

398bhp and 421lb/ft torque mines not standard but standard ones are usually about 290bhp for autos and 300 for manuals

That's mental. I can't imagine that, have you changed anything with the brakes?

[steelie600]

Yeah its got evo brembos on her with bendix carbon pads! Stops quicker than it accelerates!! steel braided flexi lines, and bigger master cylinder, with dot 5.1 fluid so it dont boil!

Tis a heavy old bus, but you dont feel it when its on the road. Ive also fitted fully adjustable coil-overs but its not silly low just so the wheels sit nice in the arches.

Engine on the other hand I went a bit daft on.

Gas flowed, ported and polished heads with 10 thou skimmed off each head. Ti valves and double springs. and my own designed cams with vernier pulleys.
Uprated oil pump and water pump off the Evo X, Lightened and balanced crank, billet rods and pistions with 8 thou over bore, race spec bearings, polished inside the crankcase to aid oil flow. Lumenition coil and leads, race spec plugs, hand built turbo pipes and silicone hoses. Throttle body off evo 6.5 (tommi mak) and a pair of hybrid t3 turbos. Standard are ickle tiny thingys and dont blow much wind, but it was a reet mare getting the t3's on it! Not a mod id recommend.

All the work I did myself except write the map for the ecu.

[Bagman]

Yeah its got evo brembos on her with bendix carbon pads! Stops quicker than it accelerates!! steel braided flexi lines, and bigger master cylinder, with dot 5.1 fluid so it dont boil!

Tis a heavy old bus, but you dont feel it when its on the road. Ive also fitted fully adjustable coil-overs but its not silly low just so the wheels sit nice in the arches.

Engine on the other hand I went a bit daft on.

Gas flowed, ported and polished heads with 10 thou skimmed off each head. Ti valves and double springs. and my own designed cams with vernier pulleys.
Uprated oil pump and water pump off the Evo X, Lightened and balanced crank, billet rods and pistions with 8 thou over bore, race spec bearings, polished inside the crankcase to aid oil flow. Lumenition coil and leads, race spec plugs, hand built turbo pipes and silicone hoses. Throttle body off evo 6.5 (tommi mak) and a pair of hybrid t3 turbos. Standard are ickle tiny thingys and dont blow much wind, but it was a reet mare getting the t3's on it! Not a mod id recommend.

All the work I did myself except write the map for the ecu.

!!!!

[Churk]

What about a 2005 RS4?
dunno how much road tax will be but u know ur gonna get quality and performance plus they look nice.

[Chris56]

What about a 2005 RS4?
dunno how much road tax will be but u know ur gonna get quality and performance plus they look nice.

Superb cars but way over budget!

[daz]

M5 E39's are getting affordable now, how does 5 litres 400bhp V8 grab you. Someone on pistonheads had a shit green one with decent miles, he had it up at £5995 but struggling to shift it cos of the colour.

[jpmatrix]

Have you considered the Alfa 156 GTA.
Great looking car and not very common. This one just sold for 5k.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/largepic.asp?i=2615694&noPics=3&imgsrv=1&current=2&make=ALFAROMEO&model=156

[Bagman]

At some point in your life you just have to go Alfa. 4 exhausts are a bit much I reckon.

[Chris56]

Definately a question of "when" rather than "what if" when it comes to getting an Alpha.

My only reservation this time round is that I will need to keep this car for about 5 years, and its often a big gamble with Alpha's whether those 5 years would be trouble free compared to the other cars on the list.

There's obviously the option of selling my wife's car and making her get an Alpha, but today is not a good day to bring that one up!!!!

[Cream]

I drive a Scooby WRX 'PPP' 265BHP of 4 wheel drive goodness :-)
Not had any issue with it to date, owned it about 2 1/2 year now, but I think the front shocker are starting to go (43k) Don't think I ever want to go back to 2WD again.
Only problem is fuel use. 20 MPG and in the snow I was getting around 10mpg But it was still going unlike all the BMW's in the area :)
Love it as long as you can live with the boy racer image.

[shanks]

Honda accord type R?

Absolutely awesome handling car

[jamie 6.5t]

i know its not a saloon but have you thought about an old skyline like the R33GTS or even a nissan sunny or pulsar GTI there all v fast cars me personally i have an old R32GT in my garage as a project it runns and bodie work is emaculate only thing wrong is needs some new shocks dropping onto it as the old ones had collapsed ;/ its on ebay for 3500 only done 95000 miles

[beckybean66]

z-cars mini

[Deano]

If you're thinking about a quick estate and want something rare, how about a Nissan Stagea ?
Skyline GTR 4wd running gear and quite rare as well as reasonable money for an older model.

Mine is highly modded and very rare in this spec as well as out of your budget. But they are about ranging in price from 2k for a series 1 to 5k for a series 2. Std 240-280bhp. Mine on its last dyno 371bhp.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z226/Dean33GTST/211020101038.jpg

[steelie600]

Nice to see youve thrown the horrid stagea front end in the bin and fitted a decent looking one!!

[Deano]

Nice to see youve thrown the horrid stagea front end in the bin and fitted a decent looking one!!

Yes the standard Stagea is a bit marmite, though it can be improved with small mods. I didn't fit the kit to mine, but when I sold my R34 and was looking for something else this car really attracted me.
I've done all the mechanical mods myself though.

[mattbrown]

Nice to see youve thrown the horrid stagea front end in the bin and fitted a decent looking one!!


We priced up an R34 front end for a friends stage. OMFG

£550 for lights
£800 for bumper
£350 for bonnet

And random other telephone like numbers!

Does absolutely transform the car though:thumbsup:

[mattbrown]

Sierra Sapphire is where you need to go.

2wd obviously:)

But an awesome toy, cheapish, cheap tax, insurance not bad, fairly reliable in standardish trim.

[Deano]

We priced up an R34 front end for a friends stage. OMFG

£550 for lights
£800 for bumper
£350 for bonnet

And random other telephone like numbers!

Does absolutely transform the car though:thumbsup:

The Masa bodykit on mine costs about 4k, though I am using a genuine R34 GTR front bumper and splitter.