I’m still trying to decide just what my next motor should be. Obviously whatever my choice, there’s a compromise. If I go for light weight performance then space will suffer. If I go for load carrying then style will likely take a hit. Luxury? The budget will go up. I’ve narrowed my list down to the following:
Alfa Romeo Brera
Audi TT
BMW 5 series
BMW ALPINA B3
BMW M3
Cadillac CTS
Chrysler Crossfire
FORD Focus ST
Honda Civic Type R Saloon
Lotus Elise
Mercedes (big engine inc CLK)
Nissan 350Z
Porsche 911
Porsche Boxster
Saab 9-3 convertible
SEAT Leon Cupra R
Subaru Impreza WRX
TVR Cerbera
Vauxhall Astra VXR
Vauxhall Monaro
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 3.2 V6 R32
VW Phaeton
There are a huge range of types of car represented here, everything from hot hatches through to luxury barges. So, just how exactly will I make a decision? Well, the next step of course is deciding exactly how much I’m willing to spend. This will reduce the amount of cars in the list significantly.
Next, I think I’ll have to test drive the remainder of the list – if I haven’t driven that type of vehicle already. This will form a large basis of the final decision along with factoring in all of the added costs, including insurance, parts, servicing and how the network is rated.
At the moment I think the two cars highest on my list are a 2001 BMW M3 (I really like these) and a Subaru Impreza WRX saloon (probably 06). What do you all think? One of these two, one from the list or something completely different?
The E46 M3 is great car…but what I will say is don’t be tempted to test drive a CSL, it will ruin the normal M3 for you. That’s the mistake I made.
I’m trying to work out your budget, an 01 M3 could be as little as 10-11k now. You also don’t state what engines you are looking at in your main list nor if you could live with 2seats.
For example if your budget can stretch to say £13-14k then take a look at the Audi TT QS 240. Fantastic looking car in my opinion and sooo much better than any of the other TT range. Very rare too, not sure of the exact figures but I think they made around 500 of them.
Some food for thought maybe 🙂
Hi John,
Yeah, I’m still far from narrowing it down. I was wondering, why does everyone rave so much about the CSL version of the M3?