I am wanting to purchase a circa £9-10K car that has 4 doors, sporty to look at and drive although shouldn't "look" like a boy racer mobile (imprezza, type R etc), has some badge kudos and wont depreciate too badly.
Not fussed about going diesel, as mileage doesn't really justify the extra cost.
High mileage (under 100k though) for the right vehicle not a great issue, although wouldn't want anything older than 4 years.
I would like leather seats, air con and traction control.
The 3 series saloon is my current favourite, ideally a 328 (or is the 323 a better bet) round about a 99V.
Passats are out, as friend in same position has just bought one.
Mondeos are out, albeit they are fine cars, they just don’t give me the feel good factor to look at.
Saabs, Volvos Toyota and are off the list, wife thinks I am not ready for pipe and slippers yet (history would suggest an unchangeable attitude)
Any suggetsions anyone, thanks
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Alfa 156?
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Alfa 156 has got a lot going for it, the v6 looks impressive, but I am a tad concerned about reliability. Are Alfa's really unreliable or is that an urban myth?
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Alfa 156 has got a lot going for it, the v6 looks impressive, but I am a tad concerned about reliability. Are Alfa's really unreliable or is that an urban myth?
Lets be honest, they are not as reliable as a BMW shall we say even if you are being kind and you have a bad BMW, and the dealers are carp. BUT - NEARLY WITHOUT EXCEPTION - every person I know loves their 156 to bits, and is prepared to admit that the niggles and faults they get are more than outweighed by the sheer pleasure of driving one.
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2000/1 W/X Reg Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 Veloce circa 50k miles
price? - tick
Badge kudos? - tick
depreciation? - depreciated already but more to come, - semi tick
Mileage - tick
leather - tick
Stiring in loins when you look at of window at car? - tick
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Lexus IS200? I know you say she doesn't like Toyotas, but does she have to know?!
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Definitely IS200 - Looks great, won't break down, the very cheapest are still at 10k tho, for a V/W plate i think.
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Saab,pipe and slippers. please tell me it's not true! (sees street cred disappearing rapidly)
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Personally I think Saab's are great, however have not, even after 3 years of marriage, been able to correct her error in judgement.
Almost convinced her re a C70, but then she got pregnant and that idea was shelved.
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Old shape Civic 1.8VTi. Pipe & Slippers blown away in the slipstream first time you put your foot down...
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Reckon you have already chosen the best option in a 328 BeeM, but don`t go pre 1999. For reliability there is little to beat a Lexus IS200, but they unfortunately have little torque below 3000 rpm and are not very fuel efficient, especially if you maintain the revs to keep them in their power/torque band.
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Jag x-type
Might just fall in your price range (possible from auction)
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What about HJs former drive, a Seat Leon VT or Cupra? Sporty to look at without being OTT (unless you buy a bright yellow one!) sporty to drive,4 doors, well built, reliable and you should find one with all the toys. It's a hatch, though and a bit smaller than a 3 -series.
Failing that...currently on Autotrader
1999 BMW 323i SE, 1999, FBMWSH,
Grey leather, wood pack, electric seats, climate control, 16 alloys, traction control, ABS, PAS, privacy glass, stunning condition. £10,000 . no offers
Doesn't mention mileage, though.
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Or...
A VW Bora V5? Good badge, decent performance, good looking 4 door, should be able to find one with leather for £10k. Not really sporty to drive, however, when compared to the 3-series or 156. Bora will also depreciate more than 3-series, but much less than the Alfa.
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Bora and Leon a bit too small I think for my needs, Pram etc.
Will look into X type prices, although gut reaction is that they are too new hence too expensive.
IS200 certainly appeals, to be honest if I go this route I'll probably go for an Altezza, they are ridiculously cheap, starting at £4-5k with much better spec. I have heard they are not particularly inspiring to drive though.
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As an ardent Alfa fan and owner of a 156 Sportwagon, I must suggest caution if you have loads of stuff to move. The boot on the 156 isn't the largest in the class. If you like 'em (I love mine!) I suggest you drag your pram along to a dealer and pop it in the boot to try it on for size.
As an alternative, how about an A4? Should be able to get something moderately pleasant, but the miles will be rather high.
Ah, what am I saying? Get yourself to an Alfa dealership and give yourself a smile that will take surgery to remove.
If I don't reply it's nowt personal, I'm just working!
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Two opposites for you - one subtle, the other anything but. Skoda Octavia VRs or MG ZT - both fast saloons with generous bootspace, both come in estate form as well if you want to bung some luggage in along with the pram (the Skoda looks better as an estate, IMHO). Octavia prices started at £15k in 2001 so should be within your budget now. MG ZT prices started at £21k in 2001 for the 190 (I'm assuming you wouldn't want to consider the ZT160) so it might not have dropped quite within your price range.
If neither of the above appeal and you're not afraid of chipping a diesel, the Seat Toledo has a huge boot but relatively limited rear legroom (probably no worse than a 3-Series though). A 2000 car with the 110 bhp eninge could be bought for under £8k (or even under £7k with more than 80k miles) and chipped to 154 bhp. I know someone who has done this with a Leon. Stormer!
andymc
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How about a Volvo S40 T4. Badge is upmarket enough and 9k would buy a decent, recent one. Goes very well in a straight line ' cornering OK.
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Go on, try the Impreza, they look good in dark colours, you know you want to.... The handling will spoil you for anything else mind.
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Did I hear "S40" and "Decent" in the same sentence?????
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If I don't reply it's nowt personal, I'm just working!
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