Suggestions for new car

[soc]

Heya,

As I'm going to sell my GR and can't really decide on my next car I'm looking for suggestions for a new car - the only requirements are:

1) it has to look cool
2) it has to be fast and handle well
3) it has to ride well and to be comfortable for passengers
4) it has to be cost effective to run/maintain

Price bracket is upto €30K

All suggestions welcome (so far I'm considering a TT, cooper S, elise and S2000).

Cheers
Shane

[Dave]

for that rare quality go for the Elise, definitely not the cooper S.... that would be a step down in my opinion! how about a vauxhall vx220 turbo??

[CJ]

Here we go again
If you get a Mini, I'll never speak with you again, I know they're fast and they handle like a go-kart, but they're still a mini!
Get a TT you know you want to, it will be cheaper to insure/service/run that a Jap performance car, theres a lot of them on the road and unless you're going to modify it externally you'll just blend in with all of the other VAG and BMWs out there.

Other than that, get an RX7

CJ

[soc]

Here we go again

The problem is there's nothing that really offers the complete package - rareity, performance, handling at all at a reasonable price

If you get a Mini, I'll never speak with you again, I know they're fast and they handle like a go-kart, but they're still a mini!

Yea, I'd been trying to overlook that fact but I suppose you just can't......

Get a TT you know you want to, it will be cheaper to insure/service/run that a Jap performance car, theres a lot of them on the road and unless you're going to modify it externally you'll just blend in with all of the other VAG and BMWs out there.

And this is the problem - the TT is becoming a common sight and I think I'd only end up funnelling money into it in the form of a chip, wheels and some suspension mods. Really I want to get a car that isn't going to require much in way of mods.........

Other than that, get an RX7

Too much risk with engines and fuel consumption is crazy (otherwise it'd be cool) - I do like the RX8's though but too pricey.....

[Speedyboy]

Get a DC5 rare, fast , economical , looks well and you wont wont to modify it beacuse its already done by honda
brembo brakes
momo steering wheel
recaro red interior
clifford alarm
LSD

And of course being a honda reliable
and I know a lady selling one!

[CJ]

and I know a lady selling one!

Ralph, how much is the missus looking for?
I really like the look of the DC5, much better than the original ITR.
I assume you've taken it for a spin on many occasions, how would you compare it to the FTO in terms of handling and power?

CJ

[Speedyboy]

Im not sure of the money I think in around 28k

Yeah the DC5 is lovely I love the styling too, In terms of power Its quick it feels much more pokey than my GR, But it doesnt pull away as much as i would have imagined in a straight line, ive a video of it pulling away from a rolling start ill mail to you if you want it looks well, its 220 bhp and 6.8 to 100kmph

As for handling it has a strong front lsd so it will oversteer as well as the usual FWD understeer which was hairy the first few times but you quickly get used to it,

Ill take you for a spin in it the next time its in Dublin or your in Galway (if she still owns it)

[CJ]

ive a video of it pulling away from a rolling start ill mail to you if you want

Fire it on and I'll oblige...

Ill take you for a spin in it the next time its in Dublin or your in Galway (if she still owns it)

Looking forward to it

CJ

[Speedyboy]

Shes away at the moment and the car is in westport, Maybe i should leave the keys in it and ye can take it out if and when you like.

[CJ]

Shes away at the moment and the car is in westport, Maybe i should leave the keys in it and ye can take it out if and when you like.

Can you be more specific about the location?

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

What about a 98-99 FTO Version R ? - get it imported - you may have a little wait but it would be worth it

- I don't rate the TT at all - you won't get any respect in one of those
- Maybe a DC5 Integra or S2000.

As I have found out myself though - you can spend 30K and still not have a car that can compete with the FTO.

Get something rare if changing - e.g. Ford Racing Puma - handmade by Tickford - 4 pot calipers - widened track - alcantara sparco milano raceseats - Janspeed straight-through exhaust - 17" Speedline alloys - see this months performance ford magazine for details.
€17K will buy you a low mileage '00 model (the only year they were made - 450 in total - approx 10-12 in Ireland). Yeah I know I mentioned a Ford there but you have to drive it to believe it - incredible handling and braking - not exactly a rocket though at 155BHP - 7.1sec 0-60.

[adrian]

"Really I want to get a car that isn't going to require much in way of mods......... "..... go on, get an S2000!!! Best decision I ever made!! If you don't want mods to do then you'll have a 240bhp, 2 litre, 9000 RPM, cool looking convertible that get's so much respect it's not funny. It's a Honda, so it's bulletproof and you have www.s2ki.com which is a massive forum of users in the UK and USA with shed loads a knowledge. I, as you can tell, am in love with my S2000. I can meet you some evening if you want and you can have a look at mine......

And if that's not enough to make you change your mind....then.....

http://homepage.eircom.net/~adriangraham/s2000/

[CJ]

"Really I want to get a car that isn't going to require much in way of mods......... "..... go on, get an S2000!!!

Yeah, but Shanes a married man now, theres no room for a baby seat in an S2000 you know

CJ

[adrian]

Well, I'm getting married in November this year and the lady and myself both agree (that's what it's about right ) that the S2000 will stay, even if the kids arrive...she has a Megane Coupe at the moment that could suffice...or even be changed for a cheaper older 4 door. Mind you, I would love a nice jeep when I have kids...so that plan could go out the window!! Fingers crossed....I'll have the S for years!!

[soc]

"Really I want to get a car that isn't going to require much in way of mods......... "..... go on, get an S2000!!! Best decision I ever made!! If you don't want mods to do then you'll have a 240bhp, 2 litre, 9000 RPM, cool looking convertible that get's so much respect it's not funny. It's a Honda, so it's bulletproof and you have www.s2ki.com which is a massive forum of users in the UK and USA with shed loads a knowledge. I, as you can tell, am in love with my S2000. I can meet you some evening if you want and you can have a look at mine......

And if that's not enough to make you change your mind....then.....

http://homepage.eircom.net/~adriangraham/s2000/

I'd be up for a test drive alright - right now I'm thinking of only holding this next car for a year or so, with that in mind practicality ain't a high priority. There's a nice looking elise at rathgar motors which I might take a look at. I wonder would they take the GR as a trade in.....?