Can I find the perfect compromise ?!

biscuits · 04-11-2009, 07:18 AM

My car owning history is pretty varied, but on average I've had a new (new/used/company) car every year. This has been an expensive part of my life, but I enjoy cars and don't do football/drugs/et all... so it could be worse!

Problem I have had for the past few years is finding a compromise for an everyday car and a fun car. The last fourr cars have been:

Audi S4 Avant - Fast, practical, lovely V8 - sold as wanted something more sporty
Porsche 996 C2 - Always wanted a Porker, so it was a child hood dream - sold as not practical for work, doing too many miles in it
BMW 535d MSport - Big, comfy, full of toys and fast - sold as wanted something more sporty
BMW E92 M3 - Always wanted an M3, fairly practical, lovely V8

Thing is, I find if I get something sporty... after 6-12 months the sportyness and power just becomes the norm and the family/work practical elements become a problem.... but then if I get something more practical, I get bored again and long for something more envolving.

Am I mad or have I got a solution for my (rather nice position) predicament?

Spend £25k on a 2-3yr old 4x4 of some ilk - X5, XC90, ML, Disco, RR, RRS

Then spend £15k-£20k on a pure fun car - Elise, Exige, Caterham, S2000

I'll get a trip to the Nurburgring in the M3 first, but I think this solution would work quite well.

What do you think ?

B

SiKkBaSs · 04-11-2009, 07:29 AM

Probably not Paulio. Impressive car resume I have to say. I think the M3 saloon is the car for me eventually...

Porscha! · 04-11-2009, 08:02 AM

£20K on one of these -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/874075.htm

and

£20K on one of these -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/694793.htm

Plus a £5K Disco / Defender for towing, putting dogs in, off roading etc.

OR £40K on one of these -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/284700.htm

Plus a £5K Disco / Defender

Oh and once you've had a fast car a couple of weeks, it doesn't feel fast until it surprises you

MOB · 04-11-2009, 08:04 AM

I know what you mean - I tend to go sports-luxury-sports-luxury

Got the Cayman now, will probably end up with and AMG or Jag next lol

You thought about bikes?

One thing I tend to do when I start to think about changing cars, drive something shit for a few days, when you get back in your car it feels great again!

Steve A · 04-11-2009, 08:46 AM

I think having a sporty touring is the way to go. one car keeps the costs down

my faves at the mo are

ALPINA B3 BITURBO Touring. but they are 50k

C63 AMG estate

Audi RS4 Avant pick a nice one up for 30k

fast and practical.

zltm089 · 04-11-2009, 12:18 PM

M5 maybe? 4 doors for the family ....and sporty 500bhp for the track? ......

SiKkBaSs · 04-11-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zltm089

M5 maybe? 4 doors for the family ....and sporty 500bhp for the track? ......

Yeh but mpg??

ss134 · 04-11-2009, 03:46 PM

New Audi S4 Avant- According to reviews its the best handling Audi ever, with Drive Select to switch between Sports, Comfort etc (perfect for when you just want to get A-B ). It has an electronic diff and unlike previous S/RS can provide tail out antics if thats your thing. MPG is reasonable (29 combined) due to the old cars V8 being dropped in favour of a supercharged V6. Its fast too 0-60 in 5 dead. All this in an estate body and 4WD. Perfect.

biscuits · 04-11-2009, 05:42 PM

You know, what ever I get I'll be bored after six months... think I'll just buy a VXR8 Barthurst S Edition. 570bhp, 4doors & a big boot.

Steve A · 04-11-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscuits

You know, what ever I get I'll be bored after six months... think I'll just buy a VXR8 Barthurst S Edition. 570bhp, 4doors & a big boot.

welcome to the world of financial suicide

biscuits · 04-12-2009, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve A

welcome to the world of financial suicide

yep...

dxb335d · 04-12-2009, 04:25 AM

Love the 930 turbo nic.

Steve A · 04-12-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Love the 930 turbo nic.

+1 930 t's are up there with childhood fantasy cars, the flatnose 930/5? was the one for me though in black

Porscha! · 04-12-2009, 05:24 AM

You two being serious?? You mean you actually LIKE a car I've posted??

As for flatnoses Steve, I absolutely adore them my fave too!

930 turbo is on the "cars to own before I'm 30" list, can't see any reason it shouldn't happen but the GT3 has gone back to cars to own before I'm 40

Serjames · 04-12-2009, 05:26 AM

yeah.. me too Loved the flat nose... There were a few nutty Stripped out Tuned flat noses running around with 400bhp + That must have been FUN/INSANE....

Same power to weight as some bikes I would think.... DAMN

Would have to be White for me though.....

SJ

Porscha! · 04-12-2009, 05:30 AM

James, I saw one like what you are talking about for sale not long ago think it was on classiccarsforsale. Fun / insane is perfectly fine by me

Think black flatnose is better than white myself but like I'd say "no" to either!

dxb335d · 04-12-2009, 06:21 AM

Id love a Red 930 Turbo

booforty · 04-14-2009, 05:40 AM

Paul, the M3 is practical and sporty for me, but then I don't have kids. What's not practical about it for you? I thought it would tick all the boxes for most people?

biscuits · 04-14-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booforty

Paul, the M3 is practical and sporty for me, but then I don't have kids. What's not practical about it for you? I thought it would tick all the boxes for most people?

Thing is... driving it everyday... it just becomes the norm, not special... whic I know it is, but it just doesn't feel it after 6 months. I had the same thing with the Porsche.

I'm still thinking of a Range Rover Sport, plus a Catherham R400 or Exige (Maybe an entry level Atom?)

Out drive only fits two cars and the garage is only long enough to fit a 996 or smaller vehicle (the M3 won't fit)

Hmmmmm

beemerbird · 04-14-2009, 03:37 PM

Paul, I can totally relate to what you're saying! When I first got the 335d I thought I'll keep this for ages, then got it re-mapped and thought I'll defo. keep this, then I drove the Cayman and fell in love with REALLY going around corners/bends again and the roar from a 6 cylinder petrol and sooooooo much fun. Dare I stick my neck out now and finally say for me I may, just may have found a car that ticks ALL the boxes (apart from luggage carrying capacity). I can't imagine the power & torque, grip & handling becoming TOTALLY the norm if you know what I mean. We're all 'working' within a financial budget as well.

Just a good job I'm not as fickle with men

IT has to be out there - good luck and you will find it is all I'm saying.

biscuits · 04-14-2009, 03:50 PM

Thanks Helen... glad it's just not me being a fickle man !

Quote:

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Paul, I can totally relate to what you're saying! When I first got the 335d I thought I'll keep this for ages, then got it re-mapped and thought I'll defo. keep this, then I drove the Cayman and fell in love with REALLY going around corners/bends again and the roar from a 6 cylinder petrol and sooooooo much fun. Dare I stick my neck out now and finally say for me I may, just may have found a car that ticks ALL the boxes (apart from luggage carrying capacity). I can't imagine the power & torque, grip & handling becoming TOTALLY the norm if you know what I mean. We're all 'working' within a financial budget as well.

Just a good job I'm not as fickle with men

IT has to be out there - good luck and you will find it is all I'm saying.

Porscha! · 04-14-2009, 04:26 PM

Nooooooo Range Rover Sport, pleeeeeeease

Caterham R400, yes please

YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE!

04-11-2009, 07:18 AM	#1
biscuits Dimmer than a dim thing 80 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: M4 GTS, EQC, X5 40d, simrig Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 (F15) 4 ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M4 GTS [10.00]	Can I find the perfect compromise ?! My car owning history is pretty varied, but on average I've had a new (new/used/company) car every year. This has been an expensive part of my life, but I enjoy cars and don't do football/drugs/et all... so it could be worse! Problem I have had for the past few years is finding a compromise for an everyday car and a fun car. The last fourr cars have been: Audi S4 Avant - Fast, practical, lovely V8 - sold as wanted something more sporty Porsche 996 C2 - Always wanted a Porker, so it was a child hood dream - sold as not practical for work, doing too many miles in it BMW 535d MSport - Big, comfy, full of toys and fast - sold as wanted something more sporty BMW E92 M3 - Always wanted an M3, fairly practical, lovely V8 Thing is, I find if I get something sporty... after 6-12 months the sportyness and power just becomes the norm and the family/work practical elements become a problem.... but then if I get something more practical, I get bored again and long for something more envolving. Am I mad or have I got a solution for my (rather nice position) predicament? Spend £25k on a 2-3yr old 4x4 of some ilk - X5, XC90, ML, Disco, RR, RRS Then spend £15k-£20k on a pure fun car - Elise, Exige, Caterham, S2000 I'll get a trip to the Nurburgring in the M3 first, but I think this solution would work quite well. What do you think ? B
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04-11-2009, 07:29 AM	#2
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 169 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Probably not Paulio. Impressive car resume I have to say. I think the M3 saloon is the car for me eventually...
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04-11-2009, 08:02 AM	#3
Porscha! Should be on www.retrorides.com 94 Rep 3,573 Posts Drives: Porsche 944 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derbyshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 MG Midget 1500 [0.00] 1987 BMW E30 325i C ... [0.00]	£20K on one of these - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/874075.htm and £20K on one of these - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/694793.htm Plus a £5K Disco / Defender for towing, putting dogs in, off roading etc. OR £40K on one of these - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/284700.htm Plus a £5K Disco / Defender Oh and once you've had a fast car a couple of weeks, it doesn't feel fast until it surprises you __________________ "FIRE UP THA PORRSCHAAH" - The 80's are back! Front Engined Porsche
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04-11-2009, 08:04 AM	#4
MOB Major 56 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: Alpine White M2 LCI Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northants UK iTrader: (4)	I know what you mean - I tend to go sports-luxury-sports-luxury Got the Cayman now, will probably end up with and AMG or Jag next lol You thought about bikes? One thing I tend to do when I start to think about changing cars, drive something shit for a few days, when you get back in your car it feels great again! __________________
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04-11-2009, 08:46 AM	#5
Steve A Brigadier General 96 Rep 3,465 Posts Drives: too much Join Date: May 2007 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	I think having a sporty touring is the way to go. one car keeps the costs down my faves at the mo are ALPINA B3 BITURBO Touring. but they are 50k C63 AMG estate Audi RS4 Avant pick a nice one up for 30k fast and practical. __________________ C350 cdi sport estate facelift 457lbft 130i M SportMercedes C350 CDI Sport Estate AutoMini Cooper Auto.Mercedes E250 CGI,Lexus IS-F,R36, RS4 Saloon,ML 420 CDI SPORT,M6, 335d, C55, C32, M3, M5, S3, ALL SOLD but fondly remembered
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04-11-2009, 12:18 PM	#6
zltm089 Banned 243 Rep 7,690 Posts Drives: 335i SE Coupe Space Grey Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LONDON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 335i [10.00]	M5 maybe? 4 doors for the family ....and sporty 500bhp for the track? ......
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04-11-2009, 03:46 PM	#8
ss134 Brigadier General 230 Rep 3,899 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany/UK iTrader: (1)	New Audi S4 Avant- According to reviews its the best handling Audi ever, with Drive Select to switch between Sports, Comfort etc (perfect for when you just want to get A-B ). It has an electronic diff and unlike previous S/RS can provide tail out antics if thats your thing. MPG is reasonable (29 combined) due to the old cars V8 being dropped in favour of a supercharged V6. Its fast too 0-60 in 5 dead. All this in an estate body and 4WD. Perfect.
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04-11-2009, 05:42 PM	#9
biscuits Dimmer than a dim thing 80 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: M4 GTS, EQC, X5 40d, simrig Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 (F15) 4 ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M4 GTS [10.00]	You know, what ever I get I'll be bored after six months... think I'll just buy a VXR8 Barthurst S Edition. 570bhp, 4doors & a big boot.
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04-12-2009, 04:25 AM	#12
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Love the 930 turbo nic. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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04-12-2009, 05:24 AM	#14
Porscha! Should be on www.retrorides.com 94 Rep 3,573 Posts Drives: Porsche 944 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derbyshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 MG Midget 1500 [0.00] 1987 BMW E30 325i C ... [0.00]	You two being serious?? You mean you actually LIKE a car I've posted?? As for flatnoses Steve, I absolutely adore them my fave too! 930 turbo is on the "cars to own before I'm 30" list, can't see any reason it shouldn't happen but the GT3 has gone back to cars to own before I'm 40 __________________ "FIRE UP THA PORRSCHAAH" - The 80's are back! Front Engined Porsche
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04-12-2009, 05:26 AM	#15
Serjames Colonel 128 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: E93 335i M-sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: Surrey - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 335i M Spo ... [0.00] 2003 Nissan Primera S [0.00]	yeah.. me too Loved the flat nose... There were a few nutty Stripped out Tuned flat noses running around with 400bhp + That must have been FUN/INSANE.... Same power to weight as some bikes I would think.... DAMN Would have to be White for me though..... SJ __________________
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04-12-2009, 05:30 AM	#16
Porscha! Should be on www.retrorides.com 94 Rep 3,573 Posts Drives: Porsche 944 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derbyshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 MG Midget 1500 [0.00] 1987 BMW E30 325i C ... [0.00]	James, I saw one like what you are talking about for sale not long ago think it was on classiccarsforsale. Fun / insane is perfectly fine by me Think black flatnose is better than white myself but like I'd say "no" to either! __________________ "FIRE UP THA PORRSCHAAH" - The 80's are back! Front Engined Porsche
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04-12-2009, 06:21 AM	#17
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Id love a Red 930 Turbo __________________ 997.2 GT3
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04-14-2009, 05:40 AM	#18
booforty Major General 337 Rep 8,811 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Paul, the M3 is practical and sporty for me, but then I don't have kids. What's not practical about it for you? I thought it would tick all the boxes for most people?
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04-14-2009, 03:37 PM	#20
beemerbird Major General 172 Rep 7,953 Posts Drives: Merc diesel Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 TTRS [9.00] 2007 Audi S5 [0.00] May 2007 Porsche 99 ... [0.00] March 2007 Porsche ... [0.00] Sep. 2007 E92 335d SE [0.00] July 2006 E90 330i ... [0.00]	Paul, I can totally relate to what you're saying! When I first got the 335d I thought I'll keep this for ages, then got it re-mapped and thought I'll defo. keep this, then I drove the Cayman and fell in love with REALLY going around corners/bends again and the roar from a 6 cylinder petrol and sooooooo much fun. Dare I stick my neck out now and finally say for me I may, just may have found a car that ticks ALL the boxes (apart from luggage carrying capacity). I can't imagine the power & torque, grip & handling becoming TOTALLY the norm if you know what I mean. We're all 'working' within a financial budget as well. Just a good job I'm not as fickle with men IT has to be out there - good luck and you will find it is all I'm saying.
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04-14-2009, 04:26 PM	#22
Porscha! Should be on www.retrorides.com 94 Rep 3,573 Posts Drives: Porsche 944 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derbyshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 MG Midget 1500 [0.00] 1987 BMW E30 325i C ... [0.00]	Nooooooo Range Rover Sport, pleeeeeeease Caterham R400, yes please YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE! __________________ "FIRE UP THA PORRSCHAAH" - The 80's are back! Front Engined Porsche
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