GarethB

Or more specifically finding a car to buy.

A couple of months ago I started searching for a car to buy but then came across the lease deal on BMW 135i which was too good to be passed up.
Too good to be true almost, as the offer was (seemingly) over subscribed, BMW launched 2 new models using the same engine and Jan delivery date became May.

Tomorrow I expect to be cancelling the lease unless they can pull something special out of the bag.

So I've been looking at what I actually want to buy.
Much as it pains me to say it an RS6 is out of budget....unless I found one that was in budget but that would make it quite likely to go BANG. Or lots of little bangs on a monthly basis.

I've looked at C63s and M3s, M5s and RS4s (of which there are none in the Audi used car locator, surprisingly.) And lots of other things besides.
I then looked at other things to lease - delivery time is a big consideration - as is budget and excitement factor, or at least interest.

This morning I've found 2 Civic Type R Mugens not too far away
I also found a RS Focus in Wrexham
And I found that I can change my mind about what I want about 100 times per day which makes choosing a new car absolutely no fun. Realistically I can't try anything until next weekend so that gives me a week to research things, so any suggestions?


Criteria
Budget is c£400 per month lease or £20k max to buy.
4 seats but not necessarily 4 door
Petrol
Will do a lot of motorway miles but could do with something that would be entertaining on B roads
15-20k miles per year

economy, insurance not important
low maintenance costs / warranty are

[sits back and awaits huge criticism of everything I've said]

and no, I don't want an MX5 or a 330d

mikey k

You're searching for the holy grail

Doing those sorts of miles and wanting low maintenance ain't going to come from M3's, RS's or AMG's
Not in my experience any way

You're closer with the M135i, Mugen Civics & RS Focus
Are there any good lease deals on A45 AMG's?

Nottm_S2

I agree with mike.

ime rear tyres on an M3 last <7k miles, fronts 10k so tyres alone you'd be spending £2k+ and at 20mpg not ideal, add servicing and it would be a big cost I think.

335i also thirsty but 90% of an m3 for 70% cash

I would look at smaller turbos, much more efficient. The FN2 CTRs (the spaceship ones) are terrible IMHO, awful ride, numb steering. Shame as they do look

Renno Sport Megane?
GT86?

GarethB

M135i has too long a lead time
A45 would be way over budget I suspect

Will consider GT86 - someone on here has one don't they, I'll search out the thread

Shiskine

Nick and Fluffy both have them ...

GiffS2K

I'm going to sound like a fanboy here but have you considered a 997?

GarethB

I have but I need back seats

gaddafi

Get a nice late E46 M3 CS with a perfect service history, last service just done, new tyres all round. Don't pay more than £12K and put the rest aside £8K for repairs and maintenance. If you keep it nice you'll always shift it on, even with the miles you put on.

GarethB

Something like this?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...on-pack/985607

Nottm_S2

I think even the old sixer is thirsty, check out m3cutters

The later imprezza hatch has some potent variants

Someone on here raves about variants of these

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...--frsh/1906619