OT - starting to think about a new tin-top (RWD?)
mcerd1 - 6/8/10 at 07:19 PM
my focus passed the 100k mark 6 monthhs ago and its starting to need things done to it and its just feeling a bit worn / loose (nothing major or out
of the ordinary, but I've already had to do the steering rack twice 
and I'm getting fed up with it already )
so I'm just staring to think about gettng something else and I'm looking for ideas.....
Idealy I'd like something small (or not much begger than the focus at least)
I'd love it to be RWD, but more important is it should be rot free and in good mechanical order
also cheap to maintain and as simple as posible.
age doesn't matter, infact something running on carbs would be a big plus for me
oh and the budget is only ~3k to 4k max.
any thoughts ?
so far the only thing I can think of that ticks most those boxes is a scimitar 
[Edited on 6/8/2010 by mcerd1]
eddie99 - 6/8/10 at 07:24 PM
For 4k-4.5k, what about a 1999-2003 ish Audi s3. I'm currently just assessing my options and for speed, practicality and fun they seem good buys.
But it's 4wd not rwd, I'm on the lookout for a <4k <100k miles one and I'm sure they exist.
jimmyjoebob - 6/8/10 at 07:24 PM
Scimitars are great!
rayward - 6/8/10 at 07:28 PM
Blatant Plug........
hehe
Ray
franky - 6/8/10 at 07:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by eddie99
For 4k-4.5k, what about a 1999-2003 ish Audi s3. I'm currently just assessing my options and for speed, practicality and fun they seem good buys.
But it's 4wd not rwd, I'm on the lookout for a <4k <100k miles one and I'm sure they exist.
Think you'd struggle finding that.... what about a tidy nissan 200sx?
big_wasa - 6/8/10 at 07:35 PM
Toyota Altezza but no carbs...
mcerd1 - 6/8/10 at 07:36 PM
9-3's and S3's thats way to fancy (and new) for me...
mcerd1 - 6/8/10 at 07:41 PM
quote:
Originally posted by jimmyjoebob
Scimitars are great!
I've actually got one, but its been off the road since 1984 and is in about 200 boxes
I'll get round to sorting it, but it'll need to wait untill the dax is on the road (whenever that is.... )
jimmyjoebob - 6/8/10 at 07:49 PM
I know all about scimitars in boxes! All three of mine are in various states of disrepair unfortunately.
Would you be interested in a GTC? It should be MOTd in the next week or two.
dilley - 6/8/10 at 07:55 PM
merc e320cdi, remapped to 270bhp and 40 mpg!!!
MK9R - 6/8/10 at 07:57 PM
Only one answer - mx5
Benzine - 6/8/10 at 07:57 PM
Volvo 360
iank - 6/8/10 at 08:20 PM
MG (T)F, MR2
Liam - 6/8/10 at 08:28 PM
Hmmm does it need practicality - like more than two seats and a boot? It is replacing a focus after all.
mcerd1 - 6/8/10 at 08:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Liam
Hmmm does it need practicality - like more than two seats and a boot? It is replacing a focus after all.
well the focus has 5 doors, but only because there wern't any 3 doors foir the money at the time
I'd like to say that it could be a 2 seat sports car, but I think I'll have to stick to a hatchback for the daily driver (it would be my
only car for now)
besides the dax should tick the sports car box once its on the road
so that would be a scimitar GTE (sorry jimmyjoebob) and even then probably only an SE5
[Edited on 6/8/2010 by mcerd1]
Antnicuk - 6/8/10 at 08:43 PM
the only car i could think of that i would buy is a BMW M3 E36. You could push for an Evo, 321 bhp, 6 speed, 30 + MPG all day long, 35 on a run. I
loved mine, it was a true all rounder. You could take it on a track day or take the inlaws to cornwall, it didnt care and it was most at home on the
ring. A little more simple is the non evo, a little cheaper and less complicated but 5 speed and 270 bhp
pekwah1 - 6/8/10 at 10:08 PM
yeh i'd go with the bmw.
depending on whether you want something quick or a diesel mile eater, then you could opt for an e36 or e46.
rwd, lots of space, and if you wanted a smaller version they do a TI or compact model.
britishtrident - 7/8/10 at 06:14 AM
BMW 3 series, MX5, MG TF (nb MG TF not MGF as some crucial Hydragas suspension parts are no longer available).
Front wheel drive consider MG ZS or ZR they are surprisingly quick and handle a lot better than the Focus.
morcus - 7/8/10 at 07:20 AM
I've had a few friends who've had zr's and all have fallen apart around 50K.
You could probably get a pretty decent sierra for that money, abit bigger than a Focus though.
mangogrooveworkshop - 7/8/10 at 08:24 AM
Do you want the
one OH 6 back
Here it is
[Edited on 7-8-10 by mangogrooveworkshop]
Hellfire - 7/8/10 at 08:52 AM
How about a VW Golf V6 4 Motion. Should be able to pick a decent one up for the budget you have.
Phil
mcerd1 - 7/8/10 at 11:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mangogrooveworkshop
Do you want the
one OH 6 back
Here it is
I guess that solved the rot, but not very practical for gerring to work in it 
hows that other project going ?
[Edited on 7/8/2010 by mcerd1]
Ninehigh - 7/8/10 at 12:12 PM
Morris Minor
I'm sure you might be able to get an old Jaaaaaag or Merc for that price.
But I second the Beemer
Liam - 7/8/10 at 03:31 PM
Sierra Cossie! As a locoster you already intimately know all the oily bits so couldn't be simpler to maintain.
mcerd1 - 7/8/10 at 06:18 PM
^^ just the rot and the insurance to worrie about then
I'd love a good escort cossi,but thy go for sillynmoney 
Ninehigh - 8/8/10 at 08:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
I'd love a good escort cossi,but thy go for sillynmoney
Apparently you can wedge the Focus RS one in, with shortened driveshafts. Reckon the 2.5 produces more power than a 2.0 turbo?
MikeRJ - 31/8/10 at 11:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
quote:
Originally posted by mcerd1
I'd love a good escort cossi,but thy go for sillynmoney
Apparently you can wedge the Focus RS one in, with shortened driveshafts. Reckon the 2.5 produces more power than a 2.0 turbo?
Probably, whilst being more economical, lighter and far nicer sounding. Not a big fan of the 16v Pintosaurus.
iank - 1/9/10 at 08:37 AM
Another thought, porsche 924 and 944 fall within budget. IIRC they have galv chassis so don't rot.