After 6 Years I Think The Time May Have Come To Sell....

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

Hey guys,

 

I have been running my 1.6 GTI as a weekend toy since about mid 2008 having owned it since 2007 when it was initially my daily driver. We have just had a baby (well three months ago ) and I am currently using the 205 two to three times a week for work, football and weekends and I want something a bit more reliable and easier in rush hour traffic and I also fancy something a bit different.

 

Its been a tough decision as I love my 205 and its a great example, probably too nice for the abuse I am currently subjecting it to.

 

Am currently torn between a few choices with what to replace it with and thought that maybe some of you would have some experience or advice.

 

Its either a 360 Modena, Gallardo Spyder or Maser.... only joking

 

The ideas are:

 

Porsche 944 S2 / Turbo

Corrado G60 / VR6

E30 BMW (not sure which variant - 325i perhaps)

 

It has to have four seats - even tiny back ones will do - and it needs to be available on a classic policy so at least 20 years old. Budget is from £2000 up to £4000. Fuel consumption is not hugely important, but needs to be in the twenties at least, so no 928s or similar.

 

It also needs to stand up to the rigours of a twice weekly or three times weekly commute from Leeds to Bradford, every day, in all weathers, without regularly breaking down.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

[dcc 855]

you will not find anything more fun without spending 20k +!

 

Look how many people come back to 205 ownership!

[MiniGibbo 142]

It dosent need to be 20+ years to be classic.

 

I'd vote for an M of some description, budget depending I'd be thinking along the lines of e36 m3 to e60 m5.

 

Audi S's are also worth a look like the s3's, 4's and even the s8's are a good crack.

 

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

It dosent need to be 20+ years to be classic.

 

I'd vote for an M of some description, budget depending I'd be thinking along the lines of e36 m3 to e60 m5.

 

Audi S's are also worth a look like the s3's, 4's and even the s8's are a good crack.

 

While an E36 M3 may be available in the budget (won't be a brilliant one), maintaining one is going to be a fair bit different than a 205 with £14 GSF invoices.

 

I think an E30 325i is actually a fairly good choice. They are hardy vehicles with lots of spares available.

 

I was in the market for one a few years back as I've always been a fan. In the end I went for an E34 535i Sport as they were half the price to buy and half the price to insure. Masses of motor for the money.

[MiniGibbo 142]

A decent 36 m3, 4k

 

A decent 30 325 sport, 5k-8k

 

Good point on servicing though..

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

It dosent need to be 20+ years to be classic.

 

It does for my insurance company and I only renewed in August.

 

Will definitely be trying a 325i - seen a nice one going for a great price on CCFS. Will also be giving a Corrado VR6 a look over. Will let you know how I get on. An Audi S2 would be lovely, but think they're going to be too pricey. All the other S model Audi's are too new. Might have a look at an 80 Coupe Quattro if I can find one.

 

Think that an E36 M is too new for my insurance policy.

[MiniGibbo 142]

Who are you with out of interest..?

 

With the 30's it goes without saying make sure it says "sport" on the v5.

[welshpug 1,657]

one thing to note with aforementioned vehicles, rust, rust, oh and rust.

 

also, scene tax.

 

and shoddy German electronics (i.e same stuff used on the 205...)

 

Stick to the pug IMO, they are as reliable as the monkey that bolts it together I have done 10k miles in mine in 10 months, without any issues.

Edited October 29, 2012 by welshpug

[mw2655 0]

always fancied a corrado vr6. i think the run out models were vr6 storms.

[MiniGibbo 142]

I have never had a BMW with electric issues and I've not been without one for the last five years.. The Peugeots however.. You're always chasing earth faults.

[mw2655 0]

just been looking on auto trader, few 944's that fit the bill...

 

but not sure i'd trust them with your commute, any 20 yrs old car might leave you stranded and i don't

know what parts availability is like...

[welshpug 1,657]

I have never had a BMW with electric issues and I've not been without one for the last five years.. The Peugeots however.. You're always chasing earth faults.

 

bollocks

 

there's very few earth points, so you must have a numpty sorting yours if you are chasing them around the car.

[speno 239 2 Cars]

I have a vr6

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71830530@N08/7831613720/in/photostream/

TBH i never use it , i should but there is something about the 205 even tho my rado is smooth as feck :0)

[Justin 9]

I ran a 944S2 for a couple of years, occasionally pressed into use as my only car doing about 10k a year. I tried a couple of Turbos which were undeniably fun and felt more urgent than the S2, but went for the S2 as I preferred it's slightly lazier nature and it was plenty fast enough but still happy to rev and didn't run out of puff. Also a lovely smooth engine, albeit not the most exciting sounding. It was a lovely old thing to drive though - and for me a really gentle way into the joys of RWD - a bit roly poly but lovely and progressive. Quite old fashioned feeling with a meaty gearchange and weighty pedals, but easy to live with.

 

Look for rust - particularly the sills and make sure the cambelt and the chain and tensioner pad that link the two camshafts together have been done as it's an expensive job - I had mine done by specialist and it was £900. I also paid £300 to have the geometry set up properly by the same specialist which changed the feel of the car completely.

 

Other than that it was great - very practical - fun in the summer with the lift out sunroof - 27 mpg in normal use. Other than the rust it was built like a tank with doors that shut like a bank vault!

 

Still fancy a 968CS!

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

I ran a 944S2 for a couple of years, occasionally pressed into use as my only car doing about 10k a year. I tried a couple of Turbos which were undeniably fun and felt more urgent than the S2, but went for the S2 as I preferred it's slightly lazier nature and it was plenty fast enough but still happy to rev and didn't run out of puff. Also a lovely smooth engine, albeit not the most exciting sounding. It was a lovely old thing to drive though - and for me a really gentle way into the joys of RWD - a bit roly poly but lovely and progressive. Quite old fashioned feeling with a meaty gearchange and weighty pedals, but easy to live with.

 

Look for rust - particularly the sills and make sure the cambelt and the chain and tensioner pad that link the two camshafts together have been done as it's an expensive job - I had mine done by specialist and it was £900. I also paid £300 to have the geometry set up properly by the same specialist which changed the feel of the car completely.

 

Other than that it was great - very practical - fun in the summer with the lift out sunroof - 27 mpg in normal use. Other than the rust it was built like a tank with doors that shut like a bank vault!

 

Still fancy a 968CS!

 

Sound advice, thanks, really need to get hold of one and take it for a spin. There's a place in Wakefield that sells overpriced front engined Porsches so I think i'll take a trip down there. Welding won't be too much of a problem as I have a mate who is good with that kind of thing.

 

Who are you with out of interest..?

 

With the 30's it goes without saying make sure it says "sport" on the v5.

 

Sound advice, and definitely something to check. I'm with Peter James - they are very very cheap and let you use the car for occassional commuting which is ideal. I have an unbreakable Saab 9-3 TiD for daily use so it will get most of the abuse.

 

I have a vr6

http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/

TBH i never use it , i should but there is something about the 205 even tho my rado is smooth as feck :0)

 

Looks nice! Definitely planning on having a look.

 

Although I was blasted away by a lovely looking Jaguar XJR today on the way into work. Looking at prices they are quite tempting too, although maybe a bit too old mannish for me! Mind you the guy in the XJR looked about 25!

[speno 239 2 Cars]

I doo like the S2 tho , if i didn't have so many cars I would be tempted

Vr6 prices are still quite reasonable , i though by now they would have gone up

Mine is quite modded but not too in your face , but i have kept all the original bits its one of those cars i would never sell and do 100 mile a year in , yes im a twat ha ha

[tartanbloke 35 1 Cars]

Yes, the XJR is extremely quick and fun but the cost of ownership is horrendous. If anything were to go wrong it would cost a fortune to put right. £6k for a gearbox, £8k for an engine (if not already replaced due to nikasil lining) £1500 for a throttle body etc.

 

Just makes you realise how cheap parts are for the 205, even those that are getting harder to find.

[mainline 2 1 Cars]

Thought that would be the case with the XJR. I was close to buying an XK8 when I sold my Integra but the plastic cam tensioner and nikasil horror stories plus the fuel consumption put me off then, and probably still would now.

 

Think i'll stick to my original list and see what I think after trying some out.

 

Oddly all of the E30s seem to be in Essex - have a look on Pistonheads - strange!