Fun & Fast Cars Under £12k

Cozy · 10-24-2012, 06:11 AM

I'm looking for a fun & fast car to run along side the 135i or to potentially replace it in the near future to free up some cash for a house move. No doubt with £3k chucked at this one it'd be totally insane BUT while this car is still fairly new, worth a fair amount of money and at the top end of my purchase budget I am reluctant to throw too many mods at it or spend more money on it. When the 135i is 7+yrs old and cheaper to buy it'll be the desired car to have and go b@lls out on, tuning wise no doubt but now these are still fetching £16k upwards for first MY 2008 50k milers, mine is WAY below that.

Criteria:

- Under £12,000, if cheaper then better as mods will be better justified.
- Up to 8yrs old.
- Turbocharged or NA however, must be tuneable and easily at that.
- Generally good reliability
- Can be made to pass 300bhp with mods or is 300+bhp from factory.
- As little of a chav image as possible.

Obvious choices are hot-hatches such as the Focus ST or Astra VXR but previous to my 135i I came from a modified Leon Cupra R which I'd class as the same sort of car...very fun and fast when tuned but with totally the wrong driver image (and almost too much power through the front wheels). I've ruled out first MY 2006 335i's as the mileages are too high at this budget and the risk of expensive repairs is too great.

So initial thoughts are:

- 2.0T Audi S3
- E46 M3 (expensive maintenance & unreliablity?)
- Hawk-Eye or new age 'hatch' Subaru Impreza STi
- Mitsi Evo 8/9 (unsure a 10 will fit my budget but prove me wrong).

I agree that the latter two promote a somewhat chav image but I feel that this is left behind (for the time being) with these newer age models.

You get the idea, I'm open literally to all sensible suggestions so go on, let me have it...

Ryan87 · 10-24-2012, 06:16 AM

Mazda 6 MPS.

Subtle, quick, tunable and 4wd grip.

Only downsides are there need for super and the road tax

Ste133 · 10-24-2012, 06:22 AM

The only other I can think of is the Mazda3 MPS, but I think they are front wheel drive?

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...ts-2008/817894

The other would be a 350z or S2000, but tuning potential limited/expensive due to no turbo.

P 5UML · 10-24-2012, 06:38 AM

would you consider an S2000?

skelts · 10-24-2012, 06:41 AM

For the money you want to spend i'd favour the E46 M3, its a great value for money car and even in standard form from factory it has everything you need and you have the option to mod it aswel.

jimpom23 · 10-24-2012, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P 5UML

would you consider an S2000?

Was going to ask the same - have 240bhp stock but can reach best part of 300 with a supercharger for less than 2k - I sold mine for under £5k with 60k miles on it, that would have made a perfect project for someone and is 'as reilable as a wood burning stove' with inexpensive upkeep

V8RM · 10-24-2012, 07:12 AM

Monaro VXR

+ Cheap to service and some good indy specialists ...Monkfish
+ Rarer on the road than rocking horse poo
+ Wolf in sheeps clothing
- Drinks more than George Best did
- Mods aint cheap. S/charger £5k, Wortec Exhaust £2.5k

creepy coupe · 10-24-2012, 07:19 AM

Mk5 Golf GTi

Bungle009 · 10-24-2012, 07:28 AM

Honda civic type R + Jackson Racing supercharger. (Approx 3k) 300 reliable HP.

doughboy · 10-24-2012, 07:37 AM

I'd go for anv EVO8/9, if you get one that someone else has modded nicely, they take the hit and you get all the bits!

12K will get a monster.

zltm089 · 10-24-2012, 07:39 AM

S2K with supercharger....

makkan00 · 10-24-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P 5UML

would you consider an S2000?

+1

Dixon at dixon tuning (in Kent) told me that they can super charge them and get 500 BHP out of them.

Don't know if that is true though.

gangzoom · 10-24-2012, 08:52 AM

Pretty sure the late model 350Z with the 313PSI (bonnet bulge) engine must be coming down to £12-13K mark. Nothing breaks on them and have a LSD as standard...though am not sure if your man maths is accurate, running another 300bhp+ car at the same time as having a 135i dosen't sound like a good way to save money for a house swap...

But what do I know. Yesterday I agreed to buy some 19inch wheels for my 335i..today I found out my application for a higher degree has been accepted so I'm going to be a student again (don't worry Ian still have money for the wheels)..off to the cinema tonight to get my student "discount" ticket

J44KPR · 10-24-2012, 10:21 AM

S3 will be awful to drive compared to 135i !

I got my 335i, 56 plate, 50k mileage and 1 years bmw ext. warrty for well under 12k!
but I would say don't bother because you have that engine already...

go for something very raw and fun, like vx220 turbo, evo, mitsu...
I tested out the new scooby wrx sti hatchback and it's great fun in the top sport mode, VERY responsive, seats are awkwardly high though

The_Bear_Yid · 10-24-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P 5UML

would you consider an S2000?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zltm089

S2K with supercharger....

Quote:

Originally Posted by makkan00

+1

Dixon at dixon tuning (in Kent) told me that they can super charge them and get 500 BHP out of them.

Don't know if that is true though.

Glad the S2K was mentioned. I gave them serious consideration. Only having 2 seats meant it was a no no.

A bit left field and probably not fitting your brief, but some sort of TVR?

Sparky68 · 10-24-2012, 12:12 PM

Focus ST 300 bhp easily.

Kerr · 10-24-2012, 12:55 PM

Some of those cars will cost more than the 135i to keep.

Can't see how you can free up cash buying an EVO 8/9. Great cars but really expensive to run.

I still think all things considered the 335i offers as much car and performance for the money as any.

It would still seem not much point moving from a 135i though as I can't see unless you buy an early one how you will save anything.

It will still end up with the same running costs.

AlanYoro35i · 10-24-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8RM

Monaro VXR

+ Cheap to service and some good indy specialists ...Monkfish
+ Rarer on the road than rocking horse poo
+ Wolf in sheeps clothing
- Drinks more than George Best did
- Mods aint cheap. S/charger £5k, Wortec Exhaust £2.5k

+ Go around corner like a train..unless you go sideways!!

This car is crazy!!

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...-400bhp/781551

dxb335d · 10-24-2012, 01:43 PM

M3 all day long!

F31-340i · 10-24-2012, 02:33 PM

+1 for M3 from your list.

Is you really want to save money, you can get good Mini Cooper S's well under your budget - lower power, but still fairly quick and fun to drive/own.

Tyso335 · 10-24-2012, 03:04 PM

i just sold my evo 8 and its an amazin car if u want handling its the way forward you cant go wrong. once uve had an evo and relised the handling its scary driving other cars. i sold an evo 8 mr 340 awsome car sexy aswel sold tht for 12500 but u could find one now for 10-12 depending on mods

Mitch. · 10-24-2012, 05:01 PM

I have owned a 400bhp Evo 9, superb car and not as expensive to run as most people would want you to believe. Sure they are juicey but so is my 335i when driven hard, like any other car, you look after it, it will look after you.
There are lots of good Evo indies all over the country.

But as you say bit chavvy (that ironing board bolted to the boot really made me feel that everyone was looking at me and thinking what a p***k) and attracted too much unwanted attention.

If you want something just to have fun in but not worried about practicallity, why not consider something like a VX220 turbo? easy to tune, great handling and very rare.

10-24-2012, 06:11 AM	#1
Cozy Major 113 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Surrey, England iTrader: (0)	Fun & Fast Cars Under £12k I'm looking for a fun & fast car to run along side the 135i or to potentially replace it in the near future to free up some cash for a house move. No doubt with £3k chucked at this one it'd be totally insane BUT while this car is still fairly new, worth a fair amount of money and at the top end of my purchase budget I am reluctant to throw too many mods at it or spend more money on it. When the 135i is 7+yrs old and cheaper to buy it'll be the desired car to have and go b@lls out on, tuning wise no doubt but now these are still fetching £16k upwards for first MY 2008 50k milers, mine is WAY below that. Criteria: - Under £12,000, if cheaper then better as mods will be better justified. - Up to 8yrs old. - Turbocharged or NA however, must be tuneable and easily at that. - Generally good reliability - Can be made to pass 300bhp with mods or is 300+bhp from factory. - As little of a chav image as possible. Obvious choices are hot-hatches such as the Focus ST or Astra VXR but previous to my 135i I came from a modified Leon Cupra R which I'd class as the same sort of car...very fun and fast when tuned but with totally the wrong driver image (and almost too much power through the front wheels). I've ruled out first MY 2006 335i's as the mileages are too high at this budget and the risk of expensive repairs is too great. So initial thoughts are: - 2.0T Audi S3 - E46 M3 (expensive maintenance & unreliablity?) - Hawk-Eye or new age 'hatch' Subaru Impreza STi - Mitsi Evo 8/9 (unsure a 10 will fit my budget but prove me wrong). I agree that the latter two promote a somewhat chav image but I feel that this is left behind (for the time being) with these newer age models. You get the idea, I'm open literally to all sensible suggestions so go on, let me have it...
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-24-2012, 06:16 AM	#2
Ryan87 Private First Class 18 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 325D M Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Somerset iTrader: (0)	Mazda 6 MPS. Subtle, quick, tunable and 4wd grip. Only downsides are there need for super and the road tax
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 06:22 AM	#3
Ste133 Lieutenant 21 Rep 591 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SW London iTrader: (5)	The only other I can think of is the Mazda3 MPS, but I think they are front wheel drive? http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...ts-2008/817894 The other would be a 350z or S2000, but tuning potential limited/expensive due to no turbo.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 06:38 AM	#4
P 5UML Lieutenant Colonel 72 Rep 1,646 Posts Drives: E39 M5 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: London iTrader: (1)	would you consider an S2000? __________________ Instagram @p5uml
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 06:41 AM	#5
skelts Lieutenant 31 Rep 542 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Essex iTrader: (1)	For the money you want to spend i'd favour the E46 M3, its a great value for money car and even in standard form from factory it has everything you need and you have the option to mod it aswel. __________________ E63 M6 - Matte Metallic Blue, BC Forged HB29's, Eisenmann Race Exhaust - SOLD Audi RS5 - Sold BMW 640d Gran Coupe BMW F80 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 07:12 AM	#7
V8RM Private 1 Rep 60 Posts Drives: F31 330D Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Here, there & everywhere iTrader: (0)	Monaro VXR + Cheap to service and some good indy specialists ...Monkfish + Rarer on the road than rocking horse poo + Wolf in sheeps clothing - Drinks more than George Best did - Mods aint cheap. S/charger £5k, Wortec Exhaust £2.5k __________________ Gone but not forgotten... E92 320i / Audi A3 Blk Ed / Vauxhall Monaro VXR / Nissan 350Z / Honda Civic Type-R / Fiat Punto Sporting / Ford Fiesta ... I loved them all
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 07:19 AM	#8
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1868 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	Mk5 Golf GTi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 07:28 AM	#9
Bungle009 Lieutenant 10 Rep 579 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alton iTrader: (0)	Honda civic type R + Jackson Racing supercharger. (Approx 3k) 300 reliable HP.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 07:37 AM	#10
doughboy Major General 1546 Rep 8,972 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	I'd go for anv EVO8/9, if you get one that someone else has modded nicely, they take the hit and you get all the bits! 12K will get a monster.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 07:39 AM	#11
zltm089 Banned 246 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]	S2K with supercharger....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 08:52 AM	#13
gangzoom Brigadier General 1711 Rep 3,295 Posts Drives: E90 335i M sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Leicester iTrader: (1)	Pretty sure the late model 350Z with the 313PSI (bonnet bulge) engine must be coming down to £12-13K mark. Nothing breaks on them and have a LSD as standard...though am not sure if your man maths is accurate, running another 300bhp+ car at the same time as having a 135i dosen't sound like a good way to save money for a house swap... But what do I know. Yesterday I agreed to buy some 19inch wheels for my 335i..today I found out my application for a higher degree has been accepted so I'm going to be a student again (don't worry Ian still have money for the wheels)..off to the cinema tonight to get my student "discount" ticket
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 10:21 AM	#14
J44KPR Private 11 Rep 91 Posts Drives: BMW E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0)	S3 will be awful to drive compared to 135i ! I got my 335i, 56 plate, 50k mileage and 1 years bmw ext. warrty for well under 12k! but I would say don't bother because you have that engine already... go for something very raw and fun, like vx220 turbo, evo, mitsu... I tested out the new scooby wrx sti hatchback and it's great fun in the top sport mode, VERY responsive, seats are awkwardly high though __________________ Wanted; Gloss Black Interior Trim - Gearstick/centre piece & door inserts
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 12:12 PM	#16
Sparky68 Brigadier General 694 Rep 4,265 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Cambs UK iTrader: (11) Garage List 2016 BMW M2 [0.50] 2017 BMW F30 330D [0.00] 2014 M135 [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Focus ST 300 bhp easily. __________________ OG M2 7sp DCT Masata FMIC - Masata Boost Pipe - Cobra Catless DP - Powervalve Exhaust - Devilsown Methanol Injection BM3 Stage 2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 12:55 PM	#17
Kerr Brigadier General 112 Rep 4,021 Posts Drives: BMW M235I Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Aberdeen iTrader: (0)	Some of those cars will cost more than the 135i to keep. Can't see how you can free up cash buying an EVO 8/9. Great cars but really expensive to run. I still think all things considered the 335i offers as much car and performance for the money as any. It would still seem not much point moving from a 135i though as I can't see unless you buy an early one how you will save anything. It will still end up with the same running costs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 01:43 PM	#19
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 951 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]	M3 all day long! __________________ 997.2 GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 02:33 PM	#20
F31-340i Colonel 156 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Touring Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ... iTrader: (1)	+1 for M3 from your list. Is you really want to save money, you can get good Mini Cooper S's well under your budget - lower power, but still fairly quick and fun to drive/own. __________________ 340i F31
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 03:04 PM	#21
Tyso335 Captain 49 Rep 850 Posts Drives: E92 335d M Sport....... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: U.K iTrader: (0)	i just sold my evo 8 and its an amazin car if u want handling its the way forward you cant go wrong. once uve had an evo and relised the handling its scary driving other cars. i sold an evo 8 mr 340 awsome car sexy aswel sold tht for 12500 but u could find one now for 10-12 depending on mods __________________ Fuel of the Devil NOW: E92 335d M Sport lots of mods to come... Gone But Not Forgotten: EVO 8 MR FQ340 Running 370bhp
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2012, 05:01 PM	#22
Mitch. Private 7 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Here iTrader: (1)	I have owned a 400bhp Evo 9, superb car and not as expensive to run as most people would want you to believe. Sure they are juicey but so is my 335i when driven hard, like any other car, you look after it, it will look after you. There are lots of good Evo indies all over the country. But as you say bit chavvy (that ironing board bolted to the boot really made me feel that everyone was looking at me and thinking what a p***k) and attracted too much unwanted attention. If you want something just to have fun in but not worried about practicallity, why not consider something like a VX220 turbo? easy to tune, great handling and very rare.
	Appreciate 0 Quote