what car do you like?

[spk]

Ive been away travelling for 9 months and need to buy a new car when I get back, but I want something a bit funky and sporty if possible. Ive been looking at renault megane coupe sports- I had one before I left and liked it. Or a hyundai coupe.My budget isnt great- only up to about 4k but my question is, if you were me what would you go for? Any suggestions welcome ! :O) Thanks !

[Donquixote]

For �4k you're gonna be looking at an older or higher mileage car, so i'd stick to something German or Japanese for reliability. You could get an older BMW coupe for that money, a 97/98 318iS would be around that. Or maybe Nissan 200 SX Touring - they look the part, go like stink, and run forever. A 98 (R) will cost you about �3,500-4,000. If it was me, i'd defo stay away from the French stuff, though!

[redcrx]

Id say go japanese.

My name comes from my fave that i ever owned. a little red CRX (the 2 seater del-sol) with electric roof (hard top).

A 1.6 petrol SIR (jap import) is a nippy little car. Mine had mugen add-ons but i think just the basic is a 152 BHP and 0-60 in something silly like 5 or 6 secs.

As a day to day car, the boots a bit small with roof down but i got good mpg from it.

[Donquixote]

Actually, yeah...I know where there's a really clean CRX VTi going cheap!!! ;o)

[redcrx]

why are you selling it don?

[tali122]

avoid hyundai and megane coupe - naff image ,and btw a crx with 152 bhp will NEVER do 0-60 in 5 or 6 secs - (unless its a bare bodyshell with a drivers seat)160bhp vtis can only do it in 7.5 .
200sx is good choice

[mlbt]

if you feel adventurous, try a fiat 2ov coupe. check the turbo works and that the steering feels good
if you want to play it safe, buy an mr2 mk2. bombproof, but avoid scally versions, chipped cars and grey imports.
a good middle ground car would be a nissan 200sx, any mk really, but the warnings about the mr2 apply here too.

[Impret-Sir]

If you care more about getting a good car than what sort of 'image' it has, then your idea of a Hyundi coupe is a good one. Normally I wouldnt touch any Hyundi with a long pole, but the coupe is the rare exeption, especially the 2.7 V6 version. The ride is a bit hard, and the interior is a little plasticky, but they very good and drive well too. Plus the lack of an impressive badge mean that they are good value secondhand and you can feel smug when others dismiss it,knowing that you know something that others dont.

[spk]

Thanks a million for your answers. Given me some good tips there. Im intrigued about the CRX VTI too !

[Donquixote]

Sorry people...been away on holiday since my last post! Yeah, that little CRX VTi is owned by a friend of mine, but she's moved to London so she doesn't really need it anymore. Oh, by the way, no offence but.... ignore mlbt's advice of a Fiat Coupe. They're an absolute bloody nightmare!!! I know 2 people who've owned them, and loved them to bits when they worked, it's just that they unfortunately very rarely did work. Blown turbos, head gaskets, electrical problems - you name it.
In the immortal words of Zammo and the Grange Hill gang... "Just Say No!"

[spk]

Cheers for that Don- what reg is the car your friend is selling?

[Donquixote]

It's a '91 'J' plate in Black. MasItaly alloys, removable hard-top, stainless exhaust, 6 CD, blah, blah, blah...it's a nice thing. Done about 100,000 miles, i think? I'll have to call her and get the full details.