Alanstrainor bought a 325CI!!!

kerten · 10-04-2012 3:54pm

mazdamps wrote: »

Polo GTI is a nice motor as well and cheap, just have to debadge it.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3129292

1.8 turbo petrol 150bhp, 220nm, 1160kg

As far as I know these polos(pre-2002) have 1.6 16V 125 PS (92 kW) engine in them. I may be wrong though.

Alanstrainor · 10-04-2012 4:07pm

I've been driving a Polo for too long! Couldn't bare another one!

I took that T Sport that I posted earlier for a spin today. And it seemed shagged. The wheels were muck on it, the second we started the engine up it sounded tappety, really didn't like sound off it. Took it for a spin anyway and it pulled well:D really put a smile on my face hitting the fun pedal.

At the end of the day, I didn't like the sound of it at all, it was farrrrrr too expensive at 4950, and yer man wasn't willing to budge much at all. That being said, the handling seemed okay, and it pulled well. The hunt is still on!

deadlast · 10-04-2012 5:30pm

Have you looked at a Celica TS? I'd imagine they handle far better than the corolla...
There seems to be loads in your price range aswell.

Johntegr · 10-04-2012 6:23pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Cheers man!

I'm in no rush to buy, and the financial situation is fine too!

And you're right about the insurance; all my quotes so far have been online, which i know from experience to be a joke. It's just that i'm finally in a position to buy, before it was always something in the future, but now the time has come:D

So you're like me waiting for the day I could finally buy the DC5.

In hindsight if I could have picked it up without having to sort the niggly bits, I would have been FAR happier with it but running beautifully now and just have to sort some flaking on the bumper and splitter. Even with those flaws, I can still look at it and it brings a smile to my face.

If I didn't know the history of mine I wouldn't have bought it after a test drive, but I knew it was small things that were wrong and I'd brought it for a spin before the IACV etc start playing up, so I knew what sweets were inside the wrapper if ya get me.

Long story short, try find something that you can track back being looked after and cared for.

If ever a day comes were I can't run the DC5, I wont sell it, it'll be staying with me and I'll be looking after it.

Vertakill · 10-04-2012 6:50pm

Definitely throw a Cooper S into your thought process.

If you can get over a few people on the road calling you a f4g for driving one... they'll p!ss all over a Celica/Corolla in the twisty bits.

I've been looking at one for my gf and they're incredibly cheap - she's looking for a standard Mini Cooper but I'm going to try drop an S in there and see if she notices the difference..

Alanstrainor · 10-04-2012 6:52pm

Love the cooper s and would drive one in a heart beat, they seem to be at the top end of my budget for the very cheapest ones though. They're at 5 grand, but not quite 4.

Limbo123 · 10-04-2012 7:07pm

kerten wrote: »

As far as I know these polos(pre-2002) have 1.6 16V 125 PS (92 kW) engine in them. I may be wrong though.

You are right. The 6n2 gti was indeed a 1.6 ltr

ABEasy · 10-04-2012 7:09pm

Vertakill wrote: »

they'll p!ss all over a Celica/Corolla in the twisty bits.

Don't want to appear like a Toyota fanboy but how do you figure a cooper s would piss all over a celica/corolla, cooper s (to 06) is 20 less bhp than Toyota, about the same weight (think celica is lighter) and The celica handles better than the cooper (not sure bout corolla).

MuppetCheck · 10-04-2012 8:46pm

If I was in your position I would most definitely be looking at a Focus ST170. Reliable, relatively quick and much better looking than a Corolla (although I appreciate the understated look of the TSport). And being a Ford parts are cheap, anyone can look after it and spec levels are good if you can find one with the lux pack.

Alanstrainor · 10-04-2012 8:49pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3147543

Was it this one?

I think i'll have to go and look at this one.

MuppetCheck · 10-04-2012 8:50pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I think i'll have to go and look at this one.

That's a cracking looking motor:)

L-M · 10-04-2012 8:52pm

ABEasy wrote: »

Don't want to appear like a Toyota fanboy but how do you figure a cooper s would piss all over a celica/corolla, cooper s (to 06) is 20 less bhp than Toyota, about the same weight (think celica is lighter) and The celica handles better than the cooper (not sure bout corolla).

Afaik, those 190 bhp figures are when new and on Jap fuel, like most Jap cars when they get over here they lose 20 or more bhp.

knifey_spoonie · 10-04-2012 9:05pm

If your at the next meet, you can go for a spin in my MRS, might give you a fell for the engine. With regards to reliability they are pretty okay, if you look after the known issues.

1 Lift bolts have been known to break, usually never causes major problems, new revised bolts are about €10 not to long to fit them.

2 Camshafts can ware, generally caused by lack of oil. It will reduce the effect of the second higher lobes have on power.

3 Oil pumps can go boom, either budget to replace it, from memory it wasn't to pricey. The other option is to replace it with a circuitworx oil pump which is of better quality.

10-04-2012 9:08pm

Is there much go in the Octavia RS 1.8T? I do quite like the look of them in the flesh... Thats Focus looks delish though, great mileage.

Alanstrainor · 10-04-2012 9:38pm

knifey_spoonie wrote: »

If your at the next meet, you can go for a spin in my MRS, might give you a fell for the engine. With regards to reliability they are pretty okay, if you look after the known issues.

1 Lift bolts have been known to break, usually never causes major problems, new revised bolts are about €10 not to long to fit them.

2 Camshafts can ware, generally caused by lack of oil. It will reduce the effect of the second higher lobes have on power.

3 Oil pumps can go boom, either budget to replace it, from memory it wasn't to pricey. The other option is to replace it with a circuitworx oil pump which is of better quality.

Awesome man. Cheers! Should be at the next meet alright, whether or not i'll have taken the plunge by then or not remains to be seen:D

Alanstrainor · 11-04-2012 9:28pm

Just looking for some advice on this one lads.

Rang my broker amongst others this morning. My policy ends in late June, to insure the ST170 until then is an extra 50(on top of 800 paid for the year) on my current policy. I asked them to give me a quote based on my renewal time details and the guy I was speaking to said it was a waste of time as the rates will change a lot.

Also he said that my current policy has extra reduction on it based on driving experience that I had when I first took out the policy, which he said was comparable to 4 year NCB. He said based on the extra 50 for the time remaining I could expect a quote of around 900 fully comp, but couldn't give a concrete answer until renewal.

Just worried about getting screwed come renewal time. Current policy is with Aviva.

TestTransmission · 11-04-2012 9:58pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Just looking for some advice on this one lads.

Rang my broker amongst others this morning. My policy ends in late June, to insure the ST170 until then is an extra 50(on top of 800 paid for the year) on my current policy. I asked them to give me a quote based on my renewal time details and the guy I was speaking to said it was a waste of time as the rates will change a lot.

Also he said that my current policy has extra reduction on it based on driving experience that I had when I first took out the policy, which he said was comparable to 4 year NCB. He said based on the extra 50 for the time remaining I could expect a quote of around 900 fully comp, but couldn't give a concrete answer until renewal.

Just worried about getting screwed come renewal time. Current policy is with Aviva.

Buy it and then shop around sure!

Alanstrainor · 11-04-2012 9:59pm

TestTransmission wrote: »

Buy it and then shop around sure!

Hahahaha, going to have a gander at it in the next couple of days anyway.

Owen · 11-04-2012 10:00pm

166man wrote: »

This is a bit left field, but a fine motor nonetheless, you like the Alfa's too iirc..:D

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/156/2.0/5513318241490620/advert?channel=CARS

I went to see that when shopping for cars. I didn't buy it

conzy · 23-04-2012 9:24am

Fanboy++

But look at that interior! And low mileage too

Alanstrainor · 23-04-2012 10:17am

conzymaher wrote: »

Fanboy++

But look at that interior! And low mileage too

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3217653

I like that one too, id say its an import though, I'll give them a call today.

Owen · 23-04-2012 4:44pm

ABEasy wrote: »

Don't want to appear like a Toyota fanboy but how do you figure a cooper s would piss all over a celica/corolla, cooper s (to 06) is 20 less bhp than Toyota, about the same weight (think celica is lighter) and The celica handles better than the cooper (not sure bout corolla).

How does a Celica handle better than a Cooper, or Cooper S? The Cooper S is a purpose built machine on it's own chassis with the wheels as far into each corner as possible - built specifically to handle superbly. It's highly rated. The Celica wouldn't hold a candle to a Cooper in corner, and I've driven both (Last gen Celica, 2005).

The Cooper S is also Supercharged, which means instant power is available rather than waiting for the Toyota engine to get into the higher rev ranges. Hit a Cooper S with a smaller Supercharger pulley and a remap, and you'll be over 200Bhp with no engine work.

ABEasy · 23-04-2012 7:37pm

Owen wrote: »

ABEasy wrote: »

Don't want to appear like a Toyota fanboy but how do you figure a cooper s would piss all over a celica/corolla, cooper s (to 06) is 20 less bhp than Toyota, about the same weight (think celica is lighter) and The celica handles better than the cooper (not sure bout corolla).

How does a Celica handle better than a Cooper, or Cooper S? The Cooper S is a purpose built machine on it's own chassis with the wheels as far into each corner as possible - built specifically to handle superbly. It's highly rated. The Celica wouldn't hold a candle to a Cooper in corner, and I've driven both (Last gen Celica, 2005).

The Cooper S is also Supercharged, which means instant power is available rather than waiting for the Toyota engine to get into the higher rev ranges. Hit a Cooper S with a smaller Supercharger pulley and a remap, and you'll be over 200Bhp with no engine work.

First up I think the cooper s is a fine machine. In my opinion the celica handles better, I've driven both and think the celica has a better balance about it. The celica is lighter, lower and longer than the Cooper which gives a better centre of gravity. Again my opinion!

In relation to the low down power, the published 0-60 times for both are 7 sec's. So the early power band on the Cooper doesn't get you there any quicker! Plus this whole waiting for the 'high revs' is also rubbish, if you want high revs you shift down into them, once there you shift up straight into the 'lift' so can stay in the high power band till you limit out! Plus a simple remap can bring down the rev limit so the lift kicks in earlier, so more power earlier.

Owen · 23-04-2012 7:46pm

Dude, if you think a Celica is a better driving car than a Cooper S, I really don't know what to say to you

ShadowHearth · 23-04-2012 8:21pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3217653

I like that one too, id say its an import though, I'll give them a call today.

cloth seats.... Some nice paddy spec there m8. If you going fr one of these then might aswell get one loaded,

Did you looked in to Honda accord type-r? Some bargains can be gotten out there. And in the end of the day it is functional 4 door saloon.

Wisesmurf · 23-04-2012 8:23pm

ShadowHearth wrote: »

cloth seats.... Some nice paddy spec there m8. If you going fr one of these then might aswell get one loaded,

Did you looked in to Honda accord type-r? Some bargains can be gotten out there. And in the end of the day it is functional 4 door saloon.

are them seats not half alacantra?

Alanstrainor · 23-04-2012 8:23pm

ShadowHearth wrote: »

cloth seats.... Some nice paddy spec there m8. If you going fr one of these then might aswell get one loaded,

Did you looked in to Honda accord type-r? Some bargains can be gotten out there. And in the end of the day it is functional 4 door saloon.

Those are alcantara seats, not quite cloth!

But it's a UK import, that alone would put me off, but it does look beautiful.

Wisesmurf · 23-04-2012 8:29pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Those are alcantara seats, not quite cloth!

But it's a UK import, that alone would put me off, but it does look beautiful.

Imola Red is one of the best BMW colours imo. Looks amazing when shiny. My Mate had an Imola M3 and it was epic.

I'd trust a high milage UK car than Irish personally. Better roads and often better looked after.

Dilbert75 · 23-04-2012 9:08pm

Owen wrote: »

I went to see that when shopping for cars. I didn't buy it

I remember looking at that ad 18 months ago before I bought my last 156SW - and thinking it was overpriced even then. Now my first SW is for sale, I'm on my 2nd and that Cork one is still for sale.

MetzgerMeister · 23-04-2012 9:23pm

Wisesmurf wrote: »

Imola Red is one of the best BMW colours imo. Looks amazing when shiny. My Mate had an Imola M3 and it was epic.

I'd trust a high milage UK car than Irish personally. Better roads and often better looked after.

That has been proven to be a bit of a myth

Jimbob 83 · 23-04-2012 9:33pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

That has been proven to be a bit of a myth

They are deffo higher spec and the roads for the vast majority are much better than over here (i can understand someone living in dublin city not thinking so but here in Co. Galway the roads are pretty awful in places)

unkel · 23-04-2012 9:42pm

Jimbob 83 wrote: »

They are deffo higher spec

BMW spec in the UK and Ireland have been identical for at least 5 years now...

But that's probably the exception. The high VRT and higher VAT made optional extras nearly twice as expensive here as in the UK in the previous VRT system

MetzgerMeister · 23-04-2012 9:52pm

Jimbob 83 wrote: »

They are deffo higher spec and the roads for the vast majority are much better than over here (i can understand someone living in dublin city not thinking so but here in Co. Galway the roads are pretty awful in places)

I live in Tipperary, not Dublin

I have 4 different roads that I can take to work and each and every one of them is a disaster!

Jimbob 83 · 23-04-2012 9:56pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I live in Tipperary, not Dublin

I have 4 different roads that I can take to work and each and every one of them is a disaster!

Wasn't aimed at you was just a general comment, roads in 80% of Ireland are really really bad so it's hardly a myth.

MetzgerMeister · 23-04-2012 10:06pm

Jimbob 83 wrote: »

Wasn't aimed at you was just a general comment, roads in 80% of Ireland are really really bad so it's hardly a myth.

I know where you're coming from but the roads in England aren't much better. People seem to think they're better but it's not always the case.

Alanstrainor · 24-04-2012 10:39pm

Is there any reason to avoid high mileage(120,000) 2002 era 325ci's? Will get the car fully checked out by a mechanic before purchasing, but i'm going to view a high miler UK import with 120k on it. I know it's a hard one to answer, but is there anything in particular I should look out for?

24-04-2012 10:43pm

They take the miles well, coolant system would be the obvious thing, along with the rear suspension issue thing :pac: I wouldn't be bothered by 120k miles + tbh. That's not too high on a 2002 car to be fair.

Alanstrainor · 24-04-2012 10:45pm

RoverJames wrote: »

They take the miles well, coolant system would be the obvious thing, along with the rear suspension issue thing :pac: I wouldn't be bothered by 120k miles + tbh.

Cheers James, I knew about the coolant issue alright. I suppose making sure the head gasket isn't shagged is the main thing! The one im looking at is a manual too, which is supposed to be bomb proof.

Thanks again

MetzgerMeister · 24-04-2012 10:50pm

Just get that MG ZR 160.

I think James will agree

24-04-2012 10:55pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

........

I think James will agree

Nope

I'd like a 160 myself but wouldn't recommend one over a 325ci tbh to anyone else.

MetzgerMeister · 24-04-2012 10:56pm

RoverJames wrote: »

Nope
I'd like a 160 myself but wouldn't recommend one over a 325ci tbh to anyone else.

Turncoat bast*rd!!! :pac:

24-04-2012 10:56pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Cheers James,............

Have a look at Owen's recent posts on the E46 cars he viewed, few nice things to look out for

unkel · 24-04-2012 11:29pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Is there any reason to avoid high mileage(120,000) 2002 era 325ci's? Will get the car fully checked out by a mechanic before purchasing

The straight 6 is very strong, your mechanic will tell you about the state of the suspension / cooling and you're getting a manual (so avoiding the ever so controversial autobox / high miles discussion)

As long as your mechanic is a good mechanic (or a good BMW indy mechanic), it's a recipe for success

Good luck with the chasing. Keep us posted!

(Have you driven an E46 325ci yet?)

Alanstrainor · 24-04-2012 11:33pm

unkel wrote: »

(Have you driven an E46 325ci yet?)

Cheers unkel! I have! Well it was a 4 door, my uncle has one. And got a spin in Conzy's one at the meetup. The sound of that straight 6 is unreal. And it's some machine to go too.

MetzgerMeister · 24-04-2012 11:33pm

Also Alan, regarding the 325, conzy is a good man to go to if you have any questions.

Vanos seals is something he's forever talking about. Apparently once their done, it gives you an extra c. 15bhp extra. Also, the clutch delay valve is something he has already done and he says it's made a good improvement.

Alanstrainor · 24-04-2012 11:36pm

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Also Alan, regarding the 325, conzy is a good man to go to if you have any questions.

Vanos seals is something he's forever talking about. Apparently once their done, it gives you an extra c. 15bhp extra. Also, the clutch delay valve is something he has already done and he says it's made a good improvement.

Hahaha i've been PMing him since Sunday, he's knows his stuff, and no doubt i'll be keeping in touch if I end up in one!

L-M · 24-04-2012 11:48pm

Changed your thread title for ya!

Alanstrainor · 24-04-2012 11:49pm

Limerick man wrote: »

Changed your thread title for ya!

How dare you:pac:

L-M · 24-04-2012 11:52pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

How dare you:pac:

See you added in the "c":pac:

Idbatterim · 24-04-2012 11:57pm

I drive a 325ci, they make by far the most sense if your getting a 6 cylinder (because of tax), bmw, beautiful, smooth engines, your also getting the rear wheel drive and 50/50 weight distribution... there is nothing to watch out for on them that isnt usual wear and tear, except the rear subframe on some of the earlier E46 were prone to tearing, majorly expensive repair job. Get it checked by Gary Doyle in Chelsmford motors or Richie in bloomfield motors, that would be my recommendation, forget getting someone out to check it, you need a ramp etc. That engine can take a hell of alot of miles, once it has a reasonable service history...

Alanstrainor bought a 325CI!!!

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