Fun car for 6'5"

grogi

There is a similar thread, but it is my time to hit the mid-life crisis before it hits me.

I am looking to get second car - something that will be very engaging to drive, yet still a bit practical, that will accommodate an almost two-meter behind the steering wheel and will not break my budget when it comes to depreciation, maintenance, taxing and insurance (all combined - I don't really mind higher tax if the car is reliable and cheap to maintain or buy etc).

Fuel economy is not that critical - we'll be doing longer trips in the diesel mamma-wagon anyway...

The typical candidates like S2000, MX5 are out, because of the driver-size requirement... The more exotic like XK8 or SC430 - because of the practicality (I want to be able to pick two kids from education facilities). RX8 actually looks interesting (although I haven't been in one), but honestly I and my trusted Joe Spanner are too scared of it...

It does not really need to be super-fast - I used to drive a Mazda3 ~100bhp and loved every second of it... A bit of poke is desirable though, especially if comes without any lag...

I think what I am looking for is the combination of excellent handling and throttle response...

I haven't decided if I want or not an auto in it though - so open for both options I would like to avoid saloons and would prefer estate/hatchback - but that's really one of the last things to consider...

Budget - €10k, but the less, the better... The battle with OH is still ahead


Out of the box though: how does a Leaf handle?

grogi

My current candidates are BMWs with 6-pot M54B22 or even M54B25 (the tax difference between the two is neglegible) or diesel M57D25 - E46 or E39.

Early E60/E61 are known for electrical issues (although I don't cross them out), while E90 does come only with N engines (my mechanic told me simple rule - N engine - Nay)...

I have worm feeling towards a C-Klasse W203 or even W204 C200 Kompressor - but the philosophy of Merc is to isolate the driver from the road, not connect to the road, which I would like more.

I always liked the idea of Mazda MPS - either a MPS3 or a MPS6 - but they seem to eat turbos for breakfast if not cooled down properly. Focus ST is interesting all right... How about other 2.5T Fords?

Nuw

Would an Alfa GT be OK size-wise? They're a hoot to drive, especially if you can source a V6. A 159 with the same engine should be a match to any beamer me thinks (I never drove one though, so might be wrong on this).

What about the C-Class discussed on the other thread? Or any other suggestion from there?

A 6 pots beamer would most likely fit the bill and given the choice, I'd go for a well looked after E46 myself, always had a soft spot for them

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

I have worm feeling towards a C-Klasse W203 or even W204 C200 Kompressor - but the philosophy of Merc is to isolate the driver from the road, not connect to the road, which I would like more.

I always liked the idea of Mazda MPS - either a MPS3 or a MPS6 - but they seem to eat turbos for breakfast if not cooled down properly. Focus ST is interesting all right... How about other 2.5T Fords?

Just saw your edit there, I'd avoid the W203, it's getting dated and is quite cramped in the back, + reliability is not its strong suit, with rust and electric gremlins (at least, that's what my mechanic and a friend who runs one say...).

I don't know the Mazdas but the 2.5T from ford is a more than decent engine, the cars they attached it to were not all worthy of it but a focus could probably set your underwear on fire

I'd stick to rwd myself though, especially because the blend of running cost (namely insurance)/comfort/fun will probably be miles ahead.

ba_barabus

What about a MINI Cooper S?

If you could find one a John Cooper Works car would be brilliant but I don't know if any would be in budget

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

Would an Alfa GT be OK size-wise? They're a hoot to drive, especially if you can source a V6. A 159 with the same engine should be a match to any beamer me thinks (I never drove one though, so might be wrong on this).

I am not convinced about the GT, haven't seen many of them on the roads. But a 159 always keeps my head turning, it is one of the few examples of beautiful design without compromises; I always wonder how much did the Cx go hit by the front design...

JTDm are generally good engines, but from what I've read they are a bit nose heavy. Must research the TwinSparks - they did not have great history in 146 and 147/156, but I have no idea about them in 159.

Nuw wrote: »

What about the C-Class discussed on the other thread? Or any other suggestion from there?

Something like that. A bit out of the budget, but it fits the bill...

Nuw wrote: »

A 6 pots beamer would most likely fit the bill and given the choice, I'd go for a well looked after E46 myself, always had a soft spot for them

It seems you really get me E46 estate...

ba_barabus wrote: »

What about a MINI Cooper S?

If you could find one a John Cooper Works car would be brilliant but I don't know if any would be in budget

That's actually a brilliant idea. I must look into them. Am I right to assume it comes with the Prince engine?

Dord

ba_barabus wrote: »

What about a MINI Cooper S?

If you could find one a John Cooper Works car would be brilliant but I don't know if any would be in budget

+1 for the Cooper S. I'm 6' 5" also and drove the first and second generation ones (albeit briefly) a few years ago. They were very nice and surprisingly comfortable. The backseat may be an issue though as behind me was really only suitable for a very small child or babyseat. I'd say to check one out at least.

Also, budget depending... how about a Fiesta ST? I've driven one of the new Fiestas (not an ST) and it was comfortable with plenty of room.

If you're on a tight budget... here's an outlier; Fiat Panda 100HP. I drive a regular one which is also fun to drive (if you give it enough revs). The 100HP had a 1.4 turbo. You'd fit some kids in the back easily.

grogi

ba_barabus wrote: »

What about a MINI Cooper S?

If you could find one a John Cooper Works car would be brilliant but I don't know if any would be in budget

The dealers are useless, have no clue what they are selling...

There are 57 Mini JCW listed on Carzone... Maybe 3 or 4 are actual JCW, but 35 are diesels.

Nevertheless Mini JCW or even /ordinary/ Mini Cooper S is a brilliant option... Nice performance, low tax, should be under the radar for insurance as well. I really like it.

ba_barabus

grogi wrote: »

The dealers are useless, have no clue what they are selling...

There are 57 Mini JCW listed on Carzone... Maybe 3 or 4 are actual JCW, but 35 are diesels.

Nevertheless Mini JCW or even /ordinary/ Mini Cooper S is a brilliant option... Nice performance, low tax, should be under the radar for insurance as well. I really like it.

I know, I tried doing a search as well and got tired trying to pick out a proper one. It just sounds like a good option for the op

grogi

Dord wrote: »

+1 for the Cooper S. I'm 6' 5" also and drove the first and second generation ones (albeit briefly) a few years ago. They were very nice and surprisingly comfortable. The backseat may be an issue though as behind me was really only suitable for a very small child or babyseat. I'd say to check one out at least.

90% of the time it will be only me. When the kids will need more room at the back, I will grow out of the car already. Hopefully...

I will probably look for the first generation Mini, those before 2006. CooperS is supercharged, while the next model is turbocharged. They should be cheaper as well...

Dord wrote: »

Also, budget depending... how about a Fiesta ST? I've driven one of the new Fiestas (not an ST) and it was comfortable with plenty of room.

If you're on a tight budget... here's an outlier; Fiat Panda 100HP. I drive a regular one which is also fun to drive (if you give it enough revs). The 100HP had a 1.4 turbo. You'd fit some kids in the back easily.

None of them sparks anything. I really like the newest fiesta - we got two 1.25 in Tenerife and it was a brilliant fun chasing up to the Teide.

Panda - just no. The same reason 500 is out as well. A funny bone in the knee just gets onto the middle tunnel... Grrr....

smash

6 Series or S4?

Alanstrainor

If you are considering a 6 pot e46 BMW, you should be able to pick up something for well under your budget. Keep a bit of money for some mods and maintenance and you'll be flying. I run a 325ci and it's a lovely drive, not face melting fast but definitely has a good amount of power and makes a great noise too. You could buy one for under 3k, budget 1k for messing around, another 1k on tax and then just enjoy it. You would just have to go for a manual imo, it's a second car, and the autobox in the e46 is a tad oldskool compared to whats out there these days!

You should have a lot of other options though, you're not exactly freakish tall! :D

James Bond Junior

Bmw 130i. 265 bhp, 3 litre n/a petrol. Debadge it and you'll upset nearly every car on the road. Having read some of the U.K. forums they are an unbelievable little thing. If I was doing small miles it what I'd have outside the door.

grogi

Alanstrainor wrote: »

If you are considering a 6 pot e46 BMW, you should be able to pick up something for well under your budget. Keep a bit of money for some mods and maintenance and you'll be flying. I run a 325ci and it's a lovely drive, not face melting fast but definitely has a good amount of power and makes a great noise too. You could buy one for under 3k, budget 1k for messing around, another 1k on tax and then just enjoy it. You would just have to go for a manual imo, it's a second car, and the autobox in the e46 is a tad oldskool compared to whats out there these days!

After a bit of consideration the only auto I would consider is in the Merc W204.

Alanstrainor wrote: »

/.../ you're not exactly freakish tall!D:D

I know - but it always feels weird to meet someone taller. It is like someone is robbing me of my identity

grogi

smash wrote: »

6 Series or S4?

6-er E63 never really talked to me... No offence meant, but it always felt like a car for an auctioneer in his 50s. I'm not there yet...

Pushing the prejudice away, the oldest 6-ers fit in the budget, but the tax is very high as well. I don't think they would be cheap to run and similarly to early E60/E61 I would be afraid of the electrical gremlins (I really like that phrase ) If I could justify a bit more to keep it on the road, the V8 in 645 would makes sense though

selectamatic

what about a Type S Accord? Brilliant K24 engine. 190bhp n/a 4cylinder so loves revs. Honda reliability, Massive tuning potential if that's what you're into. Also most likely not too bad for insurance. Certainly not as bad as Type R or Euro R Honda's and much cheaper to buy in the first place. Also a very nice looking car that's relatively cheap and has aged well imo and plenty of space inside coupled with a comfy ride.
Not much choice on DD but a few examples:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-accord-2-4-vtec/12744927
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-accord-type-s-2-4-ivtec-new-nct/12822324
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/accord-2-4-dohc-vtec-200-bhp/13060918

Marcusm

I'm also 6'5" and on my 3rd Cooper S although I've never had a standard hatch (Clubman then Convertible now Paceman). Equally I've only ever had the turbo'd engine (first PSA now BMW). I love them all. I've driven 270 miles without stopping and without an ache or twinge afterwards - despite a dodgy knee/hip combo. I always find it quite sad in Ireland that a lot of people dismiss them as women's cars. Such a stupid attitude/limitation.

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

I am not convinced about the GT, haven't seen many of them on the roads. But a 159 always keeps my head turning, it is one of the few examples of beautiful design without compromises; I always wonder how much did the Cx go hit by the front design...

JTDm are generally good engines, but from what I've read they are a bit nose heavy. Must research the TwinSparks - they did not have great history in 146 and 147/156, but I have no idea about them in 159.

The TwinSparks are quite reliable actually, if you make sure to treat them well, which is usually not the case as people have a 'standard' approach to them and treat them like any old opel petrol... a shame really, they're brilliant!

Mind you, if you go for a 159, they won't be TwinSpark but the evolution of them: JTS, which are GM blocks fiddled with by Alfa (which is always good ). The 2.2 is actually a decent alternative to the V6 (and probably easier to find), and if you can source one, the 1.75 TBi (a 1.8L with a turbo) is supposed to be quite something (never had my hands on one though).

Merrion

Give the TR6 a look?

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

That's actually a brilliant idea. I must look into them. Am I right to assume it comes with the Prince engine?

The MK1 of the new Mini (R50) comes with Tritec engines which are actually decent performer (even in the non S Cooper) if a bit thirsty for what they are.
The MK2 (R56) comes with the Prince engines indeed and are better in every ways. I'd try the standard Cooper and the S version, the standard version being n/a, the experience is actually quite different, and you might prefer it (I know I do) even though it does lag behind in terms of pure performance.

lfc200

grogi wrote: »

The dealers are useless, have no clue what they are selling...

There are 57 Mini JCW listed on Carzone... Maybe 3 or 4 are actual JCW, but 35 are diesels.

Nevertheless Mini JCW or even /ordinary/ Mini Cooper S is a brilliant option... Nice performance, low tax, should be under the radar for insurance as well. I really like it.

I'd also give my backing to a Cooper S.. I'm 6'3 and had a R53 S for about 9 months. As others have said no one will fit behind you but That personally didn't bother me... Would still have her but started doing more miles for work and needed better MPG.
It is far and away one of the most fun cars I have driven and the whine from the supercharger is just music.
Not sure where you are located but there is a brilliant MINI specialist just outside cork city who even if you ring them will give so much advice on what to look for on any specific model.

grogi

lfc200 wrote: »

Not sure where you are located but there is a brilliant MINI specialist just outside cork city who even if you ring them will give so much advice on what to look for on any specific model.

I am sitting in Mahon as I typing this Can you send me some more details?

lfc200

grogi wrote: »

I am sitting in Mahon as I typing this Can you send me some more details?

It's O'Learys Garage in Ballincollig. Ger is the person to talk to and the telephone number is 021 4877158. He is also involved in the running of the Mini Club of Ireland. If you do buy a MINI joining that club is good fun, they do a lot of runs around the Munster area in particular.

Hope it's allowed to post these details above. I'm not affiliated with this garage in any way.

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

The TwinSparks are quite reliable actually, if you make sure to treat them well, which is usually not the case as people have a 'standard' approach to them and treat them like any old opel petrol... a shame really, they're brilliant!

I have always minded my cars mechanically and sell them in better condition than I bought them a few years earlier (usually for not much less in fairness too). If I owned one from new, that would not be an issue...

But it is always a balancing act... Getting a second hand car in Ireland that is very easily abused - might turn out brilliantly, might be a hard to shift pandora box unfortunately...

Nuw wrote: »

Mind you, if you go for a 159, they won't be TwinSpark but the evolution of them: JTS, which are GM blocks fiddled with by Alfa (which is always good ). The 2.2 is actually a decent alternative to the V6 (and probably easier to find), and if you can source one, the 1.75 TBi (a 1.8L with a turbo) is supposed to be quite something (never had my hands on one though).

I don't think the TBi was ever sold here unfortunately... It was introduced in 2009, when the CO₂ regime was already in full force - and is rated at 189g/km - which made it much less palatable for the diesel nation.

I've came across numerous opinions that it has lost Alfa's character. Hard to test locally and not really feasible to go to the UK to test drive one

lfc200 wrote: »

It's O'Learys Garage in Ballincollig. Ger is the person to talk to and the telephone number is 021 4877158. He is also involved in the running of the Mini Club of Ireland. If you do buy a MINI joining that club is good fun, they do a lot of runs around the Munster area in particular.

Hope it's allowed to post these details above. I'm not affiliated with this garage in any way.

I think positive feedback is allowed I'll call in some day there to have a chat. Thanks.

lfc200

grogi wrote: »

I think positive feedback is allowed I'll call in some day there to have a chat. Thanks.

They are out near Supernova in B'collig I'd ring them first to ask for exact directions. There's another O'Learys garage in B'collig that comes up if you were to google map it. I know from experience from the first time I wanted to go there!

grogi

selectamatic wrote: »

what about a Type S Accord? Brilliant K24 engine. 190bhp n/a 4cylinder so loves revs. Honda reliability /.../ Also a very nice looking car that's relatively cheap and has aged well imo and plenty of space inside coupled with a comfy ride. Not much choice on DD /.../]

Thanks. I have always had confidence in Hondas, but the limited availability Type S makes it difficult to check if it's what I am looking for...

I'll keep my eyes open. I guess it is so good, that nobody wants to sell it

It's actually a huge pity that European market did not appreciate Accord enough to bring next generation here...

ironclaw

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Bmw 130i. 265 bhp, 3 litre n/a petrol. Debadge it and you'll upset nearly every car on the road. Having read some of the U.K. forums they are an unbelievable little thing. If I was doing small miles it what I'd have outside the door.

I have one

Brings a smile to my face every day I drive it. Incredible car to go, will take you all the way to 7k RPM in every gear with some serious pull. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point however, but you will average 32MPG if you drive it somewhat sanely. Twistys and backroads will see that drop. The issue with the 1 series is the fuel tank size, its tiny for the relative size of the engine. You'll get about 550km to a tank, more or less.

I'm 6ft 4" and I have a relative who is pushing 6ft 8", we both fit without problem. It is however a low car, its nigh impossible to enter or exit gracefully, but its very comfortable.

I'd strongly recommend one, or the 135i, if you can find one. You'll never have a problem selling it as they are incredible rare in Ireland. I have it on reasonably authority, and of course its probably nonsense, that mine is one of two for the year in the country. I only know personally of two others.

If you want similar fun but better fuel economy, consider the 123d. They are highly tunable. The issue is budget, they attract a ludicrous premium here owing to the 'cheap' tax rate.

grogi

ironclaw wrote: »

I have one Brings a smile to my face every day I drive it.

Big thanks to everyone who contributed so far

I'm still listening to all ideas - but it seems I am a BMW corporation target here

I seems I will narrow it down to the following options:
- R53 Cooper S - 2005 or 2006. I need to talk to Ger about R56 and test drive one, I'm afraid the turbo will come with a bit of lag. And that stupid timing chain. However the yearly savings on the tax (compared to other alternatives) should allow for proper maintenance...
- E46 - 325 - the tax difference between 320i and 325i is negligible - while the difference in performance is not. Cannot justify going past 2.5l Selection is very small, but I could wait. This seems like the most budget friendly option, but it would stay with me until its days come...
- E90 - 323, 325 or 330. If I stretch myself and get N53B30 2008, the lower tax (only €750) will mean better resale value in future.
- E87 - privately importing a 130i. No direct injection (N52B30)... Tax on 2008 hurts, but still is digestible (€1200), OTRP should fit into budget and if I decide to move on, it would go fast... Should be a bit more reliable than 325/330, but will I save €550 on mainenance compared to the 3-series? 123d and 135i are super tasty - but bi-turbo is a bit to much for me to justify...

Experience tells me it makes absolutely no sense to go for something in the middle - like N/A Mini or 320i for instance. I'll be looking to change it the moment I start driving it...

Decisions decisions decisions...

ironclaw

If I was in your position that you could import a 135i, that's what I would do. If you got a pristine example, kept it fully stamped and in great shape, you'd sell it in about 5 minutes flat if you ever needed it gone quick. You'll probably break even by the time you factor in a weak sterling and a premium for rarity. I'm not aware of a single one in Ireland so you have the added satisfaction of having something really special. Furthermore, they nearly all have top spec given the rarity in Europe as a whole.

My other suggestion would be an Audi S3. Faster than the 130 and 135i, and four wheel drive. The 1 Series, especially with the heavier engine at the front and being rear wheel drive, is not as tight as the S3. You can lose the back fairly quick if you hammer in the wet. However the 1 series is more forgiving on the ride. The Audi S3 will break your back on the stiffer set up and tyres. I'd consider the interior trim of the Audi marginally better in the higher specs.

grogi

ironclaw wrote: »

If I was in your position that you could import a 135i, that's what I would do. If you got a pristine example, kept it fully stamped and in great shape, you'd sell it in about 5 minutes flat if you ever needed it gone quick. You'll probably break even by the time you factor in a weak sterling and a premium for rarity. I'm not aware of a single one in Ireland so you have the added satisfaction of having something really special. Furthermore, they nearly all have top spec given the rarity in Europe as a whole.

It all makes sense - but brief search brings me to €20000 area for 135i... That's too far from original constraints, even 130i gets outside a bit...

My other suggestion would be an Audi S3. Faster than the 130 and 135i, and four wheel drive. The 1 Series, especially with the heavier engine at the front and being rear wheel drive, is not as tight as the S3. You can lose the back fairly quick if you hammer in the wet. However the 1 series is more forgiving on the ride. The Audi S3 will break your back on the stiffer set up and tyres. I'd consider the interior trim of the Audi marginally better in the higher specs.

Thanks. As said before - that would be a second car, purely for fun... It will be doing around 100km a week when I commute. Harsh ride quality won't bother me at this stage, maybe 5 years later it will

Will check the Audi.

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

Big thanks to everyone who contributed so far

I'm still listening to all ideas - but it seems I am a BMW corporation target here

I seems I will narrow it down to the following options:
- R53 Cooper S - 2005 or 2006. I need to talk to Ger about R56 and test drive one, I'm afraid the turbo will come with a bit of lag. And that stupid timing chain. However the yearly savings on the tax (compared to other alternatives) should allow for proper maintenance...
- E46 - 325 - the tax difference between 320i and 325i is negligible - while the difference in performance is not. Cannot justify going past 2.5l Selection is very small, but I could wait. This seems like the most budget friendly option, but it would stay with me until its days come...
- E90 - 323, 325 or 330. If I stretch myself and get N53B30 2008, the lower tax (only €750) will mean better resale value in future.
- E87 - privately importing a 130i. No direct injection (N52B30)... Tax on 2008 hurts, but still is digestible (€1200), OTRP should fit into budget and if I decide to move on, it would go fast... Should be a bit more reliable than 325/330, but will I save €550 on mainenance compared to the 3-series? 123d and 135i are super tasty - but bi-turbo is a bit to much for me to justify...

Experience tells me it makes absolutely no sense to go for something in the middle - like N/A Mini or 320i for instance. I'll be looking to change it the moment I start driving it...

Decisions decisions decisions...

E46 325i would be my choice above all the rest you've mentioned, and who knows, it might eventually replace the family wagon, especially in estate form .

ironclaw

Nuw wrote: »

E46 325i would be my choice above all the rest you've mentioned, and who knows, it might eventually replace the family wagon, especially in estate form .

Speaking of estates, a 535D would be a serious contender. Rare on the ground here in estate form and can be remapped to serious numbers. They are on par with an M5 to ~100km/h.

You'll find it tough to get a good spec with low mileage however.

James Bond Junior

ironclaw wrote: »

I have one

Brings a smile to my face every day I drive it. Incredible car to go, will take you all the way to 7k RPM in every gear with some serious pull. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point however, but you will average 32MPG if you drive it somewhat sanely. Twistys and backroads will see that drop. The issue with the 1 series is the fuel tank size, its tiny for the relative size of the engine. You'll get about 550km to a tank, more or less.

I'm 6ft 4" and I have a relative who is pushing 6ft 8", we both fit without problem. It is however a low car, its nigh impossible to enter or exit gracefully, but its very comfortable.

I'd strongly recommend one, or the 135i, if you can find one. You'll never have a problem selling it as they are incredible rare in Ireland. I have it on reasonably authority, and of course its probably nonsense, that mine is one of two for the year in the country. I only know personally of two others.

If you want similar fun but better fuel economy, consider the 123d. They are highly tunable. The issue is budget, they attract a ludicrous premium here owing to the 'cheap' tax rate.

Will you let me know when it's time to move it on? Where in the world are you?


@op what about a mk5 golf r32?

ironclaw

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Will you let me know when it's time to move it on? Where in the world are you?


@op what about a mk5 golf r32?

Sure thing but it won't be for a while :pac: If you want a look or drive of it, I'm based in south Dublin / north Wicklow.

R32 is a thirsty number, I'd recommend the S3 over it.

farna_boy

Something a little different that should have a bit of poke and some leg room:
A Subaru Legacy B4 Twin Scroll (~280bhp)

grogi

selectamatic wrote: »

what about a Type S Accord? Brilliant K24 engine. 190bhp n/a 4cylinder so loves revs. Honda reliability, Massive tuning potential if that's what you're into.

I gave it another look :-)

Aren't the Type-S all JDM imports and it is only 8th gen that was offered here in the Type-S trim?

selectamatic

grogi wrote: »

I gave it another look :-)

Aren't the Type-S all JDM imports and it is only 8th gen that was offered here in the Type-S trim?

Don't think so the k24 was offered in the European market too poor sales in Ireland due to the 2.4 tax. The euro R accord with the jdm k20 220bhp engine is the jdm one they've a hefty price tag though and hard insure. Hence why I have a soft spot for the k24 type s they're not really a performance car that's left up to the euro R but they perform very well all the same.
Just to add some trim levels for the 150bhp 2.0 were also badged as type s so be wary of that.

grogi

selectamatic wrote: »

Just to add some trim levels for the 150bhp 2.0 were also badged as type s so be wary of that.

I've noticed - they started to appear in the Bangernomic thread

Are there any mechanical differences between the Type S and regular 2.4 Accord? Not talking about the obvious bodywork

eviltimeban

If you can find one, how about an 1988 Peugeot 205 GTi? I'm 6'5" and use to drive one, it was the most "fun" car I ever owned! And fast. Bloody fast.

selectamatic

grogi wrote: »

I've noticed - they started to appear in the Bangernomic thread

Are there any mechanical differences between the Type S and regular 2.4 Accord? Not talking about the obvious bodywork

Perhaps an LSD? However I couldn't be sure on that there's no mention of it on wiki. The euro r has an LSD and a fairly low final drive ver similar to a dc5 integra type r where as the type s isnt as solely geared towards performance. Not a bad thing really as apparently when driven handy they're good on petrol.
And the k24 was continued into the 8th gen accords although I've never seen one for sale in Ireland only the gen 7's. The uk will have a much better selection I'd imagine. Power was 190bhp for gen7 and 198bhp for gen8.
As with all Hondas a manual transmission would be a must.
Maybe marginally lower springs too but again I'm unsure although that's pretty common among manufacturers.

James Bond Junior

eviltimeban wrote: »

If you can find one, how about an 1988 Peugeot 205 GTi? I'm 6'5" and use to drive one, it was the most "fun" car I ever owned! And fast. Bloody fast.

And only going up in value.

grogi

grogi wrote: »

Decisions decisions decisions...

Test drove the E46 318Ci and R55 Cooper S today.

E46: While I like the handling and the power delivery a of the BMW, I simply could not fit under the roof. It wasn't about legroom, plenty of it - more about headroom... I just could not find suitable position to rest my head under the lining... I know it was a coupe, but I vaguely remember now that I did test drive a touring years ago and came to similar conclusion. E46 out than...

MCS: Oh boy, what a beast. But if this interior is of better quality than the R53, I don't even want to look at the latter... Mini out...

I guess I am hopeless

On my way back I've put our Picasso to paddle mode and took to closer to the red today... It rolled like a barrel - but not once I've lost confidence in it... It was fun...

Marcusm

The second generation New Mini has a much better interior than the first gen but is still very dependent on the spec level. I was spoiled in that my first one was a demo launch model Clubman Cooper S - these came with every option except Bluetooth for some bizarre reason. My second was a convertible but noticeably lower spec (not even cruise) despite having Bluetooth. If you liked the car (including the pops and fizzes as you push it on), look for a well specc'd one with a good interior. You'd get a lot better choice in the UK but that may not interest you.

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

Test drove the E46 318Ci and R55 Cooper S today.

E46: While I like the handling and the power delivery a of the BMW, I simply could not fit under the roof. It wasn't about legroom, plenty of it - more about headroom... I just could not find suitable position to rest my head under the lining... I know it was a coupe, but I vaguely remember now that I did test drive a touring years ago and came to similar conclusion. E46 out than...

That's a shame...

grogi wrote: »

MCS: Oh boy, what a beast. But if this interior is of better quality than the R53, I don't even want to look at the latter... Mini out...

I guess I am hopeless

On my way back I've put our Picasso to paddle mode and took to closer to the red today... It rolled like a barrel - but not once I've lost confidence in it... It was fun...

OK then, completely outside the box here, but what about a skoda yeti? they're supposed to be the best handling crossovers out there, might be worth a test drive... Or a Subaru Forester 2.5T (the fun of the imprezza without the image and the insurance bill)?

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

That's a shame...


OK then, completely outside the box here, but what about a skoda yeti? they're supposed to be the best handling crossovers out there, might be worth a test drive... Or a Subaru Forester 2.5T (the fun of the imprezza without the image and the insurance bill)?

Thanks - I'll look around for Yeti, it never seems like nice-handling car.

Combining @Marcusm and your advice, I'll look for a top-spec Mini Cooper for test drive.

The MCS I've seen was all squeaky plastic - it really was a depressing place to be. I did fit without an issue - which was awesome. It was fast and cornered like a beast, but power delivered in binary mode - either full throttle or no acceleration... Maybe it was simply broken...

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

Thanks - I'll look around for Yeti, it never seems like nice-handling car.

Well I wouldn't expect the world from it, especially compared to the Mini, but it would appear some keen drivers I know were quite impressed by it. The 1.8 TSI would probably be impossible to source here, but you might be able to find a 1.4 in 150hp guise.

I don't know much about the VAG engines in fairness, and it really wouldn't be my first place to look at but eh, why not?

Another thought would be a CLK 200 Kompressor, or even better, a 320 (V6 inside).

grogi

Nuw wrote: »

Would an Alfa GT be OK size-wise? They're a hoot to drive, especially if you can source a V6. A 159 with the same engine should be a match to any beamer me thinks (I never drove one though, so might be wrong on this).

Test drove the Alfa GT JTD yesterday... I loved it, it is a very Italian car in a positive meaning. Built for short legged Mediterraneans, but I did find enough room. The engine was revy and sounded great, the ride was firm and the car was sucked to the ground... It speaks Italian - squeak here, crack there - it's great, because the car feels faster than it actually is. Unfortunately the particular specimen has had far to many unprofessional (not to say bad beyond imagination) body repairs for me to accept.

But the real bummer were the seats... They look great and are very supportive, hold in the corners et al. But my muscular back (a.k.a. fat ass) could not fit



I gave one 159 JTDm a spin too. Very nice car, much more mature than the GT, but still enjoyable to throw around the corners. But again - this particular one was a no-go (and I am not price-shopping, believe me)... It wasn't the first nor the second error that did put me off... I felt I was playing whack-a-mole with them. The engine would not even rev past 3000 rpms.



To sum up my search: I am left with a Alfa 159 (and a Brera), a 3-er E9x or a 1-er (123d makes most sense).

Alfa Romeos have far more character, are more unique and IMHO better looking from the pack, even if they are the slowest. Me thinks that if I pick well minded one, the running costs should not be higher than a BMW, am I right? But I'll buy whatever is close and in right condition...

ba_barabus

You're welcome to have a look at my 159 of you want a good one to benchmark others against.

Nuw

grogi wrote: »

Alfa Romeos have far more character, are more unique and IMHO better looking from the pack, even if they are the slowest. Me thinks that if I pick well minded one, the running costs should not be higher than a BMW, as I right? But I'll buy whatever is close and in right condition...

I can't see an Alfa being more money spent than any beamer in truth... Sourcing a good one might however be an issue.

If you have a chance, give a petrol a go, it should tick some boxes.

In fairness, a petrol Alfa (especially a 159) would usually have been owned by a different crowd than the diesel, and it might be easier to source one that have been truly cared for.

Wossack

mazda 6 mps?

grogi

And the winner is...



I was actually surprised how specious it was in the front... And those seats :]

It costed me more than a few quid to bring it in order, I spared it nothing...
The grin on my face - priceless.

Thanks everyone for contributing