Lifelong Alfista looking around...

H3llR4iser

So, my 2006 159 (1.9JTS) is still going strong, drives like it's almost a new car (plenty of "unnecessary maintenance" by average motorist standards, I like to keep the car pristine), but I'm dreading the insurance renewal year after year expecting to be priced out of having what they consider an "old deathtrap" -because it's past the magical 10 years limit, when we know all cars start falling apart and go up in flames spontaneously :D:D

Also, I may just want something newer and more powerful - the obvious choice would be a Giulia Veloce, but it's a bit out of budget at the moment - wouldn't want to commit to a 500-600 Euro monthly repayment AND a huge final payoff after the three years.

So, I'm finding myself looking around for something that is "left of field" for me, and the scenario (at least on the Irish market) is depressing to say the least - plenty of diesel 3ers and A4, and very little else.

So, without wasting more time, guidelines:

Budget
Let's say up to 15k

Age
Newer than 2006, ideally 2010-11

Space / seats requirements
None whatsoever; Blessed with being single and having no children

Car type
Coupe', Convertible or Saloon (no hatchbacks or estates)

Fuel type
Strictly petrol only

Powaaaa!
200+ minimum, 250+ better!

Tax
Don't care

Insurance
Reasonable - something that would be affordable by a 37yo, 20 years full license, 7 years NCB; I guess almost everything this side of a Shuttle falls in the spectrum;

Irrational pickiness 1
Not a big fan of Japanese cars, especially the more "ricer-oriented" ones; Would consider something on the classy side; I'm afraid I don't really like the exterior looks of most Lexus (inside, different story!);

Irrational pickiness 2
German premium cars seem to be ten a penny, just as common in Dublin as asphalt. Having to go there, BMW and Mercedes above Audi...actually, I might be close to saying "no Audi", but you never know!

Fully aware I may have to go the UK route. Just want to see what people shoot out, as I am very much out of ideas...

ba_barabus

Left field eh. Would any of the Infiniti range catch your eye? Think Lexus build quality plus very left field. Strong engines in petrol form too.

Random example, 3.5 v6 hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807258768856?colour=Black&advertising-location=at_cars&exclude-writeoff-categories=on&keywords=Leather seats&year-from=2010&postcode=bt357et&page=1&make=INFINITI&year-to=2013&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

H3llR4iser

ba_barabus wrote: »

Left field eh. Would any of the Infiniti range catch your eye? Think Lexus build quality plus very left field. Strong engines in petrol form too.

Random example, 3.5 v6 hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807258768856?colour=Black&advertising-location=at_cars&exclude-writeoff-categories=on&keywords=Leather%20seats&year-from=2010&postcode=bt357et&page=1&make=INFINITI&year-to=2013&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used

jacksie66 wrote: »

A very long shot but I was looking at the last saab 9 5 aero. Beautiful car with over 200bhp. Around a 2011 or 2012 model. Can't get rarer then that..
Zero in Ireland but a few in the UK..

These are actually interesting - I'm afraid the Infiniti betrays its Japanese / Lexus origins in the quite frankly horrible looks (technically very appealing, 'though).

I've always had a thing for Saab, that 9-5 model is one I hadn't thought about.

But these are the kind of suggestions I was looking for, something you don't necessarily think about immediately when you think in that specific area.

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

ba_barabus

H3llR4iser wrote: »

These are actually interesting - I'm afraid the Infiniti betrays its Japanese / Lexus origins in the quite frankly horrible looks (technically very appealing, 'though).

I've always had a thing for Saab, that 9-5 model is one I hadn't thought about.

But these are the kind of suggestions I was looking for, something you don't necessarily think about immediately when you think in that specific area.

Other Infiniti are available but looks can be subjective I'll admit. Technically brilliant however.

There was a 2.8T Saab 93 also. Easier to get in UK but I'd imagine tax will be mental.

I'd suggest a Megane RS but I Think it would be too harsh

H3llR4iser

ba_barabus wrote: »

Other Infiniti are available but looks can be subjective I'll admit. Technically brilliant however.

There was a 2.8T Saab 93 also. Easier to get in UK but I'd imagine tax will be mental.

I'd suggest a Megane RS but I Think it would be too harsh

Eh was looking at the Megane RS as they come up insintently in searches - I've had some Renaults before, but always in the "grocery getter" level, like a 0.9 Renault 5 and a 1.4 Megane Coupe'

Curiosity - did you change the 159? If so, with what? People don't appreciate it, but it's a bloody hard car to follow up on...

ba_barabus

H3llR4iser wrote: »

People don't appreciate it, but it's a bloody hard car to follow up on...

Yes i did and you're 100% right. I looked at a lot of stuff and kept thinking it was all bland rubbish in comparison.

In the end I needed a newer car for covering lots of miles and as I was in the middle of buying a house and having a child I went very bland as I just wanted something to cover big miles effortlessly. I got an Avensis..... It's great at doing what it does but obviously it feel in no way special. You've genuinely got a challenge on your hands to find a nice car to follow the 159.

I discounted Audi and VW quickly as they were boring as hell. BMW next as the diesel engines were too delicate. For Mondeo was nice but I found a good Avensis and went for it.

What about a Laguna Coupe from the UK or Pug RCZ?

aerofoiled

I know it's a hatchback, but if space isn't an issue, why not try a Giulietta QV? A 2011/12 is very doable with your budget. Or if you can find one, a 159 TBi.

kerten

I guess you will end up with a high spec 6 cylinder e92

H3llR4iser

ba_barabus wrote: »

Yes i did and you're 100% right. I looked at a lot of stuff and kept thinking it was all bland rubbish in comparison.

In the end I needed a newer car for covering lots of miles and as I was in the middle of buying a house and having a child I went very bland as I just wanted something to cover big miles effortlessly. I got an Avensis..... It's great at doing what it does but obviously it feel in no way special. You've genuinely got a challenge on your hands to find a nice car to follow the 159.

Yeah, it's a bloody underestimated and underappreciated car; People (even a certain fringe of Alfisti, and this comes from someone who HAD a carburettor 75) love to criticize the weight (unfounded, at 1480 kg it weighs the same of a similar vintage A4 or C-Klasse) or handling or whatnot, but when you go on and test drive something else you suddenly realize almost everything feels dull and with zero feel - like playing a videogame.

ba_barabus wrote: »

I discounted Audi and VW quickly as they were boring as hell. BMW next as the diesel engines were too delicate. For Mondeo was nice but I found a good Avensis and went for it.

What about a Laguna Coupe from the UK or Pug RCZ?

Fortunately, I don't have the issue of having to look at diesel engines - I drove something like 2500km last year

aerofoiled wrote: »

I know it's a hatchback, but if space isn't an issue, why not try a Giulietta QV? A 2011/12 is very doable with your budget. Or if you can find one, a 159 TBi.

You're getting me on a slippery slope there - indeed the very first car that my autotrader search returned was a mint condition 159 TBi. The one and only thing is that they use the same M32 gearbox I currently have - which isn't a great thing, but could also be a blessing in disguise as I could theoretically find one with a shot 'box at a huge discount and get mine "transplanted" over (it's been reconditioned something like 15k km ago). Resale value of my own car here in Ireland is probably going to be the equivalent of a ham sandwich and a packet of crisps...

As for the Giulietta QV, I have to be honest - the engine attracts me immensely; Yet, I will admit I think it's been a pas faux from Alfa in terms of style - along with the MiTo. I simply don't think that the "round headlight and sloping bonnet" style, which looks excellent on 8C and 4C, looks any good on a "normal" car. Which is a shame, because as much as I genuinely dislike hatchbacks, from the A-pillar to the end of the car the Giulietta looks nice. Shame about that nose design.

kerten wrote: »

I guess you will end up with a high spec 6 cylinder e92

"Unfortunately", I've actually been increasingly looking at a bunch of 325i and 330i

bear1

What about a 3.2 159?
Doesn't share the same box and has the 250+ range you're looking for.
Just not a real busso