Mazda RX8

tomstickland

RX is a great choice IMO. Correct wheel drive, loopy rotary engine. Rotary engines have always struggled with fuel consumption, emissions and rotor tip wear. But the non reciprocating design is a brilliant idea. I'd advise trying both power models to see whether the extra power really is worth it - I'd doubt that there was much difference in the "real world".
Astra VCR or whatever is just another mainstream hatch with too much power for it's own good. Looks pretty good though I'll have to admit.

nordberg

What about a Celica T Sport? It has similar performance to the RX but with better looks (IMHO) and much more reliability.

I'm on my second Celica in 4 years at the moment. I considered the RX8 and took it out on a demo when I changed a couple of years back. I hated the sound of the engine and the complete lack of torque from it. I found the interior cheap and plasticky. I've read a few horror stories about worn out rotor tips and ridiculous oil/fuel consumption also. Also the emissions are diabolical if that makes any difference to you.

Go for a spin in the T Sport. They are seriously good value. The market for sports coupes is very good from a buyers point of view. I'm currently trying to sell my immaculate 2 yr old T Sport and I doubt I will get more than £12k for it (2 years ago it was a £21k car!!).

Davey_2

Actually had a look at one of those as a friend of mine has one but im not too sure if i like them or not. Of course being a Toyota it will certainly be reliable but im not too sure on the overall look of the car. If anything I prefer the older celica shapes (the one that was in sega rally) . So far the RX8 is winning the vote with the VXR a close second

Monkeybutt

How about a Cooper S, fantastic fun, high spec and relatively cheap if you can source a good demo.

My wife has one and I try to 'borrow' it at every given opportunity.

Davey_2

Thought about one of those too Monkeybutt, but the overall impression i get is that they seem to be a bit "girly", also what are they like for space? I suppose they're reliable being built by BMW but what are the running costs and price of spares like.
I have a 3 year old daughter that i see every other weekend so i need something that i can class as a family car even if i do go for something thats a little more sporty. Otherwise i'd maybe go for something along the lines of a Lotus Elise, Vauxhall VX220 or maybe even a Porsche Boxter if i could find one at the right price. Ideally I want to spend around 15k but im prepared to spend that little bit more if need be

Monkeybutt

My initial thoughts when my wife wanted one was also that it was a bit girly, I think the standard Mini is but get one with the supercharger on and it is anything but.

Reliability is excellent so far, fuel consumption around 25 - 33 mpg depending on foot heaviness

Majority of new models have Mini TLC, a voucher booklet that gives you free servicing ( incl parts and labour ) for the first 3 years which can be extended to 5 years for a small fee at any time up to the end of the 3 years.

Depreciation is good being BMW and we can easily fit our family in it relatively comfortably, our children are 12 and 8 and they have no problems.

We paid 15K for ours, fully specced up, leather etc and only 500 miles on the clock so in your price range.

See if you can find one for a test drive, you might be surprised, my other car is a BMW and I prefer the driving experience of the Mini.

Davey_2

Prestons BMW is only bout 20 minutes drive from where I am so I might head over there sometime and have a look at a few, thing is tho once i get over there and see all those lovely BMW's i'll be changing my mind again and wanting one

Monkeybutt

Once you talk to the kn0bhead salesmen you'll soon change your mind

Not aimed at any specific BMW dealers, just all of them !!!!

The Mini people seem a little less up themselves though !!!

Davey_2

Most salesmen are like that. If i go into a garage I let them talk !!!!!!!! for ages and come up with all the clever words, then just as they think the've impressed me I mention that im a fully qualified mechanic (gave it up tho, sick of crap money and taking chunks outta my hands), gets em every time and they shut up real quick.