What next

[maf260]

I'm bored of my 325i cabby. Done everything I wanted to do to it and it's now just as I want it, but I think it's time to move on. The question is what do I buy instead to replace it. I have other cars for different duties, this is just a toy to use on nice days and tinker with occasionally. Don't want to spend much more than it's worth (£4k-£5k) if at all. Needs to be RWD and have a decent sized engine (I love V8s). Doesn't need to be super-quick, but definitely no slouch.

Thoughts so far - Porsche 944, TVR Chimaera, Caterham

All suggestions considered.

[kman82]

neh. put a V8 in your cabby

[maf260]

Thought about it and it's too much £ and a lot of work. Not something I could complete as a DIY project due to lack of time and technical ability!

[Kemix]

Mk1 Escort

[Kemix]

woo that was my 1000th post

[mrLEE30]

Thoughts so far - Porsche 944, TVR Chimaera, Caterham

All suggestions considered.

944's were not powerful, the best was the late S2 but still only 240ish HP,

TVR Chimaera are very quick when they run - which will be rare for a 5k one

Caterham - i teach people how to drive on tracks in these and they blow away alomst any car around a track - we use the 2L Cosworth lump restricted to 200ish HP. They are very very quick round a track, but horrifically impratical, very uncomfortable and horrifically impractical, they are also impractical. did i also mention they are impractical, leak fuel, rarely have head lights, rarely have any thing electrical working, and are very impractial....but the grin factor is huuuuuge!!!

[brettE30cab]

Save up and get a rwd sierra cossie.

[James325]

I used to work for a TVR dealer.
The Chim will probably run ok, it's a rover v8 after all. Biggest thing with a 5k TVR will be a rotten chassis!!

[Topblag]

Toyota Hilux would be my suggestion.

[NIX]

Porsche 928... BMW E36 M3...

[maf260]

Some interesting suggestions(!)

Any more

So far I'm liking:
944
928
Chimaera (clearly need to add a couple of £k, but that's not an issue)
E36 M3

[snakebrain]

E39 M5 sound good? Nice, if you can find a good 'un...

[Jim320i]

Toyota Hilux would be my suggestion.

+1

[e30mtec]

get a 7 series v8 beast

[mrLEE30]

^^^ E39 540 if you can live with 18MPG

[Gert_8]

I'm bored of my 325i cabby. Done everything I wanted to do to it and it's now just as I want it, but I think it's time to move on.

Post some pics then, and let us have a look at it, mate!

[Motorhole]

£5k might buy you a decent TVR Griffith though!

[alexdejonghe]

BMW Z4...had a nose around the local dealers and these looked (and felt) the business.

[maf260]

I'm bored of my 325i cabby. Done everything I wanted to do to it and it's now just as I want it, but I think it's time to move on.

Post some pics then, and let us have a look at it, mate!

Only pics I can find on this computer, must have more somewhere...

[pacerpete]

Mk1 Escort

Why would he want to do that ? escorts are a sorry hugely over rated/over priced turd.

[adit]

Mk1 Escort

Why would he want to do that ? escorts are a sorry hugely over rated/over priced turd.

cue new debate E30 v Escort/Cortina, etc with all the old Ford boys on here

[Gert_8]

That's a nice car!

[maf260]

That's a nice car!

Thanks. Spent a bit of time with it this weekend and maybe appreciating it a little more as I haven't driven it for about 3 months.

Now thinking it could perhaps do with a bit more 'go' as it's much slower than other cars I'm used to. Perhaps rather than changing the car I might look for ways of making it a bit quicker (without breaking the bank!)

[Gert_8]

Hang on until the sun comes out again - my feeling is you'll feel totally different about it. Especially if you put more grunt into her!

[Dezzy]

That's a nice car!

Thanks. Spent a bit of time with it this weekend and maybe appreciating it a little more as I haven't driven it for about 3 months.

Now thinking it could perhaps do with a bit more 'go' as it's much slower than other cars I'm used to. Perhaps rather than changing the car I might look for ways of making it a bit quicker (without breaking the bank!)

If its a solid one keep it would be my advice. There is very few good E30's left.

M5x would be a cost effective way of increasing the go.

M52B28 have nic smooth power and good toque too. Ideal for a cab imo

[autoalex]

944 S2 is definitely an idea. My folks used to own an N/A 2.5-litre 163bhp when I was about 15 (11 yrs ago) and the handling is very good as is the gearbox.

I'm not sold on the 928 though. It's much too rounded and just doesn't look right IMO - headlights and arse especially.

Following on the S2 theme, how about an Audi S2? Fast, practical and retro. I really like the interior in those too.

E36 M3 is always a good shout aswell...

Think my dream garage is full now

[maf260]

I like the idea of an engine swap, but just don't have the time to do it myself.

Any recommendations of who could drop a M52B28 into it for a reasonable cost?

[Dezzy]

Where are you?

The cost will depend on the quality of the install. Do it once do it right is my way of think with this sort of thing.

[DanThe]

Mk1 Escort

Why would he want to do that ? escorts are a sorry hugely over rated/over priced turd.

They are, unless your selling one of course

[maf260]

Where are you?

The cost will depend on the quality of the install. Do it once do it right is my way of think with this sort of thing.

I'm in Hertfordshire, but would be happy to take the car anywhere within reason.
Definitely agree on getting it done properly & right first time as I want it to be reliable and useful, just don't want to spend a fortune for the sake of it.

[Dezzy]

Pm the fella who posted 1 above you. Theres no one who knows more about 24v conversion in these turds