Upgrading from the Astra: options between $50K-$60K?

[BEK-46P]

Well my friends, the time has come...

In the market for an apartment to buy and thought what the hell, I'll throw a new car in while I'm at it. The 2.2 has served me well for the last couple of years but really after something with more performance.

I've thrown up some options which I've been looking into for the last month or so but if you have any more suggestions, let me know. Don't have any particular preferences, except it's gotta be a good few notches above the 2.2 (and hopefully with that cash I can get something!). Also prefer a turbo under the hood. Can be either new or second.

As you can see from my choices, I'm sorta biased towards a Golf... or something European. Not a particular fan of Japanese cars but I can be partial to an S2000.

I'm looking to spend up to $60K (absolutely no more).

[gmonkey]

135i hahah

out of ur options hold out for the golf R I'd say, the r32s were cool and all but big fuel and service bills for them.

[xplosv57]

my choice is also the Golf R, but im curious to know why youve put the R32 as pre owned.........

[gmonkey]

cause u cant buy new anymore

[xplosv57]

cause u cant buy new anymore

oh really........

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?N=1216+1246+4294962746+4294962677+429 4789913&keywords=&Nne=15#ctl07_p_d_ctl06_cboBadge=4294774536

guess u cant choose any options or anything though...

[gmonkey]

yeh there the last of the line runouts.. so yeh no customising at all sadly... those wheels are terrible aswell for stocks :p

golf R with its turbo = more cost effective mods aswell

[darkirv]

ve clubsport -> http://www.carsales.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&Cr=3&R=556910&__Ns=p_NewPrice_Decimal%7C0%7C%7Cp_Make_String%7C0 %7C%7Cp_Family_String%7C0%7C%7Cp_Badge_String%7C0% 7C%7Cp_Series_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=2994+2951+4294955531&silo=1304&seot=1&trecs=30&__sid=126CDCCA68B3

lexus is250 -> http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/bncis/details.aspx?R=8203429&__sid=126CDCCA68B3&__Qpb=true&Cr=11&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246&SearchAction=N&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=32349&silo=1011

ford f6 -> http://www.carsales.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&Cr=13&R=550438&__Ns=p_NewPrice_Decimal%7C0%7C%7Cp_Make_String%7C0 %7C%7Cp_Family_String%7C0%7C%7Cp_Badge_String%7C0% 7C%7Cp_Series_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=2994+2951+4294958288&silo=1304&seot=1&trecs=20&__sid=126CDCCA68B3

[xplosv57]

As you can see from my choices, I'm sorta biased towards a Golf... or something European. Not a particular fan of Japanese cars but I can be partial to an S2000.

I'm looking to spend up to $60K (absolutely no more).


ve clubsport -> http://www.carsales.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&Cr=3&R=556910&__Ns=p_NewPrice_Decimal%7C0%7C%7Cp_Make_String%7C0 %7C%7Cp_Family_String%7C0%7C%7Cp_Badge_String%7C0% 7C%7Cp_Series_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=2994+2951+4294955531&silo=1304&seot=1&trecs=30&__sid=126CDCCA68B3

lexus is250 -> http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/bncis/details.aspx?R=8203429&__sid=126CDCCA68B3&__Qpb=true&Cr=11&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246&SearchAction=N&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=32349&silo=1011

ford f6 -> http://www.carsales.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&Cr=13&R=550438&__Ns=p_NewPrice_Decimal%7C0%7C%7Cp_Make_String%7C0 %7C%7Cp_Family_String%7C0%7C%7Cp_Badge_String%7C0% 7C%7Cp_Series_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=2994+2951+4294958288&silo=1304&seot=1&trecs=20&__sid=126CDCCA68B3

Wait around for the Golf R, on paper, it sounds like such a great car, turbo, AWD, heaps of options...

The only issue will be price, don't know if it'll be under 60k, heck a fully loaded GTi pushes 60k lol!!

[kabel]

Renault Megane RS 250 with Cup chassis and 19`s...when it arrives later in the yearshould be priced at high $40k !

[BEK-46P]

Wait around for the Golf R, on paper, it sounds like such a great car, turbo, AWD, heaps of options...

The only issue will be price, don't know if it'll be under 60k, heck a fully loaded GTi pushes 60k lol!!

I would take a calculated guess and estimate it to be 60K with no options included. Having said, fingers crossed that 19"s/leather seats/sunroof/GPS are included as standard!

EDIT: Just checked out the VW UK site and it looks like those things above are options. I can't believe things like cruise control is still considered an option! Even my SRi came with leather/cruise control/ESP and all that stuff as standard!

[xplosv57]

I would take a calculated guess and estimate it to be 60K with no options included. Having said, fingers crossed that 19"s/leather seats/sunroof/GPS are included as standard!

yeah from what i've read, the price won't be different to the R32 new, so base model is around 57k........

but if i was to by a new car soon, it'd definetely be the Golf R (and thats coming from a V8 person too!!)

[dieselhead]

Voted for the R now and will do the same with my wallet in a few months :)

[kabel]

I would take a calculated guess and estimate it to be 60K with no options included. Having said, fingers crossed that 19"s/leather seats/sunroof/GPS are included as standard!

EDIT: Just checked out the VW UK site and it looks like those things above are options. I can't believe things like cruise control is still considered an option! Even my SRi came with leather/cruise control/ESP and all that stuff as standard!
The options were the reason I discounted a VW when looking a few years back.At least the SriT and VXR were retailed 'Fully Loaded' :thumbs:

[Wraith]

Well my friends, the time has come...

In the market for an apartment to buy and thought what the hell, I'll throw a new car in while I'm at it. The 2.2 has served me well for the last couple of years but really after something with more performance.

I've thrown up some options which I've been looking into for the last month or so but if you have any more suggestions, let me know. Don't have any particular preferences, except it's gotta be a good few notches above the 2.2 (and hopefully with that cash I can get something!). Also prefer a turbo under the hood. Can be either new or second.

As you can see from my choices, I'm sorta biased towards a Golf... or something European. Not a particular fan of Japanese cars but I can be partial to an S2000.

I'm looking to spend up to $60K (absolutely no more).

Copngrats as your in a very enviable situation, having a budget of up to 60k for a new car is great as there are soooooo many good choices at that price point !!!

1st off - go new as said with a 60k budget forget S/H...

My 1st choice taking into account what you've been saying is also the new Golf R, you should 'just' squeeze one in within 60k left basic drive away...AFAIK from my own recent enquiries, pricing will be around 53k for the 3 door and 55k for the 5 door before options and ORC's...

After that, if you don't mind both hatch and sedan configurations, I'd look at the basic spec Sti and Evo - both those can definitely be had for 60k (less for the Sti) drive away...I know you've mentioned your not partial to the Japanese brands, but if your going to shell out 60k, for your own benifit you should at least take a look and test drive if you can of these, as they may very well change your mind ;)

Someone above mentioned the 135i, excellent choice, but in your dreams for 60k !!! and IMHO why bother spending 60k on a S/H one, (which will most likely be out of warranty) when there are these other choices to be had brand new for that amount of money ??

There are also many other good choices, but they are N/A powered vehicles, so not worth mentioning since you want a forced inducted powered vehicle :)

The only other choice I'd suggest to seriously consider (and it'll leave you lots of change to boot) is the upcoming new Megane RS250 as mentioned by Kabel...

Will be interesting if you end up opting for the Golf R - Looks like there may be quite a few people from here with one in future :D

[liam]

http://www.carsales.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?__Qpb=true&__Nne=15&Cr=2&R=541000&__Ns=p_NewPrice_Decimal%7C1%7C%7Cp_Make_String%7C0 %7C%7Cp_Family_String%7C0%7C%7Cp_Badge_String%7C0% 7C%7Cp_Series_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=2994%202951%204294949495%204294843882&silo=1304&seot=1&trecs=22&__sid=123BA800EF75

That'd be my choice

[xcgumby]

Audi S3 with about 20 000 - 30 000kms. Probably a 2006 or 2007. 4WD - but not proper mechanical like the Torsen system in the S4. The S3s use the Haldex system which is 90% FWD til it feels the rear letting go...

This is the direction I'm going in... then go to http://www.goapr.com.au/

If you hunt around a bit you might even find one with the DSG box (If you go for a Golf - get one with the DSG if you can).

R32s - great idea in theory but at around 9.5kg/kW too heavy.

[gmonkey]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=7812436&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967194% 204294967179%20898&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=17&silo=1011 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=7812436&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967194% 204294967179%20898&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=17&silo=1011)

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8193260&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967079% 204294966845%20898&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=1&silo=1011 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8193260&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294967079% 204294966845%20898&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=1&silo=1011)

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8390746&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=3&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294965322% 204294964924%20898&seot=1&__No=30&__Nne=15&trecs=49&silo=1011 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8390746&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=3&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294965322% 204294964924%20898&seot=1&__No=30&__Nne=15&trecs=49&silo=1011)

^^ all very nice cars


http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8472136&__Qpb=true&Cr=10&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294965308% 20898&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=154&__sid=1274FFD26482 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8472136&__Qpb=true&Cr=10&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%204294965308% 20898&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=154&__sid=1274FFD26482)

^ just checking what ya think ahhaha


if ur looking at s2000s take it to the next step ;)
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8405684&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=5&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294965279% 20898&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=17&silo=1011

[gmonkey]

what about a s/h merc SLK?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8289179&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%201090%204294 964420&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=5&silo=1011

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8080219&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%201090%204294 964420&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=5&silo=1011

[liam]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=7618908&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 63846%204294776694&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=7&__sid=123BA800EF75

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=8426148&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 65340&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=7731&__sid=123BA800EF75

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8129889&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_RankSort _Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 63765&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=308&__sid=123BA800EF75

[BEK-46P]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=7618908&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 63846%204294776694&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=7&__sid=123BA800EF75

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/demo/details.aspx?R=8426148&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 65340&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=7731&__sid=123BA800EF75

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8129889&__Qpb=true&Cr=14&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_RankSort _Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%20447%2042949 63765&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=308&__sid=123BA800EF75

Did I mention no Jap cars? LOL, but I must say that RX-8 ain't too bad looking.

[BEK-46P]

ME LIKEY (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8259913&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=0&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38979&__sid=12702666F0DE)

[gmonkey]

ME LIKEY (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8259913&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=0&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38979&__sid=12702666F0DE)

GOD YES!!!

shame its not a manual one

[gmonkey]

Did I mention no Jap cars? LOL, but I must say that RX-8 ain't too bad looking.

dont consider the rx-8 u will be disappointed compared to everything else ur looking at.. the rx8 is a nice looker but economy is TERRIBLE! worse than a v8 supercharged. and services are worse than BMW ones

[gmonkey]

audi TT (new shape)??

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8266729&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=10&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__No=0&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String|GCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8266729&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=10&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=0&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482)

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8337816&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__No=15&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String|GCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=8337816&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=15&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482)



limited edition s3

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8157053&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|1||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__No=15&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String|GCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8157053&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=15&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38971&__sid=1274FFD26482)


alfa brera v6?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8255215&__sid=1274FFD26482&__Qpb=true&Cr=2&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294967249% 204294951136&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=8&silo=1011

[chrissn89]

ME LIKEY (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8259913&postcode=2196&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_RankSort _Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__No=0&__N=1216%201246%201247%201252%201282%20447&distance=250&silo=1011&PriceTo=447&seot=1&__Nf=p_GeoLocation_String%7CGCLT%20-33.93115%2c151.0635%20251.1&__Nne=15&trecs=38979&__sid=12702666F0DE)
The Z4's are slow in manual form and the auto wouldnt do good things for the performance side of things. My astra turbo when stock was considerably faster.

[BEK-46P]

GOD YES!!!

shame its not a manual one

Good God, he's asking for 60K when Red Book has it between 45-50K. But only done 23000 kms.

[BEK-46P]

The Z4's are slow in manual form and the auto wouldnt do good things for the performance side of things. My astra turbo when stock was considerably faster.

Beamers are notorious for their sluggishness, but with a 3.0L @ 195KW, I ain't complaining ;)

[blueraven]

I am most likely buying an S4 in the next few weeks. Quite a few B6 models around 50k most lower.

Drive one ;)

(obivous your budget allows newer cars though, at which point I would suggest an r36 passat, audi tt, bmw 130i etc)

[xplosv57]

The Z4's are slow in manual form and the auto wouldnt do good things for the performance side of things. My astra turbo when stock was considerably faster.


Beamers are notorious for their sluggishness, but with a 3.0L @ 195KW, I ain't complaining ;)

im gonna have a guess and say the one chris drove/raced was a 2.5 cos the 3.0 goes very well, especially the update (like the '06 coupe link), very quick car and nice to drive!!

[chrissn89]

im gonna have a guess and say the one chris drove/raced was a 2.5 cos the 3.0 goes very well, especially the update (like the '06 coupe link), very quick car and nice to drive!!

Was traffic light grand prix, some wanker from boostcrusing driving it. Had 22's dished chromies on the back and 20's on the front. Was a E85 and body shape of around 2003, could have swan it was the 3.0lt 6I. Just had a look around and the 2006 E86's and E89 3.0lt 6I got a good power boost from 170kw to 195kw. Take back the my previous post if it an E86 3.0lt should move around quite nicely.

Maybe check out the 3.2lt E85 M. You might be able to talk one down to 60k.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8572165&__sid=1249D1FBB319&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%204294967079%2042949 66860%204294932151&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=4&silo=1011 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8572165&__sid=1249D1FBB319&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%204294967079%2042949 66860%204294932151&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=4&silo=1011)

[xplosv57]

Was traffic light grand prix, some wanker from boostcrusing driving it. Had 22's dished chromies on the back and 20's on the front. Was a E85 and body shape of around 2003, could have swan it was the 3.0lt 6I. Just had look around and the 2006 E86's and E89 3.0lt 6I good a power boost from 170kw to 195kw. Take back the my previous post if it an E86 3.0lt should move around quite nicely.

Maybe check out the 3.2lt E85 M. You might be able to talk one down to 60k.

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8572165&__sid=1249D1FBB319&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%204294967079%2042949 66860%204294932151&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=4&silo=1011 (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8572165&__sid=1249D1FBB319&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_PriceSort_D ecimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Mod el_String%7C0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%204294967079%2042949 66860%204294932151&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=4&silo=1011)

well there ya go, it had the fully sick chromies weighing it down LOL!!

driven quite a few Z4s and i find the 3.0l to be really quite quick for a n/a 6, possibly not quite SRi-T quick but i havent driven a stock SRiT so i can't compare!!

but ohhhh if it falls in the price range, the Z4M is one hell of a fun car!!!

[JR]

VW Passat R36 - yummmmmmm
Mitsu Lancer EVO X MR - vroom vroom
Skoda Octavia RS - sshhhh
Nissan 370Z Z34 - if ur lucky

good luck with the purchase :)

[Wraith]

(obivous your budget allows newer cars though, at which point I would suggest an r36 passat, audi tt, bmw 130i etc)

BR 60k will not get you anyone of those 3 types above brand new drive away...???

Cheapest 130i variant/configuration - over 70k drive away...
Cheapest R36 Passat variant/configuration - over 70k drive away...
Cheapest Audi TT variant/configuration - again well over 70k drive away...

If you where to get anyone of those vehicle above for 60k drive away, let me know !!! I'm more than keen on the R36 Passat :)

[xplosv57]

do you mean 135i cos theres no 130i available anymore...

[JohnBu]

I selected 2nd hand R32 as prices for new GTIs and most like the R will be very high for a while yet.

for $60k, I'd get an 370z... performance and looks.

which 3 series you looking at? for $60k, I'm assuming the base model 320i which will be slower than your SRi.

the Z4s are pretty quick, maybe not with heavy 22s... even though the 3.0L may be on par with a modded SRiT, but you can't compare the smoothness and balance of a BMW i6 with a turbo 4. BMW turbo i6 is the best of both worlds.

[GreyRex]

BMW turbo i6 is the best of both worlds.

I hear ya John...

[imay]

The Golf R definitely got my vote, however it is purely a "comestic" choice for me. Would be nice to have, but . . . at my point in life I'm seriously considering our next car would be more, um, practical (?) in the manner of a SUV or smallish 4x4. Now don't laugh guys, but I had a drive of the top end Hyundai ix35 and was very impressed with the whole package. Lots of bells and whistles, drives just like a car, plenty of room for our bits'n'pieces for a few weeks motoring holiday and room for the baby seat (1st grandchild only a couple of weeks away!).
Never thought I would stoop so low as to consider Korean, but I was very impressed. Mind you, this choice is still a couple of years off yet, so anything is possible.

Back to the thread . . . . sounds like you are still considering a car with suitable performance cred, so the Golf R would like all those boxes I'm sure. As Wraith said, you might just scrape in a 3 door variant with no options for the $60k. Stay away from $60k second hand. Too many potential problems with expensive cars out of warranty - specially performance based units - unless you really, really know what you are looking at.

Good luck.

[Calibrated]

The Golf R definitely got my vote, however it is purely a "comestic" choice for me. Would be nice to have, but . . . at my point in life I'm seriously considering our next car would be more, um, practical (?) in the manner of a SUV or smallish 4x4. Now don't laugh guys, but I had a drive of the top end Hyundai ix35 and was very impressed with the whole package. Lots of bells and whistles, drives just like a car, plenty of room for our bits'n'pieces for a few weeks motoring holiday and room for the baby seat (1st grandchild only a couple of weeks away!).
Never thought I would stoop so low as to consider Korean, but I was very impressed. Mind you, this choice is still a couple of years off yet, so anything is possible.

Back to the thread . . . . sounds like you are still considering a car with suitable performance cred, so the Golf R would like all those boxes I'm sure. As Wraith said, you might just scrape in a 3 door variant with no options for the $60k. Stay away from $60k second hand. Too many potential problems with expensive cars out of warranty - specially performance based units - unless you really, really know what you are looking at.

Good luck.
IX35, as brilliant as they are (i drove a highlander two weeks ago). cannot be seriously thought of as an SUV. as they only have 17cm ground clearance. which is quite pathetic really.
My audi is currently for sale, which will be transforming into an X-Trail TL Diesel. i've compared pretty much all the "soft roaders" and the x-trail comes out tops every time.

[imay]

IX35, as brilliant as they are (i drove a highlander two weeks ago). cannot be seriously thought of as an SUV. as they only have 17cm ground clearance. which is quite pathetic really.

I would have thought the ix35 ticked all the boxes as an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), but, yes, fail somewhat as a 4x4. However, crossing the Simpson Desert is not my intention. Just something that could handle a bit of rough stuff during travels. My current drive automatically does a U-turn at the first sight of dirt/gravel roads!
I acknowledge there's a many and varied selection in the SUV range and my homework is far from complete. By the time I'm ready to get serious I'm sure there will be more to choose from again.

[Wraith]

I selected 2nd hand R32 as prices for new GTIs and most like the R will be very high for a while yet.

for $60k, I'd get an 370z... performance and looks.

which 3 series you looking at? for $60k, I'm assuming the base model 320i which will be slower than your SRi.

the Z4s are pretty quick, maybe not with heavy 22s... even though the 3.0L may be on par with a modded SRiT, but you can't compare the smoothness and balance of a BMW i6 with a turbo 4. BMW turbo i6 is the best of both worlds.

I like your choices of cars there John and also agree with the silky smoothness of the BMW IL6's - but with regards to the 370Z, as with BR's choices you won't get one for 60k at least not brand new...you'll have to settle for S/H or a thrashed ex-demo...

I'm still thinking BEK wants something brand spanking new if he's gonna shell out 60k :)

[Wraith]

I would have thought the ix35 ticked all the boxes as an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), but, yes, fail somewhat as a 4x4. However, crossing the Simpson Desert is not my intention. Just something that could handle a bit of rough stuff during travels. My current drive automatically does a U-turn at the first sight of dirt/gravel roads!
I acknowledge there's a many and varied selection in the SUV range and my homework is far from complete. By the time I'm ready to get serious I'm sure there will be more to choose from again.

They are a very nice looking and great value for money vehicle Ian, Hyundais and Kias (same company) will only continue to get better...I can't see you or anyone else going wrong with one of them :)

On the practicality side though as touched on in your other post, the Golf R especially the 5 door accounts well in this regard, the only negative I've heard of would be the short boot length/space in the rear...but if you need lots more space, I suppose you would have to start looking at a larger wagon or SUV...

[JohnBu]

I know you can definitely get a MY09 370z for $60k drive away.

I also know demos have been sold for low $50s...

alot of car for the money.

[Calibrated]

I would have thought the ix35 ticked all the boxes as an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), but, yes, fail somewhat as a 4x4. However, crossing the Simpson Desert is not my intention. Just something that could handle a bit of rough stuff during travels. My current drive automatically does a U-turn at the first sight of dirt/gravel roads!
I acknowledge there's a many and varied selection in the SUV range and my homework is far from complete. By the time I'm ready to get serious I'm sure there will be more to choose from again.
dont get me wrong, they are capable of doing some rough stuff. just not as much as others (X-Trail, RAV4, Tiguan, etc). for the price and spec levels. nothing touches it. even the x-trail TL at best is 5k more than the IX35 Highlander, and the Hyundai is also even lighter on fuel. i may still end up with one if nissan dont do enough to convince me not to take the dangling carrot.

*even the Dualis has more ground clearance than the IX35!
Forester - 220mm
X-Trail - 200mm
Rav4 - 200mm
Grand Vitara - 200mm
Tiguan - 195mm
Dualis - 188mm
Sorrento - 184mm
IX35 - 170mm

[TheOperator]

Did someone say Dualis!!!

Seriously go check out the update that arrives in a couple of weeks and no one will be even looking or talking about ix35 anymore :thumbs:

Went to a launch for it and the AWD Ti is awesome quality, fully loaded and nice price point :ihih:

Look at Nissan Australia's website for more info, you won't be disappointed!!!

[blueraven]

Yes i was talking about 2 year old secondhand models...

Having just lost 15k+ in depreciation on my Sti in less than 2 years...I am not a fan of buying new cars. I mean i knew it would happen, but yeah, ouch.

I am about to buy an Audi S4 for 35k...it was 135k when new. -100k in 5 years. 20k a year. holy shitballs.

[gmonkey]

how the hell did we get into SUVs ahah he wanted something quicker than his Sri :p

[[OPCSRi]]

Couple of options

EVO X
E46 M3 BMW
HSV GXP
S3 Audi
VW R spec coming soon!

[Calibrated]

how the hell did we get into SUVs ahah he wanted something quicker than his Sri :p
there are some seriously quick suv's

at 60k you could get

V10 Diesel Toureg
Porsche Cayenne
BMW X5 4.6
Range Rover Sport

[BEK-46P]

Great insight guys, glad I posted up.

I started looking into some 370Zs and some Z4s... a bit off tangent, I know.

At this rate, I am seriously considering a Z4! Definitely has the road presence a Gold R could only dream of.

[liam]

Ive had a backstreet go of a 350z, unbelievable power, not as refined as our old TT but packs a more muscle punch!

that z4m though was incredible

[liam]

there are some seriously quick suv's

at 60k you could get

V10 Diesel Toureg
Porsche Cayenne
BMW X5 4.6
Range Rover Sport

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8421274&__Qpb=true&Cr=7&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_RankSort _Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201282%204294963765%204294963552%20448&silo=1011&PriceTo=448&seot=1&__Nne=15&__No=0&trecs=14&__sid=123BA800EF75
+ some 24's and slam it on its arse youl have this car looking like what it was intended for :P

[gmonkey]

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8421274&__Qpb=true&Cr=7&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_RankSort _Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Mod el_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201282%204294963765%204294963552%20448&silo=1011&PriceTo=448&seot=1&__Nne=15&__No=0&trecs=14&__sid=123BA800EF75
+ some 24's and slam it on its arse youl have this car looking like what it was intended for :P

Like tacky yuppy crap??

[Wraith]

Great insight guys, glad I posted up.

I started looking into some 370Zs and some Z4s... a bit off tangent, I know.

At this rate, I am seriously considering a Z4! Definitely has the road presence a Gold R could only dream of.

That's true, but just be careful it's not something you'll tire of in time...

A Z4 is one of those car shapes you either like or hate, there's no inbetween, it's like an odd looking child only a mother could love...

That said it's a damn improvement over the previous Z3...and the interior of the Z4 is superb, I love it - far better than most other BMW models...

[sooty]

Just in case you're still looking at the Golf R as an option, from the VW forum from a swiss review

I drove the R and the GTI today, same twisty mountain road, same conditions. The GTI was a manual on 18", the R had the DSG box and was also on 18".
Starting with the GTI. It was white and had 18" Detroit alloys (not sure if they are called liked that in the US), and god it looks good. Not only does it looks good, it is also very fast. But it is also very comfortable, it is quiet and the built quality is excellent. On the twisty road it was very precise, the steering is sharp, the breaks are good. Although the 210hp are all going to the front wheels, the traction out of corners is very good, thanks to the XDS.

Back to the dealer and swap the GTI for the R. Inside it is almost the same as the GTI, minus the red parts. Turn the key and you instantly hear that it sounds like a GTI too. Okay it is a bit louder, but that's all. In the village it feels almost exactely like the GTI. Despite having mean LEDs in the front and a massive exhaust at the back it still feels civilized and comfortable. Why is it 10k CHF ($9500) more expensive then? Let's find out on the twisty road.
It has 60hp more than the GTI and you can feel that immediately. The GTI is fast, the R is VERY fast. Because of 4motion the R accelerates also faster out of corners. It is fantastic!

But there are also some disappointing points about it. You feel the 60hp more than the GTI, but you also feel the added weight, especially if you approach a corner and stand on the breaks. The R understeers quite a lot more than the GTI, you suddelny remember that the R is 127kg (280lbs) heavier than the GTI.

On the way back to the dealer the R turns itself back into a civilized Golf and I asked myself the question, if the R is worth the extra money.

I don't think so. Yes, the R is very very fast, but that's the only thing it can do better than the GTI. In my opinion the GTI is the better car. It is sharper, lighter, better on the breakes and it just feels more agile.
So you won't be surpirsed about my desicion. I pick up my GTI ... .

5 door GTI DSG = 1380kgs (Euro regs).
5 door Golf R DSG = 1571 kgs (Euro regs). That's one heavy little hot hatch!

[blueraven]

about the same as a wrx...

[JohnBu]

I thought the WRX was around the 1400kg mark, which isn't that light.

ok.. went to redbook wrx sedan.
Kerb Weight (kg) 1410
Tare Mass (kg) 1370

STI hatch
Kerb Weight (kg) 1505
Tare Mass (kg) 1465

1571kg is a very heavy.

The Golf R32 is even heavier than the R...

I had a similar conclusion when comparing the MkV GTI and R32, however in my case wasn't much in it from a speed perspective (GTI felt fractionally faster on a straight line), but you could definitely feel the extra 200kg when cornering, braking etc.

I think adding an LSD and another 30-50kW to my GTI would make me a happy chappy.

The basic GTI is a very good car (even putting bias aside), the only thing is there are a crap load of them sold.

[Wraith]

Just in case you're still looking at the Golf R as an option, from the VW forum from a swiss review
That's one heavy little hot hatch!
On the way back to the dealer the R turns itself back into a civilized Golf and I asked myself the question, if the R is worth the extra money.

I don't think so. Yes, the R is very very fast, but that's the only thing it can do better than the GTI. In my opinion the GTI is the better car. It is sharper, lighter, better on the breakes and it just feels more agile.
So you won't be surpirsed about my desicion. I pick up my GTI ... .




Call me cynical, but I reckon the above is a typical excuse used by people who 'actually do want' a certain type car but can't afford it...I'll bet that guy and anyone else interested in Golfs would love to have the new R over the Gti anyday regardless of pros and cons either way - whether or not they can afford one is a different matter...

Also if he had of tested those 2 on a wet or slippery day/surface his results and conclusions would have been very different... ;)

This person should also be seriously looking at and comparing the Gti to the RS250 Megane if he's happy to go with a new FWD hot hatch in that price segment :)

[sooty]

Understandably the awd R will handle better in the wet, and generally handles better pushing out of a corner, but at ~200kg heavier, you cannot deny that it would understeer to a worse degree and braking distances will have been negatively affected. Plenty more reviews like the above from official reviewers who aren't purchasing the car too.

[Wraith]

Understandably the awd R will handle better in the wet, and generally handles better pushing out of a corner, but at ~200kg heavier, you cannot deny that it would understeer to a worse degree and braking distances will have been negatively affected. Plenty more reviews like the above from official reviewers who aren't purchasing the car too.

That may be so but...

I've watched 2 video review comparisons of the above where the result was in favour of the R, including the handling, in fact one stated if you wanted better handling than the R, go for the Megane RS250 !...different reviewers will prefer different things I suppose...

All the comparisons I've read/watched with the new R vs the old R32 put the new R way ahead...

The R is heavier than the Gti, but it is also better balanced in terms of front/rear weight distribution and on this account far better than the R32 as it is 40kg lighter over the front wheels...

The R has bigger/stronger brakes than the Gti (AFAIK same as the R32) so stopping performance shouldn't be inferior to the Gti...

I'd say most people who get an R will do some tuning (at least remaps) which will easily net 240kw / 450nm as we all know what better driveline to have with this than AWD...the R will take that power increase and only become a far better car to drive, a Gti with any power increase will only go backwards except in a rolling straight line...

Whatever the reasons and justifications, at the end of the day for 99% of the time these vehicles are used in normal street use the R should be the far better vehicle to drive, everytime you take off from a standstill wet or dry, accelerate while rolling, come out of a corner, or just going from point to point, the R will be better than the Gti...and it looks better too :p

[Vectracious]

guy in that swiss review probably doesnt know how to drive an AWD car - and thats why he complains of understeer - Ange is right - apart from the situation where you notice the weight of an AWD drivetrain affecting the handing - basically the racetrack only - an AWD will be better.

[dieselhead]

Guys, I have decided. I'm definitely hooked now... My next car will be a pure, unadulterated driver's hatch. I decided to go back to basics: light, FWD, 2.0 atmo engine, crazy cornering ability, tons of character... Could not be more different to my current drive, with half the torque but twice the rev range!
Haven't you guessed already? Yeah, I'm talking about the new Clio RS 200 Cup. Test driving one next week and if all well (chances are, I won't get off the darn thing) will place an order for a silver one to be delivered in a few months (need time to sell the Astra...). Just under $41k drive away.

Now tell me, am I mad?! :D

[gmonkey]

i didnt guess... i was guessing the Civic Type R all the way.. :p love the Clio but brilliant car (silver but!?)

[ChrisMaz]

We found at the trackday that the Type R didn't handle as well as it should have...

Love the Little RS Clios. Awesome cars. Congrats if you go for it.

[gmonkey]

We found at the trackday that the Type R didn't handle as well as it should have...

Love the Little RS Clios. Awesome cars. Congrats if you go for it.


still think coulda been the driver... :p

[dieselhead]

Well, I was going for a white one but it is not an option down under... I could vinyl wrap it white at the end of the day :) No way I will buy a black one ever again! Red is for girls, not big fan of the blue, yellow and green would attract too many bees (and coppers possibly) so silver it is.

[gmonkey]

i like the yellow... but agreed white woulda been the choice..


did they get the dark metallic blue like could get on megane? i liked that colour ALOT!

[dieselhead]

Cup colours (http://www.renault.com.au/renaultsport/Clio-RS200-Cup/colours/)

sorry for hijacking the thread, I'm kinda so excited and just can't hide it :)

[gmonkey]

yep red or yellow for me :)