Which of these cars?? (To stop my Bro hassling me!!!)

Soldato
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My phone and MSN are going mad with my Brother's ramblings he has some money burning a hole in his wallet, and wants a new car..

Basically he can spend upto about £18K, but is looking at a wide range of cars..

Basic criteria
1. Fast - 300BHP in a smaller car, 350-400 in a larger car
2. Be able to squeeze 3 young kids in the back for small family jaunts
3. Fuel consumption is not an issue, he has a company petrol card and only pays the tax on it..
4. Insurance isn't an issue unless it's supercar stuff, he's an old git..
5. Servicing costs /reliability are considerations of course..

Cars he's looked at so far
1. *BMW M3 E46 - 2000/2001 £18K at a push
2. BMW M5 E39 - 2001 - £17K at a push
3. *VX Monaro 5.7 V8 - 2005 - (Wortec 390/400BHP) - £17K
4. Impreza STi - 2005 - £16K
5. EVO VIII - 2003 - £15K
6. *Skyline GTTR34 - 1999/2000 - £15K
7. #Ford Mustand GT - 2004 - £15K

* - Only can git 2 kids in the rear.. so almost being discounted.
# - Only 300BHP, and needs mods to make it 'quick', but looks nice and has potential.

He currently drives an Audi A6 2.7TT with 280BHP, which goes and handles well enough, he just wants the next level up in performance

I like the M5/Monaro and Impreza STi, for various reasons,

Any other cars to consider???
 
Soldato
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Hmm I like the Ford Mustand GT, however am guessings parts/servicing will be expensive. M5 Maybe?

Out of interest, which of the above cars are the quickest to 60?
 
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Man of Honour
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It really depends what he wants - two of these cars are in another league with regards to quality and image.

Does he want a cheap plastic turbonutcase Jap car with a shocking interior but loads of performance to take his mind off it and immense tunability, or does he want a proper, quality car that feels as special when he's sat in traffic as it does when he's giving it some yahoo on his favourite road?
 
Soldato
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I suggested the M5, and it is awesome, 5.0V8 400BHP....

He has rung around for independant specialists for all the cars, and servicing seems OKish for the type of car, the only downside of the M5 is the mileage's, 70-90K in the price region he is looking..

What other hidden costs are there on the M5?? servicing costs aren't too far out of the oridinary..
 

olv

olv

Soldato
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Soldato
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Could he get a Audi RS6 withing budget?!

Just thinking as its another alternative to the M5 but still smaller than a A8 (If he doesn't want something bigger)
 

Pug

Pug

Soldato
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monaro would be fun and different... probably an inferior "car" the M5, but a LOT less common (well, than a 5 series anyway, which to all intents and purposes is imilar to non car nuts)
 
Soldato
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So far the M5 and STi/EVO seem to tick all the boxes..

I know they are very different cars, but both excellent in their own way.

As long as servicing is OK, he isn't that bothered, the most expensive is the EVO being 4500 mile intervals, but has found reputable independants for all the cars that soften the blow..

He is 38, so sort of coming upto mid life crisis!!!, but he is a speed freak, and the two cars appeal in their different ways..

The Monaro was a real contender, up until he realised it is only a 2 seater in the back, so could never take the whole family out if he needed to..

He can't make up his mind whether EVO or STi if he goes down that route, the EVO is 'better' in terms of raw speed/agility, the STi looks a bit 'smoother' and is almost as capable.. the chav image doesn't put him off at all, as he is an ex power ranger biker, so is used to looking like a muppet..

M5 is a given, but 2005 STi or 2003 EVOVIII??
 
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Soldato
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he should take the kids along for a test drive in the EVO and STi to see if their young spines, organs, and stomach contents stand up to the stiff suspension :)
 
Associate
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I guess I am a little biased, and roughly the same age. (hehe, mid life crisis)
Both my children have no problems in my 55 STI PPP, even when pressing on a little.
I have never been a fan of the M series, so cannot make any comment to help.
Also, bear in mind the Std STI is only 265bhp. My PPP brings that up to 301.

I just could not live with 4.5k intervals.As a normal car, it would need service 2 or 3 times a year!
 
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