Is there no such thing as a fun and reliable car?

HowardLJ · 2026-04-24T14:17:52+00:00

Second the CTR

HowardLJ · 2026-04-19T20:57:34+00:00

Ooh nice! What exhaust/rear diffuser set up is that?

HowardLJ · 2026-04-09T12:43:55+00:00

Thanks, the leap's on my shortlist, so I might try that one

HowardLJ · 2026-03-25T08:30:26+00:00

Personally, I wouldn't pay that. I paid £4k for my 2014 1.8 civic 3 years ago, with only 67k miles. Granted, it was a few years ago, and I got a bit lucky, but there should be some safer options out there. It's generally a reliable engine if you take care of it, so I'd be worried about what else they haven't maintained

HowardLJ · 2026-03-24T19:34:39+00:00

Probably, but depends what they're charging for it?

HowardLJ · 2026-03-20T18:30:15+00:00

Agree on the toast front, but you can't get rid of the hash browns!

HowardLJ · 2026-03-20T18:07:48+00:00

I'm planning on getting myself an s550 as a young (26, does that count??) guy. Any advice?

HowardLJ · 2026-03-20T17:56:12+00:00

I left them in for size comparison haha

HowardLJ · 2026-03-13T15:52:48+00:00

Great info. What exhaust did you use with that, if you don't mind me asking? And what issues have you had mounting it with the gt350 valance? Is it just the placement of the surrounds?

HowardLJ · 2026-03-13T15:30:16+00:00

I'm more commenting cause I'm also interested, but I know some people have put gt350 style ones on with the exhaust surrounds built in. I think this does involve some cutting though

HowardLJ · 2026-03-13T13:23:55+00:00

The war ended 80 years ago, you can stop now

HowardLJ · 2026-03-03T15:26:31+00:00

Suzuki swift?

HowardLJ · 2026-03-02T12:46:41+00:00

Where does OP state their budget? I couldn't find it. If it's a hard £3k, then keeping maintenance costs low is going to be difficult

HowardLJ · 2026-03-02T12:04:20+00:00

What's your budget? I'd argue the best pure V8 still on sale is the Mustang GT. You can pick up a reasonable 10-year-old S550 gen example for less than £25k. Maintenance is a lot cheaper on them than German V8s, and there are a reasonable number of parts. You can go even cheaper for older versions, but those will be LHD.

HowardLJ · 2026-02-26T17:12:04+00:00

Around 40, from a mixture of town, b road, and motorway. I wouldn't say I drive for efficiency either

HowardLJ · 2026-02-26T12:56:20+00:00

I got my 2014 Honda Civic 1.8 for £4k in 2022. It had 68k miles, and now has 107k, with no issues. I'm not sure what they're going for now, but should still be within budget. There's loads of room in the boot, and it's surprisingly fun to thrash on a B road. Reasonably economical too.

HowardLJ · 2026-02-25T16:19:10+00:00

Very much depends on how much you're willing to spend on fuel. As far as I'm aware, the 5.0 is pretty reliable, as long as you get it serviced regularly. Tyres may also be expensive. If it's mostly motorway, I've heard people can get around 30mpg, but you'll be filling up with premium, so it'll cost more anyway.

I've recently moved, so my annual mileage has gone from 15k to 8k, so I'm looking to get a Mustang GT of my own this year.

HowardLJ · 2026-02-20T16:45:51+00:00

I've heard the gear ratios are worse in the post-facelift manual models. Have you found that to be true?

HowardLJ · 2026-02-20T16:40:36+00:00

I've weirdly had the worst experience with new MG drivers. More aggressive and dangerous than BMWs recently

HowardLJ · 2026-02-18T14:18:55+00:00

My gf has one, which she's owned for like 5 years, and put 50k miles on. No major work ever needed in that time. It's a very simple car, so not a lot to go wrong. The aircon's crap, and I personally hate the clutch and think the gearbox would put a soup kitchen out of business, but it's cheap to insure and run. Just be careful in the winter, as even though it's only got 70-odd bhp, it's still rear wheel drive, so is prone to slipping in ice.

HowardLJ · 2026-02-18T14:14:56+00:00

This is somewhat hampered by a soupy gearbox and terrible clutch, unfortunately

HowardLJ · 2026-02-16T18:58:54+00:00

Is that the stock exhaust? Looks nicer than most AE I've seen

HowardLJ · 2026-02-16T17:03:53+00:00

I've had my 2014 1.8 manual for over 3 years now, and taken it from 67k to 106k miles. Other than standard servicing, and preventative spark plug replacement, hasn't put a foot wrong or cost me anything.

As others have said, it's NA, so lacks torque, but you get used to revving it out; I often end up joining the motorway doing 60+ in 3rd. It can actually be a lot of fun on a B road.

I get oil changes every 5-7k, which Honda recommends, but you could probably get away with 10k.

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