Hi,
I'm back. Had to get rid of my 2004 STi last year when the fuel prices went through the roof. Got a Fiesta ST instead, and as you can imagine I've regretted it ever since. So, I've decided to swallow the loss I'm going to have made on the Fez and get a new motor which I'll actually enjoy driving and sod the running costs. I'll just not eat, or have any heating ;-)

Anyway, my thoughts are:-
1) a 2004 ish BMW M3
2) a 2006/07 2.5l Scooby STi
3) a 2004/05 2.0l Scooby Sti (The same as I had before)
4) a P1

My first thoughts are an M3, but the cons are 1) is it going to be as much fun as driving a scooby, 2) the running costs are higher

Pros with the Scoobs is obviously the fun factor, plus I just have a thing for Scoobys. Cons are they're not as refined as the Beemer, and imo don't look as nice (prepare to be shot :-/)I've been looking at the spec between the 2006/7 and 2004/5 scooby, and surprisingly the 0-60 on the newer 2.5l model is slower, albeit only by 0.2s. However there is more torque. What difference is there in the real world? With the larger engine would it stop those embarrasing moments when you pull out only to find you're not in the boost and go nowhere fast?

With the P1 I have always fancied one, but no idea what they're like as never driven one, and never known anyone who's had one.

Anyone have any opinions on the above and what I should do. I want to stay away from imports.

Cheers, Toby

P.S. If I could get an RB320 for £15k there'd be no question what I'd do