Just moved to South Germany, need ideas for next car!

NorCalBa11er · Jan 04, 2012, 6:25 PM

Hi all, new to the forum, been reading threads for a few days and thought I'd officially introduce myself. Name is Ken, 26 engineer who just moved to Southern Germany from California a few months ago.

Last car was a 07 Subaru Sti, before that was a 03 bugeye WRX. Will be in the market for a car within the next few months, and need some ideas on which cars to check out. With soooo many cars here in Europe that we didn't have back in the US, I'm pretty much like a kid in the candy store... I'd like to keep my budget below around 20K Euros, but am really open to anything that are well built and fun to drive (old or new-er).

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Thanks!!

gilles3000 · Jan 04, 2012, 8:45 PM

welcome to the forum and Europe xD

cars here are a bit more expensive than in the us but could u tell what kind of car ur looking for ?

and watch out for cars that have been doing high speeds on the autobanh alot they are often sold for a low price but they'll get you in a lot of trouble.

VTEC_Dreams · Jan 04, 2012, 9:38 PM

If I were you I'd buy a small Renault or a Citroen. Any of the Renaultsport cars are rad, and Citroen has been making neat cars since always.

Those are cool cars that, as an American, I'd dig on given the opportunity.

Actually, scratch that, I'd probably buy a Civic Type R.

NorCalBa11er · Jan 05, 2012, 8:57 AM

Thanks for the welcome gilles. I'd love to have a turbo-ed car (but not a must), one with a smaller engine as to save fuel when doing the daily commute.

Don't know too much about the Renaults and Citroens, but how are those French cars' reliability? I am fairly competent, and are looking to improve my ability to work on cars. But just don't want a car to break down every other week is all.

I'm open to pretty much any car, from original mk mini's to newer sporty cars. Btw, how do one exactly determine if a used car has been on the Autobahn much (let's say, from just a simple test drive)?

VTEC_Dreams · Jan 05, 2012, 9:15 AM

I would think it would be hard to tell, actually.

Any Europanski's with insight as to how you can figure if a car has been run on the autobahn?

Generally speaking, high speed, long distance driving usually isn't bad at all for a car, and in fact, you WANT to buy a used car that has mostly highway miles because of the general lack of stress on the running gear and suspension parts. The only harm I can imagine is if it's revving it's brains out the whole time and being driven like a knob, but you can tell if that's been the case in a car from anywhere in the world driven in any kind of circumstance.

I'm curious now.

Per the reliability of the Renaults and Citroens, I'm sure the Frenchie cars wouldn't be the most reliable things on earth, but I'd wager they're built at least as good as a VW or one of your old Subarus. My bet is that they probably wouldn't leave you stranded on the side of the road or anything, but you'll probably be replacing little stuff all the time.

Also, how rude of me to now welcome an actual legitimate new member.

Welcome to SCF!! If you have any questions about the joint, let me know.

CarRocker · Jan 05, 2012, 9:48 AM

If you want a small turbo'ed car you might be looking at a Golf GTi, maybe an older Audi S3.

Have a look around at http://www.autoscout24.de You can do quite an advanced search on that site.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalBa11er

Btw, how do one exactly determine if a used car has been on the Autobahn much (let's say, from just a simple test drive)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTEC_Dreams

I would think it would be hard to tell, actually.

Any Europanski's with insight as to how you can figure if a car has been run on the autobahn?

Generally speaking, high speed, long distance driving usually isn't bad at all for a car, and in fact, you WANT to buy a used car that has mostly highway miles because of the general lack of stress on the running gear and suspension parts. The only harm I can imagine is if it's revving it's brains out the whole time and being driven like a knob, but you can tell if that's been the case in a car from anywhere in the world driven in any kind of circumstance.

I'm curious now.

Well, I too think it's hard to tell from a simple test drive. But I know my parents' Alfa 156 had a previous owner who did alot of km on the autobahn and it had quite alot of paint chippings on the front bumper and hood. I guess that could be a clue.

NorCalBa11er · Jan 05, 2012, 11:04 AM

Thanks for the welcome VTEC

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarRocker

Well, I too think it's hard to tell from a simple test drive. But I know my parents' Alfa 156 had a previous owner who did alot of km on the autobahn and it had quite alot of paint chippings on the front bumper and hood. I guess that could be a clue.

That's an interesting point, well definitely look for it when the time comes.

What are differences between the Audi S3 vs. S4? I've always liked the S4 (B6)..

Cooper "s" · Jan 05, 2012, 11:11 AM

S3 is a hatchback

S4 is a sedan.

CarRocker · Jan 05, 2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper "s"

S3 is a hatchback

S4 is a sedan.

^^ That.
S3 has 2.0 4cyl turbo engine with 265 hp
S4 (B6) has a 4.2 V8 with 344 hp

Both can be easily had for less then 20k in Germany

jjo · Jan 05, 2012, 12:34 PM

Welcome to SCF !

For your next car, what about those turbo fords (focus rs) ?
Always wanted those to come to North America...

NorCalBa11er · Jan 05, 2012, 1:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarRocker

^^ That.
S3 has 2.0 4cyl turbo engine with 265 hp
S4 (B6) has a 4.2 V8 with 344 hp

Both can be easily had for less then 20k in Germany

Haha thanks guys, that was some real insight

. Actually was hoping to hear more about their strengths and weaknesses, and which generally hold up better, 4 banger with turbo or big v8?

I've always heard good things about the Focus RS as well..seems like they go for around 11k Euros for the 210hp ones, and about 30k for the newer 300hp ones. Only thing is, do I want to come all the way to Germany just to drive a Ford?

VTEC_Dreams · Jan 05, 2012, 1:34 PM

Focus RS is a great choice!

Hardly "just" a Ford.

NorCalBa11er · Jan 05, 2012, 5:24 PM

Sounds like I have to put the Focus RS on my list then!

As far as actually shopping for used cars, does anyone know if there is any similar sites to Craigslist in the US? I'd much rather purchase from an owner than from a dealer..

Eos Rebel · Jan 05, 2012, 5:26 PM

Not sure about a craigslist type place but Pistonheads has a classifieds section thats fairly akin to autotrader and you can stipulate private sellers as a search requirement.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/

CarRocker · Jan 05, 2012, 5:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalBa11er

Sounds like I have to put the Focus RS on my list then!

As far as actually shopping for used cars, does anyone know if there is any similar sites to Craigslist in the US? I'd much rather purchase from an owner than from a dealer..

You can on the site I posted, autoscout24.de. If you do a search and you're on the results page you can select 'privat' under 'angebote' on the left side of the page.

Jan 04, 2012, 6:25 PM	#1
NorCalBa11er Starting Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Southern Germany Posts: 9	Just moved to South Germany, need ideas for next car! Hi all, new to the forum, been reading threads for a few days and thought I'd officially introduce myself. Name is Ken, 26 engineer who just moved to Southern Germany from California a few months ago. Last car was a 07 Subaru Sti, before that was a 03 bugeye WRX. Will be in the market for a car within the next few months, and need some ideas on which cars to check out. With soooo many cars here in Europe that we didn't have back in the US, I'm pretty much like a kid in the candy store... I'd like to keep my budget below around 20K Euros, but am really open to anything that are well built and fun to drive (old or new-er). Any suggestions would be much appreciated Thanks!! Last edited by NorCalBa11er : Jan 04, 2012 at 6:33 PM.

Jan 04, 2012, 8:45 PM	#2
gilles3000 Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 183	welcome to the forum and Europe xD cars here are a bit more expensive than in the us but could u tell what kind of car ur looking for ? and watch out for cars that have been doing high speeds on the autobanh alot they are often sold for a low price but they'll get you in a lot of trouble. __________________ Z

Jan 04, 2012, 9:38 PM	#3
VTEC_Dreams Slow car enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 12,780	If I were you I'd buy a small Renault or a Citroen. Any of the Renaultsport cars are rad, and Citroen has been making neat cars since always. Those are cool cars that, as an American, I'd dig on given the opportunity. Actually, scratch that, I'd probably buy a Civic Type R. __________________ Anyhow...

Jan 05, 2012, 9:15 AM	#5
VTEC_Dreams Slow car enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 12,780	I would think it would be hard to tell, actually. Any Europanski's with insight as to how you can figure if a car has been run on the autobahn? Generally speaking, high speed, long distance driving usually isn't bad at all for a car, and in fact, you WANT to buy a used car that has mostly highway miles because of the general lack of stress on the running gear and suspension parts. The only harm I can imagine is if it's revving it's brains out the whole time and being driven like a knob, but you can tell if that's been the case in a car from anywhere in the world driven in any kind of circumstance. I'm curious now. Per the reliability of the Renaults and Citroens, I'm sure the Frenchie cars wouldn't be the most reliable things on earth, but I'd wager they're built at least as good as a VW or one of your old Subarus. My bet is that they probably wouldn't leave you stranded on the side of the road or anything, but you'll probably be replacing little stuff all the time. Also, how rude of me to now welcome an actual legitimate new member. Welcome to SCF!! If you have any questions about the joint, let me know. __________________ Anyhow...

Jan 05, 2012, 11:11 AM	#8
Cooper "s" Coop DeVille Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Weston, Florida Posts: 17,890	S3 is a hatchback S4 is a sedan. __________________ The closest thing they have to the Fit is the off button...- Evo

Jan 05, 2012, 8:57 AM	#4
NorCalBa11er Starting Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Southern Germany Posts: 9	Thanks for the welcome gilles. I'd love to have a turbo-ed car (but not a must), one with a smaller engine as to save fuel when doing the daily commute. Don't know too much about the Renaults and Citroens, but how are those French cars' reliability? I am fairly competent, and are looking to improve my ability to work on cars. But just don't want a car to break down every other week is all. I'm open to pretty much any car, from original mk mini's to newer sporty cars. Btw, how do one exactly determine if a used car has been on the Autobahn much (let's say, from just a simple test drive)?

Jan 05, 2012, 12:34 PM	#10
jjo Dodge This ! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,386	Welcome to SCF ! For your next car, what about those turbo fords (focus rs) ? Always wanted those to come to North America... __________________ /10 Challenger SRT8

Jan 05, 2012, 1:34 PM	#12
VTEC_Dreams Slow car enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 12,780	Focus RS is a great choice! Hardly "just" a Ford. __________________ Anyhow...

Jan 05, 2012, 5:24 PM	#13
NorCalBa11er Starting Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Southern Germany Posts: 9	Sounds like I have to put the Focus RS on my list then! As far as actually shopping for used cars, does anyone know if there is any similar sites to Craigslist in the US? I'd much rather purchase from an owner than from a dealer..

Jan 05, 2012, 5:26 PM	#14
Eos Rebel Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 1,464	Not sure about a craigslist type place but Pistonheads has a classifieds section thats fairly akin to autotrader and you can stipulate private sellers as a search requirement. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/ __________________ Don't listen to Telsa... his name is spelled incorrectly. - TeXas

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