JamesF

If you were with her as bf/gf or best mates as you said, she'll know you and know when you're being sincere. Tell her you want to meet up for a curry and a catch up or something, and actually tell her you're not after chucking it up her and want to be mates? If she's queer with you then forget her. Thing is, 6 years is a long time. Ive met up with people from about 5 years ago and its not the same. You change and you find that they remember you as a different person. Im an entirely different person at 24 than I was at 18. Meet up, whats the worst that can happen.

More info!

I wanted to help but I just concur with all of the above!

Almost got a bank loan for an Imola red 530 sport even though it had been to the moon and was an auto

Brilliant advice, cheers guys. Im leaning towards a 530d Sport I reckon. The torque is appealing and although Im not keen on diesels, I cant find a bad word to be said about the 530d's. Even though I didnt want a diesel, Ill tell myself its a petrol doing 22mpg and pretend Ive had a payrise That said, if a 330 sport came up in Imola red (theres an Imola red M5 down the road from me and its almost the nicest thing Ive ever seen) I could be persuaded to change aim. Id be looking at high milers similar to the pistonheads link above. My budget is no more than £5000. Only 24, ideas about my station!!

Tell me more about the 530d's! I used to have a 406 HDI that was chipped to 140bhp. Was a nice car but not a drivers car at all, felt really detached from the driving experience. My Dad's 07 plate Mondeo is also awful to drive but for different reasons. Hoping the 530d's are better...

Starving to really want a 530d. All that torque makes sense. What are the e39s like to throw down a twisty road?

Im not putting full size people in the back just children. Im all excited for a new car now! Need to get saving. Still dont know whether to go for a 530 or 330. Heard that most 540's are autos and Id prefer a manual.

XJRs and 740's are a bit big and old man for me Im only 24! DSK - Interesting comments, thanks! Im leaning towards the 540/530 due to the fact its quite a status car and Ive always wanted one. The 330 seems to be a better option. Most likely would be a saloon as if I got a coupe Id just spend all my money making it look like a CSL lol. Think I need to test drive a 5 series to see if I like them. Not keen on diesels (had a few just dont like the way they drive) even though a 530d would probably be quite an impressive car... Im non the wiser! Think Ill rule out a 535.... Maybe not lol Cheers for the NA Supra/e46 330 comparism, thats exactly what I was hoping, and wanted to hear!

I was considering a 200sx but Im fearful to buy one due to them all being abused!!! What kinda figures are we looking at fuel consumption wise? How was the 540 to drive? Big daft lump? Mobile rear end?

Had to sell my NA Supra when I lost my job, Ive been driving a 306 GTI6 since. Now Im back in work and have a steady wage Im after saving up for something better! I enjoyed the power of the Supra but would have liked more, and enjoyed the rwd and the feeling of driving something that was fairly unique. With the 306 I love the fact its amazing when you get it on a B road, but its a bit uninspiring everywhere else (thought it was broken when I bought it lol). Problem is Ive got a 220 mile round trip up the M6 every weekend so getting a focused point to point drivers car is a bit daft. Fuel consumption isnt a real issue cos Ill just grin and bear it. However I dont want something thats going to go fantastically wrong. I need 4 seats (kids at 4 and 7) and 200bhp+. Ive been looking at BMWs, and fancy either a 330 Sport, or a 530, 535 or 540 Sport. Now the 330 only has 220bhp, but isnt as heavy as the 5 series, and Ive read a lot of people comparing the ZHP (think its an American model, presumably the 330 Sport) to an e36 M3. Which seems good. But the 540 and 535 are V8s! And the Sports and as near as dammit to an M5 looks wise. But they're enormous great big lumps compared to the330. The 540 has 286bhp but weighs more than the e46. So wont it perform the same? Apparently the 530 is the best drivers car as it has rack and pinion steering as opposed to rod and ball, and is 200lbs lighter. But Ive read a review that said the 540 was a great sportscar disguised as a saloon. Proper confusing myself now. Basically, can anyone with experiences of any of the marques let me know their experiences? Im after something quick, fun, good on the motorway, and makes people think Im loaded (haha Im childish). Looked at Aristo's but the only ones I saw were auto's and Im not keen on MK1s. Thoughts please guys and gals after my essay here!

Thank you so much for all the help guys! This is so much more than I expected. Great community!

Right I need a hotel in London for the nights of the 13th and 14th. Where can you recommend? Within reasonable distance of London and so theres not a nightmare drive to get to Buckingham Palace (Royal Garden Party). As cheap as possible. I dont really know London so I dont want to choose a travelodge and then it to be in Plymouth or something! James

Seat now on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=320368520774

No I stupidly didnt get round to uploading the pics till late on last night and realised it was a stupid time to have an auction end so I delayed it so it didnt start till 8.30 tonight as thats when most people would be in/awake to bid. If you get me. Dont worry its stil available