Fun daily £10K budget
Discussion
370Z:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
Z4 M Sport 30i:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
Z4 28l:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308150...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309152...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306299...
Hot hatch wise the GTC VXR is the pick, the only car that edges it is the RS Megane with the Cup Chassis but you won't get one with your criteria for that budget.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309091...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
Z4 M Sport 30i:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307280...
Z4 28l:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308150...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309152...
Audi TTS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306299...
Hot hatch wise the GTC VXR is the pick, the only car that edges it is the RS Megane with the Cup Chassis but you won't get one with your criteria for that budget.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309091...
Thanks for all the replies folks, some useful things to think about. The ibiza is now up for sale...
pb8g09 said:
Why wouldn’t you replace the Ibiza for a nicer daily like a Volvo or Skoda and keep the Supra?
Or do you not like the Supra as much as you dreamt you would?- I would imagine the Supra will largely be depreciation free (very slow) over the long term.
Nicer daily would beat the Ibiza for sure, but not sure if i'd end up feeling the same as I do now, that it's not fun enough... Or do you not like the Supra as much as you dreamt you would?- I would imagine the Supra will largely be depreciation free (very slow) over the long term.
Xcore said:
M135i
Going to be too similar to the Supra... pb8g09 said:
I think you can get an F56 2 litre Mini Cooper S for that budget now - and they're far more reliable than the older versions if that's the only worry.
This could be a good shout. Last time I checked prices of the F56 they seemed strong, but perhaps they'd squeeze into the top end of the budget. Havent heard too many horror stories about the F56. davek_964 said:
Different cars, but I bought my Mk 2 TT Roadster for the same reasons : Because I was using my "fun" car every day, and I wanted to stop. It didn't work - it simply meant I had a Mk 2 TT Roadster that I didn't use.
Since then, I had a period of about 8 months without the fun car, and the TT grew on me. I do have a "fun" car again, but the TT does get used more now and it is a decent car. I like it, but I still use the "fun" car more than I should, and if you bought a TT Roadster I suspect you'd find the same.
There is the risk of this... the plan for the Supra was weekend use only, and maybe into work once a month but i'm basically using as my daily and the ibiza hasn't moved for a few weeks. I could also find myself in the position where I enjoy the second fun car more than the supra... Since then, I had a period of about 8 months without the fun car, and the TT grew on me. I do have a "fun" car again, but the TT does get used more now and it is a decent car. I like it, but I still use the "fun" car more than I should, and if you bought a TT Roadster I suspect you'd find the same.
Vsix and Vtec said:
I drove an FN2 as a daily for 2 years, which i still had at the time of my joining PH (hence the second part of my name). Whilst I adored it, and would gladly have another, it was the lack of compliance on typical British roads that wore me down and led to me getting something better suited to the long weekend drives.
If I was looking for a fun Honda daily, I'd probably go for a CRZ. Similar boot space to the FN2, similar sporty feel, but less harsh and also reasonably less to run.
I had thought about the CRZ, I do like them but not sure if it would be quick enough... on paper its slower than the Ibiza, albeit likely to be more engaging. I see you can do few mods and remap to release a bit more power which i'd end up exploring. If I was looking for a fun Honda daily, I'd probably go for a CRZ. Similar boot space to the FN2, similar sporty feel, but less harsh and also reasonably less to run.
Earthdweller said:
I’d echo what coldel says .. Z4 30Si is pretty much unbeatable as a package
The 2.5i is only 170bhp and the difference in insurance/running costs between the 218bhp of the 25Si and the 265bhp of the 30Si is negligible .. I’d go for the 30Si every time although there isn’t much in it real world performance between them and some reckon the 25Si is a freer revving unit
I’d add that you need to remove the runflats, check the suspension has been renewed as if not it’ll be shagged and do a clutch delay valve delete .. and you’ll have a great car
The only problem is finding one, and a good one, as they are a rare car, only 693 manual ones sold in the U.K.
I think the 2.5si is the pick from what I can see. Certainly much more of them around than the 3.0si. Prices seem strong on the 3.0, but also they don't seem to be selling, I had my eye on a low mileage one relatively local to me. Up on Autotrader for nearly £9K, appeared on ebay starting bids at £6K and didn't have a single bid. Wonder if the owner will reduce price accordingly... The 2.5i is only 170bhp and the difference in insurance/running costs between the 218bhp of the 25Si and the 265bhp of the 30Si is negligible .. I’d go for the 30Si every time although there isn’t much in it real world performance between them and some reckon the 25Si is a freer revving unit
I’d add that you need to remove the runflats, check the suspension has been renewed as if not it’ll be shagged and do a clutch delay valve delete .. and you’ll have a great car
The only problem is finding one, and a good one, as they are a rare car, only 693 manual ones sold in the U.K.
the later E89 is cheaper in many instances than the 3.0si, but I'm not totally sold on the looks of the E89, and worried about that overly complicated folding roof going wrong!
Spec of the facelift E85 are all over the place, some properly decent spec cars missing heated seats... surely thats a must have for the UK. Alot of the 2.5si have minimal options as well, although I think as a minimum heated seats would be required!
I can relate to your problem OP.
I bought my first E86 3.0Si in 2014 but needed a sensible car for elderly parent taxi duty, so I bought a low mileage Mazda 323F 1.5i for £700 because it had cheap Road Tax and a non-interference engine! But I soon got bored of its lethargy so after 6 months I replaced it with an E46 325ti Compact for just under £2K - what a transformation!
Entertaining enough for some fun, but my E86 still felt special.
But you seem to want a Roadster (E85), and according to a detailed database someone on z4forum compiled the UK got less than 1,000 3.0Si models of those so they are quite rare.
The 2.5Si is probably easier to find, although they didn't have the electric seats with driver's memory that was standard on the 3.0Si, but avoid any facelift 2.5i - 2006 on roughly. They were a detuned replacement for the pre-facelift 2.2i and need much more than a remap to get to 2.5Si power.
All facelifts came in 2 trim levels, SE and Sport. In typically confusing BMW marketing the SE came with "Sport" seats, but the Sport had "M-Sport" seats (and suspension, etc.) as standard. Look for those because used heated/electric ones still fetch close to 4 figures.
Standard spec was a bit miserly so in a Roadster heated seats are a "must have" and Bi-Xenons are pretty handy too!
The Roadsters can suffer from roof motor issues because BMW put them near the roof drains but there are people who can revive dead ones and relocate them into the boot to avoid any future problems for sensible money - like less than half the £800+ BMW want for a new roof motor.
The later E89s are getting cheaper but now they are getting older they seem to have their own roof issues involving relays, chafed wires, etc. They are more GT than E85s, and again 3 litre N/A ones seem to be few and far between.
Anyway enough about Z4s, you could always try a Nissan Z.
I bought my first E86 3.0Si in 2014 but needed a sensible car for elderly parent taxi duty, so I bought a low mileage Mazda 323F 1.5i for £700 because it had cheap Road Tax and a non-interference engine! But I soon got bored of its lethargy so after 6 months I replaced it with an E46 325ti Compact for just under £2K - what a transformation!
Entertaining enough for some fun, but my E86 still felt special.
But you seem to want a Roadster (E85), and according to a detailed database someone on z4forum compiled the UK got less than 1,000 3.0Si models of those so they are quite rare.
The 2.5Si is probably easier to find, although they didn't have the electric seats with driver's memory that was standard on the 3.0Si, but avoid any facelift 2.5i - 2006 on roughly. They were a detuned replacement for the pre-facelift 2.2i and need much more than a remap to get to 2.5Si power.
All facelifts came in 2 trim levels, SE and Sport. In typically confusing BMW marketing the SE came with "Sport" seats, but the Sport had "M-Sport" seats (and suspension, etc.) as standard. Look for those because used heated/electric ones still fetch close to 4 figures.
Standard spec was a bit miserly so in a Roadster heated seats are a "must have" and Bi-Xenons are pretty handy too!
The Roadsters can suffer from roof motor issues because BMW put them near the roof drains but there are people who can revive dead ones and relocate them into the boot to avoid any future problems for sensible money - like less than half the £800+ BMW want for a new roof motor.
The later E89s are getting cheaper but now they are getting older they seem to have their own roof issues involving relays, chafed wires, etc. They are more GT than E85s, and again 3 litre N/A ones seem to be few and far between.
Anyway enough about Z4s, you could always try a Nissan Z.
Thanks that’s all really useful information.
It’s rapidly dawning on me that a decent E85 2.5si/3.0si with the spec I want may be hard to come by. There’s not hundreds of them around, and annoyingly most the decent ones seem to be 3 hour plus drives away.
Time to decide whether I’d be happy with the prefacelift, which seems there are many more examples, hold fire until a good example crops up or go down the Audi route… of which there are literally hundreds of them around.
Eurgh it’s never straightforward…
It’s rapidly dawning on me that a decent E85 2.5si/3.0si with the spec I want may be hard to come by. There’s not hundreds of them around, and annoyingly most the decent ones seem to be 3 hour plus drives away.
Time to decide whether I’d be happy with the prefacelift, which seems there are many more examples, hold fire until a good example crops up or go down the Audi route… of which there are literally hundreds of them around.
Eurgh it’s never straightforward…
I’d say that you aren’t wanting something ‘fun’, you’re wanting something ‘nice’.
The A90 is a great car and a lovely place to be on a drive, especially when compared to a small diesel hatchback that lacks the creature comforts that the Supra gives.
Personally, I’d advise on getting something nice and comfy with a bit of tech inside, if you get something ‘fun and sporty’, the Supra will lose that feeling of being a treat to take out on weekends.
With the mileage you do, I’d be looking at something like a nicely spec’d F30 330d/F10 530d, will have the tech you want, comfortable, packs a decent punch when you want it and far enough removed from the Supra to make it feel more like an event when you take it out.
The A90 is a great car and a lovely place to be on a drive, especially when compared to a small diesel hatchback that lacks the creature comforts that the Supra gives.
Personally, I’d advise on getting something nice and comfy with a bit of tech inside, if you get something ‘fun and sporty’, the Supra will lose that feeling of being a treat to take out on weekends.
With the mileage you do, I’d be looking at something like a nicely spec’d F30 330d/F10 530d, will have the tech you want, comfortable, packs a decent punch when you want it and far enough removed from the Supra to make it feel more like an event when you take it out.
pb8g09 said:
Ezra said:
I'd have a BMW M135i on the list...that's deffo within budget. Not had one but did have an M140i which was awesome, but I suspect one of these wouldn't be in budget.
Looking at a bottom of the market one for that price - likely princely mileage or questionable ownership, or both.The guy wants fun. Presume that means not having to spend £3k+ on sorting a poorly setup car.
Earthdweller said:
I’d echo what coldel says .. Z4 30Si is pretty much unbeatable as a package
The 2.5i is only 170bhp and the difference in insurance/running costs between the 218bhp of the 25Si and the 265bhp of the 30Si is negligible .. I’d go for the 30Si every time although there isn’t much in it real world performance between them and some reckon the 25Si is a freer revving unit
I’d add that you need to remove the runflats, check the suspension has been renewed as if not it’ll be shagged and do a clutch delay valve delete .. and you’ll have a great car
The only problem is finding one, and a good one, as they are a rare car, only 693 manual ones sold in the U.K.
Yes good shouts on the CDV and runflats! I think any good enthusiast owned car has had them taken off. But watch out for them as they cause the car to handle badly. Check proper tyres on and some tyreweld in the boot to get you out of trouble. The 2.5i is only 170bhp and the difference in insurance/running costs between the 218bhp of the 25Si and the 265bhp of the 30Si is negligible .. I’d go for the 30Si every time although there isn’t much in it real world performance between them and some reckon the 25Si is a freer revving unit
I’d add that you need to remove the runflats, check the suspension has been renewed as if not it’ll be shagged and do a clutch delay valve delete .. and you’ll have a great car
The only problem is finding one, and a good one, as they are a rare car, only 693 manual ones sold in the U.K.
The N52 engine in the facelift is a beauty, some say, one of the best straight sixes made. I for one was one of those people that turned my nose up to one for so long until I finally tried one and realised for the money its an incredible buy.
coldel said:
The N52 engine in the facelift is a beauty, some say, one of the best straight sixes made.
I had the N52 in an E90 330i, and although I always thought that it struggled a bit with the weight of the 330i, I did however think that it was definitely one of the most smooth(if not the most smooth) engines that I've ever had though for sure. It is a lovely engine for definite as you say, and it makes the VQ V6 engine in the 370Z feel a little uncouth in comparison I reckon. Thanks all for your feedback, really useful to get others opinions and views.
Deffo leaning towards the Z4, I might try a drive in the lower bhp 2.5i, as there are more around and seem to have better specs bizarrely. Won’t set the world alight but I’ve got the Supra for that… should be comparable in a straight line to a stock NC mx5.
But right now I’ve got a flight to catch. Week of sunny Gran Canaria here we come…
Cheers again all!
Deffo leaning towards the Z4, I might try a drive in the lower bhp 2.5i, as there are more around and seem to have better specs bizarrely. Won’t set the world alight but I’ve got the Supra for that… should be comparable in a straight line to a stock NC mx5.
But right now I’ve got a flight to catch. Week of sunny Gran Canaria here we come…
Cheers again all!
Shappers24 said:
I think the 2.5si is the pick from what I can see. Certainly much more of them around than the 3.0si. Prices seem strong on the 3.0, but also they don't seem to be selling, I had my eye on a low mileage one relatively local to me. Up on Autotrader for nearly £9K, appeared on ebay starting bids at £6K and didn't have a single bid. Wonder if the owner will reduce price accordingly...
the later E89 is cheaper in many instances than the 3.0si, but I'm not totally sold on the looks of the E89, and worried about that overly complicated folding roof going wrong!
Spec of the facelift E85 are all over the place, some properly decent spec cars missing heated seats... surely thats a must have for the UK. Alot of the 2.5si have minimal options as well, although I think as a minimum heated seats would be required!
I think generally as a weekend toy, the Z4 is going to feel more special than getting into a hatchback. Especially with a 3 litre straight six in it. But of course depends what floats your boat really. the later E89 is cheaper in many instances than the 3.0si, but I'm not totally sold on the looks of the E89, and worried about that overly complicated folding roof going wrong!
Spec of the facelift E85 are all over the place, some properly decent spec cars missing heated seats... surely thats a must have for the UK. Alot of the 2.5si have minimal options as well, although I think as a minimum heated seats would be required!
The E89 23i is well within budget, it has the 2.5 litre straight six. These though were not just a modern upgrade on the E85, they are designed as a cruiser vs the E85 being much more chuckable and lighter. Again depends on what you want. And I have seen a few roof issues popping up on the forum lately for these cars.
If there was a low mile 3.0si on ebay for £6k then they should have been snapped up! There could have been issues with it.
RichFN2 said:
Had my FN2 for 8 years now as a daily, overall I still enjoy it and its been 100% reliable. I will replace it when it becomes too expensive and unreliable but so far it just keeps on going without any fuss.
Main thing to be aware of its the very firm ride, the fact the car lacks anything modern or 'creature comfort' apart from cruise control and the fact it will feel slow compared to something turbocharged with only slightly more power.
In isolation they still feel 'quick' but the reality is your as quick as a modern 320d...
On the flip side you can thrash that engine and gearbox on a b road without the car feeling too fast and torque steering all over the place. It probably has the right amount of power/weight for this.
Only had mine since June but I am really enjoying it. The firm ride is becoming more apparent, but I just don't really notice it as being that bad. Maybe I just don't mind harsh suspension and I appreciate others might. The upside is it handles better than anything I've owned previous. The spec is pretty good too, but yeah not brimming with tech. Still feels quite ahead of it's time though.Main thing to be aware of its the very firm ride, the fact the car lacks anything modern or 'creature comfort' apart from cruise control and the fact it will feel slow compared to something turbocharged with only slightly more power.
In isolation they still feel 'quick' but the reality is your as quick as a modern 320d...
On the flip side you can thrash that engine and gearbox on a b road without the car feeling too fast and torque steering all over the place. It probably has the right amount of power/weight for this.
In terms of power/speed, yeah, they're not that quick in today's standards. But, it's enough power to enjoy and have fun. I find myself driving it for the sake of it and VTEC really is addictive. I actually reckon that it feels quicker than it is; especially at slower speeds with that razor sharp N/A throttle response. Makes a nice noise too as standard for a 4-pot.
Obviously, you've got the great reliability that comes with Honda ownership too. The only thing is OP, it is ultimately just another hatch and it might not feel special enough with the Ibiza doing daily duties. Something like a TT/Z4/MX5/350Z will be more of an event for your fun car and a Civic Type R is more of a single car trying to do both duties.
How about a Boxster 987S?
There's quite a few available within budget. I had a 986S as a fun car for a few cars and loved it. Flat 6 sounds great and they go well. I think the 987 is around 300hp, 60 around 5 seconds or so...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...
There's quite a few available within budget. I had a 986S as a fun car for a few cars and loved it. Flat 6 sounds great and they go well. I think the 987 is around 300hp, 60 around 5 seconds or so...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...
I've had experience of most of the cars in the OP and many of the cars mentioned. I should add that I'm also an mx5 fan so you might guess what my suggestion would be, but you'd be wrong!
My suggestion would be an F56 Cooper S. Plenty around for 10k, reliable, good fun etc, very tunable.
Wouldn't want my NC mx5 as a daily personally, they're weekend cars for me. It would get tiresome to use daily.
Ignore the Porsche suggestion unless you like having no money and lots of stress.
Mini all day long for me.
Otherwise it would probably be a TT or a Z4 would be ok too but again the z4 is probably more a weekend car as they ride hard around town.
My suggestion would be an F56 Cooper S. Plenty around for 10k, reliable, good fun etc, very tunable.
Wouldn't want my NC mx5 as a daily personally, they're weekend cars for me. It would get tiresome to use daily.
Ignore the Porsche suggestion unless you like having no money and lots of stress.
Mini all day long for me.
Otherwise it would probably be a TT or a Z4 would be ok too but again the z4 is probably more a weekend car as they ride hard around town.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Thursday 21st September 12:47
Just to update this for those who are interested; I ended up buying a 2008 Z4 2.5si… for what I consider to be a bit of a bargain price.
It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Shappers24 said:
Just to update this for those who are interested; I ended up buying a 2008 Z4 2.5si… for what I consider to be a bit of a bargain price.
It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Well done, sounds like a bargain.It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Pictures please or it didn’t happen
Shappers24 said:
Just to update this for those who are interested; I ended up buying a 2008 Z4 2.5si… for what I consider to be a bit of a bargain price.
It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
That sounds like a good buy as used M-Sport seats tend to sell for £750 or so - and welcome to Z4 ownership. It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Those N52 engines are pretty bulletproof too. I sold an E91 325i that was running perfectly at 139,000 miles.
Shappers24 said:
Just to update this for those who are interested; I ended up buying a 2008 Z4 2.5si… for what I consider to be a bit of a bargain price.
It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Well done sounds like a great buy and lovely colour combo It’s an SE but Very well specced, with M sport seats in red, which are heated, CD changer, M sport suspension, m sport multi function wheel, PDC, auto lights and wipers… in fact they only option it seems to be missing are the xenon lights.
It’s done 77K and paid just over £4K for it, missed one service back in 2017. Paintwork needs a good polish as it’s black and shows all the swirls; and wheels a refurb but beyond that it’s a smart little car. Pulls well, sounds great… rather pleased with it!
Depends where you are in the U.K. we can probably point you in the direction of some really good specialists in your area or if not already then join z4-forum.com it’s mostly U.K. based and full of great info
Has the roof motor been relocated, if not it would be worth getting it done, from someone who knows what they are doing it’s only £150 or so and soggy motors can be revived!
Oh yeah and the standard headlights are as useful as candles .. ask me how I know
Enjoy and get on the forum if your not already
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