Looking for a unique and fun 2 or 2+2 seater for under £30k
Discussion
Oh and one more car I'd personally be looking at is the Evora.
It might not meet the power/acceleration levels quite the same. But it looks and drives like a proper supercar!!
But again this probably comes down to what sort of driving style you have.
I expect a Lotus to be fluid and respond well to a silky smooth driving style. It'll reward getting the line right and maintaining speed through the corners. It isn't going to be a hooligan cars.
A muscle/pony car like the Mustang want you to grab them by the scruff of the neck and throw them about. And they respond well to this heavy handed approach.
A Corvette is probably more of a middle ground. It'll be happy doing the burnouts and smoking tyres. But really works best with a gentle touch and a smooth driving style.
It might not meet the power/acceleration levels quite the same. But it looks and drives like a proper supercar!!
But again this probably comes down to what sort of driving style you have.
I expect a Lotus to be fluid and respond well to a silky smooth driving style. It'll reward getting the line right and maintaining speed through the corners. It isn't going to be a hooligan cars.
A muscle/pony car like the Mustang want you to grab them by the scruff of the neck and throw them about. And they respond well to this heavy handed approach.
A Corvette is probably more of a middle ground. It'll be happy doing the burnouts and smoking tyres. But really works best with a gentle touch and a smooth driving style.
SturdyHSV said:
Get a supercharged Monaro VXR? There'll be ones around with ~600 very reliable bhp, there's only about 300 in the UK, and you'll have plenty of change left over too
The biggest trouble with these is meeting point 2.jimxms said:
a head-turner.
If you are happy with LHD which the ops seems to be, then a 2003/4 Mustang Cobra does everything the Monaro does but will turn far more heads most likely.
TVR shirley.
they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
Robert Elise said:
TVR shirley.
they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
There are now quite a few hundred S6 TVR's that have a very reliable 400+ bhp, thanks to the continuing developments. That is 400+bhp with a 100k mile warranty - in a car that weighs little more than a ton.they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
I think they can still more than keep up with todays traffic..
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Tuscan for under 22K
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Cerbera for under £20, Plenty of cash for a fix me fund & an everyday snotter
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/d...
Old dodge, doesnt hit the age limit or the 2+2, but its eye catching, i imagine it goes well and makes an interesting noise although not as fast as Blackpool's finest above. Cheap enough to have a slush fund for "character flaws" too.
Although I cant find one, Whats a Viper go for these days?
Tuscan for under 22K
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Cerbera for under £20, Plenty of cash for a fix me fund & an everyday snotter
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/d...
Old dodge, doesnt hit the age limit or the 2+2, but its eye catching, i imagine it goes well and makes an interesting noise although not as fast as Blackpool's finest above. Cheap enough to have a slush fund for "character flaws" too.
Although I cant find one, Whats a Viper go for these days?
chris watton said:
There are now quite a few hundred S6 TVR's that have a very reliable 400+ bhp, thanks to the continuing developments. That is 400+bhp with a 100k mile warranty - in a car that weighs little more than a ton.
I think they can still more than keep up with todays traffic..
certainly not saying they're slow, it's just that some of the latest muscle offerings were mentioned above at 700hp.I think they can still more than keep up with todays traffic..
totally agree, at around a ton you'll get a great feeling of acceleration.
ManOpener said:
You can't really say that the VRX8 I just posted isn't a "head turner" but that bland-as-hell old SVT Mustang is.
The post I quoted said Monaro not VXR8 
And yes that one is a head turner, but only due to the colour and spoilers. Which I suspect doesn't represent most VXR8's.
As for the Mustang, each to their own, but I honestly don't believe you wouldn't notice it, should one drive past you. They look like nothing else on UK streets.
I have nothing against the VXR8, but this is how many of them look:
I notice them because I know what they are. My partner doesn't, yet she'll still spot any Mustang at 100 yards.
Robert Elise said:
TVR shirley.
they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
I assume in your ignorance you are referring to a Corvette as pig iron? How sad. they may not be that fast anymore but because they're light they'll deliver that immediate shove in the back.
The sense of occasion would be so much more than a lump of pig iron, sorry.
30k get's you a good one plus some spare to fettle it (as in correct weaknesses not tune...)
300bhp/ton said:
Which I suspect doesn't represent most VXR8's.
They do. The spoiler is factory for UK VXR8s of that model/generation, just look in the PH classifieds. Every single one in there has the same spoiler. The alloys are all one of two types too, both of which are fairly distinctive. The one you've posted is a generation newer.300bhp/ton said:
As for the Mustang, each to their own, but I honestly don't believe you wouldn't notice it
I'd notice it, but the vast majority of people wouldn't. That generation of Mustang looks like an early noughties Korean or Japanese domestic market special IMO.300bhp/ton said:
My partner doesn't, yet she'll still spot any Mustang at 100 yards.
I'd argue that's probably got more to do with your tendency to talk about them a great deal.What about Supra Turbo? It is old but it is also reliable and rare. It has some modern day amenities like errr air con and wind screen. They are rubber burning fast line weapons. Certainly menacing looking too. I don't know do they turn heads in the uk....
At the moment they will fit your budget.
Second choice: TVR
At the moment they will fit your budget.
Second choice: TVR
Robert Elise said:
certainly not saying they're slow, it's just that some of the latest muscle offerings were mentioned above at 700hp.
totally agree, at around a ton you'll get a great feeling of acceleration.
True, although I think 700bhp in a 'sports car', a car to enjoy on B-Roads would be a bit much. I remember my Chim 450, that wasn't very powerful by todays standards, but that low down torque sometimes killed the fun when driving around the twisties, as you always need to be on your guard. I know a few have put LS3's in their Tamoras, again, I think it's too much for the type of car it is, unless you just want a 'point and squirt' muscle car. Hell, I find it difficult to utilise all the power in my 4.3 S6 (CR gearbox, so 90 in 2nd is achievable..). I had my Tamora fettled for fun B-Road blasting, not traffic light Grad Prix's..totally agree, at around a ton you'll get a great feeling of acceleration.
I am assuming the 700bhp cars have traction control, so how much of that 700bhp and monster torque is actually accessible before electronics kick in?
These are just my personal opinions though, based on the fact that I am not a driving god and am well aware of my limitations..
(Agree with you regarding the K-Series)!
OP, the car below will tick most of your boxes:
http://www.powersperformance.co.uk/used/slug/43-t3...
The warranty on the engine is excellent (not that you'll need it) and I'd expect if you arranged to see the car it would be a worthwhile visit
http://www.powersperformance.co.uk/used/slug/43-t3...
The warranty on the engine is excellent (not that you'll need it) and I'd expect if you arranged to see the car it would be a worthwhile visit
chris watton said:
Robert Elise said:
certainly not saying they're slow, it's just that some of the latest muscle offerings were mentioned above at 700hp.
totally agree, at around a ton you'll get a great feeling of acceleration.
True, although I think 700bhp in a 'sports car', a car to enjoy on B-Roads would be a bit much. I remember my Chim 450, that wasn't very powerful by todays standards, but that low down torque sometimes killed the fun when driving around the twisties, as you always need to be on your guard. I know a few have put LS3's in their Tamoras, again, I think it's too much for the type of car it is, unless you just want a 'point and squirt' muscle car. Hell, I find it difficult to utilise all the power in my 4.3 S6 (CR gearbox, so 90 in 2nd is achievable..). I had my Tamora fettled for fun B-Road blasting, not traffic light Grad Prix's..totally agree, at around a ton you'll get a great feeling of acceleration.
I am assuming the 700bhp cars have traction control, so how much of that 700bhp and monster torque is actually accessible before electronics kick in?
These are just my personal opinions though, based on the fact that I am not a driving god and am well aware of my limitations..
(Agree with you regarding the K-Series)!
we couldn't agree more..... i'd choose a TVR for this OP every time.
Generally, for me i want 'enough' power and a great chassis, as light as possible depending on the need (a cruiser needs some weight and comfort).
1700kg cars with overwhelming torque and computers laying it down are not my idea of fun.
@300 i like some of the things modern US muscle cars are doing, but i'm sorry an 1100kg TVR takes the prize every time.
I'd really like to try a new Mustang. V8 could be fun. I remember driving a Viper, god it was fast in any gear any speed but it was a one trick pony to my mind.
The biggest difference is still going to be usability, running costs and durability.
This isn't to say TVR's are unreliable. Just that they are far more likely to require more attention more often.
All you have to do is look in the TVR section at what people claim as average yearly running costs. I wanted a Cerbera (still do), but when people start saying they'll cost you minimum £1000/year every year to run. And that was the lowest estimates, many people claimed they spent £3000/year to run them.
A Corvette, well it'll want a service once a year. But that's easy to do and pretty cheap. And that's about it. And you can pretty guarantee that you could jump in it any time, any weather than it'll start and get you to where you are going and back again. Without a 2nd thought.
By comparison I suspect running a TVR is more akin to running a classic car. Perfectly doable, just a little more fickle.
This isn't to say TVR's are unreliable. Just that they are far more likely to require more attention more often.
All you have to do is look in the TVR section at what people claim as average yearly running costs. I wanted a Cerbera (still do), but when people start saying they'll cost you minimum £1000/year every year to run. And that was the lowest estimates, many people claimed they spent £3000/year to run them.
A Corvette, well it'll want a service once a year. But that's easy to do and pretty cheap. And that's about it. And you can pretty guarantee that you could jump in it any time, any weather than it'll start and get you to where you are going and back again. Without a 2nd thought.
By comparison I suspect running a TVR is more akin to running a classic car. Perfectly doable, just a little more fickle.
300bhp/ton said:
This isn't to say TVR's are unreliable. Just that they are far more likely to require more attention more often.
True to some degree but it does depend how you maintain them throughout your ownership. My Chimaera had an expensive first year as the suspension needed replacing but since then (5 more years) it has had minimal work beyond the annual service and the things a 17 year hand built car would expect to have needing attention.300bhp/ton said:
By comparison I suspect running a TVR is more akin to running a classic car. Perfectly doable, just a little more fickle.
Spot on. You also need to drive them regularly and ignore all the doom mongers and naysayers who claim you can only use them in the summer months. My car is used every time I can throughout the year, albeit not when snow, ice and road salt are about 
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