Best 2+2 coupe for around £20k

[JackReacher]

997 or Maserati if you have a big war chest. V8 M3 if the war chest is slightly smaller, or m235i if it's smallish.

[codieskid]

jamieduff1981 said:

Some nice Cerberas can still be had for this money, although the type is generally appreciating in value.

It would seem to tick all stated boxes.

I would love a TVR but always worry about running one. Also I already have a 1967 S1 Jaguar E-type which is my garage queen and occasional weekend car so need something that I can jump and use a bit more and doesn't require constant pampering.

Trev

[DoubleD]

Not a coupe but definitely a drivers car.

[MKnight702]

If you don't mind a bit of fettling then the Lotus Elan+2 could be a blinder.

[anonymous-user]

BMW 135i Coupe might fit the bill.... Just sold mine and it scratched an itch in all the right places.

...you'd also fit the push chair in the boot..

Looks are subjective mind but I grew to like it.

[culpz]

Scirocco R?

[stedale]

I have similar set of reqs for my next car and the shortlist currently stands at, M3 V8, S5, Monaro and cerbera. Lovely though an XK would be I can't get past the auto only option. Like the OP I wonder if the S5 is too sensible although (iirc) Richard Meaden appears to rate them.

[Stu-nph26]

M6 v10 if it we're my money which it will be around this time next year it'll be a 911, cerb or M3 depending on how brave I feel at the time.

[BrettMRC]

A lot of options to be had in that bracket!

Audi S5 (V8 version)
Audi TT-RS (hovering around £20k now)
Golf-R (Does lots of things well....the 3 door could be classed as a 2+2)
BMW M235 (heading into this price range now)
BMW Z3M Coupe (A little north of budget but seen a few at £24k)
BMW M3
Vauxhall VXR8 (not a coupe I know)
Lexus ISF (as above)
As a few others have said, CLS5/600

There will be no end to this... especially if you go older (Rx7s, Skylines, Cerberas, XKRs etc etc)

[nickfrog]

M235i is within budget. Stick some M4 front LCAs and you're away. Not really in your face and sporty looking though but a decent steer, even on track.

[Hitch]

What's an LCA?

[Mike_Mac]

Hitch said:

What's an LCA?

Lower Control Arm (suspension arm) - I'd imagine this will alter the Camber gain and/or the Caster in a positive way for improved handling.

[Blib]

Maserati 4200. Especially if it has a reasonably new clutch. A terrific car. Will give you a few quid change from your £20k which you can use for upkeep.

I loved mine and still miss it.

[raceboy]

codieskid said:

I would love a TVR but always worry about running one.

My Chimaera cost me less to run than my Boxster.
Although a Cerb is another step upwards in the running cost ladder.

[jamieduff1981]

raceboy said:

codieskid said:

I would love a TVR but always worry about running one.

My Chimaera cost me less to run than my Boxster.
Although a Cerb is another step upwards in the running cost ladder.

And like most cars, they tend to be more reliable when used regularly.

[Corpulent Tosser]

jamieduff1981 said:

Some nice Cerberas can still be had for this money, although the type is generally appreciating in value.

It would seem to tick all stated boxes.

Thats what I bought with a similar brief/budget, I was less concerned out the +2 but it is handy for the grandkids.

[C70R]

BrettMRC said:

A lot of options to be had in that bracket!

Audi S5 (V8 version)
Audi TT-RS (hovering around £20k now)
Golf-R (Does lots of things well....the 3 door could be classed as a 2+2)
BMW M235 (heading into this price range now)
BMW Z3M Coupe (A little north of budget but seen a few at £24k)
BMW M3
Vauxhall VXR8 (not a coupe I know)
Lexus ISF (as above)
As a few others have said, CLS5/600

There will be no end to this... especially if you go older (Rx7s, Skylines, Cerberas, XKRs etc etc)

Jesus wept. The guy wants to spent £20k on a 2+2, opening up a world of interesting motors, and you recommend him a 2-series, a TT and a Golf? (that's ignoring the repmobiles and the 2-seater Z3M)
The PH hivemind is frightening at times...

OP, it depends on how much you need the back seats to be useful, but I would be inclined to look at:
- Jag XKR 4.2 (most recent shape). Lots of car, lots of occasion, docile in the real world.
- BMW M6 V10. So much engine, particularly with a bit of exhaust fettling. Can see these appreciating in the near future too.
- Mustang GT 4.6. Not the quickest, but plenty of tuning potential. Sit on the wrong side, but drive a legend.
- CLK63 AMG. Lots of wallop, not terribly sporty, but reasonably refined.
- E9x M3. The last NA M3, with a V8, and a Spanish gearbox. What's not to like? Budget gives you a good choice.
- 997 3.6. Astonishingly competent car, although slightly leggy at this budget.

It's frankly amazing how much car £20k (the price of a new Fiesta) can buy you!

Edited by C70R on Wednesday 28th September 14:57

[Smokey32]

CLK 63. That engine. Yum. And its not a C63, which everyone has.

E92 M3 also a good shout.

[nickfrog]

Mike_Mac said:

Hitch said:

What's an LCA?

Lower Control Arm (suspension arm) - I'd imagine this will alter the Camber gain and/or the Caster in a positive way for improved handling.

Indeed - 2 deg of neg camber, better steering feel (not difficult ;-)), neutral handling, more even tyre wear. £500 fitted and aligned.

[BrettMRC]

C70R said:

Jesus wept. The guy wants to spent £20k on a 2+2, opening up a world of interesting motors, and you recommend him a 2-series, a TT and a Golf? (that's ignoring the repmobiles and the 2-seater Z3M)
The PH hivemind is frightening at times...

OP, it depends on how much you need the back seats to be useful, but I would be inclined to look at:
- Jag XKR 4.2 (most recent shape). Lots of car, lots of occasion, docile in the real world.
- BMW M6 V10. So much engine, particularly with a bit of exhaust fettling. Can see these appreciating in the near future too.
- Mustang GT 4.6. Not the quickest, but plenty of tuning potential. Sit on the wrong side, but drive a legend.
- CLK63 AMG. Lots of wallop, not terribly sporty, but reasonably refined.
- E9x M3. The last NA M3, with a V8, and a Spanish gearbox. What's not to like? Budget gives you a good choice.
- 997 3.6. Astonishingly competent car, although slightly leggy at this budget.

It's frankly amazing how much car £20k (the price of a new Fiesta) can buy you!

Edited by C70R on Wednesday 28th September 14:57

What a jolly little chap you are!