Best 2+2 coupe for around £20k
Discussion
williamp said:
Something Alpina flavoured??
Yup (not a coupe, I know) ...http://www.bespokesportscars.co.uk/alpina-b5s.html
C70R said:
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)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)
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
BrettMRC said:
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!
What a jolly little chap you are! 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
I can't imagine how miserable I'd have been to spunk 20 grand on a bloody VW Golf or a TT.
C70R said:
BrettMRC said:
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!
What a jolly little chap you are! 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
I can't imagine how miserable I'd have been to spunk 20 grand on a bloody VW Golf or a TT.
The Cerbera is the drivers choice by far though, and it makes the M3 and TTS seem like a boring compromised choice for sure in comparison.
The cerbera is a brave choice but one worth experiencing though.
codieskid said:
Hi all
I need some help finding a new car. I am looking for a 2+2 coupe that will be mainly used by myself but I want to be able to squeeze my 1 year olds car seat in for weekend trips with the family etc. The only other criteria is that it needs to be good to drive and also something nice to look at as that's what coupes are all about. My budget is around £18-22k.
At the moment I probably have a Porsche 997 C2 at the top of my list as it seems to do everything I want but are there any other alternatives I should consider? I have also looked at newer coupes like the Merc E Class coupe and Audi A5 but they tend to be focused more on looks and practicality rather than driver involvement and just don’t get me excited.
Any help would be much appreciated
Trev
On the basis that you limit your weekend trips to 1.5 miles, might I suggest this?I need some help finding a new car. I am looking for a 2+2 coupe that will be mainly used by myself but I want to be able to squeeze my 1 year olds car seat in for weekend trips with the family etc. The only other criteria is that it needs to be good to drive and also something nice to look at as that's what coupes are all about. My budget is around £18-22k.
At the moment I probably have a Porsche 997 C2 at the top of my list as it seems to do everything I want but are there any other alternatives I should consider? I have also looked at newer coupes like the Merc E Class coupe and Audi A5 but they tend to be focused more on looks and practicality rather than driver involvement and just don’t get me excited.
Any help would be much appreciated
Trev
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Thanks for all the options everyone, as you say plenty of nice cars to choose from in my budget. Might be useful to Clarify a few more requirements
Car usage
looking at using the car 2 weeks a month to commute to train station otherwise will be used at weekends and as the second car in the family. So average of around 6-9k miles a year I would estimate
Back seats
Ideally I need something semi usable. My e-type is a two seater and while I love the car I really want to be able to include my family when I go to shows and use it for short breaks etc. Also my son is only 1 he will need a fairly chunky forward facing car seat so back seats need to be able to work in that respect
Storage
My garage is full so this has to be a car that can live outside. I think that rules out anything in the TVR/classic car camp.
Out of all of the options put forward I am still leaning towards a 997 although might look into a new shape XKR as would be nice to own both old and new Jaguar coupes. The M6 has a dream engine and seems a little more practical but I just don't like the looks. I've also tested an S5 and TTS but neither float my boat. The TT-RS looked like it could be fun but I still think a Porsche looks like better value and feels more special. Finally the Maserati Gransport could be the dark horse, does everything I need with some Italian flair but I do worry what running one as a regular car would be like.
So gransport, 997 or XKR? Which would be best for me
Trev
Car usage
looking at using the car 2 weeks a month to commute to train station otherwise will be used at weekends and as the second car in the family. So average of around 6-9k miles a year I would estimate
Back seats
Ideally I need something semi usable. My e-type is a two seater and while I love the car I really want to be able to include my family when I go to shows and use it for short breaks etc. Also my son is only 1 he will need a fairly chunky forward facing car seat so back seats need to be able to work in that respect
Storage
My garage is full so this has to be a car that can live outside. I think that rules out anything in the TVR/classic car camp.
Out of all of the options put forward I am still leaning towards a 997 although might look into a new shape XKR as would be nice to own both old and new Jaguar coupes. The M6 has a dream engine and seems a little more practical but I just don't like the looks. I've also tested an S5 and TTS but neither float my boat. The TT-RS looked like it could be fun but I still think a Porsche looks like better value and feels more special. Finally the Maserati Gransport could be the dark horse, does everything I need with some Italian flair but I do worry what running one as a regular car would be like.
So gransport, 997 or XKR? Which would be best for me
Trev
We went XKR shopping and came back with the XF we have now. Lovely car for sure, but unlike my Cerbera, the backseats are token efforts. Open the door, tilt the front seat back forward and appraise the size of the hole you have to insert a child through. Any child big enough to install themselves through the available space won't have space for their legs. Any small enough will need a seat that won't fit through the hole.
For us, it was sad and whilst we're generally game for a laugh, the XKR was out as a 2+2 in which the +2 would actually be used.
Other than all the cooking model derivative stuff, it's only the Maserati Granturismo I can think of that is still quite mass-produced and happy to be dumped in a train station that still looks like an attractive coupe whilst having useable back seats. I'd probably look there in your position.
The V10 M6 is heartbreaking. That engine in such a hideous car is a crime.
For us, it was sad and whilst we're generally game for a laugh, the XKR was out as a 2+2 in which the +2 would actually be used.
Other than all the cooking model derivative stuff, it's only the Maserati Granturismo I can think of that is still quite mass-produced and happy to be dumped in a train station that still looks like an attractive coupe whilst having useable back seats. I'd probably look there in your position.
The V10 M6 is heartbreaking. That engine in such a hideous car is a crime.
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!
IMO, his suggestions are far better than yours to be honest....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
At a guess, I reckon your 50th birthday is a distant memory
Tuvra said:
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!
IMO, his suggestions are far better than yours to be honest....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
At a guess, I reckon your 50th birthday is a distant memory
I can't ever imagine a time where I'd look at £20k and say "yeah, I'd much rather buy that chavved-up TT or Golf than a genuine Sports GT with a V8 or V10".
C70R said:
Tuvra said:
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!
IMO, his suggestions are far better than yours to be honest....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
At a guess, I reckon your 50th birthday is a distant memory
I can't ever imagine a time where I'd look at £20k and say "yeah, I'd much rather buy that chavved-up TT or Golf than a genuine Sports GT with a V8 or V10".
DoubleD said:
C70R said:
Tuvra said:
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!
IMO, his suggestions are far better than yours to be honest....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
At a guess, I reckon your 50th birthday is a distant memory
I can't ever imagine a time where I'd look at £20k and say "yeah, I'd much rather buy that chavved-up TT or Golf than a genuine Sports GT with a V8 or V10".
Chavved up TT mind
, a well set up TT-RS would probably destroy everything he suggested in every possible way, maybe not the M6 in a straight line but it would certainly keep up with it and then slaughter it when it came to the bends 
I love how car's are instantly better just because of the engine layout then others are instantly marked down because of the badge on the bonnet or the body type
For the record, I'd also say a Golf R is a better drivers car than the XKR, Mustang (
) & probably the CLK. It also wouldn't have the bork factor / running costs of the other cars you suggested.In C70's world I'm guessing a 4.2 XKR is a better drivers car than say a Megane R26R or Integra? I'm done....
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