Fast and fun daily for 10k (probably something modified)
Discussion
I'm not quite in the market yet, need to sell my current car 1st. I'm looking for ideas at the moment. I want a car that's as fast as my 270bhp AE86 (probably mid 4's to 60mph) but that's a bit more useable. It needs to be something that's able to be left in a train station car park all day (my 86 is too easy to be stolen and would draw loads of attention). Ideally it'd have rear seats.
I'm good at working on cars and happy to put something interesting together myself.
I have been looking at modified Mitsubishi Evo's but I think the 4wd might make it a bit boring.
I'd like an RX7 but my commute is only 10 mins and the engine won't get warmed up properly and that's bad news on a wankel so that's out.
I have seen a E46 M3 that's supercharged for 11k, that'll probably be sold by the time I'm in the market but it's an interesting idea, I could look to build one myself maybe.
I am keen on the Maserati 3200gt (probably would remap it to get the performance). I love the looks, the badge and a twin turbo v8. I've not been in one but from reading various reviews of the time, they don't actually sound all that good as a drivers car. Maybe it's a bit too GT for my tastes.
A Monaco (lightly tuned) is probably the sensible option. They just don't really do it for me.
Anyone have any interesting ideas?
I'm good at working on cars and happy to put something interesting together myself.
I have been looking at modified Mitsubishi Evo's but I think the 4wd might make it a bit boring.
I'd like an RX7 but my commute is only 10 mins and the engine won't get warmed up properly and that's bad news on a wankel so that's out.
I have seen a E46 M3 that's supercharged for 11k, that'll probably be sold by the time I'm in the market but it's an interesting idea, I could look to build one myself maybe.
I am keen on the Maserati 3200gt (probably would remap it to get the performance). I love the looks, the badge and a twin turbo v8. I've not been in one but from reading various reviews of the time, they don't actually sound all that good as a drivers car. Maybe it's a bit too GT for my tastes.
A Monaco (lightly tuned) is probably the sensible option. They just don't really do it for me.
Anyone have any interesting ideas?
Evo could be a good shout in 10k bracket. As long as its 300hp upwards I doubt it will be boring. 
Would not bother with a 10k B5 RS4 personally, likely to be a bit shabby/needing working/higher mileage end of the market for 10k, srtetch to 12/13k and you will get a much better example.
Would not bother with a 10k B5 RS4 personally, likely to be a bit shabby/needing working/higher mileage end of the market for 10k, srtetch to 12/13k and you will get a much better example.
I've had a few of the cars mentioned.
Evos are reasonably exciting as 4WD cars go, turn in on mine was pretty great and it was possible for the back end to come round if provoked sufficiently.
My RX-7 was great, but a complete pain in the neck. The warming up and cooling down regime got tiresome, as did constantly fixing another hose in the rats' nest.
I've never owned an E46 M3 (though have wanted one for a long time), but have had two E36 M3 Evos. They are great in that they can be very comfortable when driven sedately, but are pretty fun when driven hard. There are also plenty of upgrade parts available. I've also had an E39 M5, which was similar in its abilities.
I now have a B5 RS4 as I need an estate. It's a pretty competent as an all-rounder, but not as much fun as the Evo.
Of the cars mentioned, I'd go with an E46 M3 or Evo V/VI (you'd get a TME for £10 I'd guess).
Evos are reasonably exciting as 4WD cars go, turn in on mine was pretty great and it was possible for the back end to come round if provoked sufficiently.
My RX-7 was great, but a complete pain in the neck. The warming up and cooling down regime got tiresome, as did constantly fixing another hose in the rats' nest.
I've never owned an E46 M3 (though have wanted one for a long time), but have had two E36 M3 Evos. They are great in that they can be very comfortable when driven sedately, but are pretty fun when driven hard. There are also plenty of upgrade parts available. I've also had an E39 M5, which was similar in its abilities.
I now have a B5 RS4 as I need an estate. It's a pretty competent as an all-rounder, but not as much fun as the Evo.
Of the cars mentioned, I'd go with an E46 M3 or Evo V/VI (you'd get a TME for £10 I'd guess).
OP - have you thought about an Impreza Type R?
2 door coupe version of the STi (min of 300bhp) and most have a DCCD. This is a mechanism that allows you very easily adjust where the power goes (front to back etc) via a rolling dial next to the handbrake.
They can be adjusted front/rear split of about 20/80 or with the diff fully locked 50/50
Normal running with the power going primarily to the back wheels, the car handles very much like a rwd, the drifts can be impressive too! (talking from experience)
2 door coupe version of the STi (min of 300bhp) and most have a DCCD. This is a mechanism that allows you very easily adjust where the power goes (front to back etc) via a rolling dial next to the handbrake.
They can be adjusted front/rear split of about 20/80 or with the diff fully locked 50/50
Normal running with the power going primarily to the back wheels, the car handles very much like a rwd, the drifts can be impressive too! (talking from experience)
A 320bhp Evo is far from boring and although grippy you can certainly wiggle the back end.
A standard M3 does not feel as quick as you might hope, a bit disappointing in my book contrary to most peoples views. A supercharged one would be awesome though. Expesive cars to run being a big drawback.
A standard M3 does not feel as quick as you might hope, a bit disappointing in my book contrary to most peoples views. A supercharged one would be awesome though. Expesive cars to run being a big drawback.
Edited by rb5er on Thursday 28th August 17:07
I'm also looking for a £10k daily with a bit of fun and I have very similar usage in terms of a 10 minute commute.
E46 M3 was top of my list but i think the M tax involved in running one, the potential hideous bills and the fact it shifts like turd when cold have all put me off.
I maybe have too much mechanical sympathy by nature as I feel a 10 minute commute isn't going to be good for a lot of cars e.g. Evo's, imprezas etc. I'm totally stuck for what to get. Will probably end up being something a bit dull.
E46 M3 was top of my list but i think the M tax involved in running one, the potential hideous bills and the fact it shifts like turd when cold have all put me off.
I maybe have too much mechanical sympathy by nature as I feel a 10 minute commute isn't going to be good for a lot of cars e.g. Evo's, imprezas etc. I'm totally stuck for what to get. Will probably end up being something a bit dull.
Escy said:
I hadn't really considered that dccd Impreza's, that's a good shout, i'll look into it.
Wish I hadn't mentioned it now....started looking at them again....I want one again!My last car was roughly 380bhp and was easily mid-4s to 60 and on standard suspension it was very comfortable and well sprung
A few people have mentioned M3. I think everyone missed the key word when I originally mentioned one. That was "supercharged". I wouldn't want a standard one.
Are the later blob eye DCCD Imprezas as good as/better than the older Type-R's? The only thing that puts me off one is the image.
Are the later blob eye DCCD Imprezas as good as/better than the older Type-R's? The only thing that puts me off one is the image.
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