4 seat fun for under 10k

[nunpuncher]

Looking for something that is fun to drive, relatively quick, has 4 seats and costs less than 10k. The caveat is that it can't be potentially ruinous. I quickly fall out with cars that break and I don't sleep well with potential time bombs sat on the drive. Ideally I'd also like something with a bit more occasion about it than a golf, focus etc.

I know this subject gets covered every once in a while but times move and so do prices. Any suggestions appreciated.

[nunpuncher]

Welshbeef said:

E60 M5/E39 M5
c5 RS6
W211 E55 K AMG

Fast yes
Presence yes
Ruinous - well these are super cars and at least one is an icon.


What's the worst that can happen? Just do it

I end up with a rather expensive paper weight. All great cars but pretty sure I'd never sleep with any of those on the drive.

First reply (E46 or DC5) were the 2 cars that i'd arrived at and was struggling to get beyond. I've had stable mates of both and have enjoyed them. I worry i'm a bit old to be driving something that looks like the DC5. Not sure i should care about that if it ticks every box.

This is a more difficult purchase than it should be for some reason.

[nunpuncher]

Pah, fuel!

This change has come about as i've recently massively reduced my annual mileage to about 3k a year in terms of commuting, anything else is social/fun and you don't mind paying for that bit. Something stupid like a monaro could be the perfect way to clear the cobwebs of years of diesels.

[nunpuncher]

Welshbeef. What do you mean? You bought an E46? I've got 2 wee ones (ages 2 and 3) hence the 4 seats or a 2+2. It's rare they are in my car though and we do have 2 MPVs as well. My wife has actually said she would prefer me to get a 2 seater but I find it frustrating when i can't take the nicest car to drive on family days.

Kam, a lot of people aren't going to like this but i think the RX8 is a hateful thing. It's ageing terribly and as with all mazdas i think they leave the factory with tin worm. I've got a 10AE MX5 and it's about 40% rust. I also have a mate that used to work as a service manager for Mazda and he said they used to play "how many engines" every time they got one in. It doesn't fall into my ruinous category as you can pick a whole car up for £500. I just never got them when new and get them even less now. Sorry, I'm sure they drive well if the MX5 is anything to go by.