Upgrading from a hot hatch without hurting the wallet...

[James91250]

I currently own a Renaultsport megane, a car that has 250bhp and a 0-60 time of around 6 seconds, 0-100 around 14. I have around 15k to possibly think about something a bit more powerful. I have no required bhp figures but just want something noticeably faster in straight line speed

I may be asking the impossible but I want to look for a car with similar maintenance/repair costs to the Megane, but as much as I am tempted by a high end german car (M,AMG,Porsche) I probably can't afford to maintain one. Not sure on costs of running a JDM car? Are there any viable options?

Thanks
James

Edited by James91250 on Tuesday 1st September 21:20

[James91250]

BlueMeganeII said:

Porsche 997 Carrera - done.

996 you mean? If you can get me a 997 Carrera for 15k then yes indeed - job done

Edit - See your update, edited first post

[James91250]

vtecyo said:

VX220 Turbo.

Good shout I may check these out, nice

[James91250]

t955daytona said:

If you think a 996/997 will have similar maintenance costs to your Megane you are going to be in for a shock. New rear tyres every 6000 miles or so, my annual servicing and replacement bits were circa £1500 a year and I did some work myself.

No I wish, I didn't think that. All I meant was I'm up for a bargain and happy to pay for repairs if I can get a 997 911 for 15k

[James91250]

charltjr said:

Why not upgrade the car you have? A remap and some suspension work will make it even better for a lot less cost.

I don't think anyone is blown away with a remap, most seem to just mention it has the power there in all gears, guess I need to drive a remapped Megane or maybe testdrive a 275. Good idea though.

The VX220 turbo seems very reasonable on servicing and maintenance, is the roof 100% waterproof because I've seen a suggestion is isn't :/ and I don't have a garage

[James91250]

300bhp/ton said:

With a bit of searching you might find a Corvette in budget. Going to be pretty much the only car of this ilk with running costs as low or lower than the Renault. Pretty speedy too and lots of easy upgrades if you want more power.

If LHD doesn't put you off then there is also the Fbody's (Camaro/Firebird). Stock trim you are talking 5'ish seconds to 60mph and about 11 sec or under to 100mph with 160mph+ top end.

Quite a few other Yank options too. Getting harder to find, but you might nab a supercharged 2003/4 Mustsng Cobra for your budget. Ford Lightnings should be doable too.

Hmmm, never really considered an American car, not sure if I like the idea or not. The Corvette is a pretty bad car until the 6th gen came out and that's out of budget (or do I read JC articles too much). I guess a v8 mustang is in budget too..

Are parts going to be pretty expensive for these cars?

[James91250]

Wow that lightning is maniac, not quite my style though!

[James91250]

JockySteer said:

Might be in a good position to help you mate - I actually upgraded from a (tuned) Megane 250 Cup to an SLK 55 AMG. Got the SLK for under 20k and it is a monster in a straight line compared to the Megane. My meg had 315bhp and 368 lb/ft when I sold it so on paper, the jump isn't that big, but in the real world is a huge eye opener. One thing I will say though, is that I haven't been able to have as much 'fun' in the SLK as I did in the Megane. That could say something about my ability or what I find fun in a car, but I could be at the limit or at least very close to it in the Megane whereas the Merc demands a lot lot more respect.. when the rear starts to walk away from you and you don't mean for it to happen, it is a bit startling! At that point of course I enter God mode and save myself

Did a lot of research as well in to running costs, servicing etc and I feel confident in the SLK I picked up that it's suitably reliable and well looked after. I'd just say whatever you go to upgrade to, do your research and go in eyes open into running costs/consumables etc.

You will miss the Megane though

Edited by JockySteer on Wednesday 2nd September 00:34

I used to have a roadster/sports car and loved it, but I know what you mean, in the wet I was caught off guard more than once.
What did you think of your remapped megane? I'm guessing you had exhaust, intercooler, air filter and map?

Edited by James91250 on Wednesday 2nd September 17:56

[James91250]

TheJimi said:

If you've got the storage space, I'd buy two cars.

Say 10k on a well setup Westfield or similar, and 5k or less on something sensible yet interesting for the daily grind.

Failing that, just buy an EVO of some description.

I will soon be in the position that I only really use the car on evenings and weekends so only need 1 to be fair! Would love a Westfield or similar one day though

I don't really like the image of an Evo or Impreza

[James91250]

Ultrafunkula said:

I'm pretty mch in the exact same position, but coming from a tuned MK2 focus ST. Cars I have shortlisted include: Cayman S, Nissan 370Z, Audi TTS, Audi S5 (V8) and possibly an Impreza STI. I had considered the BMW 135i M sport too, but not a fan of BMWs so went off it, but it would be perfect otherwise. Had some silly ideas too like Clio V6 or a Skyline R33 GT-R so who knows...

Yea and still too expensive a 135m, they have a lot more depreciation to go yet. I'd love one of those