Money in my pocket - what car to buy?

[martinsocross]

I have recently sold my Elise and my motorbike as neither was getting much use… Both were too hard core now I am getting on a bit! Changing my life a bit at the moment, a post on that will follow!

That’s left me with a wodge of cash to spend on a new car. I don’t want to spend it all so I have between £6 to £10K to spend. I would feel more comfortable towards the lower to middle. It’s a third car so MPG is not much of a consideration, it will be low miles

What I don’t want is:-

Anything fibreglass – past experiences with TVR, Lotus, Scimitar lead me to believe there are always paintwork problems. Even my 2005 Elise was showing signs of blistering… not going there again…

No LHD cars

Old stuff – that feels old to drive or looks really dated. I drove a 1995 SL 500 last week, not impressed… looked and felt old.


What I do want is:-

Something a bit different

A convertible would be preferable, A coupé OK, or even a saloon…

An immaculate car – condition is very important to me

Something torquey – not a screamer like the Elise 111R

I drove an SLK 230 last month, quite liked it but all three cars I looked at had visible rust on them, which seems common. I will be looking at an Alfa Spider 3.0 or a GTV the weekend to see what they are like.

Any of you guys got any suggestions?

Links appreciated!

[si2085]

Z3M Roadster? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1871147.htm
Boxster?
Z4?
S2000? People will say they are not torquey but having been in one recently I was pleasantly surprised.

Edited by si2085 on Wednesday 28th July 13:03

[martinsocross]

Love the Z3M, drove a couple and REALLY like them... But, both I looked at showed signs of problem with the rear cross member pulling off the body, ( the spot welds in the boot had rust circles indicating the onset of cracking) which seems to be an inherent fault on the Z3 and to a degree the higher powered E36 BMW’s. That puts me off a bit.

Z4 is on the list… thanks

[unpc]

Was going to suggest VXT then you said no fibreglass, then was going to suggest XKR but you said nothing that looks old. Fussy bugger aren't you? MX5?

[edo]

2004 BMW Z4 3.0i SE
Trade Seller: Longwood Motor Co Ltd
2004 (54 reg)
35,000 miles
Manual 3.0
2 Doors, Manual, Convertible, Petrol, 35,000 miles, Metallic Silver, MOT-01-2011, 2 Owners. ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Central locking, Front armrest, Headlight washers, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, Radio/CD, Sports seats, Traction control, Alarm, Drivers airbag, Electric door mirrors, Front electric windows, Front fog lights, PAS, Rear electric windows, Solid Paint, Trip computer, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Electrically adjustable drivers seat, Leather seat trim. Insurance Group:19, LEASING COMPANY + 1 LADY OWNER FROM NEW, FULL BLACK LEATHER ELECTRIC SEATS WITH DRIVER MEMORY, BMW BUSINESS CD, 17 INCH WHEELS WITH VERY GOOD TYRES ALL ROUND, TRULY STUNNING AND IMMACULATE EXAMPLE, P/X CONSIDERED, MOB [phone], £9,994

[redgriff500]

£10k will get you into a decent 3.2 Boxster or a Mint 2.7.

As you seem fussy I suspect the cheaper 3.2's won't cut it.

Before you dismiss the 2.7 as so many are willing to do, drive one, they aren't slow.

[edo]

2002 PORSCHE BOXSTER 2.7 2dr Roadster
Private Seller

2002Reg

39,000 miles, 2 Door Convertible, 39,000 miles, Black Metallic, Petrol, Manual, ABS, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Front electric windows, Full Service History, MOT March 2011, Climate Control, Black Power Hood, Black Leather Heated Seats, Power assisted steering, electric windows and mirrors, Heated door mirrors, remote central locking and Immobiliser, Computer, 18" Alloys, No Canvassers or agencies. £9,995 ONO.

[edo]

2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER 3.2 S 2dr Roadster
Private Seller

40,800 miles, 2 Door Convertible, Zenith blue, Low mileage, Full Porsche service history, Long Tax and MOT, Petrol, 6 spd manual, PAS, ABS, E/Windows, E/Mirrors, E/roof, Black leather interior, Airbags, Remote central locking, Climate control, On-board computer inc outside temp display, 6 CD Multichanger, Alloy wheels, Wind deflector and bag, Tool kit complete and intact, Great car for the summer, Superb condition throughout. £9,000 ONO.

[Pommygranite]

Subaru P1.
Golf R32
350z
slk amg32
mx5 BBR

[Evo]

Another vote for the Boxster, seems you'll get alot of car for the beans and at least it will be well screwed together and reasonably quick.

[Arese]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1548539.htm

[martinsocross]

Yep, I am a right fussy bugger! An early Boxter is also on the list. A 2.7 would be fine for me

Keep them coming!

[Tazio1]

www.pistonheads.com/sales/1823240.htm how about this?

[edo]

Tazio1 said:

www.pistonheads.com/sales/1823240.htm how about this?

whats does "sensible miles" mean? I'm guessing it has done 120k...

[martinsocross]

After a bit of research it seems the Boxster is not for me...

Maybe looking at an Alfa Spider the weekend, anyone with an opinion? the search on here does not work to well..

[Arese]

martinsocross said:

After a bit of research it seems the Boxster is not for me...

Maybe looking at an Alfa Spider the weekend, anyone with an opinion? the search on here does not work to well..

Great car, if you can find a well looked after one. Not the best handling, but easily the best looking 2-seater of that time in that sector.

V6 is quick, but nose-heavy. 2.0TS is ~150bhp and pretty nimble. Check history for cambelt changes, and make sure you get an electric roof one and that the roof works properly. Phase 2 ones seem to be the most popular, phase 3 have the new grille arrangement but are still pretty expensive.

When they went to phase 3 they fitted the 3.2 V6, but they are pretty rare.

As with most cars, make sure it's got a comprehensive history and has been looked after.

Clicky

Edited by Arese on Thursday 29th July 20:43