Fun for 5 or 6 grand

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Discussion

Toooldforthis

Original Poster:

153 posts

149 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Found 5 grand behind the sofa last night and want to spend it on something fast and fun

Boxster is my first thought but what else is there?

Needs to have a roof as it won't be garaged

CHIEF

2,270 posts

284 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Honda S2000

That is all.

Mark.H

5,715 posts

208 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
get a Chinese Hooker (with an umberella)

Chris71

21,536 posts

244 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
What are your requirements in terms of practicality and running costs?

As an out and out toy, that sort of budget is starting to become decent Seven-clone territory and it could live under a tarpaulin on the drive, providing it was run regularly.

Sticking with the leftfield theme for a second. What about a GTM Libra? It's a very similar layout to the Elise, offers more bang-for-buck, comes with a roof and can be realistically found in budget:

With a bit of haggling the next one down from that in the classifieds could be had with the 1.8 VVC engine...

On the more sensible side, it's hard to argue with a Boxster (unless you need a lot of luggage space) but do bear in mind a 5k Boxster shares a lot of its components - and therefore its costs - with a full blown 996.

S2000s seem to be a bit 'Marmite'. I'm not a huge fan, but they do represent much better value at the moment than they have done in the past. They're deceptively quick and the cabin quality is a lot higher than an MX5, but for me they're not twice the car despite being twice the price (admittedly, probably compared to an earlier Mazda). So I'd be tempted by a mk1 MX5 with a recent suspension refresh, a hard top and maybe a supercharger conversion if you're worried about pace.

blearyeyedboy

6,352 posts

181 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
An E36 M3? If you can find a tidy, unmolested one (and that's a big if).

Toooldforthis

Original Poster:

153 posts

149 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Practicality and running costs not an issue

I have never heard of a GTM, interesting!!

soad

32,973 posts

178 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Mark.H said:
get a Chinese Hooker (with an umberella)
laugh

soad

32,973 posts

178 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Alfa Romeo GTV V6
Integra DC2 Type R
TVR Chimaera

Edited by soad on Sunday 18th March 10:56

BE57 TOY

2,628 posts

149 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Could you get a 3.0 Z4 or a 350Z for that?

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

200 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
A family two week skiing holiday to Banff

NadiR

1,071 posts

149 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
There's a whole load of cars for 5-6k that are fun:

BMW M3 E36
BMW M5 E39
Lotus Elise
Evo VI
Impreza WRX
TVR Chimaera
MX5 (obviously)
Mazda RX7/RX8
Various Type R Hondas
Toyota Supra
Clio 197

Just to mention a fewhehe

Devil2575

13,400 posts

190 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
There are lots of fun cars that can be had for that sort of money.
From a Ford Sport Ka to a Nissan 350z.

To be honest I think small, lightweight and relatively low power is the best recipe on todays roads. Mx5 or something like a Suzuki Swift Sport.

blearyeyedboy

6,352 posts

181 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
BE57 TOY said:
Could you get a 3.0 Z4 or a 350Z for that?
You could find a 350Z Jap import or a very early 3.0Z4 but you'd need some bravery pills. Not as high a bravery pill dose as a 6k Boxster though.

Jw Vw

4,835 posts

165 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
CHIEF said:
Honda S2000

That is all.
yes

Or a Civic Type-R (EP3)??

jbi

12,682 posts

206 months

Ved

3,825 posts

177 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Bug STI would be a lovely steed.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

200 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
CHIEF said:
Honda S2000

That is all.
Can you get a good one for 5k?
Always liked them and saw a v reg one in grey today totally standard as clearly well maintained. Looked lovely.
Something I'd always consider but not sure if they are suitable for 6'2" tall people?
Lovely engine great looks cannot see a good one losing any money really

matchmaker

8,518 posts

202 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
A family two week skiing holiday to Banff
Never noticed any suitable skiing near Banff. confusedconfused
















































yes, I know there is a Banff in Canada biggrinbiggrin

Baryonyx

18,031 posts

161 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
Subaru Impreza of some sort.

Toooldforthis

Original Poster:

153 posts

149 months

Sunday 18th March 2012
quotequote all
An Elise would fit the bill, but seem to be out of budget

Don't really fancy a subaru

I am a bit of a car snob hehe