S2000, TT 1.8 quattro Sport or 350Z?

[Biccaroo]

I've been trying to decide what car to buy next having owned a Toyota MR2 Mk3 for the past couple of years. I've whittled my options down to:

1) Nissan 350Z
2) Audi 1.8 quattro Sport
3) Honda S2000

MINI John Cooper Works (Possibly)

As you can tell, I'm look for something that's a little more practical but similarly fun to drive and with comparable/better acceleration. Additionally, the replacement should be reliable and cheap to service/maintain (hence why there's no Porsche on this list!). My budget is up to £12k but is not inclusive of servicing, insurance, etc.

My questions are:

1) Which of the cars listed is better and why?
2) Is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks in advance!

[D15CO D4VE]

E46 M3, Z3M, Z4M at a push?

[Biccaroo]

D15CO D4VE said:

E46 M3, Z3M, Z4M at a push?

I've been looking at the E46 M3 but apparently they're quite expensive to run and maintain. The rubber alone can set you back at least a grand!

[edc]

Major service for my 986 Boxster S at a dealer = £341.

[Alnassma]

TT is a golf 4 underneath. avoid.

[Biccaroo]

edc said:

Major service for my 986 Boxster S at a dealer = £341.

How realistic is it that you'll pay around that amount each time though? When I suggested buying a Porsche on this forum I was told that Porsche's cost a pretty penny to keep on the road, even if you find a good indy...

[edc]

I'll pay less next time as it will be a minor service ...

Stuff needs doing as part of maintenance on any car you get. I need some new front brakes, so what, buy them from Eurocarparts like you might for a TT. Radiator and aircon condenses may need renewing on older ones as they are quite exposed. Even BMWs need cooling system attention when older.

[Biccaroo]

edc said:

I'll pay less next time as it will be a minor service ...

Stuff needs doing as part of maintenance on any car you get. I need some new front brakes, so what, buy them from Eurocarparts like you might for a TT. Radiator and aircon condenses may need renewing on older ones as they are quite exposed. Even BMWs need cooling system attention when older.

Is your Boxster a 986 or 987? There are a lot of Boxster's available for around £6-7k at the moment but I can't imagine I'd escape with bills like you've had! I guess it's a bit of luck too.

Edited by Biccaroo on Monday 30th July 00:39

[lindrup119]

IMO Honda S2000. That is all.

[edc]

Mines a 986. Read the poverty pork thread in the Porsche section. Loads of posts from owners who bought cheapish Boxsters, mine included, with their costs and experiences. As usual buy on condition.

[Biccaroo]

lindrup119 said:

IMO Honda S2000. That is all.

Care to elaborate?

[D15CO D4VE]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

These looks very nice?

Edited by D15CO D4VE on Monday 30th July 00:54

[Biccaroo]

D15CO D4VE said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

This looks very nice?

Yes, that's very nice. Very nice indeed! But I've been warned off Porsche's by fellow Pher's!!! They apparently cost the earth to run. I can't afford to be forking out £2k/annum on tyres and parts.

[NadiR]

Biccaroo said:

lindrup119 said:

IMO Honda S2000. That is all.

Care to elaborate?

It has the best engine (IMO) out of all the 3, it isn't a jumped up Golf, and you won't have to worry about reliability as its a Honda. I still rate the 350Z highly though, its V6 engine sounds sweet, and it handles well. The TT, well, for me the name says it all TBH.

[lindrup119]

Biccaroo said:

lindrup119 said:

IMO Honda S2000. That is all.

Care to elaborate?

Just my preference from that list, very closely followed by the Nissan. All three are gonna be quick enough, none are going to be amazingly practical unless you are a Drawing Pin Salesman and if it was my money Id find a nice low-ish mileage Honda and rev up the vtec.

[Biccaroo]

NadiR said:

It has the best engine (IMO) out of all the 3, it isn't a jumped up Golf, and you won't have to worry about reliability as its a Honda. I still rate the 350Z highly though, its V6 engine sounds sweet, and it handles well. The TT, well, for me the name says it all TBH.

To be honest, I was clutching at straws with the TT. I'd prefer the 350Z and S2000 over the TT any day of the week.

[Biccaroo]

lindrup119 said:

Just my preference from that list, very closely followed by the Nissan. All three are gonna be quick enough, none are going to be amazingly practical unless you are a Drawing Pin Salesman and if it was my money Id find a nice low-ish mileage Honda and rev up the vtec.

I think I might take a look at a 350Z and S2000 this week. Can you think of any other cars I should consider of this ilk?

[lindrup119]

Can it be a hatchback?

[Biccaroo]

lindrup119 said:

Can it be a hatchback?

Hmm, only if it has that 'Wow' factor I'm looking for!

[Barreti]

S2000

Phenomenal to drive. Convertible. Pittance servicing costs. Rock solid reliability.
Just don't expect to put much in the boot. But thats the same for the 350z I understand.