Am I looking for the Holy Grail (What car)?
Discussion
So, I'm looking to spend £12k max on a car in the next month or two, but I'm really struggling to find something which will tick all of the required boxes.
While a two-car solution would be ideal, I live in central London and have space for 1.5 cars (adding to this, that Mrs200 has her eye on the new 1er convertible). Also, given that I cycle to work, having two cars for the occasional times that I need them would be complete overkill.
So, I would like something which is capable of the following:
- Can be taken on track without showing itself up as too soft and soggy (RWD ideal - did my first track experience recently, and loved it)
- Can accommodate two 6ft adults, two golf bags and two weekend bags; in comfort
- Can cruise at up to 100mph in comfort
Things I have considered so far:
- E46 M3/M3 CS (Is the SMG any good? I don't like the idea of buttons rather than paddles if I'm honest...)
- Monaro (Would it be too wobbly on track to be really enjoyable?)
- Porsche 968 (It's been a while since I poked around one, but do the rear seats definitely fold flat?)
Am I asking too much?
While a two-car solution would be ideal, I live in central London and have space for 1.5 cars (adding to this, that Mrs200 has her eye on the new 1er convertible). Also, given that I cycle to work, having two cars for the occasional times that I need them would be complete overkill.
So, I would like something which is capable of the following:
- Can be taken on track without showing itself up as too soft and soggy (RWD ideal - did my first track experience recently, and loved it)
- Can accommodate two 6ft adults, two golf bags and two weekend bags; in comfort
- Can cruise at up to 100mph in comfort
Things I have considered so far:
- E46 M3/M3 CS (Is the SMG any good? I don't like the idea of buttons rather than paddles if I'm honest...)
- Monaro (Would it be too wobbly on track to be really enjoyable?)
- Porsche 968 (It's been a while since I poked around one, but do the rear seats definitely fold flat?)
Am I asking too much?
I think the E46 M3 is probably your best bet with those requirements. Personally I'd go for a manual.
Yes, it will feel a bit lardy on the track, but considering it's a big heavy saloon car it's really not as bad as you'd expect.
A 996 might just work (bags in the nose, golf clubs on the rear seats)?
Yes, it will feel a bit lardy on the track, but considering it's a big heavy saloon car it's really not as bad as you'd expect.
A 996 might just work (bags in the nose, golf clubs on the rear seats)?
Edited by kambites on Wednesday 15th August 10:05
M3 is an obvious fit for your requirements.
Corvette if you fancy something a bit leftfield?
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/4126078.htm
Corvette if you fancy something a bit leftfield?
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/4126078.htm
If you do go Monaro, you'll want the 5.7 VXR ideally. I say this because it has the better (but still not fantastic) VXR brakes, and the big boot.
The other 'big boot' models are the 5.7s, but their stock brakes are not suitable for track use.
Having said that, loads of them have been quite heavily upgraded, so you could find a good one no problem:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3666326.htm
It's used as a daily, hence the high mileage, but for an LS1, it's not an area for concern.
That one's had brakes upgraded and a few suspension tweaks, which would make it a fair bit more suitable on the track. It's still a big, loud V8 though, so it's not going to have the finesse of an M3, but I suspect would be more comfortable the rest of the time, and it sounds fantastic (have heard that one in person)
Having said that, it won't hold much badge weight at the golf club, so BMW it is
The other 'big boot' models are the 5.7s, but their stock brakes are not suitable for track use.
Having said that, loads of them have been quite heavily upgraded, so you could find a good one no problem:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3666326.htm
It's used as a daily, hence the high mileage, but for an LS1, it's not an area for concern.
That one's had brakes upgraded and a few suspension tweaks, which would make it a fair bit more suitable on the track. It's still a big, loud V8 though, so it's not going to have the finesse of an M3, but I suspect would be more comfortable the rest of the time, and it sounds fantastic (have heard that one in person)
Having said that, it won't hold much badge weight at the golf club, so BMW it is
Ideally you want a new car, I love old cars but they really do feel inferior compared to newer ones. I came from a Corrado VR6 to an E46 330ci and the difference in quality and feel is immense. The Corrado offering the more exciting drive however.
Anyway, The E46 M3 is your best bet. Another car to consider might be a Mk5 Golf R32. 4 wheel drive and not the purest of driving experiences but still an amazing all rounder.
Anyway, The E46 M3 is your best bet. Another car to consider might be a Mk5 Golf R32. 4 wheel drive and not the purest of driving experiences but still an amazing all rounder.
deeen said:
DJRC said:
Surely the answer is Griffith?
2 sets of golf clubs = ChimaeraDave200 said:
- Porsche 968 (It's been a while since I poked around one, but do the rear seats definitely fold flat?)
Yes, they do. The old front-engined Porsches have enormous boot space.The 944 Turbo or 944 S2 would tick all your boxes too, if you are tempted to go a little retro. The Turbo being better suited to track use and more easily modified for extra grunt.
(I'm selling my Turbo just now and it is well below your budget. Here. You'd have a nice big pile of upgrade/maintenance cash left for the track day fun if you went for one of those.)
Edited by poprock on Wednesday 15th August 11:04
Chris71 said:
It is a good call, but bear in mind anything with a big V8 - particularly if it happens to be a TVR - is likely to struggle with track day noise tests. Even my S3 came close to failing the Brands noise test and I'd be surprised if you got a Chim through at somewhere like Bedford.
Good point, mine was a bit upgraded but needed additional "track day silencers" (readily available) to get under 96dB. Also you really want upgraded springs / dampers, but half of those for sale now have them anyway.Thanks all. Appreciate the input.
For some reason (having only passengered in one), the M3 really isn't setting my world on fire. Perhaps a little track session in anger, followed by a gentle cruise on the motorway might help that?
Couple of quick replies:
- Don't want anything LHD for driving in/around London, but good suggestions nevertheless.
- Can I really get two golf bags, and two weekend bags, and two 6-footers in a Chimera in comfort? Is it actually any good on track?
- No real interest in a 996. I couldn't bring myself to own the ugliest 911 ever made.
What about saloons? The E39 M5 has been on my 'want list' for some time, but is it (and the other saloons) too big and heavy for track use? Would like to avoid the buzzy 2L turbo Jap saloons if possible (Impreza, Lancer), as they are far from pleasant for long-distance cruising.
For some reason (having only passengered in one), the M3 really isn't setting my world on fire. Perhaps a little track session in anger, followed by a gentle cruise on the motorway might help that?
Couple of quick replies:
- Don't want anything LHD for driving in/around London, but good suggestions nevertheless.
- Can I really get two golf bags, and two weekend bags, and two 6-footers in a Chimera in comfort? Is it actually any good on track?
- No real interest in a 996. I couldn't bring myself to own the ugliest 911 ever made.
What about saloons? The E39 M5 has been on my 'want list' for some time, but is it (and the other saloons) too big and heavy for track use? Would like to avoid the buzzy 2L turbo Jap saloons if possible (Impreza, Lancer), as they are far from pleasant for long-distance cruising.
A bit left-field and maybe not prestigious enough for the golf club but how about a 350z or an R32?
I know R32's are very comfortable and solid at higher speeds. Also, they will have plenty of room in them and I'd have thought they would be decent on track?
I'm not an expert on the 350z but really, really wanted one as I thought it would do the long distance comfortably and RWD should make it at least a little entertaining.
I know R32's are very comfortable and solid at higher speeds. Also, they will have plenty of room in them and I'd have thought they would be decent on track?
I'm not an expert on the 350z but really, really wanted one as I thought it would do the long distance comfortably and RWD should make it at least a little entertaining.
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