What other cars should I consider? E46 M3, 996 911 E90 335i

[ScORTED]

I'm looking for some performance, its going to be a daily for a short commute (have secure parking) and weekend toy odd trackday. looking at spending <£15,000

Currently driving an import mx5 mk2 RS as I only had a couple of grand spare and wanted something that handled. Before that I had a E36 328 Msport vert which was nice a torquey cruiser but a bit lardy in the handling department.
I had a lot of performance modified escorts and a few fiestas in my youth but got into RWD and prefer it.

I tried the GT86 and really liked it but didn't want to part with 25k. I then considered a reanultsport clio which does appeal but FWD. Then the obvious choice seemed to be an E46 M3, as they are stonking value right now. I've also always loved the 996 and the S models are good value, just some concerns about running repair costs.

I'm a capable well equipped home mechanic but like to leave critical jobs to a decent indy

Advice please chaps

[benjj]

E39 M5

[zabba]

does it need to have 4 seats, if not how about a Z4M or Z3M coupe?

[ScORTED]

It was a consideration. I should probably drive one. Been a passenger in an enthusiastically driven 540 and seen the sub 12mpg fuel bill!

[ScORTED]

4 seats aren't a must but I'm 6'3" heavy set and am wedged in the MX5 despite having done the seat foamectomy mod.

[BUG4LIFE]

zabba said:

does it need to have 4 seats, if not how about a Z4M or Z3M coupe?

This.

[PaperCut]

E46 M3. It's the best allrounder.

[ScORTED]

The M3 does seem to be an obvious choice but I still want to try the alternatives and decide for myself, as per original question what else have i missed?

[Nedzilla]

E46 M3 cs.

[Steff]

Lotus Elise/Exige, Caterham SV, Subaru wrx, Mitsubishi Evo...

[ScORTED]

the elise and caterham are out for a daily. Not keen on the evo or scooby. thanks for the input though

[bqf]

E55 AMG

[ScORTED]

I've tried some M3's and to be honest I think my search ends here. I've found a manual convertible that's got the right history good spec and a good price. However I also tried an SMG model and loved it. Its nice to have a sedate auto box for normal driving and then the paddle shift for manual duties.

I know I should buy the one I've found, but part of me really wants an SMG coupe. Is the SMG box going to be problematic. How do they stand up to occasional track use?
Also is it only CSL's that have launch control - I didn't want to ask as the dealer let me take the SMG one out on my own.

[Matt UK]

Porsche Boxster

[Dracoro]

Z4, Boxster, S2000, sure there are others.

Do you want a proper sports car or a performance version of a "normal" car.

[ScORTED]

If you read the infos all there but for the TL:DR:

Daily drive, short commute, want >2 seats. Fed up of the size of my MX5. Want performance.

[billzeebub]

E46 M3 Convertible, a great time to buy one

[Captain Muppet]

ScORTED said:

4 seats aren't a must but I'm 6'3" heavy set and am wedged in the MX5 despite having done the seat foamectomy mod.

Have you tried an RX7?

[ScORTED]

Do you mean an RX8? As tbh I wouldn't fancy a rotary either way. I know they aren't as unreliable as people say; but still no.