What car, 40k

[Shabs]

Need a sense check please. I am selling my Lotus and want to get something more civilised that is comfortable to use all year round. My requirements are (in order):

1) 40k ish
2) supercar sound, more than 4 cylinders
3) European brand
4) fast enough to not get murdered by modern rep mobiles
5) fun and eventful to drive, but not looking to set any lap records or even go near a track
6) 2 doors, sports car type thing, not after an M car
7) weekend car, but for chores as well as fun. I do have a different family car already

Currently on my list are:
A) SLK55 AMG R171: drove it, really liked it, steering a bit vague but it was a 2006
B) AMV8 4.3: not driven yet
C) 997.1 Turbo Manual: not driven yet, drove the 996TT and was quite disappointed. Too quite and uneventful, didn't even realise I was going 14.0 leptons

Anything I am missing? Any views on the above 3? I don't want a TVR or Lotus, time for something new and I have been there already (more than once)

[crazy about cars]

GTR.

Sorry just saw the EU brand bit. I'd go for 997 Turbo S.

[DJFish]

Maserati Grantourismo?

[Deerfoot]

DJFish said:

Maserati Grantourismo?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

[RobM77]

Have you driven an Evora S? It's the best daily use sports car I've driven.

[300bhp/ton]

I know you said no Lotus. But I'd still want to consider an Evora. Morgan would also be on my list. And again breaking your rules. But the latest Mustang and Corvettes are superb machines. I like XK8's but lack of a manual would put me off. Also maybe a bit too ordinary to be as special as you could get for this money.

Some nice Ferrari and Aston model also available for this budget.

[Japveesix]

TVR T350?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[GrahamC230K]

Audi R8 (V8) if the budget can stretch to low 40s.

[motor mad]

Honda NSX. Japan is in Europe right?

[Risotto]

If you were prepared to compromise on the European brand thing, you could get a 3.2 NSX:

[GrahamC230K]

Perhaps not literally, but the NSX is not strong on requirement 4.

[vexed]

XKRs are beautiful and comfortable. Never driven one though. Might be worth a test drive?

[vexed]

XKRs are beautiful and comfortable. Never driven one though. Might be worth a test drive?

[colinrob]

How about a bentley GT suprising car, two door, very quick, very comfortable, a lot of prestige and reasonable MPG on a run (I know have driven on to Austria a few times)

[motor mad]

GrahamC230K said:

Perhaps not literally, but the NSX is not strong on requirement 4.

Are we talking remaps!? Otherwise I don't think an NSX would struggle.

[Paul O]

997 Turbos are fantastic, but very civilised in terms of audible drama.
R8 + sports exhaust looks and sounds lovely.

Outside options -

AM Vantage?
Fezza 360?

[FamilyDub]

I'd be looking at either Ferrari 355/360 at that price bracket.

[Deerfoot]

Slightly over budget but this should satisfy your criteria, especially number 2.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

[popegregory]

Ferrari 360

[RacingJames1]

Japveesix said:

TVR T350?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Seems to tick every box. Do it.