The most exciting "new" car that you've driven recently...
Discussion
I've been driving non-sporty autos for too long and would like to get back into something sporty and manual. I've always found older cars more exciting to drive and have owned several (205 GTi, E30 325i, Corrado VR6). Modern fast stuff I have driven has been quick, refined and grippy but heavy and lacking in fun/involvement. I would really be interested in something that is as involving to drive as my old cars but new or less than 2 years old.
The Alfa 4C would be right up my street but at least 20k too expensive. I would prefer a 3dr hatch/2dr coupe but would consider something with more doors and would like 4 or 5 seats as I have kids. I have also decided that I would like my next car to be manual. I don't mind whether it's FWD, RWD or AWD though. Let's say a nominal budget of 30k but less would be good.
The only thing out there in budget that really appeals is this, although my worry is that my last quick car was an Impreza WRX and one of these would feel a bit sluggish.
or it's Toyota sibling.
Reviews I have read have been mixed and unfortunately my nearest dealership is 3 hours drive away. Could this be the car I'm looking for or are there any other alternatives?
The Alfa 4C would be right up my street but at least 20k too expensive. I would prefer a 3dr hatch/2dr coupe but would consider something with more doors and would like 4 or 5 seats as I have kids. I have also decided that I would like my next car to be manual. I don't mind whether it's FWD, RWD or AWD though. Let's say a nominal budget of 30k but less would be good.
The only thing out there in budget that really appeals is this, although my worry is that my last quick car was an Impreza WRX and one of these would feel a bit sluggish.
or it's Toyota sibling.
Reviews I have read have been mixed and unfortunately my nearest dealership is 3 hours drive away. Could this be the car I'm looking for or are there any other alternatives?
What about the 370Z? It's probably a bit heavier and duller feeling than the GT86 (I haven't driven a GT86) but it's a fair chunk more powerful and the chassis is a massive improvement over the 350Z.
Otherwise, if the Alfa appeals but is too expensive, there's always the Elise. I'm not sure what they cost new these days, but 30k probably buys you a supercharged one?
ETA: OK it wont buy an Elise S, at least not new. They've gone up rather more than I realised.
Otherwise, if the Alfa appeals but is too expensive, there's always the Elise. I'm not sure what they cost new these days, but 30k probably buys you a supercharged one?
ETA: OK it wont buy an Elise S, at least not new. They've gone up rather more than I realised.
Edited by kambites on Monday 30th December 21:59
I was looking at similar cars earlier this year although with a smaller budget. I tried a few cars including the Toyota GT 86, the New Renaultsport Clio and Peugeot 208 GTi. All very good cars but in the end I went for a Fiesta ST, even fully optioned these can be had for sub £20,000 and easily one of the best cars I have ever driven, the reviews are all good too. Plus for an extra £650 can be remapped to 215hp & 236lb ft while keeping the warranty.
Jack. said:
I was looking at similar cars earlier this year although with a smaller budget. I tried a few cars including the Toyota GT 86, the New Renaultsport Clio and Peugeot 208 GTi. All very good cars but in the end I went for a Fiesta ST, even fully optioned these can be had for sub £20,000 and easily one of the best cars I have ever driven, the reviews are all good too. Plus for an extra £650 can be remapped to 215hp & 236lb ft while keeping the warranty.
Thanks, the Fiesta ST would be an option actually and the reviews have been really positive. Out of interest, what did you think of the GT86?kambites said:
What about the 370Z? It's probably a bit heavier and duller feeling than the GT86 (I haven't driven a GT86) but it's a fair chunk more powerful and the chassis is a massive improvement over the 350Z.
Otherwise, if the Alfa appeals but is too expensive, there's always the Elise. I'm not sure what they cost new these days, but 30k probably buys you a supercharged one?
ETA: OK it wont buy an Elise S, at least not new. They've gone up rather more than I realised.
Thanks. I did think about the 350Z/370Z and like them but would need to transport my kids occassionally, so a 2 seater not the best option. Likewise, the Elise, although a great car is a tad too impractical and expensive.Otherwise, if the Alfa appeals but is too expensive, there's always the Elise. I'm not sure what they cost new these days, but 30k probably buys you a supercharged one?
ETA: OK it wont buy an Elise S, at least not new. They've gone up rather more than I realised.
Edited by kambites on Monday 30th December 21:59
I doubt anyone has driven one of these (as it's not a UK model) but they look good value.
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/showroom/showro... coupe
A friend used to have a V6 Coupe, which wasn't really that quick and quite cheap-looking inside but this looks like an altogether different proposition: RWD, 6 speed manual, 2+2 and a 2.0 turbo four with 274bhp. There is a V6 model with 350bhp but the 2.0 would probably be sufficient for me. I've never been that keen on Hyundais (a bit white goods for me) but these look pretty nice.
You can get the Mustangs/Camaros/Challengers here as well but the V8s are a bit too expensive and thirsty and the V6s aren't really "proper". It needs to be something with reasonable running costs.
White goodman, if you're thinking of the GT86 as a purchase, take your kids with you on the test drive if you want to use it as a 4-seater. Depending on their size you may find that they have no room at all for legs etc
I like the GT86 but it wasn't a go-er for me because of that - 350Z/370Z have no rear seats.
I got something else with more rear legroom (although it is as small as the GT) as I would want to use it for hols, longer trips to Alps etc
I like the GT86 but it wasn't a go-er for me because of that - 350Z/370Z have no rear seats.
I got something else with more rear legroom (although it is as small as the GT) as I would want to use it for hols, longer trips to Alps etc
Another vote here for the fiesta st, it's a very good all rounder. It's practical, has good cabin space and rear seats that you can use as well as a good sized boot. It's also a great drive, enjoyable to chuck about even when your not at 10/10ths but plenty of grip and power to worry more serious machinery. Plus you would have 10k in change for a rainy day. Only downsides are the driving position is a little on the high side and slightly numb steering but it's not too bad.
white_goodman said:
Thanks. I did think about the 350Z/370Z and like them but would need to transport my kids occassionally, so a 2 seater not the best option. Likewise, the Elise, although a great car is a tad too impractical and expensive.
From what I've seen, you're not going to find something with four seats which is as fun as older cars in the way you describe. Even things like the small hot hatches tend to focus on grip over balance and delicacy. Why not just buy an old car? Or how about one of these (out of budget new, but you might find a newish second-hand one in budget):
http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/mmc/carrange/4seater...
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 31st December 08:44
If you can live with an auto, this is very cheap for a brand new 6.2 litres of RWD V8 and it makes most cars look a bit soppy in comparison.
http://www.chevroletedinburgh.co.uk/used-cars/?sea...
http://www.chevroletedinburgh.co.uk/used-cars/?sea...
white_goodman said:
Thanks, the Fiesta ST would be an option actually and the reviews have been really positive. Out of interest, what did you think of the GT86?
I really liked the GT86, although would have been breaking the budget a bit for me. It had a much better driving position and a feel of being in a proper sports car. It was only a 15 minute test drive so not conclusive but the bad point for me was the engine, it felt a bit flat compared to the fiesta, 208, etc. it really had to be revved and didn't sound that great when you did. Although, if they had been the same price the decision would have been a really difficult one for me.
If you're willing to go a bit older, you could get an Evora?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
kambites said:
From what I've seen, you're not going to find something with four seats which is as fun as older cars in the way you describe. Even things like the small hot hatches tend to focus on grip over balance and delicacy. Why not just buy an old car?
Or how about one of these (out of budget new, but you might find a newish second-hand one in budget):
http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/mmc/carrange/4seater...
It will get quite a hard life in the winter (temperatures down to -50C), so don't want to mess up a nice old car plus heaters in new cars are generally better! I like Morgans but would probably pass on one at the moment for the same reasons! Or how about one of these (out of budget new, but you might find a newish second-hand one in budget):
http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/mmc/carrange/4seater...
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 31st December 08:44
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