Oh.... I've only gone and started one of those threads....

[jayemm89]

Okay, okay.... I think I love and hate these threads with equal measure but here goes...

If you had a budget of £25k for a weekend car, what would you be looking at - here are my criteria:

1. Must have a decent amount of go in it (pref sub 5.5 sec to 60 or thereabouts)
2. Must be relatively modern (ie. 80s and onwards)
3. Must have enough boot space for a week away
4. Must be manual (consider SMG/DSG)
5. MUST be 2 seat only

Reliability not a massive worry as most cars, properly looked after, seem reasonably reliable and I can budget money to sort any potential problems (within reason).

and here's the kicker

I really prefer targa topped cars - ie. something that looks quite coupe-like, but can still get the thrill of open-top motoring. Sexy convertibles would be considered. I love the look of coupes but just need the wind in my hair for this car.

So far the best option I've come up with is a TVR Tuscan. Possibly an esprit, but leaning towards the TVR quite heavily. Would love to hear alternatives.

Fortunately I won't have the money to do this until next year but I like to do all my research well in advance

Thankyou fellow PH'ers!

[rallycross]

Yawn. Not another boring what should I buy even though I won't threads.

[steviegunn]

Only other things I can think of are an Supra Aerotop, C5 Corvette, maybe a slightly ropey Ferrari 348TS or an MR2 Turbo.

[TheCarFather]

A lotus Exige S touring with about 10k on the clock would be in budget?

[bobbo89]

TheCarFather said:

A lotus Exige S touring with about 10k on the clock would be in budget?

Aye, thought that myself but unless he only wants to change his pants for the week away its not realy viable!

Do C6 Targa's go for that money these days? I know coupe's do!

[JONSCZ]

This would suit all your requirements -

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

and with the Targa roof removed, would look like this - http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p140/race_invad...

Also available in more 'larey' colours or with semi automatic, flappy paddle gearbox as in this one - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...

The Coupe versions all come with a body coloured removable hardtop, or a smoked glass (plastic actually) panel except the Z06 and ZR1 versions.
There's also a full convertible version.
Just a thought.....

[Welshbeef]

An Aston DB7 would fit the bill

[Tickle]

Europa S?

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

Not bad luggage space either,

[sawman]

I think I must be turning into a miserable old get - today my response to a 25k what car post makes me feel that the person with 25k in their back pocket and can't decide what to do with it, should have it taken off them....

but to answer the query - get the TVR

Edited by sawman on Monday 5th May 19:28

[jayemm89]

sawman said:

I think I must be turning into a miserable old get - today my response to a 25k what car post makes me feel that the person with 25k in their back pocket and can't decide what to do with it, should have it taken off them....

No this person is pretty sure they know what they want and just doesn't want to kick themselves on the journey home when they see another car and go "oh bugger, forgot about those"

[aka_kerrly]

SLK55 ?

[jayemm89]

JONSCZ said:

This would suit all your requirements -

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

and with the Targa roof removed, would look like this - http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p140/race_invad...

Also available in more 'larey' colours or with semi automatic, flappy paddle gearbox as in this one - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...

The Coupe versions all come with a body coloured removable hardtop, or a smoked glass (plastic actually) panel except the Z06 and ZR1 versions.
There's also a full convertible version.
Just a thought.....

Thanks JONSCZ

This is exactly what I was hoping to hear - I had no idea the "coupes" were actually all targas, even though it is a left hooker I would definitely give this some serious consideration. I was lucky enough to be a passenger in a C6 Z06 and it scrambled my insides a bit, wickedly fast that thing. Am sure the standard thing is no slouch either!

[Liquid Knight]

Take the back seat out of a Lotus Carlton and close the thread.

[Welshbeef]

SL55k AMG v8

[jayemm89]

Welshbeef said:

SL55k AMG v8

Interesting idea. Never been a big fan of mercs... but a proper AMG would be very tempting...

[aka_kerrly]

Welshbeef said:

SL55k AMG v8

aka_kerrly @19:28 said:

SLK55 ?

i said it first

[ewan221]

TVR T350T?

[jayemm89]

ewan221 said:

TVR T350T?

Also a consideration, I actually prefer the more conventional dash of the T350/Tamora over the Tuscan's slightly nuts (but very pretty) one.

I was a bit disappointed with a Tamora I drove, but am well aware not all TVRs are built equal. I do like some of the mad colours they come in (esp. Rolex Blue or Red Bull Blue)

[Ali_T]

XKR (current shape), DB7 Vantage and 4200 GT all fit the bill. All will be crippling if they break though!

Edited by Ali_T on Tuesday 6th May 13:34

[Mr SFJ]

V8 M3 Cabrio?