Next occasional use car

[otp]

I'm looking for my next occasional use car it will follow E34 540 manual, VXR8 manual, porsche 997 C2S manual and finally TVR Cerbera. The Cerb unfortunately died after a collision with a lamppost . This is where my predicament starts. It was made clear to me when as I left the london hospital that my next vehicle would have a bit more safety built in and had I of been in the porsche it wouldn't of happened at all.
I want something that is different and a bit of drama to it (which is why I got the cerb) but something that's engaging to drive I don't drive at 10/10ths all the time but when the occasion arrives I want rapid acceleration and the ability for a bit of slidey fun and glorious noise that puts a smile on your face. But modern bits air con, four seats and a good sound system
I'm thinking of e46 m3, Maserati 3200 or possibly an M5 E60 . I have a Vectra GSI 3.2 as a daily.
I was wary of the SMG box but having driven one I like the way it works I known the reliability is a bit suspect . The maserati is in because it's a twin turbo V8 and you don't see them often.
Budget is ideally around the 12k mark
Any advice from current or past owners I'm a trained mechanic and currently work at prestige Bodyshop .

Thanks
Clive

[Codswallop]

E60 M5 would be a dog at your price point.

Maser is lovely but fragile. Suspension parts are expensive and wear quite quickly. Less of an issue if you do low miles, but something to bear in mind.

How about a Z4M rather than an M3? Same engine, no rear floor pan issues, and it'll be more special when the sun is out.

VX220 worth a look too. Should stand up better in a crash than a Cerb too.

[otp]

Agreed M5 possibly not the best choice but the lure of 500hp is difficult to resist. Z4m is 2 seats only and the VX220 again 2 seats and its a four pot. I should of said I wanted more than 4 cylinders. I thought about going back to a porsche but the issues with 997 gen 1 engine and the rms and ims issues with early boxster and Cayman plus they're also 2 seat only. I Like the idea of the hooligan M3 trying to find one which you can factor in floor repair cost or if it's had the floor done they seem to be wrong spec that I want.

[otp]

Agreed M5 possibly not the best choice but the lure of 500hp is difficult to resist. Z4m is 2 seats only and the VX220 again 2 seats and its a four pot. I should of said I wanted more than 4 cylinders. I thought about going back to a porsche but the issues with 997 gen 1 engine and the rms and ims issues with early boxster and Cayman plus they're also 2 seat only. I Like the idea of the hooligan M3 trying to find one which you can factor in floor repair cost or if it's had the floor done they seem to be wrong spec that I want.

[Codswallop]

Oops - missed the fact you wanted a 4 seater.

Iirc, BMW extended the warranty to 10 years for the floor pan issue on the e46 (but do check on an OC!), so it shouldn't be an issue.

Personally I'd rather have a Monaro than an M3 at that price point as it feels special more of the time for me. Very different to a VXR8 too.

Leftfield option - Audi S4 cabrio could be interesting for open air V8 goodness. Seats 4 at a pinch too.

[otp]

I worked a Vauxhall dealer whn the Monaro came to the UK . I'm not keen on the interior its a bit too plastic and I found the VXR 8 a bit agricultural in its handling and generally . The Audi S4 is a good call but I've read they need a timing chain replacement at 100k which is engine out job plus it's more of an every day car . It's doesn't have the same specialness as the Maserati for instance . Most of the S4's have been company mile eaters as most have huge mileage on them

[ZX10R NIN]

Some options with 4 seats & a good amount of power:

Fast & rare
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Jaguar
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-AMG-CLK-55-/271...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

[thespannerman]

I was thinking 'M3, M3, M3, M3' the whole way through that.

M3, then put a proper exhaust on it

[otp]

Zx10r NIN that was quick searching I wouldn't have a merc whilst the flat howl of the V8 is awesome I don't like automatics which is a shame they don't them in manual same with the jag a manual XKR would be fantastic. The haman M3 er no like the seats but that's it. The 11k M3 is nice but it's eaten all the budget for a floor reinforcement a map and most importantly as spannerman says. A proper exhaust . The problem with m3 values is they are all over the place usually dealers are are more expensive because of the warranty and finance facilities but when private sale values are more than dealers what is the right value. Ideally I don't want to loose half it's value before the end of the year when the market sorts it's self out. The other issue with an M3 is there are so many out there I was being a specific with what I wanted colour trim toys etc.
I've never been in a position before with cash waiting and not knowing what way to go.

[ZX10R NIN]

Here's an alternative you can put your own stamp on it, springs Map Intercooler Exhaust Air filters & you'll be in the 400+bhp zone

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

or

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

With the 335i there's a lot of choice so I'm sure you can get the right car with the right spec then add the upgrades you desire also the runing costs won't be as high.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 23 March 06:19

[Krupp Stahl]

E46 M3 - I absolutely adore mine.