Modern classic £10K Choices?

[Steamer]

This isnt a 'what car' thread as such - I just wanted to check I had not over looked any options.

For the last 6 months I've fallen in love with the idea of a Porsche 968 (probably a sport.. maybe a club sport).

The car will be a spare - used only at weekends, 2 seats or 4 - doesnt really matter. I was toying with the Boxster for a while but the 968 just seems slightly more appealing and I can't remember when I last saw one on the road.

The other choices are - westfield / caterham (at a push) although I've been there before. coincidently it was the only car I've owned that didnt lose any money, and that was over 5 years of ownership. That is something I would like to achieve with this next 10K car (not taking into account bills & running costs obviously) - I know it is a very big ask, but I think a 968 might just do that.

Not brave enough or deep enough pockets to keep a 928.

Mercedes 190 cosworth? - Gave up trying to find a straight one (that was when the budget was limited to 5K)

I dont want to go too classic as I'd like it to be usable, but also not mind standing for a month or so - I'm thinking 80's is about the limit.

It just has to be unique and a design classic (although design is subjective).

[LHD]

You just need to watch.

A good 968CS is now north of £10k, there are lots of dogs about and it pays to go and see (and drive) a few before buying one.

You should be able to bag a decent Sport for under £10k and if i was having another 968 it'd be a Sport.

[TTwiggy]

What about an Elise?

S1 prices are very firm, and you might struggle even at £10k, but an S2 (easier to live with, and just as nimble in K-Series guise) can be had for your budget.

[vixen1700]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2492509.htm

Would put a grin on your face.

[plasticpig]

Two that spring to mind are a BMW 635csi (M is probably out of budget) or Alpine GTA Turbo. The Alpine is more of a risk as they are probably just at the bottom of the depreciation curve. Decent 6's have been rising in value for a while now.

[Harry Flashman]

I had a 968. Awesome car except for one thing - that engine. As bland and boring as something in a shopping hatch. And not really powerful enough for the car.

I sold it for that reason, despite the fabulous steering, pin sharp handlinga and rifle-bolt gearchange.

Never again. My sports cars now need proper engines. A bellowing V8 can make up for a lot of shortfalls elsewhere. Nothing can make up for a boring powerplant, though.

[kingstondc5]

Honda Integra DC2 or DC5. Doubt DC2's will drop and DC5's shouldnt anymore or not until the gbp/yen ratio greatly improves and importers can start shifting them again in large amounts.

I know it seems that your looking for RWD but... Or S2000?

[BillyB]

Hard to find a decent 911 for £10k but I reckon you can if you look hard enough. More "classic" than "modern classic" though. 968 values have further to fall IMO.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2481...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2525...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2599...

[Steamer]

Harry Flashman said:

I had a 968. Awesome car except for one thing - that engine. As bland and boring as something in a shopping hatch.

I see your point, and like your logic! The 968 never really flicked my switch before, but now they seem to be looking better than they ever did.

TTwiggy said:

What about an Elise?

I've never tried one - will certainly have a look.

kingstondc5 said:

Honda Integra DC2 or DC5.


I know it seems that your looking for RWD but... Or S2000?

Ummm had'nt really thought about the 'ricer' route - although the general reliability does appeal - then that does open up the whole skyline and supra avenues too

[Chris71]

Somebody's got to say it, so....

TVR?

Ignore the pub experts, a sound example - and for £10k the obvious candidate would be a Chimaera, which is probably the most sensible of the lot - should be fairly reliable, deceptively practical and extremely exciting to drive. Needn't cost any more than a 968 really. Fair play if they're not your thing, but if you fancy the idea and left them out for fear of hassle or running costs then you might be pleasantly surprised...

[Steamer]

BillyB said:

Hard to find a decent 911 for £10k but I reckon you can if you look hard enough. More "classic" than "modern classic" though. 968 values have further to fall IMO.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2481...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2525...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=2599...

This thought had crossed my mind - certainly ticks the classic design box.

Two of those (on face value) look great - but would I being living in the same fear as owning a 928?

I had come to think of the 968 as 'a safe bet' as long as the belts and brakes had been looked after. I'm thinking £10K 911 is going to need more maintaining.

[macky17]

Not necessarily this one but:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2684916.htm

Or even better:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2633456.htm

Beat these

[Grovsie26]

Steamer said:

Ummm had'nt really thought about the 'ricer' route - although the general reliability does appeal - then that does open up the whole skyline and supra avenues too

Well you might be able to buy a Supra or Skyline for 10k, but the running costs are going to be at least 3 times that of a DC5, if not more. Wouldn't really call either Honda a classic, but both are rare enough (JDM DC2). Im a massive fan of quick Honda's, but i think there are better weekend cars out there for the cash, the DC5 is still quite expensive, and it appeals more because it's pretty practical IMO.

I was gonna suggest a Cossie lump? Elise is a good shout like said.

[louismchuge]

XJS

You could have a tidy convertable 10K if you fancied

[Variel]

Steamer said:

supra

This, love my Twin-Turbo Supra even with a couple of minor niggles I've had with it. Only problem is that 320bhp now feels slow.

[shoestring7]

Porsche 928S4 or GTS
A good low miles/owners 944turbo (pref an early one on Fuchs or a late cabby)
BMW E30 M3
Lancia Integrale


SS7
PS Or late Golf mk2 16v or mk1 cabriolet

[Boba Fret]

macky17 said:

Not necessarily this one but:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2684916.htm

Or even better:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2633456.htm

Beat these

I would NEVER buy such a highly strung car from a person who cannot even spell.

[Daston]

Supras are very solid however in standard trim they dont feel that fast (220bhp per ton)

Although if left stock it is sure to go up in value as more are modded or crashed.

[Harry Flashman]

Steamer said:

I had come to think of the 968 as 'a safe bet' as long as the belts and brakes had been looked after. I'm thinking £10K 911 is going to need more maintaining.

It is.

And it will bore you rigid.

It's a bit like the E30 M3. Awesome handling, underpowered. Makes sense if you can rag it everywhere. As much driving in the south is, well, in congested congestions, a £10k toy should have the kind of powertrain that makes you giggle even when crawling along.

Enter TVR...

[Grovsie26]

Boba Fret said:

I would NEVER buy such a highly strung car from a person who cannot even spell.

And such a crap ad, with crap pictures.