£10K Fun Machine Wanted

[Funkstar De Luxe]

I fell ass backwards into some money recently, and can scrape together about £10K to purchase a car that will put a smile on my face. The two I have in mind right now are either a Maserati 3200, or a Porsche 911 Carrera [996]. I think both of these cars represent amazing value for money second hand, but I am open to new suggestions.

I'm not at all worried about practicality, although I would need it to start every day and average about 25MPG. Need to be a manual.

Some background - I do love all things Italian, and probably my favourite car from a drivers perspective was my Fiat Barchetta, felt so nice. Currently driving X-reg Boxster which is a lovely machine, no complaints there either.

So, what does everyone think? Any other suggestions for sub 10K fun-mobiles?

Tony

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Well I've heard plenty of bad stories surrounding the Maserati, but the Porsche? I would have thought those were bullet proof, am I wrong?

[Funkstar De Luxe]

VX220? Interesting, will need to see if I can find one to test drive. And I know I'm closing a lot of doors here, but I really don't find the majority of Asian/Japanese cars very interesting. Nothing evidence based to back that up, they just don't really appeal to me, personally.

Have bike licence, yes, but I would kill myself on a Ducati - or any sports bike TBH...

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Would kill for a TVR, but surely they are more prone to major engine failures that the 996? I've never read a TVR advert without the owner having to mention "underwent engine rebuild in 20XX". Besides, what I really want is a red Sagaris.

Still siding with the Maserati at the moment, but manual is difficult to find.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

The Cerbera looks gorgeous for the money. Now we're probably talking 911, 3200 GTA, or Cerbera... Got some thinking, and some test driving to do...

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Excellent link, thank you. Reading now...

[Funkstar De Luxe]

mike9009 said:

You do realise the VX220 is built in the UK by Lotus. (or are you referring to Lotus being owned by Proton??). At 10k you could just squeeze into a Turbo which has fantastic performance, cheap to maintain, shouldn't throw up any big bills, stunning to look at (matter of opinion) and will easily get 30mpg.

Mike

Yeah, the comment was really referring to the suggestions of Subarus, Hondas etc.

So far, I think I've ruled out the 3200... Maybe... So between the 911 and the Cerbera at the moment, however I really don't fancy the bill for an engine rebuild in either one.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

I Monaro does nothing for me. I mean it's almost cool, but there's something very ugly about it's looks

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Final question, what one is going to hold it's value better? The 911 or the Cerbera? One of the reasons I wanted a 3200 is because I believe they simply will not dip lower than they have already, I think it would be a fairly safe expectation not too lose a great deal if I had the requirement to sell.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

I really appreciate all the help so far guys, some really great suggestions. However...

I think I can get a 4200 GT for 10k now. I simply cannot resist that, especially in manual.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

LordHaveMurci said:

Drive both, I did & I bought a 996 C2

Amazing, can you tell me more? Would love a brief comparison

[Funkstar De Luxe]

It's a PITA to get a test drive in either of these cars where I live (north Scotland). I'll make a point of doing so before I commit, but by the sounds of things I don't want a tourer to be honest.