naturally aspirated fun for 8 grand?

[stepmeek]

Bit of a strange one I suppose but I have recently got rid of my M135i as we needed a sensible family car for our growing family.

I have put a bit of money away in the bank and am looking at getting something fun to drive at the weekend. I have no real "must haves" other than the fact that the car is a non turbo engine (I have my reasons and this is the one thing I am sticking too) and that I must be able to keep it outside on my driveway, so no garage queens or soft tops. The car will be used for weekend drives and hopefully the odd track day.

Things I have considered: Straight sixes; 130i or 330ci. V6;alfa GTA or GTV, Mercedes SLK 350. Four cylinder: Integra type R, Clio 200,MK3 MX5

Would love to hear other peoples ideas. My favourites just now are the integra type R which I haven't yet driven so really need to try one. Or the BMW 130i, which I have driven and I love but feel it might not be special enough to excite me after a while.

[Glasgowrob]

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

[911p]

'No soft top' criteria means you're missing out on some great cars. I used to have a Mk1 MX5 track car that sat out on the drive for 3 years in wind, rain and snow. I just used a soft-top cover and it was absolutely fine.

S2000;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...

986 Boxster;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

[golfer19]

What about a BMW Z4 coupe.
3.0 6cyl.
Shouldn't lose too much on depreciation either due to the low number produced.

Edited by golfer19 on Thursday 15th December 11:43

[V8RX7]

stepmeek said:

I must be able to keep it outside on my driveway, so no garage queens or soft tops.

Do you live in a really rough area ?

Otherwise there is no issue keeping a modern convertible outside.

The best fun cars IMO are all convertibles:

MX5
Boxster
Z4

[stepmeek]

Glasgowrob said:

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

Do really like these actually although don't think it could ever cut it on the track

[stepmeek]

911p said:

'No soft top' criteria means you're missing out on some great cars. I used to have a Mk1 MX5 track car that sat out on the drive for 3 years in wind, rain and snow. I just used a soft-top cover and it was absolutely fine.

S2000;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...

986 Boxster;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Porsche is not for me but S2000 is one I really like, again like the integra type R I need to drive one. But great shout

[aka_kerrly]

stepmeek said:

that I must be able to keep it outside on my driveway, so no garage queens or soft tops..

Have you not considered a removable hard top so that then you could consider cars like the Honda S2000, BOxster ?

What about a Z4 coupe?

[stepmeek]

PetrolJosh said:

I reckon you've picked out 2 of the best cars in that list (Clio should also be considered imo). If you can get a good one, for me it has to be the Integra. Not only are they the sweetest handling FWD car available, but they also have strong residuals. If it's gonna be more of a "road toy" than a track toy then the other two might be more suitable. Best bet is to try and test drive them and see which you prefer, but if it was my money it would be the Integra, always wanted one.

Yeah I am definitely liking the idea of the integra, if it is as good as everyone says to drive then it will probably be my first choice as I love the looks and rarity of them.

[stepmeek]

aka_kerrly said:

Have you not considered a removable hard top so that then you could consider cars like the Honda S2000, BOxster ?

What about a Z4 coupe?

I feel like I should consider soft tops now going on what some people have said. I just don't have access to a garage and don't like the idea of soft top sitting in the rain for months at a time. The mk3 mx5 for example I would only choose one with the folding roof. S2000 with hard top would be great. The Z4 coupe looks amazing but I would only want the 3.0 and from what I have seen I will struggle to find one in budget.

[ITP]

Could add a 350z to your list

[V8RX7]

I have kept my Mk1 MX5 outside for 20 years !

[TameRacingDriver]

I've just sold a Z4 Coupe. Loved it. Best car I've ever had as an all-rounder. However, for driving hard / pure fun the DC2 is the better machine for me. I had my old one nearly 3 years which is the longest I've kept a car.

[SWoll]

ITP said:

Could add a 350z to your list

Definitely. Nissan reliability, RWD, 276bhp+ and plenty in budget. Also much closer in driving experience to the 130i you mention having driven and loved than some of the other cars mentioned.

With regards to the Integra Type-R, a friend of mine had the UK DC2 model back in the day. I personally found the ride too harsh and the engine far to manic/gutless. It was good fun when you were absolutely up it on a decently surfaced road but hard work the rest of the time. Definitely have a test drive first as not a car that suits everyone IME, much like the S2000.

Edited by SWoll on Wednesday 14th December 23:50

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm bias but a CLK55 is in budget & worth a look.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

SLK 350

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Nissan 350Z

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Nissan Skyline 350GT

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

TT 3.2 Manual

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[Johnny 89]

What about > 6cyl??

[TameRacingDriver]

Swoll, I'm willing to bet if the teg was too hard in the ride department that something had been done to it as they are quite supple out of the box.

350z is a decent shout mainly for the noise but it's a bit of a tank to drive.

[stepmeek]

Johnny 89 said:

What about > 6cyl??

Such as? Only thing I have considered is an s4 but then they are a bit heavy and don't handle great from what I have heard

[stepmeek]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'm bias but a CLK55 is in budget & worth a look.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

SLK 350

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Nissan 350Z

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Nissan Skyline 350GT

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

TT 3.2 Manual

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Never fancied the 350z, it's looking a bit dated now IMO. The V6 TT looks a bit of a bargain now, think that's worth a drive for sure. Anyone here had one or drove one?

[anonymous-user]

These do get a hard rep but many love them.

Mazda RX8 R3

38,200 miles

£6,995

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...



Ford Racing Puma

Unfortunately this one was at an auction but could be worth a call to see if it sold

http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/ford/puma/...