Depreciation busting, fun, fast, fruity

[anonymous-user]

I'm searching for the holy grail. That car that fits all my needs and wants, but won't hurt my wallet too badly. Maintenance I don't mind, paying for upgrades I don't mind, but I don't like depreciation much - who does?

Budget is £15-£20k.

Priorities are a fun, involving drive, nimble handling, great noise, low bork potential, minimal depreciation.

Practicality isn't a concern, but needs to be a viable daily driver and take three or four track days a year in it's stride. No heavy barges, let's say 1.5 tons-ish absolute maximum. Not especially keen on soft-tops, but will consider them.

Only doing about 8k miles a year in total so fuel economy doesn't matter. Would be nice if it was habitable enough to do the occasional cross-Europe trip to.... ooohhhh.... let's say Spa

Might have missed the boat on them already, but as an example the Z4M coupe looks like a good shout, rare, a bit under-appreciated at the moment as generally reviewed as not quite as sharp to drive as the Cayman, but has the E46 M3 CSL engine in a lighter package, feels like a future classic.

Any suggestions? Perfect Sunday afternoon daydream fodder surely

[variablesensitivity]

It's worth considering a Z4 3.0 si if you are looking at the Z4M. About £10,000 for an excellent example. Definitely a great drive with a superb engine, though I'm not sure about the depreciation.

Somewhat less exciting engine than the M but still a very good one. The power curve is very similar between the two engines though the M engine revs around 1000rpm higher than the si.

No LSD though and I'm not sure if the brakes would cope on a trackday. Then again I don't think the Z4M brakes are that highly rated either.

[keo]

Lotus Elise? Depends if you are happy to do 8k init though. I had mine as my daily for the first 12 months with out an issue. Yes they are a bit noisey/ some leak.

Very cheap to run as they are so light. Looking at current prices it hasn't cost me a penny in depreciation. Might have even made a little on it.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the MK2 Focus RS is a great shout, a cracking engine reasonable running costs limited availability will always keep prices strong.

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

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

Look for a MR375 & you really won't go far wrong.

[anonymous-user]

3.0 Si would definitely be a good shout, but I think I'd always be wishing it had that M engine under the bonnet. I like the idea of an Elise a lot, but I'm a bit tall for them.

I'd never considered a Focus RS, completely forgot about the Mk2, that's a very interesting thought as I've a major soft spot for a nice Volvo 5-pot.

[CrouchingWayne]

What about a Z4M roadster if you don't think you can get a coupe? For what it's worth I think £18k would get you a Z4MC worth having.

I'd consider a 2.7 Cayman/Boxster as well.