Fast and fun daily for 15k?

[kreetz]

Hi Guys,

I have been looking for a daily used car under 15k that is fast, fun and not horrendous on mpg. I thought that I had finally set my mind on an '11 plate BMW 335i coupe, with its timeless design, great performance and daily driver usability, however the insurance came up quite high - I am 23 and only have 1 years no claims (under second driver for 6 years). Of course, this lead me to look at the M135i hatch, although I find it a bit bland.

I would love the M235i, which isn't bad on insurance for some reason, however it is at least 5k over my budget. I think it looks great and, for the moment, quite unique around my area.

What do you guys suggest? I am mostly interested in coupes and hot hatches.

Previous cars: Alfa Romeo 147, Mazda MX5, Ford Fiesta, Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Thanks a lot,
Alex

[Scottie - NW]

Check out a GT86, looks great and is fun, also reasonable to run.

[marathonic]

This is well reviewed as a fun coupe and is from Toyota so reliability concerns shouldn't be an issue. However, it may not meet your definition of fast - which is all relative.

Toyota GT86 2.0 D-4S


Edit: LOL, beat me to it Scottie - NW

[Keldemebeh]

135i? If the M135i is too bland. Has the same engine as the 335i I believe.

[GrumpyTwig]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Tell them you'll buy it if they map it for you, sorted.

[MissChief]

Do you need more than two seats? 370Z? Are Caymans at that level yet? Z4 35is?

[kreetz]

marathonic said:

This is well reviewed as a fun coupe and is from Toyota so reliability concerns shouldn't be an issue. However, it may not meet your definition of fast - which is all relative.

Toyota GT86 2.0 D-4S


Edit: LOL, beat me to it Scottie - NW

I have seriously considered the GT86/Brz, but the snob in me is concerned with the power output. I do like a nice pull on the road once in a while - I would look into putting the left over money into increasing the performance. The S200 would be better in the performance aspect, however it is less refined.

Thanks for your help

[MissChief]

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... ?

[kreetz]

GrumpyTwig said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Tell them you'll buy it if they map it for you, sorted.

I stumbled into this early today! Great looking Megane

[kreetz]

MissChief said:

Do you need more than two seats? 370Z? Are Caymans at that level yet? Z4 35is?

Both are expensive on insurance

[kreetz]

Keldemebeh said:

135i? If the M135i is too bland. Has the same engine as the 335i I believe.

When was the update for the better rear lights? I'd like to take a look at the cost for them as it is indeed the same engine and looks a bit more sporty than the M

[ZX10R NIN]

kreetz said:

GrumpyTwig said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Tell them you'll buy it if they map it for you, sorted.

I stumbled into this early today! Great looking Megane

Get one you won't regret it:

Megane Trophy 265

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[Welshbeef]

Easy C5 RS6 or B7 RS4.

Plenty of power 450/470bhp and that great power unit.

[Big GT]

Alpina D3 coupe is well worth considering.

IMO the best 3 series, perfect suspension setup, light, Alpina tuned exhaust and intake, 330d gear box and breaks, great looks and the diesel carries power over 5KRPM. Its light and very chuckable. Plus the looks, image and overall cool factor that its not an M car.
Also NO iDRIVE! NO RUNFLATS! and Hydraulic steering!

This was faster than the 350z I had before.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[Welshbeef]

But it's a 2ltr bi turbo. Why would you not get a 330d instead and if you want faster remap it or get a 335d (or 335i).


Still C5 RS6 or B7 RS4 job done.

[Big GT]

Welshbeef said:

But it's a 2ltr bi turbo. Why would you not get a 330d instead and if you want faster remap it or get a 335d (or 335i).


Still C5 RS6 or B7 RS4 job done.

Good shout. But there are a million and one 330d's and 335d's. The Alpina is more driver focused, looks better and is rare. The 330d and 335d will provide a bigger in gear shove but the D3 is still quick enough for a daily.

[Welshbeef]

Someone at work has one - I only spoke to him about it last week. In his ownership (from 1 year old to I think it's 6(?) personal plate and didn't ask it's age) but he had one new turbo under warranty be it AUC or manufacturers don't know didn't ask and then another in later years he had to pay for personally.

That said he's on the look out for a D5. He loves the brand etc and wouldn't for instance ever choose a BMW over an Alpina.

[Big GT]

The D3 was unusual for Alpina that instead of taking a high spec BMW, they took a base spec 3 series, put in a tuned 123d engine and made a very good car into a great car with the D3.
I had my D3 biturbo for 2.5 years, 45K miles no problems.

[kreetz]

Thanks for this info, I have been taking a look at a few Alpinas and they're looking very suitable!

[Welshbeef]

kreetz said:

Thanks for this info, I have been taking a look at a few Alpinas and they're looking very suitable!

Have you seen one in the Flesh?

Front bumper lower splitter ALPINA over the entire width a bit bling so make sure that's your thing.
20'+ rims