Fun car to replace e46 M3 with low depreciation?

[muppetman74]

I reached mid-life crisis age a couple of years ago so I bought an e46 M3 vert for weekend duties as it was a scratch I always wanted to itch. It has been a great buy financially - I've spent around 2k on servicing, repairs and "de-chavving" but prices seems to be firm so it looks like I can offload it for about 2k more than I paid - so pretty much hasn't cost me anything for 2 years of ownership. The M3 was everything I thought it was going to be but now getting the itch to change but I've no idea what to go for. Budget is around 20k (don't mind spending much less or a bit more) but low depreciation is more important to me than outright purchase cost, so I'll stretch the budget for the right car.

Cars I've discounted are:

E92 V8 M3 vert - Lovely car but I had a 330i for a few years as a daily and the M3, although much quicker, didn't seem that special in comparison.
911 - 20k doesn't buy much these days as prices are extremely strong.
Audi RS5 - Drove one, outstandingly quick but handling was dead compared to the e46. Depreciation probably pretty high.
Nissan 370z - lovely engine but only drove an auto so no idea how the manual drives.
Cayman S Gen 2 - This is the current favourite but haven't driven one yet and I'm a bit of a tart so would really prefer a convertible (but not a deal breaker)

As you can see, a wide selection of cars - this is just for weekedn fun, not going to be tracking it. Any other ideas on what to go for? Before I get the usual "buy an MX5" comments, I'll add that I'm 6'4 so I need something that I'll fit into and don't look stupid in!

I'm slowly thinking that I should just keep the M3 (it still makes me smile when I drive it), but asking the PH collective if there is anything I should be considering.

[LordHaveMurci]

£15k would buy a nice 996, similar performance to the M3 but a completely different car to own & drive, prices seem to be on the rise too so get in niw & you could repeat your good fortune!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go & drive a 370Z in manual form & even better if you can find a Nismo then definitely try that.

Nismo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[cerb4.5lee]

Are TVR's your cup of tea?, you'll get a Cerbera/Griffith/Tuscan for around that money and they're pretty depreciation proof.

[muppetman74]

LordHaveMurci said:

£15k would buy a nice 996, similar performance to the M3 but a completely different car to own & drive, prices seem to be on the rise too so get in niw & you could repeat your good fortune!

I've just had a look at 996 prices, and I see what you mean - I'd discounted them as the 911 "noone wanted", but I can see prices are on the rise. I'll have another look...

[muppetman74]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say go & drive a 370Z in manual form & even better if you can find a Nismo then definitely try that.

Nismo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They look nice - only thing that worries me is the depreciation factor - as I'll be keeping for a couple of years, don't really want to lose thousands in depreciation.

cerb4.5lee said:

Are TVR's your cup of tea?, you'll get a Cerbera/Griffith/Tuscan for around that money and they're pretty depreciation proof.

Good call - TVRs are definitely my cup of tea - I used to work in Preston years ago and regularly saw factory cars being tested up and down the M61. I'll have to do some research - the bork factor worries me a lot as although I can do basic jobs myself, anything else I'd need to send it to a garage. I'm guessing by your user name that you've owned a 4.5 Cerbera - how was your experience, reliability-wise?

[T1547]

Have a test drive in the Cayman if you haven't already, I think you'll find it an easy decision afterwards

£25k would buy a decent gen 2 'S'

[cerb4.5lee]

muppetman74 said:

Good call - TVRs are definitely my cup of tea - I used to work in Preston years ago and regularly saw factory cars being tested up and down the M61. I'll have to do some research - the bork factor worries me a lot as although I can do basic jobs myself, anything else I'd need to send it to a garage. I'm guessing by your user name that you've owned a 4.5 Cerbera - how was your experience, reliability-wise?

Yes I had a Cerbera 4.5 for 6 years and it was fantastic fun and I loved it to bits, it was however a bit of a test of patience reliability wise, I was unfortunate in that it needed an engine rebuild at only 19k miles(purchased at 12k miles) which proved very expensive(£11k all in with crank/cylinder head etc).

Rebuild aside, it had three starter motors and the boot lock went twice, plus the wiper motor failed a couple of times but all those things are common TVR traits, if I left it outside in the rain it leaked water in as well!

In saying all that the performance per pound and grin factor when it worked was immense, I loved its noise/performance and head turning ability and the fact it was a challenge to drive fast was great fun, I don't regret having one though but they're certainly a rocky ownership ride for sure.

[burpface]

Have you considered a Maserati 4200. You could get a very tidy example at that budget. Ferrari based NA V8. Available as old fashioned single clutch flappy paddle or manual.

As you mentioned it is only a fun/weekend car, it tick the boxes "special" "occasion" "Italian/exotic", I have one, it's just compromised enough to make it a poor daily but a very exciting weekender if that makes sense.

[CrouchingWayne]

Any reason to discount the Boxster, if you like the idea of a convertible Cayman?

[Big GT]

cerb4.5lee said:

Are TVR's your cup of tea?, you'll get a Cerbera/Griffith/Tuscan for around that money and they're pretty depreciation proof.

For weekend duties then I would be looking towards TVR although you will more likely need £25K - £30K for a tidy example of the above.

Thought about SL55 AMG ? These will start to climb now. More left field E220 or 320 cab ?

[muppetman74]

@cerb4.5lee - That's exactly the sort of story that scares me about TVRs! Obviously with all older cars there are always unforeseen costs, but an 11k engine build would certainly have the missus put a stop to me having a weekend toy!

burpface said:

Have you considered a Maserati 4200. You could get a very tidy example at that budget. Ferrari based NA V8. Available as old fashioned single clutch flappy paddle or manual.

As you mentioned it is only a fun/weekend car, it tick the boxes "special" "occasion" "Italian/exotic", I have one, it's just compromised enough to make it a poor daily but a very exciting weekender if that makes sense.

Another good call and something I'd not considered. I'll take a look at some examples and do a bit of research. The compromise of bad daily/good weekender is exactly what I'm after - I've never been in one but I assume the cabin is typically elegant Italian - as I siad, I'm not after a track-day warrior so could fit the bill.

CrouchingWayne said:

Any reason to discount the Boxster, if you like the idea of a convertible Cayman?

On paper, it would be the ideal choice as I've driven a few over the years and always been impressed with the drive but (this is going to sound fickle) I've never really liked the design of the back end of all gens apart from the latest (718?) but they are too new (read expensive).

I've got some time tomorrow so will hopefully find some local examples of the 996, Cayman and 4200 I can mooch round at local indys to examine in the flesh. Cheers for the great ideas - I knew there would be something I'd not even thought of!

[cerb4.5lee]

muppetman74 said:

@cerb4.5lee - That's exactly the sort of story that scares me about TVRs! Obviously with all older cars there are always unforeseen costs, but an 11k engine build would certainly have the missus put a stop to me having a weekend toy!

My Mrs completely lost the plot with me when that bill arrived too!! she's not much of a TVR fan!...I went off them a fair bit too.

[CrouchingWayne]

Fair enough on Boxster design. Keep us updated as I'm interested to see where you go with it.

Do you think Cayman depreciation is slow enough? I've not tracked the market but have always assumed the box/Cayman would depreciate down to 986 levels. Are Gen2 cars more reliable engine wise?

[ZX10R NIN]

muppetman74 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say go & drive a 370Z in manual form & even better if you can find a Nismo then definitely try that.

Nismo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They look nice - only thing that worries me is the depreciation factor - as I'll be keeping for a couple of years, don't really want to lose thousands in depreciation.

cerb4.5lee said:

Are TVR's your cup of tea?, you'll get a Cerbera/Griffith/Tuscan for around that money and they're pretty depreciation proof.

Good call - TVRs are definitely my cup of tea - I used to work in Preston years ago and regularly saw factory cars being tested up and down the M61. I'll have to do some research - the bork factor worries me a lot as although I can do basic jobs myself, anything else I'd need to send it to a garage. I'm guessing by your user name that you've owned a 4.5 Cerbera - how was your experience, reliability-wise?

The depreciation on the Nismo's has been very slow, that's mainly to do with the small number made new (with discounts) these are 30k

Also don't forget your E46 depreciated heavily to begin with it's only in the last 4 years that prices firmed up & recently started to appreciate.

The 370 is an analog car which means that if you're handy with the spanners you can actually work on it which is a big factor when it comes to future running costs plus you won't see many out there, I've sourced two for customers & they're a fun drive.

Looking at the prices they paid the depreciation for what was a new car has been very low around 6.5k over the last two years with prices starting to firm up if you plan on keeping it a while these will be a good call.

You could get a 996 these are a good drive but personally I've never been a fan of the looks & personally I'd stretch the budget so I could get what I consider a great underrated steer that's often overlooked by the masses:

N/A Lotus Evora

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They hold there money very well & as far as I'm concerned they're a better steer than most 911's.

[Terzo123]

Ever thought about a Monaro VXR. Not as sharp as the M3, in fact more like a sledge hammer, which is part of the appeal. Plenty of room inside, zero depreciation and potential for serious power to be had.

[muppetman74]

CrouchingWayne said:

Fair enough on Boxster design. Keep us updated as I'm interested to see where you go with it.

Do you think Cayman depreciation is slow enough? I've not tracked the market but have always assumed the box/Cayman would depreciate down to 986 levels. Are Gen2 cars more reliable engine wise?

Always a gamble re depreciation but it does seem that the Caymans do seem to hold their value a bit better than the Boxster. The Gen 2 avoids the major issues (bore scoring and IMS failures) so I feel that prices will stabilise a bit - as they get older/cheaper I think folks will favour a Gen 2 to avoid major borkage. I'm no expert, of course!

ZX10R NIN said:

The depreciation on the Nismo's has been very slow, that's mainly to do with the small number made new (with discounts) these are 30k

Also don't forget your E46 depreciated heavily to begin with it's only in the last 4 years that prices firmed up & recently started to appreciate.

The 370 is an analog car which means that if you're handy with the spanners you can actually work on it which is a big factor when it comes to future running costs plus you won't see many out there, I've sourced two for customers & they're a fun drive.

Looking at the prices they paid the depreciation for what was a new car has been very low around 6.5k over the last two years with prices starting to firm up if you plan on keeping it a while these will be a good call.

You could get a 996 these are a good drive but personally I've never been a fan of the looks & personally I'd stretch the budget so I could get what I consider a great underrated steer that's often overlooked by the masses:

N/A Lotus Evora

They hold there money very well & as far as I'm concerned they're a better steer than most 911's.

I've now done a bit of research - I hadn't appreciated the Nismo was as rare as it is, which is always good for resale. I'm going to try and drive at least a manual 370z (if I can't find a Nismo near enough) to see how I get on. As regards the Evora, I discounted Lotus models as I couldn't even fit into a mate's Elise unless he took the roof off. That was years ago when I was much bendier than I am now, and the internet tells me I'd have the same struggles with an Evora. Beautiful car though.

Terzo123 said:

Ever thought about a Monaro VXR. Not as sharp as the M3, in fact more like a sledge hammer, which is part of the appeal. Plenty of room inside, zero depreciation and potential for serious power to be had.

Another good choice, but I had a Pontiac GTO for a few months when I was living in the US (same car), so wanted something different.

I've spent the last couple of days scouring the classifieds (haven't managed to get out today to see anything in the flesh), and I keep getting drawn to the Tuscan - even though its over budget and has the potential for major borkage, I'm ignoring all that. I'm almost too scared to go and look at one - I've a feeling as soon as I hear the sound of the engine, I'll be handing over the cash. Damn you, @cerb4.5lee !

Heart is saying Tuscan, head is saying Gen 2 Cayman.

It's all academic until I've driven some cars - hopefully later this week.

[SidewaysSi]

Are car prices going to continue rising? Probably not IMO.

Get an Elise. Wipes the floor with everything else.

[jonah35]

E60 m5
M6
C63 amg
Tvr with recent engine rebuild and warranty

[Big GT]

muppetman74 said:

I've spent the last couple of days scouring the classifieds (haven't managed to get out today to see anything in the flesh), and I keep getting drawn to the Tuscan - even though its over budget and has the potential for major borkage, I'm ignoring all that. I'm almost too scared to go and look at one - I've a feeling as soon as I hear the sound of the engine, I'll be handing over the cash. Damn you, @cerb4.5lee !

Heart is saying Tuscan, head is saying Gen 2 Cayman.

It's all academic until I've driven some cars - hopefully later this week.

2 years ago I was in your position. Drove V8 vantage, Cayman and F430. All great cars in one or the other. Then came the Tuscan. Now I loved Tuscan's since they were launched and in films etc but TBH they had fallen off my want radar since mainly due to TVR problems and early reliability issues.
Then 2 years ago i saw one parked up and I just thought what a weirdly gorgeous creation, stunning. So I did more research and realised although troublesome when new, most had been fettled and good examples are now much better (engine, handling, dampers etc) than what came out of blackpool.
So I thought I would test drive one , because then I would hate it right ?
Wrong

Purchased one 18 months ago and what a buzz. Pure drivers cars, remember these are basically racing cars with twitchy road manners compared to a road car like a Porsche. The speed 6 burbles at low speed, gargles mid range and releases Armageddon over 5KRPM.

Go in with open eyes, do your research but basically buy the best one you can afford from a specialist (with rebuild!)