Right then... trip car?

[Bordtea]

Evening all,

Currently own a Megane RS250 that's at 300bhp/300lbft - really good fun, the way it goes around bends is something else and it really does put a smile on my face in tight technical sections.

However, myself and a couple of friends will be heading to the Alps once again in 2018 and last time we went I was in a BMW Z4 3.0si roadster which made an almighty noise echoing off the mountain walls will the roof down! My main criticism of the Megane is the engine sounds like a wet fart, even with the exhaust mods I've done. It's certainly no 6 cylinder!

So, looking ahead, I'm starting to investigate which car to change to. This car will also be my daily so can't go too impractical e.g. Caterham, but I do have a short commute so it's not the end of the world. My shortlist consists so far:

- E90 BMW M3 (probably cabrio?)
- BMW M135i
- Porsche Boxster/Cayman S 3.4 - my understanding is most of the IMS bearing worries had been solved with the 3.4?
- Nissan 370z (never really got on with my 350z I owned previously, but a bit of an itch to scratch there again as I sold it quickly!
- Mercedes SLK55 AMG - ticks all the boxes except a lack of a manual!!
- Lotus Elise S1 - worried about potential repair bills, and/or it breaking down on trip!

Any thoughts on the above, or any alternative suggestions? Certainly a range of cars there, really I'm looking for something punchy, fun! and makes a bloody good noise! Budget at the absolute top end is 16.5k

Cheers!

Edited by Bordtea on Wednesday 6th December 23:38

Edited by Bordtea on Wednesday 6th December 23:39

[DoubleD]

How about an S2000

[Aftershox]

From that list I would have the E90/E92 M3, M135I is OK but a bit stale. 3.4 cayman has a lot of engine problems, if you really want a cayman stretch to the 2009 onwards 2.9.

Have you considered a Mini GP2? Whilst only 2 seats I find mine the perfect road trip car as you have loads of luggage room. Feels special and sounds amazing.

[Deerfoot]

http://www.bbrgti.com/cars-for-sale/2011-mazda-mx-...

Must be just about perfect for the Alps...

[RSTurboPaul]

Holden HSV / Vauxhall VXR8 - V8 noise, big power, potentially supercharged (if you can find one), good to drive, big boot for travelling, comfy for four adults if needed (presuming the roof line is not too low at the back - I don't know myself).

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd second the VXR8 running costs will be lower than the M3 & it'll still be a cracking drive & trust me the noise in the Alps will be epic, the SLK55 is another great shout & I'd be surprised if the lack of a manual box would be an issue, the changes can be slow when compared to modern boxes but they are no slouches plus a call to Weistec can improve the shift speed.

6.0 VXR8

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

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

SLK55

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

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

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

Nissan 370Z

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

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

Leftfield option but well worth a look is this:

MK2 RS Focus

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

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

This would be my pick you can use it as a daily but it has an epic engine, they very rarely come up for sale this one is cheap in comparison to what I've seen (yes I'm bias as I have one) these normally go for, you'll never get bored of that engine note whether you're in the Alps or Asda plus who doesn't like 485bhp to play with.

The only option that isn't on this car is the rear blind:

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

[GreatGranny]

E90 M3 Cabrio for me especially if its going to be your daily as well.
It will be great in the Alps with the V8.
Also refined when it needs to be with the hard top.

[Bordtea]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone - will check them out!