Downsizing from a C63... 370Z?

[phil1979]

I have a 6.2 C63 estate, worth around 30k. The Mrs has an ageing Countryman that could use updating.

We are considering selling both, and buying a family car that both of us could use, but would be primarily hers. Thinking something like a Merc GLC or similar.

As the C63 estate duties would be covered by her new car, I could downsize to something cheaper, and smaller, but I know I would miss the noise and drama of the Merc, but not the auto box and fuel bills.

So, the options? Ideal budget 15-20K, 2 doors, would consider 2 and 4 seat options, ideally manual, 6 cylinders minimum, good noise, and I wouldn't rule out a folding metal roof, but definitely no soft tops.

Thoughts and pics from the PH masses would be great.

P.S. A leggy coupe version of my current Merc not of interest, as I would forever compare it to my minter.

[Ecosseven]

How about a bmw 435i?

[phil1979]

I just can't gel with the Cayman. It just seems too petite. I would like something less sophisticated, if that makes sense. Wondering if a VXR8 would fit the bill?

[phil1979]

I don't think I could handle the M3 image, but the ISF intrigues me... off to the classifieds...

[ZX10R NIN]

The IS-F is a very good car but another one to really have a look at is the 370Z Nismo, they're rare but an excellent drivers car
but they're just over budget:

370Z Nismo

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

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

Test drive one & you may well find yourself impressed.

IS-F is a good car but you may well find it a bit lacking (after having the 63) in grunt, they're not it's just that like the M3/RS4 the IS-F makes it's peak torque late & high up the rev range, also have a chat with Fensport about a spring setup that takes away the slightly fidgety ride.

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

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

[phil1979]

Interesting, thanks.

[Welshbeef]

What do you need to carry in your car?
You are used to a small estate car but the boot in a Z....golf clubs on passenger seat issues

[ZX10R NIN]

[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/Ud4V5TMP[/url
]

Looks like Golf Bags aren't a problem.

[CrouchingWayne]

You might like a Z4M coupe

[SiT]

Really like the 370Z and you don't see many of them, quite a 'sledgehammer' type car I get the impression but an engine that needs working hard to get the best out of it from the reviews I have watched/read.

Keep us posted!

Si

[phil1979]

Thanks all.

What's the verdict on the 5.0 version of the XKR? Are they generally reliable, or money pits.

One leftfield option completely against my OP... 595 Abarth!

[greggy50]

These are a lot of car for the money imo

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