20k ish, have I missed anything ?

[J4CKO]

The M135i/M140i figure heavily in my current thinking, possibly an M235i

SIck of older cars so want something that isnt pre-ruined, so not too old.

Will be a cash purchase, absolute top budget is 22, maybe 23, realistically and preferably less

Dont want a barge, had a CLS and loved the car but ended up using another car rather than have to berth it anywhere tight.

Not totally against top rate VED but prefer not to this time, will be a keeper for a few years.

No big off roaders, SUV's, MPV's, Crossovers etc, though am quite partial to the Macan, way out of my price range and not sure I could bring myself to.

V10 M5 way too scary and old, ditto V8 M3, would be bottom of the market at that money.

Thought of 370Z but had a 350Z which I like but not sure I want another.

Avoiding Golf R's and S3's due to so many going walkies.

Want something decently rapid that is at least fairly engaging. Not all that fussed on economy so no need for a diesel, doesnt have to be that practical but doesnt hurt. Am erring on the side of an auto but not a rigid requirement

Leon Cupra 280/290/300 ?

Not sure I want another TT, not that keen on the MK2, Mk3 still too pricey.

GT86, sure its great but not sure I want one, I like turbos and large capacity.

Scirocco, ok but looks dont grab me.

Fiesta ST, bit too small, already got one in the household.

Focus ST, limited enthusiasm, RS too expensive.

Golf GTI, not really fast enough, may as well get the Leon.

All the Pork for the money is either very old or a liability engine wise.

[Heaveho]

Lexus IS-F ? Low miler for that money, not that it matters, they don't go wrong. Maybe too old, maybe too big, but they don't feel it when you drive them.

[duff]

23k is far from bottom of the market for the V8 M3. They’ve done a lot of depreciation already and the auto is supposed to be good. Personally there’s no way I’d spend that sort of money on a Scirocco or Leon, may as well lease.

[Prinny]

Was going to suggest Monaro / VXR8, but possibly too old/bargey? Random Autotrader link. (but I don’t think you’ll lose money on these - prices appear to be static last few years). https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Last of the 2dr ‘coupe’ (previous shape) 135i with a bit of funds left over for LSD, etc to make it ‘yours’? Maybe too old? (random AT)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S5. (random from AT)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or let’s face it - 335i is the other obvious contender.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Lexus IS-F ticks pretty much all your boxes J4CKO:

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

Haggle & you should get close to your top number:

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

A couple of threads worth reading.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 8th May 23:24

[thewifescar]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...

Subaru WRX STI

[The Voice]

Another vote for the Subaru WRX STi

£21k will get you a 2 year old, low mileage car still under warranty.

Different from the usual boring Golf R's etc.

Quick, fun, engaging, practical...

[J4CKO]

Intrigued by the IS-F but surprised they arent cheaper at ten years old, obviously fairly well thought of an probably a more robust, if not quite as focused M3 alternative.

There was a time when i wanted an Impreza, never got one and have lost the urge for one, wife has an aversion to them so not that bothered I would want to go there, though I thinkits earlier ones with stickers she doesnt like.

Old 135i, bit old and not keen on the looks.

S5, have always liked that shape but not sure I want to own one.

Love Monaros and their ilk but bigger than I want to go really.

Edited by J4CKO on Wednesday 9th May 12:29

[Yiliterate]

XFR too bargey for you...?

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

[Deerfoot]

J4CKO said:

Want something decently rapid that is at least fairly engaging. Not all that fussed on economy so no need for a diesel, doesnt have to be that practical but doesnt hurt. Am erring on the side of an auto but not a rigid requirement

Not a Golf R, almost practical but not an auto. I know the looks aren't for everyone though...

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

[ZX10R NIN]

Leftfield Option:

Insignia VXR Supersport they're a decent steer fast (mapping gets rid of the flat spot & adds a lot more go as well) & underrated, plus you should be able to extend the Manufacturer's warranty on these so there's some peace of mind too.

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

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

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

[hyphen]

Heaveho said:

Lexus IS-F ? Low miler for that money, not that it matters, they don't go wrong. Maybe too old, maybe too big, but they don't feel it when you drive them.

If Lexus, I would go Lexus RC. Better looking/rarer.

[ZX10R NIN]

True but they're well outside the OP's budget.

[Honestherbert]

Agree that 20-23k is far from bottom budget for e60 M5/e92 M3! You would get an excellent example for less with a bork fund to fix any problems! The rest of the cars on the list just seem like hot hatches and very different cars. Id certainly rather have an M5 than an auto seat leon but each to their own!

[JQ]

J4CKO said:

All the Pork for the money is either very old or a liability engine wise.

Get a well serviced 997 and pay Hartech £103pcm to cover servicing and labour costs. http://www.hartech.org/maintenance-plan

[J4CKO]

Am avoiding anything too big really, found the CLS a bit unwieldy for what I do, which is mainly a seven mile commute in trafffic.

[Terzo123]

M3 or C63 for me

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

[cerb4.5lee]

Is the Audi S1 too small? Good fun car I'd imagine.

[Ahbefive]

The ISF is a great car but is a big old barge. Fun to drive for a big car but a bit of a letdown on track as my friend found out last year at the 'Ring when his new brakes were cooked after 2 laps.

Apparently you can get a focus RS for £17k I think the WRX STi is a good shout for the money or an m135i if you can stomach the looks. Cayman S is a nice car but even my friend that isn't short of a few quid winces at the thought of his engine popping and getting a £10k bill.

Edited by Ahbefive on Wednesday 9th May 20:22

[Heaveho]

hyphen said:

If Lexus, I would go Lexus RC. Better looking/rarer.

Only 2 doors and our RC was crap to drive compared to the IS-F on the same roads. I may be in the minority, but I think the IS-F looks the better of the two.