Which £15k sportscar should I buy?
Discussion
My midlife crisis has finally hit, and I’m embracing it. I want a sportscar while I’m young enough to enjoy it - and able to get in and out of it without a hoist! Budget is £15k and it will be a second car - already have a 4x4 for dogs and suchlike - so practicality isn’t a factor. I want something which looks good, feels special, and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it, whether it’s out for a blast or going to work. It will probably see some longer journeys so hard core options like a Caterham or an Elise are out.
So far I’ve identified three and a half possible candidates - a lightly used Mk4 MX5, a five year old BMW Z4, or a ten year old Porsche Boxster. I’ve driven the MX5 and loved it, the Z4 is maybe the sensible option, and while the Boxster wouldn’t be my first choice of Porsche I have always hankered after a Porker. A leggy 996 is tempting but has potential to be a money pit, which worries me.
So ... have I missed anything? Is the MX5 too small, or is that the point of it? Does the Z4 ride as harshly as people claim? Is the Boxster a poor man’s 911? Come to that, is a 996 a poor man’s 911 (obviously the answer to that one is yes).
So far I’ve identified three and a half possible candidates - a lightly used Mk4 MX5, a five year old BMW Z4, or a ten year old Porsche Boxster. I’ve driven the MX5 and loved it, the Z4 is maybe the sensible option, and while the Boxster wouldn’t be my first choice of Porsche I have always hankered after a Porker. A leggy 996 is tempting but has potential to be a money pit, which worries me.
So ... have I missed anything? Is the MX5 too small, or is that the point of it? Does the Z4 ride as harshly as people claim? Is the Boxster a poor man’s 911? Come to that, is a 996 a poor man’s 911 (obviously the answer to that one is yes).
Boxster every time. Probably the closest thing to a perfect car that has ever been produced. Incredible balance, engine in the correct position, awesome chassis and even the lowest powered model proves that outright pace isn’t the be all and end all and doesn’t necessary equal maximum fun.
The Carrera GT is, in essence, a very fast, very highly polished and very expensive Boxster.....
The Carrera GT is, in essence, a very fast, very highly polished and very expensive Boxster.....
Tricuspid said:
Not sure a TVR ticks the ‘feels special’ box. Rare - yes, mental - probably. Probably great for occasional use, but I’d like to use it as my summer daily as well as for fun (because a 40 mile commute in a Freelander 2 isn’t fun).
Fair enough. You should try one though.....you might feel a bit different about it 
I had a similar budget/occasional car requirement and a TVR Chimaera was my first choice but I ended up buying this.
It has an upgraded intake and exhaust so it sounds purposeful compared to standard, it is well equipped(Electric roof/Nav/Cruise/Heated-Cooled seats etc). A rare car too which helps keep it feeling special imo.
It has an upgraded intake and exhaust so it sounds purposeful compared to standard, it is well equipped(Electric roof/Nav/Cruise/Heated-Cooled seats etc). A rare car too which helps keep it feeling special imo.
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