Fun + short commutes car up to 13k

[Nerdherder]

I'm starting the quest for (long) fun rides/trips + (short) commutes car as successor to my Alfa GTV which is is running on its last legs and am looking for your suggestions.
Budget is 13.5k max (15K € actually, I am on the continent).

The requirements* I have in mind in descending order of priority:

1. Fun to drive/steer with a decent ride.
2. Good power to weight.
3. Mechanically sound (obviously), but does not need to look pristine as it will be parked curbside for days regularly. (mentioning this because it will affect choices available within budget).
4. Tin top.
5. Needs no more than 2 seats, but more also ok.
6. Car needs to be LHD and located in NL. DE or BE.

(* Requirements not set in stone, budget is fixed however.)

Edited by Nerdherder on Saturday 27th July 18:26

[griffter]

There are obviously loads of options depending on your likes/dislikes. Hot hatch, BMW, Japanese...

I suppose in your position I’d be looking at:

Porsche Cayman
Nissan 370Z
Honda S2000 (GT with a hard top)

[ZX10R NIN]

Alfa Brera 3.2

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...

[Nerdherder]

Thank you for the input ZX10R NIN and griffter.

There are indeed loads of options out there, just looking to see what your suggestions are and particularly reasoning behind the choices would be.


In terms of your recommendations:

Hot hatch: I like oldschool. lightweight hot hatches. Not particularly charmed by current hot hatchery, but also not a naysayer.

BMW: I like.

Japanese: Honda S2000 (GT with a hard top) yes please. Nissan 370Z meh.

Porsche Cayman: Good shout, but probably a decent enough one is out of budget in LHD.

Alfa Brera 3.2: Very displeasing to the (my!) eyes. Weird perhaps coming from someone who drives a GTV, but it just is.

Edited by Nerdherder on Saturday 27th July 18:38

[DoubleD]

Renault Megane RS would be a good option.

[Nerdherder]

DoubleD said:

Renault Megane RS would be a good option.

A good shout, thank you!

That expands the current list to:
$ Good options:
Megane RS
BMW 130
BMW Z4 (..puts on fireproof suit)


$ Slim chance of finding one within budget here category:
S2000
Cayman


Feel free to comment/add please.

[DoubleD]

Nerdherder said:

DoubleD said:

Renault Megane RS would be a good option.

A good shout, thank you!

That expands the current list to:
$ Good options:
Megane RS
BMW 130
BMW Z4 (..puts on fireproof suit)


$ Slim chance of finding one within budget here category:
S2000
Cayman


Feel free to comment/add please.

The Z4 feels nicer to sit inside than the Megane and the (3.0) engine is better, but the Megane is a lot more fun to drive.

Both good cars, but in different ways.

[Nerdherder]

DoubleD said:

The Z4 feels nicer to sit inside than the Megane and the (3.0) engine is better, but the Megane is a lot more fun to drive.

Both good cars, but in different ways.

Not sure if the cabin experience will trump pure fun (or vice versa), but I'll give both a spin if I find good examples.

Edited by Nerdherder on Saturday 3rd August 17:20

[gashead1105]

Mk7 Fiesta ST