Used car buying advice: Which one, help?!?!

[BHo]

Hi All,

Long time browser first time poster! I need advice on a used buy as I've got a bit lost.

My budget is 4k max, the car will be a daily driver (40 miles round trip), 30 mpg is fine average - happy a little north or south of this figure, and practicality isn't a big concern. I'm after 6 cylinders really or an interesting sounding engine. 2 seaters/coupes/3 hatches preferred.

I've toyed with the BMW Z4 03-09 model, MX-5 MK3, Hyundai Coupe 07, Nissan 350z and a daresay Chrysler Crossfire but I feel at my budget there are compromises on all vehicles above, perhaps that's something I have to accept?

Really welcome any advice and thanks in advance.

[ilikejam]

SLK 350?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

More of a saloon, but CLS 500 would certainly cover the 'interesting sounding' bit....
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

As would a 650i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Everyone's favourite car the Lexus SC 430?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


Not really endorsing any of these per se, just some alternatives

[ZX10R NIN]

You won't see 30mpg from a 350Z/3.0i Z4 but if you're happy to compromise then the 350Z would get my vote, other alternatives are these:

350Z

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

Peugeot RCZ

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

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

CLK280 Sport

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

CLC230

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

Skyline 350GT

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

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

330CI Sport

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

Audi S4

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

[xpressb]

Be careful, the Lexus SC 430 (posted above - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... ) has strange mileage!

According to https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/results?RegPlate=K... ( The odometer reading reduced by 2945 miles between 16 Jun 2008 and 19 Jun 2009 )

Never a good sign when the mileage is less than it was a year earlier lol!

[Murdoc]

I get 32mpg from my 160k mile 3.0 Z4 on a 24 mile commute. That's calculated, the computer claims 36mpg. My brother had a 350Z that he could never get above 26mpg. I was a bit of a serial car swapper but I've had my Z4 for about 6 years as I can't find anything to replace it.
For me at least it hits a sweet spot of enough power, dynamic enough, comfortable and reliable. I can find replacements that do better in each area but not as a combination.