Getting back in the game... cheap or spend a bit more....
Discussion
To cut a long story short, I’m buying my first house this year, and because of that I will have an extra parking space to fill 
After what seems like an eternity of having no car, I’m looking forward to getting a petrol head car again. 
I’ve posted in GG, and although I feel this will end up in the ‘buying’ forum, I’m more interested in the concept rather than actually *what* to buy at this stage.
I have already started looking, mainly to get an idea of what I might want, and it has got me pondering how much I should spend on it.
My original idea was to save up and buy something outright, max budget would be £5k but that would be the top end of that budget.
However, I’ve started to wonder if I should spend more, something that is at the bottom of the depreciation curve. The difference here being I would have to get a loan (maybe chucking some of my own money in to lessen the blow). This would allow me to look at some more interesting metal.
My use case is primarily a toy. I would want it for weekend drives, the occasional jaunt up the motorway to my other sites at work (100 miles each way, probably on average once a month), to do the odd road trip with the missus, and drive it to work on days where we fancy a change from using her Aygo (which we both agreed would be the primary commuting car).
It might be worth pointing out that we don’t have a garage at the new property so that might make your Caterhams and the like a bit of an impractical proposition, and I’m not sure I’d want to do motorway miles or long road trips in the mrs with it.
At the cheaper end I have been thinking of stuff like Clio 172/182, EP3 CTR, MX5, 350Z, usual suspects... kinda been there, done that, as I’ve owned or driven most of the stuff in this price range.
At the higher end, I’ve been thinking of, for example, VX220, Elise, Boxster, E36 M3, GT86 (I like, but not sure that’s at the bottom of the depreciation curve though).
I would be interested in any thoughts as I’m torn at the minute. I feel like the cheaper options could be nearly as fun, but the more expensive options more of an ‘investment’ of sorts, and something I could really cherish, more special if you will.
Alternatively I suppose I could go for the cheap car first then upgrade at a later date when I have the money, but I’m not getting any younger and would like to own something special while I have the chance.
Essentially I don’t want to make the same mistakes I made in the past - buy something cheap, get bored, wish I’d spent more on something I really wanted, lose a load of money in the process, if you see what I mean? However, equally, having no debt is also nice, but then, if it were relatively depreciation proof, I could theoretically bail out at any time.
If I had £50K I’d buy an Alpine but thats not an option
Thoughts?
After what seems like an eternity of having no car, I’m looking forward to getting a petrol head car again. I’ve posted in GG, and although I feel this will end up in the ‘buying’ forum, I’m more interested in the concept rather than actually *what* to buy at this stage.I have already started looking, mainly to get an idea of what I might want, and it has got me pondering how much I should spend on it.
My original idea was to save up and buy something outright, max budget would be £5k but that would be the top end of that budget.
However, I’ve started to wonder if I should spend more, something that is at the bottom of the depreciation curve. The difference here being I would have to get a loan (maybe chucking some of my own money in to lessen the blow). This would allow me to look at some more interesting metal.
My use case is primarily a toy. I would want it for weekend drives, the occasional jaunt up the motorway to my other sites at work (100 miles each way, probably on average once a month), to do the odd road trip with the missus, and drive it to work on days where we fancy a change from using her Aygo (which we both agreed would be the primary commuting car).
It might be worth pointing out that we don’t have a garage at the new property so that might make your Caterhams and the like a bit of an impractical proposition, and I’m not sure I’d want to do motorway miles or long road trips in the mrs with it.
At the cheaper end I have been thinking of stuff like Clio 172/182, EP3 CTR, MX5, 350Z, usual suspects... kinda been there, done that, as I’ve owned or driven most of the stuff in this price range.
At the higher end, I’ve been thinking of, for example, VX220, Elise, Boxster, E36 M3, GT86 (I like, but not sure that’s at the bottom of the depreciation curve though).
I would be interested in any thoughts as I’m torn at the minute. I feel like the cheaper options could be nearly as fun, but the more expensive options more of an ‘investment’ of sorts, and something I could really cherish, more special if you will.
Alternatively I suppose I could go for the cheap car first then upgrade at a later date when I have the money, but I’m not getting any younger and would like to own something special while I have the chance.
Essentially I don’t want to make the same mistakes I made in the past - buy something cheap, get bored, wish I’d spent more on something I really wanted, lose a load of money in the process, if you see what I mean? However, equally, having no debt is also nice, but then, if it were relatively depreciation proof, I could theoretically bail out at any time.
If I had £50K I’d buy an Alpine but thats not an option
Thoughts?
I would personally go for an early Elise. It's a car that can't be made again, and should be a box to tick for any enthusiast.
For me, they are a sure-fire future classic and hold their money well, so if you end up not getting on with it, then you can sell it without losing much.
The VX220 is a touch more practical (still needs an outdoor car cover!), and I really enjoyed mine after a few mods, but I'd be drawn to the Elise because it was such a landmark, 'important' car.
They cost significantly more, but I'd love either an Elise 160, 190 or Exige S1 as a 'forever' car. However, a base Elise with the MMC brakes must be a pretty cheap entry point to a collector, investment-potential car.
For me, they are a sure-fire future classic and hold their money well, so if you end up not getting on with it, then you can sell it without losing much.
The VX220 is a touch more practical (still needs an outdoor car cover!), and I really enjoyed mine after a few mods, but I'd be drawn to the Elise because it was such a landmark, 'important' car.
They cost significantly more, but I'd love either an Elise 160, 190 or Exige S1 as a 'forever' car. However, a base Elise with the MMC brakes must be a pretty cheap entry point to a collector, investment-potential car.
thelostboy said:
I would personally go for an early Elise. It's a car that can't be made again, and should be a box to tick for any enthusiast.
You make good points, financially, it would certainly be quite a safe bet. I am quite surprised how expensive they now are, which is why I mentioned the VX220... but then you think, for the same price as an Elise, I could have a VX220T! Difficult one.My only concerns with this sort of car is with keeping it outside, as you said you need a cover? Also are they at all usable in winter? And I can’t imagine motorway jaunts or long road trips with the mrs (who isn’t at all interested in traveling like her pants are on fire sadly) are going to be too pleasant. Also her knees are f
ked so getting in and out will be hard - she struggled a fair bit with the MR2 and MX5 I had.Demelitia said:
130i that’s had the water pump done?
Within your price range, fun enough and I’ve found it’ll manage a 5 hour drive and leave me feeling fresh afterwards.
Had a Z4C, and I did like it. It was an auto though so I would definitely want a manual this time. Not the best handling but a good cruiser. Would have to be the LE 3 door model as I really dislike the 5 door model with the 5-spoke alloys.Within your price range, fun enough and I’ve found it’ll manage a 5 hour drive and leave me feeling fresh afterwards.
Plate spinner said:
£5k buys a useable 986 Porsche Boxster.
Not much more gets you a 987 if you prefer the more modern look & nicer interior.
Great ‘jack of all trades’ car IMO.
I do really like the idea actually. I just need re-assurance the engine wont blow up, or be horrendously unreliable!Not much more gets you a 987 if you prefer the more modern look & nicer interior.
Great ‘jack of all trades’ car IMO.
It is, of course, all very well to have an "interesting car" and I have also been there to a degree but do have the luxury of a Mustang in the garage if I get bored.
The trouble is that I had a pair of Mk 7 Fiesta STs, standard and Mountune and, frankly, they do everything I could possibly need and still have low VEL and sub £200 insurance plus a service once a year for £125.
Really depends what you want but sometimes what you don't want is a big bill.
The trouble is that I had a pair of Mk 7 Fiesta STs, standard and Mountune and, frankly, they do everything I could possibly need and still have low VEL and sub £200 insurance plus a service once a year for £125.
Really depends what you want but sometimes what you don't want is a big bill.
LuS1fer said:
Really depends what you want but sometimes what you don't want is a big bill.
I would agree with that, I don’t know if you’re suggesting financing a new car with otherwise smaller bills, and I really do like the FST, however I’m not sure there’s any point in financing a depreciating car when it wont get used every day.Re the Boxster, just do your homework. There are models / engines to go for and avoid. But even the avoid ones don’t all spontaneously combust, there’s plenty still rolling around with no issues.
I work on the basis that mine is no longer depreciating so long as I don’t bend it. It’s not concourse, but passes the 6ft test so I use it for track days as well. It’s not that expensive to insure and I so DIY servicing and currently farm other jobs to a local non-specialist spanner man. He’s not phased by it and says it quite a nice car to work on vs a lot of modern stuff.
If it goes pop, it’ll still be worth £3k to strip for parts. So whilst I really hope it doesn’t, I’m never more than at £2k risk.
If something annoying like the hood mechanism breaks, I’ll just buy a used one and look at the YT vids. There’s a lot of support online, especially the American guys. Some great tutorials that make most jobs doable.
I really like it. Flat 6, manual box, lovely steering, wonderful chassis. Can do long motorways no problem with aircon and roof up. Country lane pub lunch adventures with roof down. Easy enough to commute in and park anywhere without attracting attention. And it seems to cope with the odd track day just fine.
986 basically a well sorted sports car - bit raw and very communicative, quite a mechanical feel.
987 - same as above but more grown up, more composed, I think less mechanical feedback, but faster, fresher looks, nicer interior.
I work on the basis that mine is no longer depreciating so long as I don’t bend it. It’s not concourse, but passes the 6ft test so I use it for track days as well. It’s not that expensive to insure and I so DIY servicing and currently farm other jobs to a local non-specialist spanner man. He’s not phased by it and says it quite a nice car to work on vs a lot of modern stuff.
If it goes pop, it’ll still be worth £3k to strip for parts. So whilst I really hope it doesn’t, I’m never more than at £2k risk.
If something annoying like the hood mechanism breaks, I’ll just buy a used one and look at the YT vids. There’s a lot of support online, especially the American guys. Some great tutorials that make most jobs doable.
I really like it. Flat 6, manual box, lovely steering, wonderful chassis. Can do long motorways no problem with aircon and roof up. Country lane pub lunch adventures with roof down. Easy enough to commute in and park anywhere without attracting attention. And it seems to cope with the odd track day just fine.
986 basically a well sorted sports car - bit raw and very communicative, quite a mechanical feel.
987 - same as above but more grown up, more composed, I think less mechanical feedback, but faster, fresher looks, nicer interior.
Edited by Plate spinner on Friday 3rd January 18:11
TameRacingDriver said:
I would agree with that, I don’t know if you’re suggesting financing a new car with otherwise smaller bills, and I really do like the FST, however I’m not sure there’s any point in financing a depreciating car when it wont get used every day.
Well an ST, on my experience, depreciates about 1000-1500 a year which is slower than many cars. However, depreciation is not really an issue if you're going to keep it and it ticks all the boxes. Only thing I had to replace was tyres. I changed mine to get a lot more room in the back but the ST was far more fun and usable. A 2015 low mile ST is only around £9k.I have been where you are and once had a 2007 Fiesta ST but the Mk7 is light years ahead of it and, had I bought one back then, I probably would have lost less because it would be newer and wouldn't be changing it, IYSWIM
TameRacingDriver said:
Demelitia said:
130i that’s had the water pump done?
Within your price range, fun enough and I’ve found it’ll manage a 5 hour drive and leave me feeling fresh afterwards.
Had a Z4C, and I did like it. It was an auto though so I would definitely want a manual this time. Not the best handling but a good cruiser. Would have to be the LE 3 door model as I really dislike the 5 door model with the 5-spoke alloys.Within your price range, fun enough and I’ve found it’ll manage a 5 hour drive and leave me feeling fresh afterwards.
If you do go with a 130i, or want to find out a bit more about them there’s a wealth of info on the babybmw forums and the 130i owners group on Facebook.
It's a big year for you with the house purchase so don't go over 5k budget.
I would of said an Mr2 roadster but you've had one, I had one for 2.5 years but sold it to buy a house/deposit.
The mr2 if it's a good one could be bought cheap now in January and sold later and good examples won't get much cheaper. Cheap to run and reliable.
Don't miss out on a dream house by having 10k tied up in a car. It's always nice to have a house slush fund. Have a cash emergency fund for any unexpected loss of income to cover the mortgage etc.
A small warm/hot hatch I think would be best, fiesta st/suzuki swift sport etc. Maybe a fast cheap Renault.
Good luck.
Buy the house first and wait 12 months to buy would be the best bet. You'll be in a better financial position and more settled.
I would of said an Mr2 roadster but you've had one, I had one for 2.5 years but sold it to buy a house/deposit.
The mr2 if it's a good one could be bought cheap now in January and sold later and good examples won't get much cheaper. Cheap to run and reliable.
Don't miss out on a dream house by having 10k tied up in a car. It's always nice to have a house slush fund. Have a cash emergency fund for any unexpected loss of income to cover the mortgage etc.
A small warm/hot hatch I think would be best, fiesta st/suzuki swift sport etc. Maybe a fast cheap Renault.
Good luck.
Buy the house first and wait 12 months to buy would be the best bet. You'll be in a better financial position and more settled.
Agila b 6yr 6k said:
Stuff
Thanks, your advice is probably the safest overall...My mate is also suggesting the ‘stepping stone’ route. I’ve been on ‘trader and looked at R53 MCS and surprised how cheap they are - shed money practically now.
Otherwise I would entertain another 172/182, or indeed, another MR2 - it was hilarious for the price.
I imagine I will end up buying stuff for house - thankfully not much needs doing on it...
RX8 Not a bad shout but my mate has one and I’m not that keen
FST I still think maybe a bit too much for me given that I think a 172 or similar would be as much fun, but cost a hell of a lot less to buy... I do like em though
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Friday 3rd January 20:34
I'm looking at hot hatches like the fiesta ST for my next car. But it will be used daily and I need a good mix of fun, affordability and practicality.
If I was after a weekend toy I wouldn't consider one. With the need for just 2 seats I would definitely say a roadster of some kind. Obvious choice for 5k is an mx5 but you've been there and it's probably not exciting enough. With the 100 mile motorway trips and weekends away I'm not sure something hard core like an Elise or vx220 is right either, and they will also blow your budget.
Best options mentioned so far imo would be the Boxtet, Z4 or perhaps an SLK?
You want a fast 2 seat convertible but with a degree of refinement.
Oh, and there's always the S2000
If I was after a weekend toy I wouldn't consider one. With the need for just 2 seats I would definitely say a roadster of some kind. Obvious choice for 5k is an mx5 but you've been there and it's probably not exciting enough. With the 100 mile motorway trips and weekends away I'm not sure something hard core like an Elise or vx220 is right either, and they will also blow your budget.
Best options mentioned so far imo would be the Boxtet, Z4 or perhaps an SLK?
You want a fast 2 seat convertible but with a degree of refinement.
Oh, and there's always the S2000
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