E46 M3 replacement, weekend car
Discussion
Ok so a bit of background.
I’ve owed my E46 M3 for coming on 6 years now and there is nothing wrong but I fancy a change.
The car is only been a weekend car.
I drive a Mercedes C350 estate as a daily and the Mrs has a Saab 9-3 aero, so not really looking for a cooking saloon car. (We’ve also just had our first child 6 months)
The car that sparked my initial thought to change was an Aston Martin Vantage as I couldn’t believe they are around the 25k Mark. Also the DB9.
I then crept into the TVR brand and the Cerbera is a car that I loved as a kid, then the chimera also went on the list.
A while ago I had the same thought and was looking at the Jaguar XKR
I have a few hang ups on the above cars, mainly spending 25k on a car....I have the money to put on top once I’ve sold the M3, so looking at it as 10/15k, but still sweat thinking 25k (I know it’s not a lot of money to some people but this is a 2nd car/toy)
So the Aston and Cerbera are probs the most desirable but the most ££
Then the chimera and XKR become very good value.
Also can’t work out if I should go 2 seater or have token rear seat if a rare occasion I take our daughter out in the car. (Although not sure a car seat would fit in either)
Any recommendations on the above car and what others would do?
I tend to over think these things and end up not doing anything haha.
I’ve owed my E46 M3 for coming on 6 years now and there is nothing wrong but I fancy a change.
The car is only been a weekend car.
I drive a Mercedes C350 estate as a daily and the Mrs has a Saab 9-3 aero, so not really looking for a cooking saloon car. (We’ve also just had our first child 6 months)
The car that sparked my initial thought to change was an Aston Martin Vantage as I couldn’t believe they are around the 25k Mark. Also the DB9.
I then crept into the TVR brand and the Cerbera is a car that I loved as a kid, then the chimera also went on the list.
A while ago I had the same thought and was looking at the Jaguar XKR
I have a few hang ups on the above cars, mainly spending 25k on a car....I have the money to put on top once I’ve sold the M3, so looking at it as 10/15k, but still sweat thinking 25k (I know it’s not a lot of money to some people but this is a 2nd car/toy)
So the Aston and Cerbera are probs the most desirable but the most ££
Then the chimera and XKR become very good value.
Also can’t work out if I should go 2 seater or have token rear seat if a rare occasion I take our daughter out in the car. (Although not sure a car seat would fit in either)
Any recommendations on the above car and what others would do?
I tend to over think these things and end up not doing anything haha.
I'd also be tempted to keep your E46 M3 as I've just found out how amazing the S54 engine in them is, having bought a Z4M Coupe a couple of weeks ago.
But I can definitely see the appeal of a TVR for a weekend car!
Just a thought, but is there any sort of 911 in budget?
Good luck anyway.
But I can definitely see the appeal of a TVR for a weekend car!
Just a thought, but is there any sort of 911 in budget?
Good luck anyway.
Mr Tidy said:
I'd also be tempted to keep your E46 M3 as I've just found out how amazing the S54 engine in them is, having bought a Z4M Coupe a couple of weeks ago.
But I can definitely see the appeal of a TVR for a weekend car!
Just a thought, but is there any sort of 911 in budget?
Good luck anyway.
Have looked at some porkers, the cayman took a bit of my interest, I see the appeal but they don’t really make me fizz, although I’ve never driven one. But I can definitely see the appeal of a TVR for a weekend car!
Just a thought, but is there any sort of 911 in budget?
Good luck anyway.
I think it’s the styling that lets them down
ZX10R NIN said:
That’s interesting, although just looking and that ones particularly cheap, they look like they start around the late 20s They do seem to be mid to late 20's but the selling prices are a bit lower that particular one is cheap but maybe he needs to sell I'd say get it inspected, another underrated drivers car is this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The earlier cars like the above are a bit more raw:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The earlier cars like the above are a bit more raw:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It’s up to you, but I was never really happy taking my young daughter out in my Griffith. You can never control what other road users might do.
I sold it and have (mostly) stuck to air bagged metal cars since.
If you think there’s a realistic chance of taking your daughter out (and that’s a very special thing for both of you when you do it!) either be realistic about potentially moving the TVR on quickly, or buy the XKR - imho.
I sold it and have (mostly) stuck to air bagged metal cars since.
If you think there’s a realistic chance of taking your daughter out (and that’s a very special thing for both of you when you do it!) either be realistic about potentially moving the TVR on quickly, or buy the XKR - imho.
As someone whos had similar thoughts and the same budget as you i find myself looking at the Jaguar XKR, i think its a fantastic looking car.
As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
ZX10R NIN said:
They do seem to be mid to late 20's but the selling prices are a bit lower that particular one is cheap but maybe he needs to sell I'd say get it inspected, another underrated drivers car is this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The earlier cars like the above are a bit more raw:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A young guy a work has just gone out and got one of these, and agree these are underrated. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The earlier cars like the above are a bit more raw:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Love the driving position of theses
griffter said:
It’s up to you, but I was never really happy taking my young daughter out in my Griffith. You can never control what other road users might do.
I sold it and have (mostly) stuck to air bagged metal cars since.
If you think there’s a realistic chance of taking your daughter out (and that’s a very special thing for both of you when you do it!) either be realistic about potentially moving the TVR on quickly, or buy the XKR - imho.
Yeh this is true, i don’t think it would be something I would be comfy taking my daughter out in, but was just looking as potential options if ever needed if that make sense (better to have and not need than need and not have) I sold it and have (mostly) stuck to air bagged metal cars since.
If you think there’s a realistic chance of taking your daughter out (and that’s a very special thing for both of you when you do it!) either be realistic about potentially moving the TVR on quickly, or buy the XKR - imho.
The XKR is very hard to over look, just being an auto.....
Belle427 said:
As someone whos had similar thoughts and the same budget as you i find myself looking at the Jaguar XKR, i think its a fantastic looking car.
As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
It is a hard car to over look for the ££, and yes I did look at the Lotus’s but think they are too track focused and talking to people who have owned these it out would be an effort taking it out (massive sills making it a pain to get in and out and after 30mins an aching body) As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
mr2turbogts said:
Belle427 said:
As someone whos had similar thoughts and the same budget as you i find myself looking at the Jaguar XKR, i think its a fantastic looking car.
As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
It is a hard car to over look for the ££, and yes I did look at the Lotus’s but think they are too track focused and talking to people who have owned these it out would be an effort taking it out (massive sills making it a pain to get in and out and after 30mins an aching body) As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
Yes they are an event to drive but most modern machinery on the roads today will show them a clean pair of heels.
Im not trying to be too down on them as ive enjoyed the ownership but there are so many better cars out there for the money.
A lotus Exige/Elise is something ive looked at, they seem to be holding their value very well and are an exciting car.
Belle427 said:
As a Chimaera owner and general TVR fan, its not a car id recommend as they are difficult to live with and you always seem to be working on them rather than driving them.
That might be your experience. I've never ever once done anything on mine, and I've had one since 1996. I also did 30,000 miles per annum for a decade.They can be a bit quirky though, I'll give you that
You WILL regret not getting token back seats.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
We now have 2 kids and I have a 911 for high days and holidays. The token back seats are perfect. Only other car I would consider is an Evora.
The other thing that strikes me is that a 911 or an Evora will be more like the BMW in character. TVRs are for nutters and the Aston and Jag are old man GT cruisers. Yes, they're fast and sound good but they'll feel a bit blunt after an E46.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
We now have 2 kids and I have a 911 for high days and holidays. The token back seats are perfect. Only other car I would consider is an Evora.
The other thing that strikes me is that a 911 or an Evora will be more like the BMW in character. TVRs are for nutters and the Aston and Jag are old man GT cruisers. Yes, they're fast and sound good but they'll feel a bit blunt after an E46.
nunpuncher said:
You WILL regret not getting token back seats.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
I also agree with this. I have 2 kids now and I have a 370Z GT Roadster as my weekend car and my opportunities to use it are slim. If I had a 4 seat Convertible that could work better I think and we could all go out in it. When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
When I had my Cerbera I used to go out with my Mrs and my daughter together. My daughter in the front in a baby seat and my Mrs sat behind me.
cerb4.5lee said:
nunpuncher said:
You WILL regret not getting token back seats.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
I also agree with this. I have 2 kids now and I have a 370Z GT Roadster as my weekend car and my opportunities to use it are slim. If I had a 4 seat Convertible that could work better I think and we could all go out in it. When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
When I had my Cerbera I used to go out with my Mrs and my daughter together. My daughter in the front in a baby seat and my Mrs sat behind me.
Belle427 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
nunpuncher said:
You WILL regret not getting token back seats.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
I also agree with this. I have 2 kids now and I have a 370Z GT Roadster as my weekend car and my opportunities to use it are slim. If I had a 4 seat Convertible that could work better I think and we could all go out in it. When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
When I had my Cerbera I used to go out with my Mrs and my daughter together. My daughter in the front in a baby seat and my Mrs sat behind me.
I bottled it at the last minute though and I thought with the age of them now it could prove costly and I'd be forever sorting little niggles out etc. So I did take the easier option by going for the 370Z, It is a lot newer and it only has 2 previous owners so it should be easier to live with.
I still browse TVR's in the classifieds though because for noise and the sense of occasion they are very hard to beat for sure.
My Mrs was also happy that I went for the 370Z instead because she didn't want the stress/hassle again(see me upset/annoyed) after the Cerbera ownership experience. cerb4.5lee said:
Belle427 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
nunpuncher said:
You WILL regret not getting token back seats.
When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
I also agree with this. I have 2 kids now and I have a 370Z GT Roadster as my weekend car and my opportunities to use it are slim. If I had a 4 seat Convertible that could work better I think and we could all go out in it. When our first child was born I had a 2 seater as my weekend car and it just never got used. You can't pop out for lunch etc in it as a family, and the amount of time you get on your own at weekends is dramatically reduced.
When I had my Cerbera I used to go out with my Mrs and my daughter together. My daughter in the front in a baby seat and my Mrs sat behind me.
I bottled it at the last minute though and I thought with the age of them now it could prove costly and I'd be forever sorting little niggles out etc. So I did take the easier option by going for the 370Z, It is a lot newer and it only has 2 previous owners so it should be easier to live with.
I still browse TVR's in the classifieds though because for noise and the sense of occasion they are very hard to beat for sure.
My Mrs was also happy that I went for the 370Z instead because she didn't want the stress/hassle again(see me upset/annoyed) after the Cerbera ownership experience. As part of a multiple car garage a Tvr would be in there for sure.
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