what interesting or "cool" cars can you get for £3-4k

[xjay1337]

With my leased Fiesta going back I'm looking to replace it with something interesting / left field / cool , but still with a modicum of practicality as it's going to be my daily hack (my other car is an M135i).

I know people on here love a good shed and also have some eclectic tastes so seems no better place to ask


My requirements :

- MAX £4k, but rather around £3k
- Ideally something relatively reliable (obviously understanding a cheaper/older car will need some work occasionally but not something like a TVR that's going to be broken all the time)
- I'm thinking convertible maybe?? as I've never had one
- Automatic
- have Xenons & Cruise control

Been looking at 2005-2008 Merc CLKs 350/320, SLK's, also considering BMW Z4 3.0 etc. But these seem a bit boring (merc) or Ugly (z4).....

Any other suggestions?

(No I won't buy a Saab 93 Aero lol)

[Veeayt]

You might want to check the "art of shedding" thread in the reader's section.

[Baldchap]

Saab 93 Aero.

[xjay1337]

Veeayt said:

You might want to check the "art of shedding" thread in the reader's section.

Seems a bit much hard work that !

[exelero]

Baldchap said:

Saab 93 Aero.

OR 9-5

[TheAngryDog]

Baldchap said:

Saab 93 Aero.

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

[anonymous-user]

Look at the Barges 1-5 thread.

[xjay1337]

TheAngryDog said:

Baldchap said:

Saab 93 Aero.

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

I would consider that as a prank actually. But the Automatic versions are horrible!

[pb8g09]

Bet that car is a harder sell than socialism

[drmike37]

I got a clk350 convertible. Just shy of 4 grand, with an invoice for the balance shaft work.
Lovely wafty thing. Goes like a stabbed rat if you feed it petrol with the right hand pedal. Still feels a bit special at 14 yrs old.
It does have a drink problem (23mpg) and it’s not the last word in handling, but I’m falling for it and intend to keep hold.
Think I’m going to get a gearbox service this year.

[xjay1337]

drmike37 said:

I got a clk350 convertible. Just shy of 4 grand, with an invoice for the balance shaft work.
Lovely wafty thing. Goes like a stabbed rat if you feed it petrol with the right hand pedal. Still feels a bit special at 14 yrs old.
It does have a drink problem (23mpg) and it’s not the last word in handling, but I’m falling for it and intend to keep hold.
Think I’m going to get a gearbox service this year.

It sounds lovely!

I think the 320 would be a better idea, as those don't have the shaft problem. (I came across the balance shaft on the 350's during the research).

Unfortunately most advertised are from independent dealers who don't explicitly mention things like that being done..
While a few hundred quid a year isn't the end of the world on maintenance I wouldn't want to drop the amount it would cost to have those fixed!


Looking through 05 CLK320's and SLK280s...

Edited by xjay1337 on Monday 13th January 13:23

[DoubleD]

Why dont you just use the BMW?

[xjay1337]

DoubleD said:

Why dont you just use the BMW?

I've had a second car for a long time - just nice to have something else to drive, breaks up the monotony of day to day living, helps keeps miles off the BMW and also means if the BMW breaks I'm not in a bad position with work etc.

[Zetec-S]

Chrysler Crossfire?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or MINI Cooper S Convertible?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

And at that budget you are also in the bargain basement Boxster territory if you feel brave
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Shaoxter]

xjay1337 said:

DoubleD said:

Why dont you just use the BMW?

I've had a second car for a long time - just nice to have something else to drive, breaks up the monotony of day to day living, helps keeps miles off the BMW and also means if the BMW breaks I'm not in a bad position with work etc.

But the cars you're looking at are going to feel very similar to your M135i. And if you get a more "interesting" £4k car, it won't be any good as a daily.

I'd suggest swapping the M135i for something a bit more interesting if it's going to be a second car or just stick with the one.

[DoubleD]

xjay1337 said:

DoubleD said:

Why dont you just use the BMW?

I've had a second car for a long time - just nice to have something else to drive, breaks up the monotony of day to day living, helps keeps miles off the BMW and also means if the BMW breaks I'm not in a bad position with work etc.

Ah, well in that case why not sell the BMW, get a fun weekend car and a cheap run around car?

That way you have something fun and something to do the boring stuff in.

[xjay1337]

Hadn't even considered a Crossfire. Kind of like it, not sure I could bring myself to have one though!

The Mini would just cause issues because my GF really wants a Mini Convertible............

Boxster... mmm

Shaoxter said:

xjay1337 said:

DoubleD said:

Why dont you just use the BMW?

I've had a second car for a long time - just nice to have something else to drive, breaks up the monotony of day to day living, helps keeps miles off the BMW and also means if the BMW breaks I'm not in a bad position with work etc.

But the cars you're looking at are going to feel very similar to your M135i. And if you get a more "interesting" £4k car, it won't be any good as a daily.

I'd suggest swapping the M135i for something a bit more interesting if it's going to be a second car or just stick with the one.

But, I want a second car and as I've been accustomed to it, it's no harm.
My M135i has some mods as I use it for track, and I am doing too many miles in it - and it also allows me the opportunity to further tweak it.

This is not mumsnet - I'm not looking for reasonings as to why I'd want a second car, merely some suggestions as to some that would work.
Ideally something a bit softer and more walloey than my M135i that I can just cruise down to the beach in on a summers day.

So far my list is

CLK320
SLK280 (avoiding either of the 350 engines)
Maybe a Crossfire?


Or maybe this : https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

lol

[cerb4.5lee]

I can see why the car in your link is low mileage that is for sure!

[mikey P 500]

I would go for a boxster, aim for a 2.5 for most reliable for budget, they are also lightest so not that much slower and still sound as good as faster 3.2s. or maybe a 350z bit worse on fuel but newer for budget.

[TiminYorkshire]

drmike37 said:

I got a clk350 convertible. Jus
It does have a drink problem (23mpg) and it’s not the last word in handling, but I’m falling for it and intend to keep hold.

What kind of driving gives 23 mpg? What will it do on a longer run? Or is that on a long run?