Discussion
I've had a GT86 for four years now and used it to commute 2 or 3 days a week during that time (working from home the rest).
However, I'm starting to get the itch the change, but can't see myself going back to a fast hatch now.
With a 20k budget, this narrows the list of interesting cars considerably especially as I am not sure I am ready for the running costs of a 10 year old Boxster or Cayman!
I'm tempted to go and look at a 124 Abarth, as this with the exception of being turbo'd seems to be a similar driving experience.
This would need to be used for commuting most of the time (can use second car when weather is awful), as well as being parked outside all year (no garage).
Am I mad to consider this? Or is there something else I should be looking at for low speed B road fun??
However, I'm starting to get the itch the change, but can't see myself going back to a fast hatch now.
With a 20k budget, this narrows the list of interesting cars considerably especially as I am not sure I am ready for the running costs of a 10 year old Boxster or Cayman!
I'm tempted to go and look at a 124 Abarth, as this with the exception of being turbo'd seems to be a similar driving experience.
This would need to be used for commuting most of the time (can use second car when weather is awful), as well as being parked outside all year (no garage).
Am I mad to consider this? Or is there something else I should be looking at for low speed B road fun??
If I was in your shoes I would seriously think about supercharging my '86. Completely transforms the car apparently, and I doubt you're really going to have more fun for the money you have.
Alternatively then yes a 124 or MX5 might be worth a punt especially as they're convertibles which will offer an added benefit of no roof.
Or you could go hardcore and go for an Elise.
Alternatively then yes a 124 or MX5 might be worth a punt especially as they're convertibles which will offer an added benefit of no roof.
Or you could go hardcore and go for an Elise.
My worry with supercharging is that if anything it would make the car harder to sell and perhaps worth less in the future? The couple of insurance companies I phoned also wanted £££ to cover one too.
I think 20k is still bottom end territory for a Lotus? And I’m not sure how happy one would be to sit outside all year?
Maybe I need to drive a Boxster, Elise and a 124 and have a head versus heart conversation!?!
I think 20k is still bottom end territory for a Lotus? And I’m not sure how happy one would be to sit outside all year?
Maybe I need to drive a Boxster, Elise and a 124 and have a head versus heart conversation!?!
I'm guessing you want to keep it RWD?
Not as old as 10 years and fun. .
Does it have to be a 4 pot? Perhaps because of fuel consumption, since this is a commuter.
I think for that price you could have a number of BMWs for example, if you are a fan of that.
Or does it have to be a sports car?
I would honestly not consider an open rag top if it will spend its life outside of a garage year around.
But that is actually quite a decent budget. You should be able to get something.
Not as old as 10 years and fun. .
Does it have to be a 4 pot? Perhaps because of fuel consumption, since this is a commuter.
I think for that price you could have a number of BMWs for example, if you are a fan of that.
Or does it have to be a sports car?
I would honestly not consider an open rag top if it will spend its life outside of a garage year around.
But that is actually quite a decent budget. You should be able to get something.
Edited by Shifter1 on Friday 6th March 19:50
I ran a Toyota mr2 for over a year and that lived outside on the drive as I have no garage. No problems really, even during the winter months. Sometimes got a bit of icing up on the inside of the window but modern convertibles would be better insulated I’m sure.
20k is decent money. Would a boater really be 10 years old for that?
Otherwise you could go for BMW as mentioned. If you’ve enjoyed your coupe then how about something like an M240i? You’d get a nearly new one for that budget.
Coupe is a nicer place to be on a cold, wet winter morning but there are plenty of people who use convertibles as daily drivers. I’d recommend heated seats though.
20k is decent money. Would a boater really be 10 years old for that?
Otherwise you could go for BMW as mentioned. If you’ve enjoyed your coupe then how about something like an M240i? You’d get a nearly new one for that budget.
Coupe is a nicer place to be on a cold, wet winter morning but there are plenty of people who use convertibles as daily drivers. I’d recommend heated seats though.
I had a test drive in a GT86 about 6 years ago, but ended up buying a BMW Z4 3.0Si Coupe instead as I didn't need rear seats, it was way cheaper and had a great engine.
Then in December I replaced it with a Z4M coupe, and although within budget it doesn't quite meet the requirement for "low speed B road fun".
But we're only here once, so we might as well have some fun!
Then in December I replaced it with a Z4M coupe, and although within budget it doesn't quite meet the requirement for "low speed B road fun".
But we're only here once, so we might as well have some fun!
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