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Changing my car buying norm/car suggestions

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Moopig

Original Poster

98 posts

189 months

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Monday 23rd March 2020

I've been looking back through my car history and I very much have a certain type of car I usually go for.

Apart from a Vectra C (was very broke at the time) and a VX220 (before I moved out of mum and dads) I've had nothing but small french hot hatches.

I've always wanted to keep my car as a decent trackday car as my friends and I would generally do a few trackdays a year, but recently I have had a bit of a change of situation in my life, plus I think I'm just getting a bit older these days (turning 36 this year).
In the last couple of years I've got majorly into motorbike trackdays and even got into motorbike racing and I've recently become a dad for the second time.
I hadn't done a car trackday for ages, but recently did one and didn't really enjoy it, so that has kind of set my mind on a change of car.
I don't really need a car as I cycle to work (and have a van should I need to go anywhere), my wife has a Volvo estate for family duties, so my only limiting factor when it comes to a car is budget.
I currently have a Clio 182 cup which is more than capable of doing what I need in a car, but I've been looking elsewhere.

I have a budget of upto about £3500, maybe £4000 at a mega push
I'd like something interesting or special which is very difficult on such a small budget

I've been looking at all sorts, things like Smart Roadsters (for old fashion roof down 2 seater fun without having to go fast), but they have many drawbacks
I also like the idea of something like a C32 AMG, but I'd be scraping the barrel of those and running costs may be a problem
I like how special the BMW 320si is but I've heard they're not worth the extra money also they have engine issues
So I was also looking a Mercedes C class (203) or CLS (219), or BMW 1 or 3 series as they'd be a lovely car to own, but mabe not very special in any way?
Mx5 is an idea but they aren't all that interesting as an item and they suffer majorly with rust
Most other things I come up with seem to be majorly out of my budget

I worked as a Mercedes diagnostic tech for 17 years, so I have some experience of other cars (mainly Mercedes)

Trouble is as I've owned nothing but french hot hatches for such a long time I seem to struggle to be inspired by other genres/manufacturers of car, so maybe I'm missing something?

How have you guys managed to change your car buying norms? Have you regretted it? What did you go from/to?
Also does anyone have any suggestion on cars for me?

ZX10R NIN

30,521 posts

154 months

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Monday 23rd March 2020

overunder12g

432 posts

115 months

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Monday 23rd March 2020

I have recently had a big change of type of car. For the past 10 years I have had one Boxster and eight Cayman.
Recent arrival of a granddaughter has got me thinking about something more practical, hence just gat a new Macan.I am missing the two seater experience but enjoy the added pracailitaly of the Macan.
Extra size of the Macan takes time to get used to. Also having more than one passenger.

samoht

7,206 posts

175 months

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Monday 23rd March 2020

If practicality isn't that important, I'd also be considering the Toyota MR2 Mk3, MGF and Fiat Barchetta as something interesting for that sort of money.

Or perhaps a kit car ?

samoht

7,206 posts

175 months

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Monday 23rd March 2020

Or go to Spain for this? https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1202086

Moopig

Original Poster

98 posts

189 months

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Tuesday 24th March 2020

ZX10R NIN said:

I normally have a pretty good idea of what I want but that doesn't mean you can't try different things first on my list would be a Focus ST the 5 pot is a peach:

325ci
3.2 A3 Sport
VR6 4motion
Civic Type R GT
Leftfield:
C230 Coupe
C350
SLK280
2.5i Z4

Thank you for the suggestions and I mean no disrespect but they are the kinds of cars I'm really trying to avoid, apart from the leftfield choices.
I think I've had enough of hot hatches to be honest, and I wouldn't really class any of the particularly interesting or special.
The SLK and the Z4 are really good shouts though, I'll have to look into them.

overunder12g said:

Thats good to hear that you've made the switch and are enjoying it.
I was thinking I might be able to stretch to an early Boxster, I've heard horror stories about reliability, but if you look hard enough you kind find horror stories about all old cars.

samoht said:

If practicality isn't that important, I'd also be considering the Toyota MR2 Mk3, MGF and Fiat Barchetta as something interesting for that sort of money.

Or perhaps a kit car ?

I have been looking at MR2 and I must admit I rather like them, though don't they suffer from rust and engine explosions?
MGF/TF are a nice idea, I had a VVC metro for a short period and enjoyed it but the headgasket went!!!
I hadn't even thought of Barchetta!
Kit car, I could not deal with the workmanship of other people to be honest.

samoht said:

Or go to Spain for this? https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1202086

LOVE this! Really interesting and funky!
The Spanish thing puts me off, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for these

Some great suggestions here guys! Thanks

ZX10R NIN

30,521 posts

154 months

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Tuesday 24th March 2020

No disrespect taken they're only suggestions also look at the 350Z.

Nickp82

3,943 posts

122 months

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Tuesday 24th March 2020

Mazda RX8-8 R3?

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