Which manual sub £30k 4 seat performance car

[Ratae]

Just weighing up my next car options, looking at a sub £30k performance car. I nearly pulled the trigger on a Yaris GR but this has made me realise just what else is about for this kinda money.

Must haves:

- Manual - I've already had DSG Hot Hatches and Lexus ISF before anyone asks why not consider auto, I want a manual again!
- Torquey & revvy motor
- Decent residuals & reliability
- 4 Seats

My immediate shortlist without test driving any is:

- F series M4/M3/M2
- 997 Carrera 2S (could possible scrape a higher mileage 997.2 at £30k ish)

I'm not looking for the best outright performance in a straight line, just a really engaging drivers car which I can actually use (occasional daily, family day trips in the summer etc)

Other suggestions welcome!

[Xcore]

Cerbera.

[fatal3rror]

996 Turbo - some leggy examples under £30k but if you can increase your budget slightly, there are a number of decent ones for sale.

[blueg33]

Who will be in the rear seats? Kids under 10 worth considering an Evora. You may also get a Maserati Grantourismo in budget

Edit - Maserati easily in budget - they depreciate hard in the first few years.

Edited by blueg33 on Friday 18th December 15:54

[Ratae]

blueg33 said:

Who will be in the rear seats? Kids under 10 worth considering an Evora. You may also get a Maserati Grantourismo in budget

A 1 and 3 year old, so 2+2's are fine

[Gixer968CS]

I bought my 997 when the previous owner chopped it in for an M2 c5 years ago. I often toy with doing the same as I love the way the M2 looks and having something more modern appeals. I've had a couple of M cars and loved them. The reason I haven't changed? One's a Porsche and one is a BMW. Every drive is an occasion in the 997. I know it's old and there are lots around etc etc but it's just a special thing, to me anyway. People very often come over and ask/talk about it when I've stopped for petrol or parked up etc. Would they do that if you're driving a BMW. Would you want that anyway.

Just saying that if your choice is partly driven by how you feel about the car rather than just how it performs then don't forget your heart when you make the decision as otherwise you'll be changing again soon.

[cerb4.5lee]

Xcore said:

Cerbera.

Decent reliability has been mentioned...so that counts the Cerbera out sadly I reckon.

[Stig]

S550 Mustang GT

[ZX10R NIN]

VXR8 great drivers car & it ticks pretty much every box.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012086...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006200...

F80 isn't a bad shout I prefer the M3 to the M4/2 but finding an M3 is harder then the M4.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

M4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...

440i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

[drgoatboy]

Evora all the way. Unless you are really tall and need 4 seats. But I think that is true of pretty much all 2+2

[Koolkat969]

Honda Civic Type R FK8 as an equally capable Hot Hatch alternative to the GR Yaris. More practical also.

BMW M2 as a more practical alternative to the Porsche but offering the same solid built German engineering.

Both cars in my opinion cover the criteria that you've listed adequately!

[joshcowin]

ZX10R NIN said:

VXR8 great drivers car & it ticks pretty much every box.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012086...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006200...

F80 isn't a bad shout I prefer the M3 to the M4/2 but finding an M3 is harder then the M4.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

M4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...

440i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

The vxr8 have aged well! The black one looks great!

My BIL has just got an m2 and its very cool, easy to live with daily as its smallish sounds great. Very small fuel tank means he is constantly filling it up!

[nickfrog]

M2 sounds like the obvious choice based on the OP's criteria. £30k buys a nice AUC car with a solid warranty.

[Ratae]

Thanks for all the replies.

I must admit I am leaning more towards an M2 than anything else, but it's hard to ignore the M4's being so much cheaper.

I am looking to purchase in March or April so got plenty of time to test drive options!

[Belle427]

M2/3 would be the sensible choice.

[blueg33]

Personally, I find things like Porsche and BMW too obvious. Live a little buy something special

[nickfrog]

blueg33 said:

Personally, I find things like Porsche and BMW too obvious. Live a little buy something special

What would you suggest to fit the OP's requirements?

[joshcowin]

nickfrog said:

What would you suggest to fit the OP's requirements?

Look at his post above!!

[nickfrog]

joshcowin said:

nickfrog said:

What would you suggest to fit the OP's requirements?

Look at his post above!!

Ah just spotted it. In fairness the Maser is auto only from memory although the idea of an Evora is not bad, I don't suppose there is that much less space at the back compared to a 911.

[joshcowin]

Aston Vantage?