New Year weekend car - £25k budget...

[jimmy_wrxsti]

As title, I have a X5 40d as the daily, as much a daily as is possible WFH at the moment, but it does all the leg work for family etc. Means in the new year I am looking for a 2nd car that will be a weekend car, one for car meets, pampering etc. I have tried to summarise requirements below

- £25k budget to buy outright, would do between 3-4k miles a year
- Sports car - quick (sub 6 secs 0-60 as a guide) and sounds good
- Fun to drive, something that's engaging
- Stands out in a crowd
- Won't lose too much value
- Reasonable costs to maintain and reliable

I have a draft list below but would welcome suggestions as well as opinions on some of the below:

- Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (2016 onwards)
- Jag XKR 5.0 V8
- Merc C63 AMG
- 981 S (early model with higher miles)
- 987.2 S
- 981 GTS (would mean finance to buy, min late £30k's)
- BMW M4
- BMW M2
- Lotus Evora

I am also mindful that it might be worth waiting longer in the new year to get more for the budget in terms of car pricing. Will the new year see some good deals or is it too early and worth waiting longer?

[Jag_NE]

If it floats your boat I’d go for something much older. Most/all of those cars listed are nice, quick cars but i think you should try and narrow your scope to something you really really like otherwise you will be bored of it after a year or two. I think you might get more joy out of a 15-20k 70s/80s car and gradually improve it over time.

[ATM]

I have a 2012 981 Boxster S. Its a good car. I also have a 1998 996 C2. Its a great car. If you want a fun occasional use car I'd be pushing you towards the older Porsche cars. They're much more engaging and involving. I don't want to go on and on like a boring know it all so instead let me know if you have any questions.

[Disco You]

Have you thought about:
Lotus Elise
Honda S2000
Caterham 7/ Westfield

They're all good fun, low or no depreciation, special, stand out, etc. And comfortably under budget to boot.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Evora is the pick if you can find a nice one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011126...

I rate these as a better sports car than any Cayman Z4M etc

Out of the Sports Saloons then the VXR8 should be on your list as they're a great drivers car & aren't depreciating much at all:

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

Supercharged Monsters

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...

& the Lexus IS-F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008293...

Both of the above are rare sights but both are a good steer with cracking V8's & sensible running cost compared to everything else.

Out of the M2/3/4 I'd take the M3 it's a rarer sight on the road & they hold their money slightly better:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012247...

In reality when it comes to the super saloons (I include coupes in that statement) I'd either go for the C63 or the Vauxhall/Lexus.

[Terzo123]

If its just going to be a weekend car, and you have something practical for the rest of the week, then I'd discount the M3, C63 and also the Mustang. They are very good every day cars.

For a weekend car, you want something that's a bit compromised/special.

[DoubleD]

Disco You said:

Have you thought about:
Lotus Elise
Honda S2000
Caterham 7/ Westfield

They're all good fun, low or no depreciation, special, stand out, etc. And comfortably under budget to boot.

I think the Lotus and Caterham are a good shout.

[Ikemi]

There is a 981 Cayman GTS for £37K on Autotrader, but the majority of C/B GTS cars are £40K and beyond. These models are really holding their value at the moment!

Personally, I'd recommend a Lotus Elise. It ticks every box on your list of requirements. £25K gets you anything from a standard S2 111R (Toyota engine) through to a monstrous 300BHP S2 Elise with a supercharged Honda K in the back! This is particularly nice:

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11062297?c...

Alternatively, how about a 981 Boxster/Cayman S? The 2.7l models fall into your price range, and a few thousand more will push you into the 3.4l models. As someone else said, Caterham?

You mention the XKR ... How about a base V6 F-Type? £25K will mean potentially higher mileage and/or missing desirable options, but the sound produced by the V6 is absolutely hilarious! My V6S has received the most positive comments of any car I've ever owned, which has included a variety of Lotuses. It does feel like an occasion to drive.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10986286?c...

[ColdoRS]

Tuscan

[jimmy_wrxsti]

Thanks all, much appreciated!

Jag_NE said:

If it floats your boat I’d go for something much older. Most/all of those cars listed are nice, quick cars but i think you should try and narrow your scope to something you really really like otherwise you will be bored of it after a year or two. I think you might get more joy out of a 15-20k 70s/80s car and gradually improve it over time.

Yes definitely an option, I am also keen to get my hands dirty if need's be. It isn't my area of expertise as to what's a good option for the older cars though.

ATM said:

I have a 2012 981 Boxster S. Its a good car. I also have a 1998 996 C2. Its a great car. If you want a fun occasional use car I'd be pushing you towards the older Porsche cars. They're much more engaging and involving. I don't want to go on and on like a boring know it all so instead let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks, I suppose one query would be from your experience and you were in the same boat what would you go for?

Disco You said:

Have you thought about:
Lotus Elise
Honda S2000
Caterham 7/ Westfield

They're all good fun, low or no depreciation, special, stand out, etc. And comfortably under budget to boot.

The S2000 is a good shout and one I hadn't looked at yet. I did think about the others but at 6ft 2 I wondered if the Elise might be uncomfortable and also the Caterham/Westfield too raw for my liking.

ZX10R NIN said:

The Evora is the pick if you can find a nice one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011126...

I rate these as a better sports car than any Cayman Z4M etc

Out of the Sports Saloons then the VXR8 should be on your list as they're a great drivers car & aren't depreciating much at all:

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

Supercharged Monsters

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...

& the Lexus IS-F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008293...

Both of the above are rare sights but both are a good steer with cracking V8's & sensible running cost compared to everything else.

Out of the M2/3/4 I'd take the M3 it's a rarer sight on the road & they hold their money slightly better:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012247...

In reality when it comes to the super saloons (I include coupes in that statement) I'd either go for the C63 or the Vauxhall/Lexus.

My previous two cars were the F90 M5 and the F80 M3, with me having the X5 now and not needing 4 doors I am very much focused on 2/3 door variety rather than any saloons. The Evora seems to get very good feedback so will look into more as an option.

Terzo123 said:

If its just going to be a weekend car, and you have something practical for the rest of the week, then I'd discount the M3, C63 and also the Mustang. They are very good every day cars.
For a weekend car, you want something that's a bit compromised/special.

Yes that's where my head is at.

Ikemi said:

There is a 981 Cayman GTS for £37K on Autotrader, but the majority of C/B GTS cars are £40K and beyond. These models are really holding their value at the moment!
Personally, I'd recommend a Lotus Elise. It ticks every box on your list of requirements. £25K gets you anything from a standard S2 111R (Toyota engine) through to a monstrous 300BHP S2 Elise with a supercharged Honda K in the back! This is particularly nice:

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11062297?c...

Alternatively, how about a 981 Boxster/Cayman S? The 2.7l models fall into your price range, and a few thousand more will push you into the 3.4l models. As someone else said, Caterham?

You mention the XKR ... How about a base V6 F-Type? £25K will mean potentially higher mileage and/or missing desirable options, but the sound produced by the V6 is absolutely hilarious! My V6S has received the most positive comments of any car I've ever owned, which has included a variety of Lotuses. It does feel like an occasion to drive.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10986286?c...

Had not considered the F-Type 3.0 V6 yet so will take a look at them!

ColdoRS said:

Tuscan

Yes good shout, how are these reliability wise?

[ColdoRS]

jimmy_wrxsti said:

ColdoRS said:

Tuscan

Yes good shout, how are these reliability wise?

I speak from my own experience - very reliable. Mine hasn’t let me down, it’s had a service and an MOT each year and I’ve spent some money on new hoses/hose clips and other such perishables. Other than that, it’s been fine.

Obviously TVR have the poor build quality and reliability stereotype but I would argue that most of the TVRs still around today are well sorted.

Buy on condition and history, resist the urge to buy a cheap one. Lots of good specialists around who will only deal with good cars so worth speaking to or visiting them to look at their stock - Amore Autos, Shmoo Automotive, HHC, Fenhurst, the list goes on.

[jimmy_wrxsti]

ColdoRS said:

I speak from my own experience - very reliable. Mine hasn’t let me down, it’s had a service and an MOT each year and I’ve spent some money on new hoses/hose clips and other such perishables. Other than that, it’s been fine.

Obviously TVR have the poor build quality and reliability stereotype but I would argue that most of the TVRs still around today are well sorted.

Buy on condition and history, resist the urge to buy a cheap one. Lots of good specialists around who will only deal with good cars so worth speaking to or visiting them to look at their stock - Amore Autos, Shmoo Automotive, HHC, Fenhurst, the list goes on.

Thanks, will look at them first to see the gold options

[ATM]

jimmy_wrxsti said:

ATM said:

I have a 2012 981 Boxster S. Its a good car. I also have a 1998 996 C2. Its a great car. If you want a fun occasional use car I'd be pushing you towards the older Porsche cars. They're much more engaging and involving. I don't want to go on and on like a boring know it all so instead let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks, I suppose one query would be from your experience and you were in the same boat what would you go for?

Are you asking about the 2 I have?

Just pootling round going to Asda or the gym I get more random strangers talking to me in the 911. You just don't see these cars around. Not as old as mine. You might see the odd 997 but that's about it. Be honest with yourself when did you last see one driving around.

So If you want the more involving drive, the less common car, the car which will peak random stranger's interest and if you have ever had a thought about scratching the 911 itch its a simple choice. And that's before we even talk about the uniqueness of the driving experience just because it's rear engined. Once you've lived with a 911 and got your head around the weight being at the back and you start to get it then you're hooked because it is almost impossible to lose grip at the back when you're accelerating out of a bend. So as long as you don't throw it around like an idiot on the way into a bend or mid corner then it's all good. Apply full throttle even in this weather if you dare and it will just dig in and grind. You will miss the grip when you drive something else.

The 981 is the car you choose if you want something which is newer and posher. It can be very civilised when you want to take it easy and the PDK box is very very clever. It's quick too. Probably quicker than my 911. But you don't feel much unless you're really hustling it.

The old 911 bombards you with information constantly. Well mine does even more so because it has stiffer this, that and the other.

[SteveR1979]

My daily is an X5 40d.
I WFH, so don't do a huge amount of miles in it!

My weekend toys are a TVR Chim 450, and a Porsche 996 C2.

For out and out fun the TVR wins hands down. Its offensive, it goes sideways a lot, and always puts a smile on my face.
Parts are cheap and there is a good network of specialists who don't charge the earth for any work I can't do.

The 996 is a great all rounder. It is quick, refined, and is great down a country lane. Its my go-to if the X5 isn't around or I'm seeing a customer and the X5 isn't the right car to take, however, as much as I love the car Porsche parts prices are expensive, any job is expensive.

The TVR is my forever car, the 996 is not!!

Edited by SteveR1979 on Saturday 26th December 20:50

[cerb4.5lee]

A 370Z Nismo could be another option to consider.

[GR_TVR]

SteveR1979 said:

My daily is an X5 40d.
I WFH, so don't do a huge amount of miles in it!

My weekend toys are a TVR Chim 450, and a Porsche 996 C2.

For out and out fun the TVR wins hands down. Its offensive, it goes sideways a lot, and always puts a smile on my face.
Parts are cheap and there is a good network of specialists who don't charge the earth for any work I can't do.

The 996 is a great all rounder. It is quick, refined, and is great down a country lane. Its my go-to if the X5 isn't around or I'm seeing a customer and the X5 isn't the right car to take, however, as much as I love the car Porsche parts prices are expensive, any job is expensive.

The TVR is my forever car, the 996 is not!!

Ha, quite scary reading that - we could almost be brothers

My daily is a RRS, but I also WFH so don't do much mileage. The X5 was on the shortlist, though.
I've got a TVR Chimaera 500, and would mirror everything you say!
I've also got a 996 C2, and again, would mirror everything you say. Considering it's a ~20 year old car it's quite amazing how refined and comfortable it is - it shocks me every time I drive it just how good of a car it is. Got a road trip coming up around Germany, and I'd much rather go in the Porsche than the TVR.

But, alas, the TVR is the forever car and the 996 is not! What would you swap it for once you do? I'm thinking about an Aston Martin Vantage...

[jimmy_wrxsti]

ATM said:

Are you asking about the 2 I have?

Just pootling round going to Asda or the gym I get more random strangers talking to me in the 911. You just don't see these cars around. Not as old as mine. You might see the odd 997 but that's about it. Be honest with yourself when did you last see one driving around.

So If you want the more involving drive, the less common car, the car which will peak random stranger's interest and if you have ever had a thought about scratching the 911 itch its a simple choice. And that's before we even talk about the uniqueness of the driving experience just because it's rear engined. Once you've lived with a 911 and got your head around the weight being at the back and you start to get it then you're hooked because it is almost impossible to lose grip at the back when you're accelerating out of a bend. So as long as you don't throw it around like an idiot on the way into a bend or mid corner then it's all good. Apply full throttle even in this weather if you dare and it will just dig in and grind. You will miss the grip when you drive something else.

The 981 is the car you choose if you want something which is newer and posher. It can be very civilised when you want to take it easy and the PDK box is very very clever. It's quick too. Probably quicker than my 911. But you don't feel much unless you're really hustling it.

The old 911 bombards you with information constantly. Well mine does even more so because it has stiffer this, that and the other.

Thanks for this, very insightful.

SteveR1979 said:

My daily is an X5 40d.
I WFH, so don't do a huge amount of miles in it!

My weekend toys are a TVR Chim 450, and a Porsche 996 C2.

For out and out fun the TVR wins hands down. Its offensive, it goes sideways a lot, and always puts a smile on my face.
Parts are cheap and there is a good network of specialists who don't charge the earth for any work I can't do.

The 996 is a great all rounder. It is quick, refined, and is great down a country lane. Its my go-to if the X5 isn't around or I'm seeing a customer and the X5 isn't the right car to take, however, as much as I love the car Porsche parts prices are expensive, any job is expensive.

The TVR is my forever car, the 996 is not!!

Thanks again, seems you have a similar setup to what I want!

Regarding the 911's - which are the ones to avoid as I have picked up on some early engine issues being mentioned.

Both the 996 and 997 I do like the look of in both the 2S and 4S. Is there anything to avoid with these?

[SteveR1979]

jimmy_wrxsti said:

Thanks again, seems you have a similar setup to what I want!

Regarding the 911's - which are the ones to avoid as I have picked up on some early engine issues being mentioned.

Both the 996 and 997 I do like the look of in both the 2S and 4S. Is there anything to avoid with these?

Its like anything, the issues probably seem worse than they are because you only ever heard the bad things.

They can all suffer from the IMS/RMS issue. Budget to replace them, and as the gearbox will be out do the clutch at the same time, assuming they haven't already been done.
Bore score can happen to all of them, I would recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection done to ensure whatever you are buying doesn't suffer.
They are the big 2!

The Air Oil separator can fail, that requires the engine to be dropped a bit, as does the coolant bottle when it inevitably splits.
Synchro on 2nd can and does fail. Mine can be a little awkward when it's cold, but once it's warm it's absolutely fine.

Non sunroof cars are not that common.

Suspension wears out. I'm halfway through doing the shocks, springs and ARBs on mine. The arms are pricey but 3rd party suppliers are starting to come up with new arms for reasonable money now, and its DIY able if you can be bothered.

The 996 didn't come in the 2S, only the 4S. The S are wide body, none S are narrow. Essentially the same car underneath, except the S has suspension and brakes from the turbo. Obviously the S is heavier than the none S, and the 4 is heavier than the 2 due to the 4wd system.

If money was no object I'd have a 997 C2, I prefer RWD, but money is an object, so I have a 996 C2, and I have no regrets!!

[SteveR1979]

GR_TVR said:

Ha, quite scary reading that - we could almost be brothers

My daily is a RRS, but I also WFH so don't do much mileage. The X5 was on the shortlist, though.
I've got a TVR Chimaera 500, and would mirror everything you say!
I've also got a 996 C2, and again, would mirror everything you say. Considering it's a ~20 year old car it's quite amazing how refined and comfortable it is - it shocks me every time I drive it just how good of a car it is. Got a road trip coming up around Germany, and I'd much rather go in the Porsche than the TVR.

But, alas, the TVR is the forever car and the 996 is not! What would you swap it for once you do? I'm thinking about an Aston Martin Vantage...

Its funny, a 996 and a TVR seems to be a popular combo. Between them, they cover a lot of bases.

I've no idea what I would replace it with if I'm honest. I have a mental block when it comes to cars designed after about 2000, and for the money there is very little out there that is as good as the Porsche.

Astons are definitely on the list at some point, maybe a Lotus or a Maserati. I've always wanted a Maserati!

I have also considered a Cerb, but how much TVR misery does one man need in his garage?

[ZX10R NIN]

One thing I will say is your weekend car can be whatever you want it to be, my weekend toys are a CLK63/E500 coupe both won't be some peoples idea of a weekend toy but both really work for me.

If I want the ultimate in handling & pace then I just get on one of the bikes.

OP decide whats special to you I like 911's but they don't feel special to me whereas some of my friends love theirs, to me something like this Camaro ZL1 can be every bit as special as a 996 & don't be fooled into thinking they don't handle because they really do.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2013-CHEVROLET-CAMARO-6...