Best weekend car for around 10k

[msportpanda]

I'm in the market for a car that will be used purely for fun. Practicality doesn't matter, economy etc etc. It just has to be bloody good *FUN* on a b road and capable of doing some road trips.

I'm in two minds, I can spend up to 10k but don't mind upping the budget if there's something out there that fits the bill.

Sad thing is, I don't really fit in an MX5 sized thing (weird leg/torso ratio), I can squeeze in but can't really operate the pedals well. That said, I really want a low slung sporty type thing that will feel special on the rare occasion that I do get to use it.

Boxsters have caught my eye and I wouldn't mind spending the extra to get into a 987S over a 986S.

S2000's are a childhood hero for me but the complaints of poor steering feel put me off a little and I imagine they're quite mx5 ish interior space wise.

I don't really fancy another MX5

What else is out there that I'm missing?

[Pat H]

msportpanda said:

Boxsters have caught my eye and I wouldn't mind spending the extra to get into a 987S over a 986S.

I am 6"2 and 17 stone.

I have a 986 Boxster and it is a very tight fit. My wife has a Mk1 Audi TT which is much more spacious, but is like driving a Golf.

I used to have a narrow bodied Caterham Seven with lowered floors which, strangely, I seemed to fit in better than the Boxster.

Westfields are generally more spacious than Caterhams and are also less expensive to boot, so that might be worth considering.

Alfa 916 Spider with the 3.0 V6 is good fun and a bit different.

TVR S with the Cologne V6 is also worth considering, especially if you can use a spanner.

Anyway, the best weekend car isn't a car. It's a motorbike. And ten grand will buy you an awful lot of bike.

[Evil.soup]

msportpanda said:

I'm in the market for a car that will be used purely for fun. Practicality doesn't matter, economy etc etc. It just has to be bloody good *FUN* on a b road and capable of doing some road trips.

I'm in two minds, I can spend up to 10k but don't mind upping the budget if there's something out there that fits the bill.

Sad thing is, I don't really fit in an MX5 sized thing (weird leg/torso ratio), I can squeeze in but can't really operate the pedals well. That said, I really want a low slung sporty type thing that will feel special on the rare occasion that I do get to use it.

Boxsters have caught my eye and I wouldn't mind spending the extra to get into a 987S over a 986S.

S2000's are a childhood hero for me but the complaints of poor steering feel put me off a little and I imagine they're quite mx5 ish interior space wise.

I don't really fancy another MX5

What else is out there that I'm missing?

Is it strictly a small sports car you are looking for, or would something like a sports hatch or saloon also tick the box for you?

In terms of small convertibles, what you have already suggested pretty much fits the bill. You rarely hear anything negative about the boxster when it comes to a weekend B-road blaster.

[georgeyboy12345]

BMW Z4 was made for americans so Jeremy Clarkson always used to say, and we know how big they can be, so that might suit you well

Also in budget would be a Mercedes SLK 350 or a Nissan 350Z, which are both fairly roomy, decent power, manual, RWD, etc

[msportpanda]

Pat H said:

I am 6"2 and 17 stone.

I have a 986 Boxster and it is a very tight fit. My wife has a Mk1 Audi TT which is much more spacious, but is like driving a Golf.

I used to have a narrow bodied Caterham Seven with lowered floors which, strangely, I seemed to fit in better than the Boxster.

Westfields are generally more spacious than Caterhams and are also less expensive to boot, so that might be worth considering.

Alfa 916 Spider with the 3.0 V6 is good fun and a bit different.

TVR S with the Cologne V6 is also worth considering, especially if you can use a spanner.

Anyway, the best weekend car isn't a car. It's a motorbike. And ten grand will buy you an awful lot of bike.

What are you thoughts on the Boxster? I've not had a chance to get out in one yet but it would be great to hear an owners thoughts on the car.

One thing I forgot to mention is that it has to be ULEZ compliant because my garage is within the bounds of the A406 so that wipes out a lot of the older more interesting stuff

I'm planning to do my bike license next year!

[msportpanda]

Evil.soup said:

Is it strictly a small sports car you are looking for, or would something like a sports hatch or saloon also tick the box for you?

In terms of small convertibles, what you have already suggested pretty much fits the bill. You rarely hear anything negative about the boxster when it comes to a weekend B-road blaster.

This is a bit of a dilemma, I know I can get better performance and vfm by looking at sports hatches/saloons but I want something that's a bit different. I really like the idea of a sports car but I'd also entertain a bigger coupe (e46 style).

I'd have an E46 M3 in a heartbeat but the prices are a bit silly at the moment.

[msportpanda]

georgeyboy12345 said:

BMW Z4 was made for americans so Jeremy Clarkson always used to say, and we know how big they can be, so that might suit you well

Also in budget would be a Mercedes SLK 350 or a Nissan 350Z, which are both fairly roomy, decent power, manual, RWD, etc

I've thought about a Z4 3.0 but not quite different enough from my 330ci which I currently have for "fun drives".

Both good suggestions, I do like the 350Z's actually!

[Jules Sunley]

Pat H said:

I am 6"2 and 17 stone.

I have a 986 Boxster and it is a very tight fit. My wife has a Mk1 Audi TT which is much more spacious, but is like driving a Golf.

I used to have a narrow bodied Caterham Seven with lowered floors which, strangely, I seemed to fit in better than the Boxster.

Westfields are generally more spacious than Caterhams and are also less expensive to boot, so that might be worth considering.

Alfa 916 Spider with the 3.0 V6 is good fun and a bit different.

TVR S with the Cologne V6 is also worth considering, especially if you can use a spanner.

Anyway, the best weekend car isn't a car. It's a motorbike. And ten grand will buy you an awful lot of bike.

Agreed - I recently added to my bikes with a Hayabusa for half that at just over £5k - 2002 but with only 12k miles and almost mint condition with lots of tasteful upgrades that the last owner (an engineer) made whilst bringing her back to full glory. I've had bikes for 30 years this year including a number of 1000cc but can safely say the 1300cc Hayabusa is the most mentally accelerating thing I've ever experienced and makes me smile like a 5 year old given free roam in Hamleys.

[sean ie3]

Shame about the ULEZ, there is a nice E30 convertible on AT, 1992 320i manual in dark blue met. with tan interior £7992.

[Pat H]

Evil.soup said:

You rarely hear anything negative about the boxster when it comes to a weekend B-road blaster.

Yep.

My old Boxster steers and handles superbly. It's only a 2.5, which is a bit of a gutless wonder, but it sounds great as you wind it past 4500rpm. It is fantastic on a twisty B road.

My main criticism of the Boxter isn't how it drives at all.

The seats aren't terribly supportive, it feels cramped and an Audi TT is much more civilised with the roof down.

The push-me-pull-you styling is rather dull.

Boxsters are also very common and are tainted by the crap image that hangs around all Porsches like a bad smell.

They also have a stupid name.

None of these things, however, detracts from the fact that they are brilliant little cars and are much better resolved than anything Lotus, TVR or Alfa have managed to produce. That there is a Boxster on every street corner rather affirms their ability.

But I am a contrary old bugger. And wonderful though my Boxster might be, it doesn't set my underpants on fire in the same way that the V6 Alfas, TVRs, Lotuses and Caterham Sevens have done in the past.

As a purely weekend car, it just doesn't quite feel special enough.

[Evil.soup]

msportpanda said:

Evil.soup said:

Is it strictly a small sports car you are looking for, or would something like a sports hatch or saloon also tick the box for you?

In terms of small convertibles, what you have already suggested pretty much fits the bill. You rarely hear anything negative about the boxster when it comes to a weekend B-road blaster.

This is a bit of a dilemma, I know I can get better performance and vfm by looking at sports hatches/saloons but I want something that's a bit different. I really like the idea of a sports car but I'd also entertain a bigger coupe (e46 style).

I'd have an E46 M3 in a heartbeat but the prices are a bit silly at the moment.

It could be well worth booking some test drives in some alternative stuff such as the Megan Sport, maybe a Clio 197 Cup, Impreza WRX, the boxster and maybe the 350z. All are good cars but all very different in terms of driving dynamics. Your budget should get you good examples of each as well.

We could give you lots of opinions, but the right car is a really personal choice.

Coming back to the Clio 197 Cup, my brother owned one with the full extras including carbon bucket seats. I wasn't expecting much as my weekend car is an Impreza, but the thing was wildly fun, only being let down by straight line speed. It's well worth a shot...

[Pat H]

msportpanda said:

I'm planning to do my bike license next year!

Then forget about the car and concentrate on doing your bike test.

I have a scruffy Laverda in the garage. Just starting the damn thing up is more exciting than taking the Boxster for a run.

Hell, even a ride on my wife's CB350 is more fun.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're prepared to stretch the budget & haggle hard then the SLK55 AMG is a cracking weekend car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104050...

Back on budget the 370Z is a very good car & a nice steer with that brawny V6 upfront it's the one I'd pick out of the Z4/SLK350/Boxster:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108085...

[blueovercream]

What about an Alfa GTV V6 Cup? Ticks the “different” box, practical enough for a road trip, very pretty. Though maybe not quite the level of performance you’re looking for. Great engine by all accounts though.

[ZX10R NIN]

Just saw you're looking to take your bike test, in which case I'd say forget what I've suggested above, go & take your test as soon as possible & spend the 10k on a bike/kit/insurance, you won't think about the car.

[Pat H]

blueovercream said:

What about an Alfa GTV V6 Cup? Ticks the “different” box, practical enough for a road trip, very pretty. Though maybe not quite the level of performance you’re looking for. Great engine by all accounts though.

Forget the "Cup" bit. It's just a few cosmetic bits that detract from the purity of the original design and add to the price.

The GTV V6 is a lovely thing. They handle really well for a FWD car. They have oodles of character and style and feel much more exotic and special than a Boxster.

Ground clearance is pants, the turning circle is a joke, the bodywork is very vulnerable, the wind noise is intrusive and the seats are rotten.

But when you wind up that V6 you will forgive it all of those things.

It is, without question, one of the best engines ever fitted to a road car. You can keep your Ferrari V8s, Lotus TCs, BMW 6s and TVR fettled Rover V8s. The Alfa V6 is nicer than any of them. By a mile.

I have owned a couple of the Phase 3 GTVs with the final 3.2 stretch of the Arese V6 and they certainly didn't lack performance.

That said, the 2.5 version fitted to the 156 V6 was smoother, revved better and sounded even nicer.

But you will still have more fun on a bike!

[Jules Sunley]

Pat H said:

msportpanda said:

I'm planning to do my bike license next year!

Then forget about the car and concentrate on doing your bike test.

I have a scruffy Laverda in the garage. Just starting the damn thing up is more exciting than taking the Boxster for a run.

Hell, even a ride on my wife's CB350 is more fun.

That's lovely, I like the Orange too

[flying-banana]

Speaking as a larger than average guy, 6'2" 17st, who likes a low slung, legs out driving position, I like the 370z, less keen on Boxsters from a space point of view, although I've not been in the latest ones (not that they're going to be within budget!)
I can't comment on an Alfa Spider, although I was quite comfortable in a 159, but I think a GT86/BRZ would be too cozy...
Hot hatches...Golf R32, Megane RS?

[Jules Sunley]

flying-banana said:

Speaking as a larger than average guy, 6'2" 17st, who likes a low slung, legs out driving position, I like the 370z, less keen on Boxsters from a space point of view, although I've not been in the latest ones (not that they're going to be within budget!)
I can't comment on an Alfa Spider, although I was quite comfortable in a 159, but I think a GT86/BRZ would be too cozy...
Hot hatches...Golf R32, Megane RS?

GT86/BRZ definitely very small inside - I tried and failed to fit comfortable in one although not as bad as a Booster which for me I wear rather than sit in #vacuumpacked

[Mr Tidy]

msportpanda said:

I've thought about a Z4 3.0 but not quite different enough from my 330ci which I currently have for "fun drives".

Both good suggestions, I do like the 350Z's actually!

I had a Z4 3.0Si Coupe and an E46 325ti as a daily for over 3 years, and the Z4 felt way different to the E46 - in a good way!

Not sure if they are still in budget, but Honda S2000s seem to get good reviews.