Weekend car to replace RS3?
Discussion
Hi all,
I currently have an RS3 which I've really enjoyed for the last year as it's been completely stress free motoring. Although not always seen as an enthusiasts car I've always wanted one and glad to have experienced it.
Our other car is a Citreon C5 Estate which is painfully slow and soft, automatic gearbox is questionable as well. We are relocating so looking to get a nicer day to day car and change the RS3 to something used for pleasure only as atm we use it far more than the Citreon.
This gives me the opportunity to buy something a bit more suited to weekend driving or just whenever I want to go have a blast with friends etc or the odd track day. The car will likely do around 8k miles a year and I will likely modify it which I haven't done with my RS3 due to Audi warranty.
Looking at cars up to about 25-30k and been looking at many options such as:
E92 M3 - was original choice but feel like most of the time it will feel like a normal 3 series unless really pushing on.
C63 - Petrol prices getting ridiculous...
MK7 GTi/Clubsport - could be fun with 400+bhp and a few handling mods, maybe too boring and similar to RS3.
E46 M3 - always loved these, worry about their age and stepping down from RS3 interior etc may be a shock
Caymans - don't really like the look of any within my budget although I'm sure they would be best to drive.
SL63 - left field choice, love the idea of one. Same issue as C63, not sure i could resist doing serious mileage in the summer for the noise and ruining my wallet.
M2 - my brother has an M2 Comp which I can drive whenever I want.
Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it🤣
Thanks
I currently have an RS3 which I've really enjoyed for the last year as it's been completely stress free motoring. Although not always seen as an enthusiasts car I've always wanted one and glad to have experienced it.
Our other car is a Citreon C5 Estate which is painfully slow and soft, automatic gearbox is questionable as well. We are relocating so looking to get a nicer day to day car and change the RS3 to something used for pleasure only as atm we use it far more than the Citreon.
This gives me the opportunity to buy something a bit more suited to weekend driving or just whenever I want to go have a blast with friends etc or the odd track day. The car will likely do around 8k miles a year and I will likely modify it which I haven't done with my RS3 due to Audi warranty.
Looking at cars up to about 25-30k and been looking at many options such as:
E92 M3 - was original choice but feel like most of the time it will feel like a normal 3 series unless really pushing on.
C63 - Petrol prices getting ridiculous...
MK7 GTi/Clubsport - could be fun with 400+bhp and a few handling mods, maybe too boring and similar to RS3.
E46 M3 - always loved these, worry about their age and stepping down from RS3 interior etc may be a shock
Caymans - don't really like the look of any within my budget although I'm sure they would be best to drive.
SL63 - left field choice, love the idea of one. Same issue as C63, not sure i could resist doing serious mileage in the summer for the noise and ruining my wallet.
M2 - my brother has an M2 Comp which I can drive whenever I want.
Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it🤣
Thanks
I'd say most of your choices look a bit safe for a weekend/fun only car? And at that annual mileage the difference between a car that does 25MPG and 15MPG when pressing on is going to be <£1k even at current fuel prices so I'd personally not worry about that too much in the grand scheme of things with a £25-30k purchasing budget?
I'd be looking at
996 C4S
997 C2/4S
Lotus Evora
Maserati Gransport/GranTurismo
Or for £10k less I think the E92 M3 Convertible offers good value at the minute. For around £20k you could pick up a well sorted car + additional Evolve bits and have an amazing sounding, practical V8 drop top that will be better suited to B roads and track days than the SL63?
This one looks a great starting point for upgrades. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022... and could probably be had for half your budget.
I'd be looking at
996 C4S
997 C2/4S
Lotus Evora
Maserati Gransport/GranTurismo
Or for £10k less I think the E92 M3 Convertible offers good value at the minute. For around £20k you could pick up a well sorted car + additional Evolve bits and have an amazing sounding, practical V8 drop top that will be better suited to B roads and track days than the SL63?
This one looks a great starting point for upgrades. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022... and could probably be had for half your budget.
You haven't said anything of the size of the car, nor any practical need for it. All of your own suggested cars are practical, barring the outlier in the Cayman, is that for a reason?
From your "weekend car" "modify it" "occasional track day" criteria, I end up with an entirely different set of cars.
For example:
-Yaris GR
-Caterham/Westfield
-Focus RS
-Boxster S
-Civic Type-R
I think anything VAG (do anything cars) are all going to feel the same as what you're in: sound deadened, comfy, sedate unless poked.
YOLO it... If you don't need 5 seats and you have a boring do anything car, get something for a year and make it memorable.
We'll all be in silent battery powered BS being driven around by Alexa before long.
From your "weekend car" "modify it" "occasional track day" criteria, I end up with an entirely different set of cars.
For example:
-Yaris GR
-Caterham/Westfield
-Focus RS
-Boxster S
-Civic Type-R
I think anything VAG (do anything cars) are all going to feel the same as what you're in: sound deadened, comfy, sedate unless poked.
YOLO it... If you don't need 5 seats and you have a boring do anything car, get something for a year and make it memorable.
We'll all be in silent battery powered BS being driven around by Alexa before long.
E46 m3 will be a shock interior wise and unless you're pushing on you won't enjoy it. Plus it will be a labour of love regardless of which example you buy.
E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
village24 said:
E46 m3 will be a shock interior wise and unless you're pushing on you won't enjoy it. Plus it will be a labour of love regardless of which example you buy.
E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
The E92 does benefit from the 4.0 V8 and lack of SMG/subframe issues that plague the E46. Need those rod bearings done though.E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
Love the noise of a C63 but not in the same class as the M3 as a car for B-Roads and occasional track day use I'd suggest. A fairly blunt instrument dynamically and the gearbox is a weak point?
An early f80/f82 M3 or M4 would also fall within budget.
Edited by SWoll on Friday 25th March 12:26
I have an RS3, Fabia and Transporter.
I agree that the RS3 isn’t as focused as some of those listed above, but it still works well IMO as a balance between practicality and entertainment. You would miss the noise assuming it’s a pre-facelift.
Perhaps there’s too much overlap between the RS3 and C5? I’d consider swapping C5 for a cheerful small hatchback.
I agree that the RS3 isn’t as focused as some of those listed above, but it still works well IMO as a balance between practicality and entertainment. You would miss the noise assuming it’s a pre-facelift.
Perhaps there’s too much overlap between the RS3 and C5? I’d consider swapping C5 for a cheerful small hatchback.
Off the wall OP - but how about a GP2... not everyone's taste I grant you but a bit more nimble than some of the other options...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...
JS2808 said:
Hi all,
I currently have an RS3 which I've really enjoyed for the last year as it's been completely stress free motoring. Although not always seen as an enthusiasts car I've always wanted one and glad to have experienced it.
Our other car is a Citreon C5 Estate which is painfully slow and soft, automatic gearbox is questionable as well. We are relocating so looking to get a nicer day to day car and change the RS3 to something used for pleasure only as atm we use it far more than the Citreon.
This gives me the opportunity to buy something a bit more suited to weekend driving or just whenever I want to go have a blast with friends etc or the odd track day. The car will likely do around 8k miles a year and I will likely modify it which I haven't done with my RS3 due to Audi warranty.
Looking at cars up to about 25-30k and been looking at many options such as:
E92 M3 - was original choice but feel like most of the time it will feel like a normal 3 series unless really pushing on.
C63 - Petrol prices getting ridiculous...
MK7 GTi/Clubsport - could be fun with 400+bhp and a few handling mods, maybe too boring and similar to RS3.
E46 M3 - always loved these, worry about their age and stepping down from RS3 interior etc may be a shock
Caymans - don't really like the look of any within my budget although I'm sure they would be best to drive.
SL63 - left field choice, love the idea of one. Same issue as C63, not sure i could resist doing serious mileage in the summer for the noise and ruining my wallet.
M2 - my brother has an M2 Comp which I can drive whenever I want.
Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it??
Thanks
If you like the RS3 maybe the RS5 could well be the car you're looking for, have a look at this review:I currently have an RS3 which I've really enjoyed for the last year as it's been completely stress free motoring. Although not always seen as an enthusiasts car I've always wanted one and glad to have experienced it.
Our other car is a Citreon C5 Estate which is painfully slow and soft, automatic gearbox is questionable as well. We are relocating so looking to get a nicer day to day car and change the RS3 to something used for pleasure only as atm we use it far more than the Citreon.
This gives me the opportunity to buy something a bit more suited to weekend driving or just whenever I want to go have a blast with friends etc or the odd track day. The car will likely do around 8k miles a year and I will likely modify it which I haven't done with my RS3 due to Audi warranty.
Looking at cars up to about 25-30k and been looking at many options such as:
E92 M3 - was original choice but feel like most of the time it will feel like a normal 3 series unless really pushing on.
C63 - Petrol prices getting ridiculous...
MK7 GTi/Clubsport - could be fun with 400+bhp and a few handling mods, maybe too boring and similar to RS3.
E46 M3 - always loved these, worry about their age and stepping down from RS3 interior etc may be a shock
Caymans - don't really like the look of any within my budget although I'm sure they would be best to drive.
SL63 - left field choice, love the idea of one. Same issue as C63, not sure i could resist doing serious mileage in the summer for the noise and ruining my wallet.
M2 - my brother has an M2 Comp which I can drive whenever I want.
Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it??
Thanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8
RS5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112160...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202032...
Or a V6 F Type:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202172...
F80 M3 they look so much better than the M4 imo:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203023...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139...
SWoll said:
village24 said:
E46 m3 will be a shock interior wise and unless you're pushing on you won't enjoy it. Plus it will be a labour of love regardless of which example you buy.
E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
The E92 does benefit from the 4.0 V8 and lack of SMG/subframe issues that plague the E46. Need those rod bearings done though.E92 m3 is the same reason above with a better interior.
C63 has a wonderful engine and lovely seats, great low down torque but interior even on the facelift won't be comparable but nose alone would sway me.
You've been spoilt really by the turbo 5cylinder rs3 which is a wonderful engine but not sure its a proper weekend car.
With your budget I'd be looking at a c2s or c4s 997 as the porsche is just special. They're aren't without the running costs though. But they are rewarding to drive and it will always feel like a sense of occasion from turning the key.
The only other car I'd consider would be an M2C but in the current market you won't get one for 30k
Love the noise of a C63 but not in the same class as the M3 as a car for B-Roads and occasional track day use I'd suggest. A fairly blunt instrument dynamically and the gearbox is a weak point?
An early f80/f82 M3 or M4 would also fall within budget.
Edited by SWoll on Friday 25th March 12:26
Yes noted the e46 has subframe and smg issues if you buy smg but with all the knowledge they're easy fixes these days.
E92 will run rings on the track but on the road you'll struggle to really utilise it compared to the W204. Infact the W204 c63 would leave it rolling.
I'd still move to porsche if I was given the budget
village24 said:
F8X cars just don't sound as good cpmpated to the s54 or s85. This can all be changed with equal length pipes but still I don't like the noise personally.
Yes noted the e46 has subframe and smg issues if you buy smg but with all the knowledge they're easy fixes these days.
E92 will run rings on the track but on the road you'll struggle to really utilise it compared to the W204. Infact the W204 c63 would leave it rolling.
I'd still move to porsche if I was given the budget
Having spent time in both over the years I don't agree. The W204 63 chassis always felt overwhelmed by the engine and that added to the gearbox made fast progress hard work in anything other than perfect conditions. The E90 always felt far better resolved/balanced as a package and offers the option of manual/DCT gearboxes.Yes noted the e46 has subframe and smg issues if you buy smg but with all the knowledge they're easy fixes these days.
E92 will run rings on the track but on the road you'll struggle to really utilise it compared to the W204. Infact the W204 c63 would leave it rolling.
I'd still move to porsche if I was given the budget
The C63 makes for a cracking and characterful daily driver, but the V8 M3 is better suited to the OP's requirements IMHO.
I also know plenty that have been utterly underwhelmed by the driving experience of the 911 so the OP would need to have a go and see for himself if interested. Possibly a little lacking in excitement?
JS2808 said:
Hi all,
Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it??
Thanks
Personally, I don't think anything in the VAG group is interesting enough to qualify as a fun weekend car. That's not a knock on them - as someone else said in this thread, they're "do everything" cars. Your RS3 with its monster engine and AWD grip is definitely on the faster end of the "do everything" spectrum, so a lot of the more focused sports cars may well end up feeling quite slow in comparison. I'd make sure you're happy losing a fair bit of straight line pace for something a bit purer or more special. Any other suggestions or shall I just keep my RS3 and get it how I want it??
Thanks
A 2.7 Cayster may handle, sound and respond amazingly well, but the fun in those cars is the twisties, the interaction and keeping them on the boil. Floor it from low down in the rev range and it'll feel glacial compared to an RS3.
Edited by david-j8694 on Monday 28th March 11:52
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