6k GT with great soundtrack
Discussion
Looking for a second car for the weekends, not necessarily for just thrashing around but for weekend trips away and visits to family.
I'd like something with a sense of occasion, and a great sounding engine. I love American muscle cars but appreciate my budget won't even come close to something like that, so trying to consider realistic options.
There are some obvious candidates but thought I would throw it out for advice, hopefully looking to buy within the next couple of months, not immediately.
Current considerations:
3.0 Z4 - Maybe the best all rounder on this list, but maybe not the best for comfort.
TT 3.2 - MK1 or MK2 at this price?
350Z - Possibly one of my faves on the list, but would annoy me slightly if I was paying the upper tax band without using the car very much.
Alfa Romeo GTV - V6 obviously, another fave on this list and always loved these, although finding a good one might be hard work?
Am I missing anything else? Booster at this budget maybe?
I'd like something with a sense of occasion, and a great sounding engine. I love American muscle cars but appreciate my budget won't even come close to something like that, so trying to consider realistic options.
There are some obvious candidates but thought I would throw it out for advice, hopefully looking to buy within the next couple of months, not immediately.
Current considerations:
3.0 Z4 - Maybe the best all rounder on this list, but maybe not the best for comfort.
TT 3.2 - MK1 or MK2 at this price?
350Z - Possibly one of my faves on the list, but would annoy me slightly if I was paying the upper tax band without using the car very much.
Alfa Romeo GTV - V6 obviously, another fave on this list and always loved these, although finding a good one might be hard work?
Am I missing anything else? Booster at this budget maybe?
Edited by Rustybits on Monday 28th March 19:23
If you want a GT with a nice soundtrack I'd say look at a CLK 500 they've got a nice soundtrack & when you drop all the windows & pop the roof it's like having a convertible with none of the hassle:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384784133171?hash=item5...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022...
You can also upgrade the infotainment with ease so you can have all the modern connectivity.
2008 SLK 350 although this is a smidge over budget before negotiating going for the later model mean £340 road tax vs £585 per year:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202142...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384784133171?hash=item5...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022...
You can also upgrade the infotainment with ease so you can have all the modern connectivity.
2008 SLK 350 although this is a smidge over budget before negotiating going for the later model mean £340 road tax vs £585 per year:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202142...
Nice list!
I have had an Alfa GTV V6 and currently have a Mk1 TT 3.2
In terms of theatre, sound, occassion the Alfa was brilliant - it had some custom upgrades, exhaust, cams etc but sounded glorious and was slice of mini exotica which included the driving position - typical italian, not bad but at 6ft 1 i felt like i sat on the car rather than in it. As a steer though it was great - pretty quick and the fitted LSD helped the handling with tight turns. Lots of GTV will have had the LSD upgrade and is worth searching out or including in a budget (around £900 fittted)
The TT by comparison (to me anyway) sounds as good and has theatre too with totally unique sound (i have removed the rear resonator for a straight pipe but the rest is standard including back box) - The main difference being the obvious build quality improvement with the Audi. Interior feels pretty special and has aged well and you can get a great dirving position (reach and rake steering) 4wd is good for all conditions and as we are comparing FWD Vs 4WD they are both fun on any simlar road. The GTV has the more "pointy" front end however the TT can be hustled and front end improved with a thicker rear ARB if required
Touring - you could quite easily use either for touring, both engines are powerful at low end and pull well the higher the revs go! Later GTV has 6 speed (worth it) The boot on GTV is narrow but deep, with the TT you can put the rear seats down for more room. I would personally prefer the TT for longer trips though, more creature comforts, rides very well and feels planted at all speeds.
Power - GTV 220 bhp ish / TT 250 bhp ish - the GTV likes to be worked and whilst gearchange is quite long throw it is precise and nice to use (a short shift kit sharpens it further) The TT just gets on with it (i haven't tried a manual) but the DSG does actually suit the 3.2 and 4WD very well.
Bodywork - both cars are galvanised from factory - the GTV has composte front end including frot wings and clamshell.
Rarity - you will see other TT's around in some incranation, the GTV however you will see very few on the roads so the Alfa definatley more exclusive
Prices - for a well sorted GTV with no sill rot (plastic covers can hide this) and some choice upgrades you need to be looking at £6k minimum i would expect, my car sold for not far of £10k 2 years ago however it had a lot of future proofing and cam belt done.
TT are more plentiful - road tax is £340 p.a, and there are very varied prices - they go through suspension components but parts are reasonable as most are VW (Golf) sourced. I'd say £5k as minimum on a nice TT. TIming chains on them is an expensive job and worth listening for metallic ticking if you view any!
Any excuse to share some snaps too!
Good luck with your search!!
I have had an Alfa GTV V6 and currently have a Mk1 TT 3.2
In terms of theatre, sound, occassion the Alfa was brilliant - it had some custom upgrades, exhaust, cams etc but sounded glorious and was slice of mini exotica which included the driving position - typical italian, not bad but at 6ft 1 i felt like i sat on the car rather than in it. As a steer though it was great - pretty quick and the fitted LSD helped the handling with tight turns. Lots of GTV will have had the LSD upgrade and is worth searching out or including in a budget (around £900 fittted)
The TT by comparison (to me anyway) sounds as good and has theatre too with totally unique sound (i have removed the rear resonator for a straight pipe but the rest is standard including back box) - The main difference being the obvious build quality improvement with the Audi. Interior feels pretty special and has aged well and you can get a great dirving position (reach and rake steering) 4wd is good for all conditions and as we are comparing FWD Vs 4WD they are both fun on any simlar road. The GTV has the more "pointy" front end however the TT can be hustled and front end improved with a thicker rear ARB if required
Touring - you could quite easily use either for touring, both engines are powerful at low end and pull well the higher the revs go! Later GTV has 6 speed (worth it) The boot on GTV is narrow but deep, with the TT you can put the rear seats down for more room. I would personally prefer the TT for longer trips though, more creature comforts, rides very well and feels planted at all speeds.
Power - GTV 220 bhp ish / TT 250 bhp ish - the GTV likes to be worked and whilst gearchange is quite long throw it is precise and nice to use (a short shift kit sharpens it further) The TT just gets on with it (i haven't tried a manual) but the DSG does actually suit the 3.2 and 4WD very well.
Bodywork - both cars are galvanised from factory - the GTV has composte front end including frot wings and clamshell.
Rarity - you will see other TT's around in some incranation, the GTV however you will see very few on the roads so the Alfa definatley more exclusive
Prices - for a well sorted GTV with no sill rot (plastic covers can hide this) and some choice upgrades you need to be looking at £6k minimum i would expect, my car sold for not far of £10k 2 years ago however it had a lot of future proofing and cam belt done.
TT are more plentiful - road tax is £340 p.a, and there are very varied prices - they go through suspension components but parts are reasonable as most are VW (Golf) sourced. I'd say £5k as minimum on a nice TT. TIming chains on them is an expensive job and worth listening for metallic ticking if you view any!
Any excuse to share some snaps too!
Good luck with your search!!
Edited by ST270 on Tuesday 29th March 15:10
Edited by ST270 on Tuesday 29th March 15:15
ST270 said:
Nice list!
I have had an Alfa GTV V6 and currently have a Mk1 TT 3.2
In terms of theatre, sound, occassion the Alfa was brilliant - it had some custom upgrades, exhaust, cams etc but sounded glorious and was slice of mini exotica which included the driving position - typical italian, not bad but at 6ft 1 i felt like i sat on the car rather than in it. As a steer though it was great - pretty quick and the fitted LSD helped the handling with tight turns. Lots of GTV will have had the LSD upgrade and is worth searching out or including in a budget (around £900 fittted)
The TT by comparison (to me anyway) sounds as good and has theatre too with totally unique sound (i have removed the rear resonator for a straight pipe but the rest is standard including back box) - The main difference being the obvious build quality improvement with the Audi. Interior feels pretty special and has aged well and you can get a great dirving position (reach and rake steering) 4wd is good for all conditions and as we are comparing FWD Vs 4WD they are both fun on any simlar road. The GTV has the more "pointy" front end however the TT can be hustled and front end improved with a thicker rear ARB if required
Touring - you could quite easily use either for touring, both engines are powerful at low end and pull well the higher the revs go! Later GTV has 6 speed (worth it) The boot on GTV is narrow but deep, with the TT you can put the rear seats down for more room. I would personally prefer the TT for longer trips though, more creature comforts, rides very well and feels planted at all speeds.
Power - GTV 220 bhp ish / TT 250 bhp ish - the GTV likes to be worked and whilst gearchange is quite long throw it is precise and nice to use (a short shift kit sharpens it further) The TT just gets on with it (i haven't tried a manual) but the DSG does actually suit the 3.2 and 4WD very well.
Bodywork - both cars are galvanised from factory - the GTV has composte front end including frot wings and clamshell.
Rarity - you will see other TT's around in some incranation, the GTV however you will see very few on the roads so the Alfa definatley more exclusive
Prices - for a well sorted GTV with no sill rot (plastic covers can hide this) and some choice upgrades you need to be looking at £6k minimum i would expect, my car sold for not far of £10k 2 years ago however it had a lot of future proofing and cam belt done.
TT are more plentiful - road tax is £340 p.a, and there are very varied prices - they go through suspension components but parts are reasonable as most are VW (Golf) sourced. I'd say £5k as minimum on a nice TT. TIming chains on them is an expensive job and worth listening for metallic ticking if you view any!
Any excuse to share some snaps too!
Good luck with your search!!
You make a very compelling case for both cars and thanks very much for your input and photos, much appreciated! I have had an Alfa GTV V6 and currently have a Mk1 TT 3.2
In terms of theatre, sound, occassion the Alfa was brilliant - it had some custom upgrades, exhaust, cams etc but sounded glorious and was slice of mini exotica which included the driving position - typical italian, not bad but at 6ft 1 i felt like i sat on the car rather than in it. As a steer though it was great - pretty quick and the fitted LSD helped the handling with tight turns. Lots of GTV will have had the LSD upgrade and is worth searching out or including in a budget (around £900 fittted)
The TT by comparison (to me anyway) sounds as good and has theatre too with totally unique sound (i have removed the rear resonator for a straight pipe but the rest is standard including back box) - The main difference being the obvious build quality improvement with the Audi. Interior feels pretty special and has aged well and you can get a great dirving position (reach and rake steering) 4wd is good for all conditions and as we are comparing FWD Vs 4WD they are both fun on any simlar road. The GTV has the more "pointy" front end however the TT can be hustled and front end improved with a thicker rear ARB if required
Touring - you could quite easily use either for touring, both engines are powerful at low end and pull well the higher the revs go! Later GTV has 6 speed (worth it) The boot on GTV is narrow but deep, with the TT you can put the rear seats down for more room. I would personally prefer the TT for longer trips though, more creature comforts, rides very well and feels planted at all speeds.
Power - GTV 220 bhp ish / TT 250 bhp ish - the GTV likes to be worked and whilst gearchange is quite long throw it is precise and nice to use (a short shift kit sharpens it further) The TT just gets on with it (i haven't tried a manual) but the DSG does actually suit the 3.2 and 4WD very well.
Bodywork - both cars are galvanised from factory - the GTV has composte front end including frot wings and clamshell.
Rarity - you will see other TT's around in some incranation, the GTV however you will see very few on the roads so the Alfa definatley more exclusive
Prices - for a well sorted GTV with no sill rot (plastic covers can hide this) and some choice upgrades you need to be looking at £6k minimum i would expect, my car sold for not far of £10k 2 years ago however it had a lot of future proofing and cam belt done.
TT are more plentiful - road tax is £340 p.a, and there are very varied prices - they go through suspension components but parts are reasonable as most are VW (Golf) sourced. I'd say £5k as minimum on a nice TT. TIming chains on them is an expensive job and worth listening for metallic ticking if you view any!
Any excuse to share some snaps too!
Good luck with your search!!
Edited by ST270 on Tuesday 29th March 15:10
Edited by ST270 on Tuesday 29th March 15:15
I've had a 350z, Z4C 3.0Si, and test drove a TT 3.2.
TT was a nice place to sit, and quite nice looking, but rather a dull drive for me. Felt heavy and blunt, but not in a fun way like a 350Z.That said, the one I drove was a Mk1, maybe a Mk2 is within budget, as they drive a bit better than the Mk1.
Z4 was the best looking, was almost as nice as the Audi to sit in, and had considerably more character and fun factor than the TT. Granted you'd be looking at the soft top for this budget, and perhaps the standard 3.0 M54 engine which has an inferior engine to the Si N52 model.
350Z would be my choice for soundtrack. Stick an exhaust and induction kit on it, and the sound was almost supercar good. Cheap to sit in, but comfortable and bursting with character. Edit: Pre-2006 have cheaper tax.
Never driven the Alfa but considered one. I imagine it will sound as good as, if not better than the 350Z, but FWD would spoil it for me.
Another possible option is a Golf R32. Those VR6 engines can sound immense with a few mods.
TT was a nice place to sit, and quite nice looking, but rather a dull drive for me. Felt heavy and blunt, but not in a fun way like a 350Z.That said, the one I drove was a Mk1, maybe a Mk2 is within budget, as they drive a bit better than the Mk1.
Z4 was the best looking, was almost as nice as the Audi to sit in, and had considerably more character and fun factor than the TT. Granted you'd be looking at the soft top for this budget, and perhaps the standard 3.0 M54 engine which has an inferior engine to the Si N52 model.
350Z would be my choice for soundtrack. Stick an exhaust and induction kit on it, and the sound was almost supercar good. Cheap to sit in, but comfortable and bursting with character. Edit: Pre-2006 have cheaper tax.
Never driven the Alfa but considered one. I imagine it will sound as good as, if not better than the 350Z, but FWD would spoil it for me.
Another possible option is a Golf R32. Those VR6 engines can sound immense with a few mods.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Tuesday 29th March 18:30
Rustybits said:
You make a very compelling case for both cars and thanks very much for your input and photos, much appreciated!
No trouble - FWIW i test drove a manual and auto 370Z a couple of years ago - both standard cars and both were quick when wound up. The interiors were ok if not a bit plastic, the sound whilst meaty wasn't a patch on the Alfa which i had at the time or the VR6 in the TT - sure this can be changed with a choice exhaust but out of the box i think gravelly is a good description (again personal opinion) The 350Z also has a strut brace across the rear hatch which eats luggage space. That said both 350Z and 370Z are great looking and have presence
Not helped at all here but just my experiecne when looking in similar markets as you right now - plus its all part of the fun when deciding what to go for!
TameRacingDriver said:
I've had a 350z, Z4C 3.0Si, and test drove a TT 3.2.
TT was a nice place to sit, and quite nice looking, but rather a dull drive for me. Felt heavy and blunt, but not in a fun way like a 350Z.That said, the one I drove was a Mk1, maybe a Mk2 is within budget, as they drive a bit better than the Mk1.
Z4 was the best looking, was almost as nice as the Audi to sit in, and had considerably more character and fun factor than the TT. Granted you'd be looking at the soft top for this budget, and perhaps the standard 3.0 M54 engine which has an inferior engine to the Si N52 model.
350Z would be my choice for soundtrack. Stick an exhaust and induction kit on it, and the sound was almost supercar good. Cheap to sit in, but comfortable and bursting with character. Edit: Pre-2006 have cheaper tax.
Never driven the Alfa but considered one. I imagine it will sound as good as, if not better than the 350Z, but FWD would spoil it for me.
Another possible option is a Golf R32. Those VR6 engines can sound immense with a few mods.
I agree the TT it is quite heavy with the 4WD and can blunt things a bit - we have an S2000 too which is more engaging & lively but the TT feels solid and good for long distance as more refined. Same engine as the R32 too, the Mk1 have a butterfly valve which can be unpluged from the vacum - with this done they sound the same as the R32 (free mod too!)TT was a nice place to sit, and quite nice looking, but rather a dull drive for me. Felt heavy and blunt, but not in a fun way like a 350Z.That said, the one I drove was a Mk1, maybe a Mk2 is within budget, as they drive a bit better than the Mk1.
Z4 was the best looking, was almost as nice as the Audi to sit in, and had considerably more character and fun factor than the TT. Granted you'd be looking at the soft top for this budget, and perhaps the standard 3.0 M54 engine which has an inferior engine to the Si N52 model.
350Z would be my choice for soundtrack. Stick an exhaust and induction kit on it, and the sound was almost supercar good. Cheap to sit in, but comfortable and bursting with character. Edit: Pre-2006 have cheaper tax.
Never driven the Alfa but considered one. I imagine it will sound as good as, if not better than the 350Z, but FWD would spoil it for me.
Another possible option is a Golf R32. Those VR6 engines can sound immense with a few mods.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Tuesday 29th March 18:30
ST270 said:
I agree the TT it is quite heavy with the 4WD and can blunt things a bit - we have an S2000 too which is more engaging & lively but the TT feels solid and good for long distance as more refined. Same engine as the R32 too, the Mk1 have a butterfly valve which can be unpluged from the vacum - with this done they sound the same as the R32 (free mod too!)
That would be a must do mod for sure then, the one I drove was relatively quiet, at least from in the cabin. I drove it back to back with the 350Z and the latter just felt a lot more raw, but at the same time, very comfortable. It was a more visceral experience. Never heard a standard one though, but with the mods, well I'll just say I still miss that noise!With you mentioning American cars I'm surprised no one has mentioned a Chrysler Crossfire. A bit marmite but seems to be in the ballpark of what you're after and can be had pretty low mileage for well under budget. I've never driven one but by all accounts more of a cruiser than a car for b-road thrashing.
TameRacingDriver said:
ST270 said:
I agree the TT it is quite heavy with the 4WD and can blunt things a bit - we have an S2000 too which is more engaging & lively but the TT feels solid and good for long distance as more refined. Same engine as the R32 too, the Mk1 have a butterfly valve which can be unpluged from the vacum - with this done they sound the same as the R32 (free mod too!)
That would be a must do mod for sure then, the one I drove was relatively quiet, at least from in the cabin. I drove it back to back with the 350Z and the latter just felt a lot more raw, but at the same time, very comfortable. It was a more visceral experience. Never heard a standard one though, but with the mods, well I'll just say I still miss that noise!Some great cars listed in this thread. Out of all those listed, I'd probably go for a 350Z, Alfa GTV, a CLK 500 or if I was feeling brave, a BMW 645 Ci, or if you can stomach the £600 a year road tax a 650 Ci, which are properly rapid.
The only other things I can think of would be a Mercedes SL500 or a Jaguar XKR, but the latter had some issues with nikasil cylinder liners and timing chains, so maybe best avoided.
The only other things I can think of would be a Mercedes SL500 or a Jaguar XKR, but the latter had some issues with nikasil cylinder liners and timing chains, so maybe best avoided.
JimOi said:
With you mentioning American cars I'm surprised no one has mentioned a Chrysler Crossfire. A bit marmite but seems to be in the ballpark of what you're after and can be had pretty low mileage for well under budget. I've never driven one but by all accounts more of a cruiser than a car for b-road thrashing.
Well ZX10R mentioned the SLK does that count? XDIn all seriousness I just can't get over the way the car looks, it's just too awkward and I just don't have any desire to own one. I also can't get that famous Clarksonism out of my head for that one.
I know he didn't like the 350Z either, but I know he was actually wrong on that one!
Rustybits said:
Well ZX10R mentioned the SLK does that count? XD
In all seriousness I just can't get over the way the car looks, it's just too awkward and I just don't have any desire to own one. I also can't get that famous Clarksonism out of my head for that one.
I know he didn't like the 350Z either, but I know he was actually wrong on that one!
The 350Z is a great choice with a wealth of aftermarket options too so you can easily make it to your own wishes In all seriousness I just can't get over the way the car looks, it's just too awkward and I just don't have any desire to own one. I also can't get that famous Clarksonism out of my head for that one.
I know he didn't like the 350Z either, but I know he was actually wrong on that one!
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