Thoughts please!

[DavidSmith321]

I am finally in the position to have a car that will be for weekend summer use only. I have a few options and want to put the list out there to see what people think my best option would be. The list is:
1. Z3M Roadster manual
2. Z4M Coupe manual
3. E46 M3 convertible manual
4. E46 M3 coupe (probably SMG unless I buy one that has higher miles - is this a big issue if subframe and Vanos done, with good history?)
5. Porsche 911 - either 996 or 997 - possibly Carrera 4s 996, or Carrera S 997 - ideally manual coupe.

Clearly all of these cars will need to be properly maintained and likely the Porsche will be most expensive for every day service/maintenance items. Not clear to me which will likely cost me the most in most probable failures/bigger maintenance issue. Would really appreciate any thoughts on these options - obviously cannot be sure of future value but any thoughts on the car that is most likely to appreciate over time?

[GreatGranny]

997 for me.

996 just looks dated compared to the 997.

Get a thorough check done including engine for peace of mind.

Go onto the Porsche section for advice.

[Belle427]

I'd agree, maybe consider a Boxster too if your budget can get you into something with less engine trouble.

[Ash_]

Or a Cayman, but if you want great fun, great handling, good pace etc for summer/weekend fun. You can't really get more bang for your buck than a VX220 (leftfield choice).

[georgeyboy12345]

The BMWs are great cars with fantastic engines for sure, but the Porsche just has an extra dimension of specialness about it. I'd probably pick the 997 too.

[ZX10R NIN]

How much do you want to spend?

[Mr Tidy]

I bought a Z4M Coupe a couple of years ago and love it, but I don't think I've ever sat in a Porsche let alone driven one so I can't add anything meaningful!

Maybe try to drive all of your options before you decide.

[anonymous-user]

ZX10R NIN said:

How much do you want to spend?

I was thinking the same

[rotaryjam]

Another vote for the Cayman, more fun to drive and cheaper than a 911 (987.1 vs 997.1)

Can't comment on the 996 but the 997 is decent but more of a GT car compared to the Boxster/Cayman.

The Z4M will be the most wild but of the bunch from what I've heard. Weirdly most people say it's wild but not in a good way?

Depends what you are looking for really

[DavidSmith321]

Thanks all. I defo want to stay under £30k. Z's more like mid 20's. M3 mid to late. Would prefer to be at £27.5k tops

[ZX10R NIN]

DavidSmith321 said:

Thanks all. I defo want to stay under £30k. Z's more like mid 20's. M3 mid to late. Would prefer to be at £27.5k tops

Lotus Evora:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111129...

I'd also say if you want a drivers car for sensible money that'll give the Z4M a very hard time then I'd say you should test drive a 370Z Nismo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205246...

Or the rawer Gen1:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...

[MarkJS]

997 or M3 coupe for me out of your original list.

The 996 looks ancient and hasn’t aged well at all in comparison with every other 911.

[DavidSmith321]

I was looking at the 996 Carera 4S....looks better with clear lights...