Interesting Coupe, maybe V8 for £15k

[Clunkie66]

I'm looking for something interesting for weekend use and general running around, no commuting. Like a few on here I have always wanted a V8 and can justify the running/maintenance costs so that's not really an issue as I'll only be covering 6k miles a year.

I do like a coupe and was looking at S5s and maybe a 650i, preferably something a bit understated. I don't mind going a bit older and am willing to spend up to £15k. I'm not really a fan of the styling of older mercs and needs to be ULEZ compliant. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

[survivalist]

I think the choices are pretty limited.

Maybe an older mustang?

Jaguar XK8?

BMW RE92 M3?

If you broaden it out to saloons there are some more options but I’m not sure any of them are exciting enough to be weekend cars.

I’ve had the most experience with BMWs and it’s important
To choose well to reduce the risk of a big bill.

[Hippea]

Mercedes C63?

[nikaiyo2]

Not sure I would call an S5 interesting, it was one of the dullest cars I have ever had.

370z maybe a good fit?

[cliffords]

Jaguar XK (150) would be a good call. Car made after 2006 so the later aluminium bodied car rather than the XK8 version.
They are really good value now , you could get an XKR for that money.

They are lovely in my view .

[Clunkie66]

survivalist said:

I think the choices are pretty limited.

Maybe an older mustang?

Jaguar XK8?

BMW RE92 M3?

If you broaden it out to saloons there are some more options but I’m not sure any of them are exciting enough to be weekend cars.

I’ve had the most experience with BMWs and it’s important
To choose well to reduce the risk of a big bill.

A saloon or estate not out of the question. Always fancied a Mustang! I do like the 6 series but have heard reliability horror stories...

[QuattroDave]

First responder got my suggestions! Early 2016 RHD mustangs are sub £20k and the stanard XK8's start at £5k. AMG CL63s are rare enough to be interesting.

Both the Jag and Merc come with big bork factor. Mustang will be the cheapest of the three to run by a considerable margin!

[Silvanus]

What about a Vauxhall Monaro or VXR8?

[hemidom]

Monaro VXR. Loved my old one & was ULEZ compliant too

[andrewcliffe]

Porsche 928?

[fflump]

Maserati 4200 GT manual.

[Mr Tidy]

It may depend on how you want to use it as nearly all the V8 options suggested seem pretty wafty.

If you might ever want to take it by the scruff of the neck and have some fun the Nissan 370Z might be a good option despite only being a V6, or the Manual Maserati if it has to be a V8 - although that must have some bork factor!

If the V8 isn't essential maybe a BMW E46 M3 or Z4M?

[Hoofy]

Aren't those early V8 M3s going for that kind of price?

Also, I'd recommend a W209 CLK 55 AMG. All the power without any of the rust I think?

[MattsCar]

https://www.qualitycarstoday.co.uk/vehicle-details...

[Clunkie66]

fflump said:

Maserati 4200 GT manual.

I'm presuming an auto is likely to be a money pit?

[Juan B]

I was thinking M3 V8 too
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411066...

Granturismo another V8 option, bit of a brave pill though
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412077...

Non-V8 weekenders:

Z4 M
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407252...

Porsche (987) Cayman S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411065...

Elise
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411116...

V6 F-Types are getting towards the £15k mark, and also the EcoBoost Mustangs if you're looking for newer cars.

There's also a lot of performance from the likes of an M240, 335, 435 etc too for the money, but may not have that kind of weekend 'special' feeling.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

nikaiyo2 said:

Not sure I would call an S5 interesting, it was one of the dullest cars I have ever had.

Very much this. You may as well just buy the V6 TDI version.

[maz8062]

What about this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408293...

[fflump]

Clunkie66 said:

fflump said:

Maserati 4200 GT manual.

I'm presuming an auto is likely to be a money pit?

Not a money pit but the automated manual cambiocorsa gearbox (like the Ferrari F1 of the era) is an acquired taste (I did not like it when I ran one) and the true manual is in budget. The engines on these cars have no common failure points and a decent PPI would confirm things like the subframe were in good order.

[blue_haddock]

If you can move on the V8 requirement how about an Alfa with the glorious V6 Busso?

Either an Alfa GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411076...

Or a GTV, which would be my preference.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410235...

Another curve ball would be a 3.4 Cayman S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411176...