£25k - RWD - 350hp+ - manual/DCT

[Blanchimont]

What would you pick?
I had an E92 M3 back in 2020 and whilst loving it, it died spectacularly on me, and whilst I miss it, I don't want another.

The main criteria is:

• RWD
• 350hp+. Being tuneable is also a benefit.
• Manual, or DCT.
• £20k ideal, can go up to 25k for the right car.
• Something not crap on trackdays.

I don't do many miles a year, and often find myself wanting to drive for fun. I do need back seats for the odd time I'll need to take the dogs somewhere,

I've been thinking of an M2, an M4 and a C63 AMG. I've also been considering getting an older E46 M3 as I don't do many miles, and an older classic appeals.

Anything else I haven't considered?

[MDMA .]

Your list covers the main choices. How about an Alfa Giulia? The 2.0 TB. 276bhp standard but easily tuned. I think they’re a great looking car.

[Blanchimont]

MDMA . said:

Your list covers the main choices. How about an Alfa Giulia? The 2.0 TB. 276bhp standard but easily tuned. I think they’re a great looking car.

I know what i'm like, I'd end up wishing I'd bought the Quadrifoglio instead.

[MDMA .]

They’re just dipping below £30k now. Give it another year.

[SWoll]

Top end of budget will get you close to an M2 Competition, which seems the obvious choice?

For classics I found the e46 M3 underwhelming personally, and there's a long list of issues to worry about. The e39 M5 is epic, and not that big compared to modern cars (smaller and lighter than the current M4) but for your budget will likely be a bit leggy.

C63 very much a hot rod road car and ill suited to track work + the MCT box not the best.

[CG2020UK]

M2 all day.

Don’t just go straight for the comp either the N55 cars are brilliant and offer more emotion.

[Stick Legs]

Audi (B8) S5:



This supercharger kit:

http://goapr.jp/products/stage3_b8_s5_42fsi.html

537 HP and 443 ft-lbs of torque.

This kit to make RWD.

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/Audi_B8_A4_S4_RWD_C...

Should all come in well under £30k and be brilliant if a little mental.

[anonymous-user]

CG2020UK said:

M2 all day.

This. They're just the right size for enjoying on UK roads, drive really well and are fairly practical. Also lots of upgrade / tuning options if it takes your fancy.

[Blanchimont]

CG2020UK said:

M2 all day.

Don’t just go straight for the comp either the N55 cars are brilliant and offer more emotion.

I would likely have gone N55 M2 anyway. The only thing that holds me back slightly is a mate has one, and I don't want to copy him haha

Plus they sound better than the S55 engined competition/M3/M4.

[DD3566]

How about something like a Vauxhall VXR8? Or even a S550 generation Mustang? Can pick up a 5.0 Mustang for around the £25,000 mark these days. Plus endless tuning oppurtunities with the american aftermarket

[Blanchimont]

DD3566 said:

How about something like a Vauxhall VXR8? Or even a S550 generation Mustang? Can pick up a 5.0 Mustang for around the £25,000 mark these days. Plus endless tuning oppurtunities with the american aftermarket

I did think of a Mustang, but the big rear hump in the backseats would likely make the dogs uncomfortable when they do go in there. VXR8 is something I hadn't considered

[FamousPheasant]

Could get in a very tidy Jaguar XFR for the lower end of your budget, or even the XFR-S at the top end.

[croyde]

Obviously not 350 bhp but you don't need it as it's so light.

Alpine A110.

ETA

Oops, just read about your dogs.

[SWoll]

croyde said:

Obviously not 350 bhp but you don't need it as it's so light.

Alpine A110.

ETA

Oops, just read about your dogs.

Looks like you missed the max £25k budget as well as even the cheapest a110 will set you back at least £10k more than that?

[Lefty]

Mustang

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025030698...

[croyde]

Lefty said:

Mustang

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025030698...

Wow! they took a long time to get down to £20k.

I had a 2016 too, paid £33k new. Was a lot of car for the money.

[Scootersp]

V10 M6 may be, should be depreciation proof, if not bork proof!

[SWoll]

Scootersp said:

V10 M6 may be, should be depreciation proof, if not bork proof!

The OP would have to be a special kind of masochist to go for one of those having had an e90 M3 let go on him.

[Lefty]

croyde said:

Lefty said:

Mustang

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025030698...

Wow! they took a long time to get down to £20k.

I had a 2016 too, paid £33k new. Was a lot of car for the money.

Yep.

I had money burning a hole in my pocket and really wanted a new Mustang. This was March 2016 I guess but Mustangs weren’t being delivered until the autumn so I bought a 3 or 4 year old e90 m3, was so disappointed with it. I drove a Mustang a few years later and really wish I’d waited and got one of those, much more of an event, much more special. Maybe not as polished but the m3 was a bit clinical, a bit too normal, a bit too refined for what I really wanted. Horses for courses I guess.

[Castrol for a knave]

Kia Stinger for the more leftfield gentleman

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504171...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504040...


C63 AMG, though not sure if it much of a track car

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503079...


Giulia Quad, might get it for close to £25k, not sure if it's a decent dealership

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504091...

911 manual though you'll want to go in eyes wide open re bores and IMS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503230...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504181...