Road and track car

[b14]

Currently own a Jag F-Type R but it's not getting used as I don't have enough places to go just by myself (lack of 4 seats a problem, with two kids that take up so much of life). Plan instead is to buy something that can replace the Jag for relatively infrequent road use, but also can do track days.

Criteria:

- Must be manual
- Got to be quick
- RWD only
- Max budget £80k ish
- Car will live outside so can't be an Atom or Caterham (sadly)
- Carcoon probably not an option due to it looking pretty rubbish in front of our house
- Must not have horrendous running costs - so lighter weight cars preferred

Contenders so far:

- Lotus Exige S3 Cup 410/430 - probably the favourite here, as I used to own an S2 and loved it. Mini supercar thing, but without the running costs. Residuals pretty solid.
- 996.2 GT3 - love these and interested in scratching that Porsche itch, but it's an older car, running costs will be higher, not sure about tracking it
- 981 GT4 - people tell me these are the better choice than the 718 GT4, for something a little less polished. I could do either but the gear ratios do put me off for the manuals
- Alpine A110 - this one ticks all the boxes save that I don't actually desire one, I just can't get on with the looks

Am I missing anything? Any thoughts from anyone that has been through a similar experience / made a similar choice?

[Billy_Whizzzz]

Great ratios in 981 fine. Totally. Try one!

[jimmsy]

Depending on the ratio of road to track miles I'd consider an Evora. In your budget a 410 Sport I think still comes with back seats if you occasionally (on special occasions) want to fit all 4 in.

I'd go for an Exige on track, and an Evora for a mix of road and track.

GT4s I don't know how fun they'd be on the road with how competent they are and the ratios. I've been recommended Spyders for when more road miles are being done.

[RS Grant]

I went out as a passenger in my friends 981 GT4 at Knockhill a few weeks ago and I was deeply impressed by it. As a standard car, it was fantastic fun and I didn't notice the ratios being overly long/laborious to work through on track.

If I look for another performance car then as/when I move on from my 997 C2, a 981 GT4 will be very high on my list of potential replacements.

[b14]

Thanks all. If I can ask, what's the deal with going and actually trying these cars? I imagine a dealer might not be super keen to chuck me the keys to a 981 GT4 when I go in and say "I'm thinking of one but need to drive one first to be sure"? Or is the tactic just go in and say you want to buy it, then change your mind post drive?!

I've never bought a car more than £45k in my life so slightly naive on how to play the game!

[Josemartinez]

I think it would be difficult to beat a Porsche for your criteira but what about a BMW M2 or M3? Could get them for considerably under your budget and use the difference for trackdays and maintenance.

[keo]

I am one of the few people who doesn’t like the 981 gt4. I found it boring. Was better on track though. I then had an Exige 410. Much preferred that. But I do like Lotus steering.

[jrock78]

Alfa Guilia Quad fits the spec

[jimmsy]

b14 said:

Thanks all. If I can ask, what's the deal with going and actually trying these cars? I imagine a dealer might not be super keen to chuck me the keys to a 981 GT4 when I go in and say "I'm thinking of one but need to drive one first to be sure"? Or is the tactic just go in and say you want to buy it, then change your mind post drive?!

I've never bought a car more than £45k in my life so slightly naive on how to play the game!

I think if you find a good garage being up front works. They can't expect you to do a big purchase on the spot if they're reasonable. You might get lucky and find somewhere with a couple of cars to weigh up and you can explain you're wanting to nail down which one you'd prefer.

I'd just get in contact and say you like <car> they have, could you come and see it and chat to them about it, you're still weighing it up against Y, but you'd really like to get a feel for it to consider it properly.

[Panamax]

b14 said:

- 981 GT4 - people tell me these are the better choice than the 718 GT4, for something a little less polished. I could do either but the gear ratios do put me off for the manuals

Just checking - are you planning to use first gear on track or might 2nd to 6th cover the necessary ground?