What car? 10k fast and fun

[if in doubt]

Having always read 'what car?' threads with little understanding as to how petrolheads and driving gods couldn't work out what they want. I've now ended up in a similar boat.

So having just bought my first house, I've decided I want a faster car. I know the sensible thing is to plug all my money into the mortgage etc etc but I have a rear wheel drive itch I want to scratch it.

So, requirements:
Rear wheel drive
Faster than or as fast as my current Clio 182
Great handling for pushing on (I live near to the peak district so get regular access to fast, bumpy and empty roads)
Good for the occasional track day
Budget of around 10k
Doesn't need to be practical, happy to run a diseasel snotter to get to work as I have 40 mile round trip to work, so about 10000 miles p.a. Commute is 16 miles of motorway with a couple of miles each end of town driving.

Haven't progressed past window shopping but have considered E46 M3, S1/S2 Elise, Honda S2000, Nissan 350z, MX-5 (perhaps buy cheaper and send it to BBR for some power/handling upgrades) or Toyota GT86 with a bit of stretch.

Biggest concern with something like an E46 M3 is that I would struggle to really enjoy the car, a 15 year performance BMW is going to cost a fair bit more than my 182 to run. Especially if I want to do the occasional track day in it.

So, what do I get?

[if in doubt]

I think I'm leaning down the lightness route. Man maths assumes the car will be friendlier on consumables that way...

I'd looked at the Z4 coupe, it's a very good looking car in my eyes and the engine definitely appeals. Don't they break rear springs for fun though?

I've always lusted after TVR's, is a chim the kind of car you can grab by the scruff of the neck? It's probably one of my favourite traits of my clio.

[if in doubt]

schmalex said:

My money would be heading towards a Boxster or Z4 Coupe. Are early Cayman' at that price point yet..?

I fear my concerns over the M3 running costs would also apply to the sort of Boxster I could get for that money. There are a few leggy Cayman's around this price band, a friend has a GT4 (aware it's a different beast) but you have to cover ground at ridiculous pace to start to get the best out of it. Are the lesser ones still fun at sensible speeds?

[if in doubt]

cerb4.5lee said:

GrumpyTwig said:

Ignore the RWD aspect and get a 250/265 Megane? Great way to get into something with 300bhp and a great chassis, even if it is FWD

I'm a bit of a rwd fan(ok alot) but I must admit as a couple of you have mentioned and the megane does seem like a cracking choice.

Plus the OP is used to a performance Clio so the quick megane seems a really good option.

I had considered it. Certainly an excellent choice for b-road blasting, but I've had a hot hatch. I was leaning towards a sports car of some description to give me a change.

[if in doubt]

KarlMac said:

Abandon your requirement for rwd and get an Evo V/VI.

Perfect for the peak district (speaking from experience ) and can very much be driven like you drive your Clio.

I have a friend with a JDM impreza so this could prove fun. However I was under the impression evo parts were very expensive.

[if in doubt]

ELUSIVEJIM said:

I know you have a Clio 182 but I would get a Trophy.

More expensive than others out there but low miles and good condition

https://www.gumtree.com/p/renault/renault-clio-tro...

I probably missed the boat on trophy's and it doesn't offer me anything over my current car other than better damping.