Fun daily - £25k - £38k

[AlexNJ89]

Just sold my car this week, which means the beginning of what is probably the most fun part of being a petrol head, the deciding what next.

I'm looking for a car which can turn a boring commute in to an event, something that's going to make me itch to go drive somewhere for the sake of it. I'd also like to do the NC500 post-lockdown.

I had a Mazda RX8 when I was about 24 and I absolutely loved that thing, only 230bhp but revving to redline through the gears on a slip-road was intoxicating. I want that feeling back again.

The car will be a daily driver, I used to do a lot of London city driving so I wanted an automatic, but now strongly considering going back to a manual for the reason stated above.

Practicality is useful, as it's my only car 4 seats would be nice but not essential. I'd like the interior quality to be similar standard to a 2015 BMW or above, so ruling out things like Caterhams, VX220, Elise etc

I do 20,000 miles per year when not in a pandemic, usually a pretty boring commute. 30mpg+ at 50mph would be a nice bonus.

0-60 times aren't important for me, more so the driving experience combined with the ability to comfortably cruise on a motorway

I have a shortlist of cars which I'm considering, each with their own budget so hopefully that can give an indication of where in the market I'm looking.

Shortlist (with budget on what I'd be willing to spend to get in one):
BMW M2 Comp - £38k (Manual)
Jaguar F-Type S - £35k
Porsche 718 Cayman - £38k (Manual)
Porsche 981 S Cayman - £35k
Alfa Giulia QV - £35k
BMW M2 - £30k (Manual - I test drove a DCT one and got a bit bored)
Porsche 981 Cayman - £25k
BMW 440i - £23k
Porsche Cayman 987 - £22k
Audi TTS - £22k

I also own my own company and could take advantage of the insane electric car deals available but there aren't any I like.

I would prefer to spend around £27k, spending anything above that requires a 3.9% bank loan which I've been approved for, but during uncertain times might not be the best idea. Which is the main reason I'm asking for opinions, such as is getting an M2 Comp really worth the extra debt that a base 981 Cayman for example?

Would appreciate opinions on what I should go for and if I've missed anything

[ZX10R NIN]

The 370Z Nismo is a great drivers car & can be purchased for very sensible money, allied with low maintenance costs & the fact you'll land a very low mileage 19 plate for just over your target 27k (haggle hard & you'll get one bang on budget) which also means you'll get a Manufacturers Warranty which you can extend makes it a very good overall option.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008232...

Or a 66/67 plate nicely under budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101097...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012247...

Lotus Evora nice reliable N/A engine with better handling than the Cayman yes the interior isn't as nice but it's not that far away:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...

Leftfield now if your going to get a mainstream performance car (M2/3/4 etc) then I'd recommend taking a look at one of these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

They ride better than any of the M's (something you'll appreciate when doing 20k a year) they're actually on par with an M3 handling wise & performance wise, you'll see 40+mpg real world my OH loves hers.

M3 good cars (I think they show their lines better than the M4) & a very nice place to spend 20k a year in, they also retain their value better than the M4.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101017...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007181...

M4 much more choice

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...


As you can see at 27k you have a varied array of options.

[Jasandjules]

C63 AMG?

[mickymellon1]

997 911 C2S

[MorganP104]

Powerfully built company director? Can't believe no-one's yet suggested a mapped 335d.

Joking apart, I'd be very tempted by the Jaguar F-Type. Admittedly, I've never driven one, but every one I've seen (and heard) do appear to be pretty amazing.

I'd want one just so I could show my grandkids the pictures in 20 years time.

[venster70]

I appreciate the current Honda Civic Type R is a bit marmite, but you could get a really nice one for that money, it would never go wrong and they are supposed to be ace to drive.

Its very high on my shortlist if I can't sort out a new lease deal in the next few months...

[MrOrange]

"Fun" and "Daily" is the problem here. I had a Porsche as a daily and it was actually dull unless into seriously license losing territory - and no-one let me out of junctions so I'd cross that off your list (although running costs were tiny). C63, again, starts off fun but sub 20mpg, harsh ride and cheapo interior let it down.

Alfa QV is a good shout, but not sure about the running costs for 20k miles a year.

400 hours a year in a car is quite a long time, you're kinda into "barge" territory where an autobox and plush ride is the name of the game. A fast Jag saloon, or 5 series Bimmer is probably a better option. My 2p.

[Volvolover]

For me it would be a 718 Cayman or the F-Type S

[pdavison]

Mustang V8 GT or Convertible - might be pushing the 30mpg but if I'm gentle with mine I can get close to that. Servicing is very reasonable and with the right exhaust it sounds amazing!

[AlexNJ89]

Volvolover said:

For me it would be a 718 Cayman or the F-Type S

A nice non-S F Type has just gone up for sale. Never driven one and 335bhp is less than the car I've just sold

Anyone have any experience with one of these?

[AlexNJ89]

MrOrange said:

"Fun" and "Daily" is the problem here. I had a Porsche as a daily and it was actually dull unless into seriously license losing territory - and no-one let me out of junctions so I'd cross that off your list (although running costs were tiny). C63, again, starts off fun but sub 20mpg, harsh ride and cheapo interior let it down.

Alfa QV is a good shout, but not sure about the running costs for 20k miles a year.

400 hours a year in a car is quite a long time, you're kinda into "barge" territory where an autobox and plush ride is the name of the game. A fast Jag saloon, or 5 series Bimmer is probably a better option. My 2p.

Alfa QV actually has an "Advanced Efficiency Mode", the forums seem to believe you can get mid-30s using it.

It's interesting you mention about the barge, I would consider a 540i from around 2017.

[survivalist]

If you don’t need more than 2 seats get one of the Porsche’s you listed. Or maybe a Supra if you can make the maths work.

Now I’ve got kids I wish I’d driven always sports car when I didn’t need to accommodate more than one passenger.

[Volvolover]

AlexNJ89 said:

Volvolover said:

For me it would be a 718 Cayman or the F-Type S

A nice non-S F Type has just gone up for sale. Never driven one and 335bhp is less than the car I've just sold

Anyone have any experience with one of these?

I’ve had a few drives in one and 335bhp is enough to enjoy the car. It’s more fun if you have to try a bit harder IMO.

It’s going to be way better and more rewarding than a saloon with a big engine, the Porsche and Jag are both bespoke sports cars and as such feel like it to drive.

[carparkno1]

AlexNJ89 said:

Just sold my car this week, which means the beginning of what is probably the most fun part of being a petrol head, the deciding what next.

I'm looking for a car which can turn a boring commute in to an event, something that's going to make me itch to go drive somewhere for the sake of it. I'd also like to do the NC500 post-lockdown.

I had a Mazda RX8 when I was about 24 and I absolutely loved that thing, only 230bhp but revving to redline through the gears on a slip-road was intoxicating. I want that feeling back again.

The car will be a daily driver, I used to do a lot of London city driving so I wanted an automatic, but now strongly considering going back to a manual for the reason stated above.

Practicality is useful, as it's my only car 4 seats would be nice but not essential. I'd like the interior quality to be similar standard to a 2015 BMW or above, so ruling out things like Caterhams, VX220, Elise etc

I do 20,000 miles per year when not in a pandemic, usually a pretty boring commute. 30mpg+ at 50mph would be a nice bonus.

0-60 times aren't important for me, more so the driving experience combined with the ability to comfortably cruise on a motorway

I have a shortlist of cars which I'm considering, each with their own budget so hopefully that can give an indication of where in the market I'm looking.

Shortlist (with budget on what I'd be willing to spend to get in one):
BMW M2 Comp - £38k (Manual)
Jaguar F-Type S - £35k
Porsche 718 Cayman - £38k (Manual)
Porsche 981 S Cayman - £35k
Alfa Giulia QV - £35k
BMW M2 - £30k (Manual - I test drove a DCT one and got a bit bored)
Porsche 981 Cayman - £25k
BMW 440i - £23k
Porsche Cayman 987 - £22k
Audi TTS - £22k

I also own my own company and could take advantage of the insane electric car deals available but there aren't any I like.

I would prefer to spend around £27k, spending anything above that requires a 3.9% bank loan which I've been approved for, but during uncertain times might not be the best idea. Which is the main reason I'm asking for opinions, such as is getting an M2 Comp really worth the extra debt that a base 981 Cayman for example?

Would appreciate opinions on what I should go for and if I've missed anything

My 440i is up for sale (although I'm sort of half and half on actually wanting to sell it).

That's my readers cars thread just if you want info on the cars as a whole.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[AlexNJ89]

survivalist said:

If you don’t need more than 2 seats get one of the Porsche’s you listed. Or maybe a Supra if you can make the maths work.

Now I’ve got kids I wish I’d driven always sports car when I didn’t need to accommodate more than one passenger.

I do want to scratch this Porsche itch. I need to know what all the fuss is about they say once you go Porsche you never go back.

I know people hate the 4 cylinder of the 718 but given it has more low down torque it does seem like it'd be more suitable for a daily.

[classicfred]

Megane RS ?

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10546173

[p4cks]

Yaris GR?

[jason61c]

you'd want something to look at


Jaguar F-Type S - £35k
Porsche 718 Cayman - £38k (Manual)
Porsche 981 S Cayman - £35k
Alfa Giulia QV - £35k
Porsche 981 Cayman - £25k
Porsche Cayman 987 - £22k

remove the audi, although it is nice looking. most Bmw's are ugly that were on it, 2 series, just a little 'chavvy'.

[AJB88]

for 38k you could of had my 2015 981 Cayman S (very high spec, basically as GTS and also was Stage 2 tune approx 370ps), I ended up selling it to a specialist who I believe sold it on for 40k.

I used it daily (only 12 miles a day week on, week off) and did the NC500 in it in 2020, was amazing up there, car was PDK (PDK tuned).

[AlexNJ89]

AJB88 said:

for 38k you could of had my 2015 981 Cayman S (very high spec, basically as GTS and also was Stage 2 tune approx 370ps), I ended up selling it to a specialist who I believe sold it on for 40k.

I used it daily (only 12 miles a day week on, week off) and did the NC500 in it in 2020, was amazing up there, car was PDK (PDK tuned).

Sounds awesome, would you go PDK again?