£10K Fun Machine Wanted

[Funkstar De Luxe]

I fell ass backwards into some money recently, and can scrape together about £10K to purchase a car that will put a smile on my face. The two I have in mind right now are either a Maserati 3200, or a Porsche 911 Carrera [996]. I think both of these cars represent amazing value for money second hand, but I am open to new suggestions.

I'm not at all worried about practicality, although I would need it to start every day and average about 25MPG. Need to be a manual.

Some background - I do love all things Italian, and probably my favourite car from a drivers perspective was my Fiat Barchetta, felt so nice. Currently driving X-reg Boxster which is a lovely machine, no complaints there either.

So, what does everyone think? Any other suggestions for sub 10K fun-mobiles?

Tony

[BrewsterBear]

While both of your suggestions are lovely cars in their own right they both have the potential for major bork and large expense. If you're running either as a daily I'd keep £5k to one side just in case.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Well I've heard plenty of bad stories surrounding the Maserati, but the Porsche? I would have thought those were bullet proof, am I wrong?

[Zoobeef]

VX220, over 30mpg, cheap to maintain and rare(ish)

Also very tunable to over 300bhp/ton

[VR46]

Do u have a motorbike licence? Pick up a nice ducati for 10k. Failing that I'd suggest a s2000 or a z4

[Funkstar De Luxe]

VX220? Interesting, will need to see if I can find one to test drive. And I know I'm closing a lot of doors here, but I really don't find the majority of Asian/Japanese cars very interesting. Nothing evidence based to back that up, they just don't really appeal to me, personally.

Have bike licence, yes, but I would kill myself on a Ducati - or any sports bike TBH...

[Fleckers]

MX5

[FloppyRaccoon]

I'd be tempted by E46 M3's and Monaro's at that budget. I'd probably have to look at a Chimaera as well.

The VX220 is a good shout though.

[billzeebub]

the 996, but at that level they are going to need plenty of regular maintenance. As long as you allow for £2-£5k per year then should be very rewarding. I think early 996s had a tendency to suffer from major engine failure though. The Maserati is infinitely cooler, but not sure I am brave enough to sink my own cash into one! Keeping older motors in good fettle is costly. I have sank over £2k into my E36 this year alone, and over a grand into the Corrado..but then I am a tad OCD!! Unfortunately the sensible option at this level (E46 M3) probably won't feel special enough after your Boxster..

..this leaves the TVR Chimaera, this is what you should buy..

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Would kill for a TVR, but surely they are more prone to major engine failures that the 996? I've never read a TVR advert without the owner having to mention "underwent engine rebuild in 20XX". Besides, what I really want is a red Sagaris.

Still siding with the Maserati at the moment, but manual is difficult to find.

[Gwagon111]

I'd have to say a 2005-2006 blob eye scooby STI. You'll get plenty of car for that sort of budget.

[scotty_d]

Funkstar De Luxe said:

Would kill for a TVR, but surely they are more prone to major engine failures that the 996? I've never read a TVR advert without the owner having to mention "underwent engine rebuild in 20XX". Besides, what I really want is a red Sagaris.

Still siding with the Maserati at the moment, but manual is difficult to find.

Not at all in regards to TVR's i have owned 2 in the last 5 years a Chimaera with a 4.0 Rover V8 is pretty much bomb proof and pretty cheap to own. It will see as high as 30MPG on a run and around low 20's around town.

The Speed six cars are more prone to issue's than Chim and Griffs and i have a Cerb with the AJP and they too have there fair share of issues but if you stay RV8 engine your on to a winner and for 10K will get you a well sorted car with one of the Best sound track on offer.

[Jasandjules]

A Chimaera has a rover V8. Not likely to go that wrong really. As the learned chap above says, for 10k this is the car you should buy. Please not I am biased....

[OlberJ]

Funkstar De Luxe said:

I'm not at all worried about practicality, although I would need it to start every day and average about 25MPG. Need to be a manual.

So, what does everyone think? Any other suggestions for sub 10K fun-mobiles?

Tony

http://www.roadtrackrace.co.uk/mevabusa.html

That's what i'm going for. Should tick all your boxes.

Edited by OlberJ on Monday 4th June 16:48

[V8Triumph]

Triumph TR6 Pi 150bhp?
MGB GT V8?

[Japveesix]

£10k just gets you into a Cerbera, though compared to the porsche the relibility might not be up to scratch:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3927313.htm

Classic suggestion for your budget would be a monaro. Not as flash as a 911 but arguably more interesting, certainly rarer and will sound a lot better:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3934510.htm

XKR, R32 GTR or other skyline, supra?

[scotty_d]

Japveesix said:

£10k just gets you into a Cerbera, though compared to the porsche the relibility might not be up to scratch:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3927313.htm

A 10K Cerb WILL cost a small fortune to keep on the road, I know i did it. worth every penny mind you.

[Aizle]

E39 M5, I am biased.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

The Cerbera looks gorgeous for the money. Now we're probably talking 911, 3200 GTA, or Cerbera... Got some thinking, and some test driving to do...

[stuthemong]

I miss my cerb. I have a tuscan now, it's very different. But I miss the cerbera, it's one seriously special machine. Best cabin in the world