What to buy (~£19k)

[BenS1]

Thanks for your replies,

I guess I have another couple of criteria that I hadn't stated before. I'd like it to be roughly 7 years old max (ideally 5 or less).

I do about 12k miles a year.

I'm also looking for something relatively comfortable. I already have a stripped out roll caged 360bhp/ton trackday car, so I think I'm probably not looking for something like an Elise (But I'm not ruling it out completely).

Thanks
Ben

[Froomee]

I was in the same boat and you can get a nice AUC Z4M for around £15k with two years warranty or a bit more for a coupe

Servicing will average around £500 a year as will tax. Its fairly light on tyres iv found unless driven really hard and 30mpg is possible but including town work 24-27ish is probably more realistic.

Edited by Froomee on Wednesday 8th May 13:02

[kambites]

BenS1 said:

I'm also looking for something relatively comfortable. I already have a stripped out roll caged 360bhp/ton trackday car, so I think I'm probably not looking for something like an Elise (But I'm not ruling it out completely).

How comfortable an Elise is depends on your body-shape and definition of "comfort". The (Probax) seats are about the most comfortable I've ever sat in and the ride is surprisingly compliant at speed. However, it's very noisy (suspension, engine and wind); there isn't much adjustment to the driving position; and getting in and out takes a while to get the knack of. Their greatest asset (the steering) also makes them rather tiring on long trips because of the way it constantly bombards you with information.

Running costs are pretty good for the entertainment it gives. Averaging 40mpg is perfectly achievable; 160 quid a year to tax; bugger all depreciation; and it's a very simple car to maintain. The only expensive bits are tyres, suspension components, and upgrades.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 8th May 13:06

[okie592]

Focus rs.

[anonymous-user]

RobM77 said:

One of my absolute all time favourite cars. The only issue with these is that classic status and rarity has pushed prices up considerably, so for the same price you'll get a much newer Boxster or Z4M. If you're the sort of person that cares about rarity and classic status, that's great, they're awesome cars; but if you just want a good car without the additional running cost risks of an older car, then it's not so great.

Mine too, I'd love one but I have to be honest I didnt check prices before posting and they appear to be a bit more than £20k now. I guess the good ones are going for a fair bit more than that too....

[Herbs]

RobM77 said:

kambites said:

Herbs said:

Elise, Z4M, 911 Turbo, T350 would all be on the money not that I am biased or anything

And which of those did you actually average 30mpg from?

The Elise would easily average 30mpg. You're right for the others though I'd have thought!

Yep, just the Elise although if driving steady I get 27-28mpg from the Z4M and managed ave 26-27 from a C4S on the work commute - not a million miles away & at the end of the day the perfect car doesn't exist so its about compromising on the areas that matter the least to the individual involved

[johnnyBv8]

Cayman?

[BenS1]

Ok, so some great suggestions, thanks.

I guess I need an idea of the running costs of each of the cars too, including things such as real world MPG, servicing (Normal servicing plus the cost of occasional items such as tyres, brakes etc), insurance etc (Age 36, 17 years NCD).

As much as I like the Merc SLK55 AMG, I've got a feelings its just going to cost too much to own.

The Elise is probably the cheapest, but its a bit basic (Not trying to offend anyone, and I'd definitely be more tempted if I didn't already have a stripped out track focused car). I'd like something with a few more luxuries I think (e.g. Sat Nav, heated seats, climate control... none are essential, but it'd be nice to have). I will be doing some long journeys, and I sometimes get stuck in stop start traffic on the M25 so comfort is fairly important.

Thanks

[Durzel]

johnnyBv8 said:

Cayman?

+1

A bit mileage sensitive though, and if you're doing 12k a year it won't take long to eat into its value. How much is maintenance costs a factor for you, because I know Porsches aren't particularly cheap (unless you go indy) and I would assume an Audi TT wouldn't be either?

BMW Z4M sounds like a great choice with summer coming up as well.

Edited by Durzel on Wednesday 8th May 13:29

Edited by Durzel on Wednesday 8th May 13:30

[theaxe]

On insurance, adding my Z4MC to my Axa policy came in at about £240 (fully comp, protected, 33yrs, 16 years NCD, no points).

[kambites]

In that case, I think you'd struggle to beat a Boxster (or Cayman).

[RobM77]

kambites said:

In that case, I think you'd struggle to beat a Boxster (or Cayman).

Absolutely. Given the OP's requirements I can't think of a better car. Servicing and parts can be pricey though.

[billzeebub]

Boxster S

[SidewaysSi]

Froomee said:

I was in the same boat and you can get a nice AUC Z4M for around £15k with two years warranty or a bit more for a coupe

Servicing will average around £500 a year as will tax. Its fairly light on tyres iv found unless driven really hard and 30mpg is possible but including town work 24-27ish is probably more realistic.

Edited by Froomee on Wednesday 8th May 13:02

Shouldn't that be in the crap personalised plates thread?!!

[M159V8]

E92 M3? Completely ignoring your mileage/MPG requirements

[a340driver]

bencollins4 said:

My Z4M does 30 mpg on a long run fairly consistently so I think that ticks all boxes.

Really, mine has never managed better than 22mpg in two years of ownership.

[crusty]

I have similiar requirements to you, and last car was a 996 911.

Current car is 335i convertable, and this car pretty much covers all bases, I cannot recommend one enough

[ADM06]

135i and some tuning

[bencollins4]

a340driver said:

bencollins4 said:

My Z4M does 30 mpg on a long run fairly consistently so I think that ticks all boxes.

Really, mine has never managed better than 22mpg in two years of ownership.

You have a pretty heavy right foot then or maybe you are in town a lot. To be honest, 90% of my driving is motorway unfortunately.