350Z/370Z, Z4C, Z4 35i, 135i/335i, XKR/XFR, Monaro, or...?
Discussion
ZX10R NIN said:
Lovely but only about 7k out of budget. I do love a nismo though.
a great starting point:TameRacingDriver said:
Definite donkey and carrot scenario there by the sounds of it 
ah well it is what it is! Perhaps they'll always be just out of reach but I still don't think it's worth me making myself skint either.
I am like you though, always setting that budget and aiming for the cars slightly out of budget lol ah well it is what it is! Perhaps they'll always be just out of reach but I still don't think it's worth me making myself skint either. 10k used to get you a decent variety of cars, unfortunately so many especially JDM have just sky rocketed. And people still keep buying them!
coldel said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Definite donkey and carrot scenario there by the sounds of it ah well it is what it is! Perhaps they'll always be just out of reach but I still don't think it's worth me making myself skint either.
I am like you though, always setting that budget and aiming for the cars slightly out of budget lol ah well it is what it is! Perhaps they'll always be just out of reach but I still don't think it's worth me making myself skint either. 10k used to get you a decent variety of cars, unfortunately so many especially JDM have just sky rocketed. And people still keep buying them!
I think for me it's a hard one, I CAN afford to spend more, I just can't justify it, and the last thing I want to do is resent the car.
I never imagined a few years ago prices would climb the way that they have. Literally costs at least double for any vaguely desirable car these days (except mx5s it seems).
If only my original Boxster hadn't been written off I doubt I'd be having this conversation.
Yeah prices have gone big for niche cars especially JDM, my R33 GTST I sold for 5k 7 years ago is probably a 15k-20k car now.
I am similar, I can afford more, but agreed with the missus a certain limit on prices and work within that in terms of cars I buy. That limit hasnt really changed much in the last 5-6 years and have to say the options are reducing substantially.
I am similar, I can afford more, but agreed with the missus a certain limit on prices and work within that in terms of cars I buy. That limit hasnt really changed much in the last 5-6 years and have to say the options are reducing substantially.
I've been enjoying this thread and would like to keep it alive. So here's some other cars which are on my 'interesting' list, possibly too old or not possible for £10-12K but I'll mention them anyway. For me the purchase price is only part of the deal, there's a big difference in servicing costs and car tax between some of these, for example the extra £1K every 3 years for high CO2 cars if they're newer than April 2006.
Alfa Romeo with Busso engine, 147/156 GTA or GT. I had a 156 2.5 V6 and loved it, totally reliable too (unlike 2 Audi's which followed). Every 4 years you'll need to spend £1K on a big service including cambelt though, which makes the chain-driven 350Z look like a better bet.
Alfa 3.2 JTS V6, perhaps in the beautiful 159 body. Or a Brera (ugly back-end?). They're heavy, the engine's not as good as a Busso, Does anyone have anything good to say about it?
Porsche 928S? I almost bought a Manual S4 when they were under £10K, I guess they're way over that and ruinous now.
Subaru Legacy Type B with a glorious sounding H6 (thanks wol).
People mentioned American V8's but I never seem to find any around £10K. Where are they all?
Maybe I'll just have to settle for a 4 cylinder?
S2000 has been mentioned but there wasn't much feedback. 9000 rpm! Most of my bikes were Honda, they're a good investment.
Lastly, because it meets most of my own requirements, how about a GT86? It's not a 5/6/8 cylinder but has an interesting engine, Japanese reliability beyond 10+ years old (the Germans get expensive when all that plastic starts cracking), 2+2 for those rare occasions, great handling. Flat spot between 3 - 5K rpm can be tuned out for £1.5K, but maybe it'd be ok just revving it when needed.
Alfa Romeo with Busso engine, 147/156 GTA or GT. I had a 156 2.5 V6 and loved it, totally reliable too (unlike 2 Audi's which followed). Every 4 years you'll need to spend £1K on a big service including cambelt though, which makes the chain-driven 350Z look like a better bet.
Alfa 3.2 JTS V6, perhaps in the beautiful 159 body. Or a Brera (ugly back-end?). They're heavy, the engine's not as good as a Busso, Does anyone have anything good to say about it?
Porsche 928S? I almost bought a Manual S4 when they were under £10K, I guess they're way over that and ruinous now.
Subaru Legacy Type B with a glorious sounding H6 (thanks wol).
People mentioned American V8's but I never seem to find any around £10K. Where are they all?
Maybe I'll just have to settle for a 4 cylinder?
S2000 has been mentioned but there wasn't much feedback. 9000 rpm! Most of my bikes were Honda, they're a good investment.
Lastly, because it meets most of my own requirements, how about a GT86? It's not a 5/6/8 cylinder but has an interesting engine, Japanese reliability beyond 10+ years old (the Germans get expensive when all that plastic starts cracking), 2+2 for those rare occasions, great handling. Flat spot between 3 - 5K rpm can be tuned out for £1.5K, but maybe it'd be ok just revving it when needed.
Edited by -Pete- on Friday 10th March 22:02
It seems there are a few of us hunting in the same area 
I bought a 3.2 Alfa 159 because it looked fantastic, particularly the interior
It's not a driver's car in any way, the gearbox is particularly heavy and slow maybe a nice way to cruise about but given some stick it's sub-20 mpg and not a lot of fun in return
I bought a GT86 too, the rear seats are useless particularly because you can't put your feet under the front seats my daughters aged 13 and 15 didn't really fit in.
It was mostly sold because they graunch into second when cold, they all do it and it ruined the car for me, plus if it's only a two-seater there are better cars about
American V8 - there's not many cars about, mostly less desirable Mustangs and camaros sub 10K I've had a few pickups nice noise and handy to have about
I bought a 3.2 Alfa 159 because it looked fantastic, particularly the interior
It's not a driver's car in any way, the gearbox is particularly heavy and slow maybe a nice way to cruise about but given some stick it's sub-20 mpg and not a lot of fun in return
I bought a GT86 too, the rear seats are useless particularly because you can't put your feet under the front seats my daughters aged 13 and 15 didn't really fit in.
It was mostly sold because they graunch into second when cold, they all do it and it ruined the car for me, plus if it's only a two-seater there are better cars about
American V8 - there's not many cars about, mostly less desirable Mustangs and camaros sub 10K I've had a few pickups nice noise and handy to have about
-Pete- said:
I've been enjoying this thread and would like to keep it alive. So here's some other cars which are on my 'interesting' list, possibly too old or not possible for £10-12K but I'll mention them anyway. For me the purchase price is only part of the deal, there's a big difference in servicing costs and car tax between some of these, for example the extra £1K every 3 years for high CO2 cars if they're newer than April 2006.
Alfa Romeo with Busso engine, 147/156 GTA or GT. I had a 156 2.5 V6 and loved it, totally reliable too (unlike 2 Audi's which followed). Every 4 years you'll need to spend £1K on a big service including cambelt though, which makes the chain-driven 350Z look like a better bet.
Alfa 3.2 JTS V6, perhaps in the beautiful 159 body. Or a Brera (ugly back-end?). They're heavy, the engine's not as good as a Busso, Does anyone have anything good to say about it?
Porsche 928S? I almost bought a Manual S4 when they were under £10K, I guess they're way over that and ruinous now.
Subaru Legacy Type B with a glorious sounding H4.
People mentioned American V8's but I never seem to find any around £10K. Where are they all?
Maybe I'll just have to settle for a 4 cylinder?
S2000 has been mentioned but there wasn't much feedback. 9000 rpm! Most of my bikes were Honda, they're a good investment.
Lastly, because it meets most of my own requirements, how about a GT86? It's not a 5/6/8 cylinder but has an interesting engine, Japanese reliability beyond 10+ years old (the Germans get expensive when all that plastic starts cracking), 2+2 for those rare occasions, great handling. Flat spot between 3 - 5K rpm can be tuned out for £1.5K, but maybe it'd be ok just revving it when needed.
Yes the Alfas are tempting but have heard they are average to poor in terms of driving feel, especially the Brera. Built for looks not for use lolAlfa Romeo with Busso engine, 147/156 GTA or GT. I had a 156 2.5 V6 and loved it, totally reliable too (unlike 2 Audi's which followed). Every 4 years you'll need to spend £1K on a big service including cambelt though, which makes the chain-driven 350Z look like a better bet.
Alfa 3.2 JTS V6, perhaps in the beautiful 159 body. Or a Brera (ugly back-end?). They're heavy, the engine's not as good as a Busso, Does anyone have anything good to say about it?
Porsche 928S? I almost bought a Manual S4 when they were under £10K, I guess they're way over that and ruinous now.
Subaru Legacy Type B with a glorious sounding H4.
People mentioned American V8's but I never seem to find any around £10K. Where are they all?
Maybe I'll just have to settle for a 4 cylinder?
S2000 has been mentioned but there wasn't much feedback. 9000 rpm! Most of my bikes were Honda, they're a good investment.
Lastly, because it meets most of my own requirements, how about a GT86? It's not a 5/6/8 cylinder but has an interesting engine, Japanese reliability beyond 10+ years old (the Germans get expensive when all that plastic starts cracking), 2+2 for those rare occasions, great handling. Flat spot between 3 - 5K rpm can be tuned out for £1.5K, but maybe it'd be ok just revving it when needed.
Porsche 928 at 10k would yes have tear inducing bills that come with it.
S2k I think you are either in or out, its very marmite. I found the cabin cramped and claustrophobic and didnt like the lack of torque. So I am an out on that one.
I think the GT86 has been discussed and dismissed. Not enough umph, back seats largely redundant for anyone over 4 foot tall etc.
I think you can get the old style cameros (the long flat looking rounded ones) for under 10k with a V8. Apparently fairly rapid but you have to live with LHD and looks wise I think they have aged very badly, definitely not a car I would look back at as I walked away from it, in fact I would blindfold myself as I got out the car to make sure I didnt accidentally see it and only remove the blindfold when sufficient distance away...
Lately, I have been wondering what my next car after my Z4 would be. I couldnt get to a result but then this week found myself looking at BBR tuned MX5s!
Good shout on running costs. Although as the OP mentioned above, they can afford more expensive cars, they have just set a budget. I do something similar, actually 10k is my ballpark limit, running cost wise not too concerned about services, but thats the benefit of having a father (retired) and brother who are both car mechanics whoop whoop.
wol said:
-Pete- said:
...Subaru Legacy Type B with a glorious sounding H4....
Slight pedant tweak....Subaru Legacy R Spec B with a glorious sounding H6
I used to have one, sad to have let it go.
Fundamentally I'm looking for an interesting sounding engine. Everything else is 'negotiable'
Obviously it needs to be great value for money, manual, beautiful to look at, cheap to run etc etc
-Pete- said:
Whoops, yes, H6.
Fundamentally I'm looking for an interesting sounding engine. Everything else is 'negotiable'
Obviously it needs to be great value for money, manual, beautiful to look at, cheap to run etc etc
Yep this is kind of where I'm at as well, something that sounds interesting. Fundamentally I'm looking for an interesting sounding engine. Everything else is 'negotiable'
Obviously it needs to be great value for money, manual, beautiful to look at, cheap to run etc etc
I have actually found something that fits the budget (and then some) and appeals to me in the right areas, which I was due to get inspected yesterday but had to postpone due to the weather
However, watch this space, I won't reveal yet because obviously I need the report to check out before I make a purchase but if it does then it's a good value machine that should satisfy my needs.
I dont want to scare anyone but not all TVR Chimaera's are cheap to maintain.
I bought a Chimaera 450 for a very good price 2 years ago (knowing I would need to spend a bit to sort it out) and have so far spent over £13k on repairs!
It is good now but it has been a slog and honestly I would have been much better off spending £5-6k more at purchase from one of the reputable TVR specialists than purchasing a "bargain" from a private seller! Much as I love the car (there is not much at the price point that gives you the same kind of performance, sound and pure driving experience) I also would not recommend the TVR to anyone as a daily driver.
Not trying to be gloomy, it is a fabulous car, but trying to buy a "cheap" TVR could be a difficult and costly experience (unless you are a keen mechanic of course!)
I bought a Chimaera 450 for a very good price 2 years ago (knowing I would need to spend a bit to sort it out) and have so far spent over £13k on repairs!
It is good now but it has been a slog and honestly I would have been much better off spending £5-6k more at purchase from one of the reputable TVR specialists than purchasing a "bargain" from a private seller! Much as I love the car (there is not much at the price point that gives you the same kind of performance, sound and pure driving experience) I also would not recommend the TVR to anyone as a daily driver.
Not trying to be gloomy, it is a fabulous car, but trying to buy a "cheap" TVR could be a difficult and costly experience (unless you are a keen mechanic of course!)
Thanks phn, as much as I do love a TVR, it's not going to be one of these for pretty much all the reasons you mentioned; my budget only affords me a bottom of the barrel car, the thing will have to live outside in all weather's, and while there will be a Bork fund, it probably won't stretch to the sort of money you're mentioning.
In the end, all things considered, there is one car that just about manages to tick the right boxes and still be under budget, and I have an inspection arranged for Thursday, and if it checks out, then I'll be placing a deposit. I won't say what yet though in case it doesn't work out and I have YET ANOTHER change of heart
In the end, all things considered, there is one car that just about manages to tick the right boxes and still be under budget, and I have an inspection arranged for Thursday, and if it checks out, then I'll be placing a deposit. I won't say what yet though in case it doesn't work out and I have YET ANOTHER change of heart
TameRacingDriver said:
Thanks phn, as much as I do love a TVR, it's not going to be one of these for pretty much all the reasons you mentioned; my budget only affords me a bottom of the barrel car, the thing will have to live outside in all weather's, and while there will be a Bork fund, it probably won't stretch to the sort of money you're mentioning.
In the end, all things considered, there is one car that just about manages to tick the right boxes and still be under budget, and I have an inspection arranged for Thursday, and if it checks out, then I'll be placing a deposit. I won't say what yet though in case it doesn't work out and I have YET ANOTHER change of heart
...and In the end, all things considered, there is one car that just about manages to tick the right boxes and still be under budget, and I have an inspection arranged for Thursday, and if it checks out, then I'll be placing a deposit. I won't say what yet though in case it doesn't work out and I have YET ANOTHER change of heart
Ive been looking at something similar for the future,at possibly a £20K budget. Ive narrowed it down to a 370Z Nismo or Cayman S 3.4
Im running a 350Z atm,but its immaculate at 35K miles and drives like a new car - so im quite reluctant to part with it - but i feel a 370Z Nismo would be a bit more of a 'special' car to own,it has quite a lot more power and sounds better stock...but at £10K more - its quite a gap!
I think the Cayman running costs would be higher than the Nissans,which puts me off. Plus,i feel you quite a few Caymans on the roads,whereas you hardly see Zs.
Im running a 350Z atm,but its immaculate at 35K miles and drives like a new car - so im quite reluctant to part with it - but i feel a 370Z Nismo would be a bit more of a 'special' car to own,it has quite a lot more power and sounds better stock...but at £10K more - its quite a gap!
I think the Cayman running costs would be higher than the Nissans,which puts me off. Plus,i feel you quite a few Caymans on the roads,whereas you hardly see Zs.
Yorkshire_LY said:
Ive been looking at something similar for the future,at possibly a £20K budget. Ive narrowed it down to a 370Z Nismo or Cayman S 3.4
Im running a 350Z atm,but its immaculate at 35K miles and drives like a new car - so im quite reluctant to part with it - but i feel a 370Z Nismo would be a bit more of a 'special' car to own,it has quite a lot more power and sounds better stock...but at £10K more - its quite a gap!
I think the Cayman running costs would be higher than the Nissans,which puts me off. Plus,i feel you quite a few Caymans on the roads,whereas you hardly see Zs.
If it was me I'd go for the 370z as they seem to be bulletproof, whereas early Cayman's have been reported with IMS issues or bore scoring that can be costly to fix. Im running a 350Z atm,but its immaculate at 35K miles and drives like a new car - so im quite reluctant to part with it - but i feel a 370Z Nismo would be a bit more of a 'special' car to own,it has quite a lot more power and sounds better stock...but at £10K more - its quite a gap!
I think the Cayman running costs would be higher than the Nissans,which puts me off. Plus,i feel you quite a few Caymans on the roads,whereas you hardly see Zs.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff