Fast car/sports car... what do I want?

[CrippsCorner]

Hi, I woke up the other day thinking... I need to own a 'really fast' car one day. Fastest I've had was an Impreza STI with a 0-60 of 5.2 seconds. Now AutoTrader tells me a 'really fast' car is 0-60 under 5 seconds, so the Impreza doesn't count, right!

I started looking on AutoTrader filtered from cheapest. First cars you come across are 650i which doesn't make sense to me; just not special enough. I thought yeah, if this is going to be a third car (between me and the wife) it'd have to be manual for an engaging weekend blast. So changed that parameter. First results come in with TVR... now I know there's a lot of love for them here, and I love them too, but I am not particularly mechanically minded, nor do I have the space/time/equipment/patience to be continually tinkering; it's just not what I need from such a car. So, onward the search went, until I came across M235i/M240i - Wonderful cars I'm sure, but just not special enough for that sense of occasion. I realised as I continued scrolling, the price range was getting ridiculous.

So, back to the drawing board. What do I really want... as said, special, weekend blasts, different to what I have (a hot hatch and boring family MPV) okay how about a coupe or even convertible, which I'd never considered before. So I knocked the price back down, and changed the 0-60 time to under 8 seconds instead, and started again.

I came across MX-5 (obviously) but... my brother has one of those, and I want to be different. Boxster? Most of the cheaper ones seem to have issues. Audi TT V6? Is it really a sports car, not sure and just doesn't have that wow factor to its looks. Then I saw something that jumped out at me; Z4 - Specifically the 3ltr. 0-60 in 5.9 seconds is definitely nippy enough. Look great, roof down, bit of a classic?

This is only entering the thought stage at the moment. However I now have the image in my head of driving the missus around at the weekend with the wind in my hair (which is pretty impressive for a bald bloke)

I managed to find 4 of these cars under £4.5k which seems pretty decent. The tax would be a bit painful mind you for a car that would be doing under 2k miles a year.

This is 'what car' and I've just said what car... but what I'm asking is, is this the experience I'm missing? Is this what I really want lol. Not a bullet in accelleration, but a different experience from a weekend blast. I've only ever had hatchbacks apart from that Impreza. I've always loved buying and modifying cars, but other than a few track days here and there over the years, can't say I really 'enjoy driving' as I never go for a drive for the hell of it. Maybe this is what I'm missing?!

Any advice appreciated, or other cars I've overlooked!

[J1990]

What sort of budget would you be happy to put in to this? There's some great options available to you but suggestions would likely vary significantly depending on the budget, not to state the obvious but when looking at faster cars there's also a balance between initial outlay and overall cost of ownership so there's also the question of whether you'd be happy to up the budget for a car that you were less likely to take a bath on financially.

[Xcore]

So what’s the budget?

[MitchT]

So you want a sense of occasion... and very fast?

https://youtu.be/dIgGZA4qQoc?t=130

[ZX10R NIN]

CrippsCorner said:

Hi, I woke up the other day thinking... I need to own a 'really fast' car one day. Fastest I've had was an Impreza STI with a 0-60 of 5.2 seconds. Now AutoTrader tells me a 'really fast' car is 0-60 under 5 seconds, so the Impreza doesn't count, right!

I started looking on AutoTrader filtered from cheapest. First cars you come across are 650i which doesn't make sense to me; just not special enough. I thought yeah, if this is going to be a third car (between me and the wife) it'd have to be manual for an engaging weekend blast. So changed that parameter. First results come in with TVR... now I know there's a lot of love for them here, and I love them too, but I am not particularly mechanically minded, nor do I have the space/time/equipment/patience to be continually tinkering; it's just not what I need from such a car. So, onward the search went, until I came across M235i/M240i - Wonderful cars I'm sure, but just not special enough for that sense of occasion. I realised as I continued scrolling, the price range was getting ridiculous.

So, back to the drawing board. What do I really want... as said, special, weekend blasts, different to what I have (a hot hatch and boring family MPV) okay how about a coupe or even convertible, which I'd never considered before. So I knocked the price back down, and changed the 0-60 time to under 8 seconds instead, and started again.

I came across MX-5 (obviously) but... my brother has one of those, and I want to be different. Boxster? Most of the cheaper ones seem to have issues. Audi TT V6? Is it really a sports car, not sure and just doesn't have that wow factor to its looks. Then I saw something that jumped out at me; Z4 - Specifically the 3ltr. 0-60 in 5.9 seconds is definitely nippy enough. Look great, roof down, bit of a classic?

This is only entering the thought stage at the moment. However I now have the image in my head of driving the missus around at the weekend with the wind in my hair (which is pretty impressive for a bald bloke)

I managed to find 4 of these cars under £4.5k which seems pretty decent. The tax would be a bit painful mind you for a car that would be doing under 2k miles a year.

This is 'what car' and I've just said what car... but what I'm asking is, is this the experience I'm missing? Is this what I really want lol. Not a bullet in accelleration, but a different experience from a weekend blast. I've only ever had hatchbacks apart from that Impreza. I've always loved buying and modifying cars, but other than a few track days here and there over the years, can't say I really 'enjoy driving' as I never go for a drive for the hell of it. Maybe this is what I'm missing?!

Any advice appreciated, or other cars I've overlooked!

At around 5k this rare 5.5 CLK500 would be my pick it'll be great out in NI:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285224316957?hash=item4...

[CrippsCorner]

Thanks, a V8 would definitely be on the agenda, but I'm just not sure the Mercedes really calls to me.

Budget wise I started at £4k then £8k then £12k then before I knew it I was looking at £16k which really isn't a viable option right now.

So I took it back to £4k and started again (bit more for the right car, as most people say)

There's also MR-2 I suppose but these look a bit bland to me. Wouldn't rule out Japanese cars though my brother is actually thinking about selling his MX-5...

[Evil.soup]

A very quick car is more than the 0-60 time though, unless you are planning or drag racing the thing. You could get yourself a big power V8 barge but it certainly wouldn't be quicker point to point than the Sti. There is also the fact that a quick re-map would take a newage Sti to under 5 seconds.

I have driven the VXR8, 500hp beast. In a straight line it is insane, it has an awesome reputation for its point to point ability and is well under 5 seconds 0-60. All that said, I know I would struggle to get it down a B-road as quickly as I could the Sti, it's just a fact, 0-60 alone doesn't make for a quick car anywhere other than at the traffic lights.

[Jamescrs]

I think you could do a lot worse than a Z4 with a 6 cylinder engine all things considered.

I own a 986 Boxster and it is a great car and does feel special when I drive it but at under 5k I feel like you will get a car with issues, if you could push it to maybe 7k and are careful when shopping you would get a good one.

[Evil.soup]

If 0-60 isn't a factor and roof off fun is something that may work for you, how about these options?

Nissan 350z, lots of noise and sense of occasion, especially if you swap out the exhaust. Not the quickest, but a fun GT cruiser.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304136...

For pure driving pleasure, the MR2 Roadster is epic. More capable than the MX-5 and will keep your pulse racing. Again, not big power, but this weights in under 1000kg and handles like an Elise, I owned one for a few years and still miss it 18 years after selling it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

[Scootersp]

CrippsCorner said:

Hi, I woke up the other day thinking... I need to own a 'really fast' car one day.

I've only ever had hatchbacks apart from that Impreza. I've always loved buying and modifying cars, but other than a few track days here and there over the years, can't say I really 'enjoy driving' as I never go for a drive for the hell of it. Maybe this is what I'm missing?!

Any advice appreciated, or other cars I've overlooked!

What might you be missing? Perhaps torque, either via a large engine and/or turbo? that usually comes from extra cylinder and the more refined/smooth feel?

If you've only had hatchbacks and the Impreza then no greater than 4 cylinder cars?

Maybe not rule out auto's if you want fast and reasonably priced?

[E63eeeeee...]

Having a convertible definitely gives a genuinely different driving experience from everything else, you're much more part of what's going on around you than you are when you're cocooned in a car. I bought mine thinking about sunny days but actually my favourite time to drive with the roof off is at night. I can vouch for a BMW straight six too, and a Z4 will be great. I very much doubt you'll feel short-changed by the performance.

[Maracus]

I bought a 2003 3.0 manual Z4 in September as a kind of 50th birthday present to myself I plan on using it at weekends and keeping it until it dies.

The engine is what makes the car IMO, especially with the roof down and it's surprisingly frugal if driven normally. The VED is around £30 a month, but it only cost me £50 to add it to my insurance.

[CrippsCorner]

That's pretty much where I am. Where you say £50 extra on the insurance... is that per year or month?!

Evil.soup said:

If 0-60 isn't a factor and roof off fun is something that may work for you, how about these options?

Nissan 350z, lots of noise and sense of occasion, especially if you swap out the exhaust. Not the quickest, but a fun GT cruiser.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304136...

For pure driving pleasure, the MR2 Roadster is epic. More capable than the MX-5 and will keep your pulse racing. Again, not big power, but this weights in under 1000kg and handles like an Elise, I owned one for a few years and still miss it 18 years after selling it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

You know I nearly pulled the trigger on a 350Z coupe just before my kids came along... never did get the chance. Not a bad option at all, although I do think the coupe is slightly better looking.

Wow I knew the MR-2 was light, but not under a ton. I had a R5 GT Turbo back in the days and never thought I'd get anywhere near that again in terms of weight! I'm not 100% convinced on the looks, but something like this looks decent:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

I don't like the wheels, but the little bodykit, double exit exhaust and red seats make it a bit more special. Was there an official kit for this? TRD isn't it for tuning?

That's a point worth making by the way. Although my budget maybe relatively small at £4k - I don't mind spending the same amount again over time, modifying and improving a car.

[Maracus]

CrippsCorner said:

That's pretty much where I am. Where you say £50 extra on the insurance... is that per year or month?!

Per Year, for 3000 miles p.a. The joys of being 50

[NH-0]

I would have thought really fast for under £16k you would be looking at some kind of nutty turbo four wheel drive car like say an Impreza STI...

[Evil.soup]

CrippsCorner said:

That's pretty much where I am. Where you say £50 extra on the insurance... is that per year or month?!

Evil.soup said:

If 0-60 isn't a factor and roof off fun is something that may work for you, how about these options?

Nissan 350z, lots of noise and sense of occasion, especially if you swap out the exhaust. Not the quickest, but a fun GT cruiser.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304136...

For pure driving pleasure, the MR2 Roadster is epic. More capable than the MX-5 and will keep your pulse racing. Again, not big power, but this weights in under 1000kg and handles like an Elise, I owned one for a few years and still miss it 18 years after selling it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

You know I nearly pulled the trigger on a 350Z coupe just before my kids came along... never did get the chance. Not a bad option at all, although I do think the coupe is slightly better looking.

Wow I knew the MR-2 was light, but not under a ton. I had a R5 GT Turbo back in the days and never thought I'd get anywhere near that again in terms of weight! I'm not 100% convinced on the looks, but something like this looks decent:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

I don't like the wheels, but the little bodykit, double exit exhaust and red seats make it a bit more special. Was there an official kit for this? TRD isn't it for tuning?

That's a point worth making by the way. Although my budget maybe relatively small at £4k - I don't mind spending the same amount again over time, modifying and improving a car.

The kit on that one looks like standard TRD stuff that was under the options list from Toyota. Loads of after market options for them though, mine was black with red interior and a custom built quad exit exhaust system, they do sound lovely with an after market exhaust.

The one you have linked is an early MK3, these suffered with pre-cat failure and could end up throwing parts into the engine leading to excessive wear and oil use. They fixed this on the face lift model, front bumper has fog lights so they are easy to spot. The front and rear wheels were also different sizes on the facelift car, 185 - 15" front and 205 - 16" back. The earlier car was 15" all round but 185 front and 205 rear.

Genuinely the closest car to the Elise I have ever driven, and I have driven a number of Elise over reasonable distances, so I can compare like for like.

Downside is of course, it does lack torque, but the VVTi engine works well if you work the gears and run the revs out, it does like to rev and has a Honda Civic Type-R feel to it as it has a second spike of power at the higher end of the revs.

Handling is outstanding, but it needs care in the wet and you can't use miss matched or crap tyres, you will be facing the wrong way in a blink if you don't treat it with respect. It is very controllable on the limit but if you are not paying attention it can bite you.

I absolutely loved mine, did long road trips in it and used it daily for work, it was fantastic and I still look at getting another one day.

[DickyC]

What you really want is an SLK32 AMG.

0 to 60 in 4.7, standing quarter in 13.5.

If only there was one for sale for £8,500 in PH Classifieds.

[g40steve]

Fast,
Cheap,
Reliable

Choose any two ?

[CrippsCorner]

I know I mentioned the TVR but I would still go for fast and cheap lol... I don't mind fixing stuff, as long as the broken part can be upgraded what I would actually love with the car being a 'spare' is getting back into doing stuff myself. With a full time job, and a missus who works weekends and evenings (and 3 kids at home) it's just impossible to find time to actually do anything. Also I realise now I might be substituting 'fast' for 'handling' to some degree.

Evil.soup said:

CrippsCorner said:

That's pretty much where I am. Where you say £50 extra on the insurance... is that per year or month?!

Evil.soup said:

If 0-60 isn't a factor and roof off fun is something that may work for you, how about these options?

Nissan 350z, lots of noise and sense of occasion, especially if you swap out the exhaust. Not the quickest, but a fun GT cruiser.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304136...

For pure driving pleasure, the MR2 Roadster is epic. More capable than the MX-5 and will keep your pulse racing. Again, not big power, but this weights in under 1000kg and handles like an Elise, I owned one for a few years and still miss it 18 years after selling it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

You know I nearly pulled the trigger on a 350Z coupe just before my kids came along... never did get the chance. Not a bad option at all, although I do think the coupe is slightly better looking.

Wow I knew the MR-2 was light, but not under a ton. I had a R5 GT Turbo back in the days and never thought I'd get anywhere near that again in terms of weight! I'm not 100% convinced on the looks, but something like this looks decent:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

I don't like the wheels, but the little bodykit, double exit exhaust and red seats make it a bit more special. Was there an official kit for this? TRD isn't it for tuning?

That's a point worth making by the way. Although my budget maybe relatively small at £4k - I don't mind spending the same amount again over time, modifying and improving a car.

The kit on that one looks like standard TRD stuff that was under the options list from Toyota. Loads of after market options for them though, mine was black with red interior and a custom built quad exit exhaust system, they do sound lovely with an after market exhaust.

The one you have linked is an early MK3, these suffered with pre-cat failure and could end up throwing parts into the engine leading to excessive wear and oil use. They fixed this on the face lift model, front bumper has fog lights so they are easy to spot. The front and rear wheels were also different sizes on the facelift car, 185 - 15" front and 205 - 16" back. The earlier car was 15" all round but 185 front and 205 rear.

Genuinely the closest car to the Elise I have ever driven, and I have driven a number of Elise over reasonable distances, so I can compare like for like.

Downside is of course, it does lack torque, but the VVTi engine works well if you work the gears and run the revs out, it does like to rev and has a Honda Civic Type-R feel to it as it has a second spike of power at the higher end of the revs.

Handling is outstanding, but it needs care in the wet and you can't use miss matched or crap tyres, you will be facing the wrong way in a blink if you don't treat it with respect. It is very controllable on the limit but if you are not paying attention it can bite you.

I absolutely loved mine, did long road trips in it and used it daily for work, it was fantastic and I still look at getting another one day.

Thanks! That's great information. Are they really that much better than an MX-5?! I know my brother considered one, but chose not to go that route in the end. Well documented faults don't really bother me, as long as I'm a bit prepared.

[Evil.soup]

CrippsCorner said:

I know I mentioned the TVR but I would still go for fast and cheap lol... I don't mind fixing stuff, as long as the broken part can be upgraded what I would actually love with the car being a 'spare' is getting back into doing stuff myself. With a full time job, and a missus who works weekends and evenings (and 3 kids at home) it's just impossible to find time to actually do anything. Also I realise now I might be substituting 'fast' for 'handling' to some degree.

Evil.soup said:

CrippsCorner said:

That's pretty much where I am. Where you say £50 extra on the insurance... is that per year or month?!

Evil.soup said:

If 0-60 isn't a factor and roof off fun is something that may work for you, how about these options?

Nissan 350z, lots of noise and sense of occasion, especially if you swap out the exhaust. Not the quickest, but a fun GT cruiser.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304136...

For pure driving pleasure, the MR2 Roadster is epic. More capable than the MX-5 and will keep your pulse racing. Again, not big power, but this weights in under 1000kg and handles like an Elise, I owned one for a few years and still miss it 18 years after selling it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303285...

You know I nearly pulled the trigger on a 350Z coupe just before my kids came along... never did get the chance. Not a bad option at all, although I do think the coupe is slightly better looking.

Wow I knew the MR-2 was light, but not under a ton. I had a R5 GT Turbo back in the days and never thought I'd get anywhere near that again in terms of weight! I'm not 100% convinced on the looks, but something like this looks decent:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304076...

I don't like the wheels, but the little bodykit, double exit exhaust and red seats make it a bit more special. Was there an official kit for this? TRD isn't it for tuning?

That's a point worth making by the way. Although my budget maybe relatively small at £4k - I don't mind spending the same amount again over time, modifying and improving a car.

The kit on that one looks like standard TRD stuff that was under the options list from Toyota. Loads of after market options for them though, mine was black with red interior and a custom built quad exit exhaust system, they do sound lovely with an after market exhaust.

The one you have linked is an early MK3, these suffered with pre-cat failure and could end up throwing parts into the engine leading to excessive wear and oil use. They fixed this on the face lift model, front bumper has fog lights so they are easy to spot. The front and rear wheels were also different sizes on the facelift car, 185 - 15" front and 205 - 16" back. The earlier car was 15" all round but 185 front and 205 rear.

Genuinely the closest car to the Elise I have ever driven, and I have driven a number of Elise over reasonable distances, so I can compare like for like.

Downside is of course, it does lack torque, but the VVTi engine works well if you work the gears and run the revs out, it does like to rev and has a Honda Civic Type-R feel to it as it has a second spike of power at the higher end of the revs.

Handling is outstanding, but it needs care in the wet and you can't use miss matched or crap tyres, you will be facing the wrong way in a blink if you don't treat it with respect. It is very controllable on the limit but if you are not paying attention it can bite you.

I absolutely loved mine, did long road trips in it and used it daily for work, it was fantastic and I still look at getting another one day.

Thanks! That's great information. Are they really that much better than an MX-5?! I know my brother considered one, but chose not to go that route in the end. Well documented faults don't really bother me, as long as I'm a bit prepared.

I have never driven the MX-5 but a friend owned one and I preferred the MR2. Loved the MR2 to my brother for a couple of weeks as he was looking at 2 seat convertables and he test drove the MX-5. He also chose an MR2 over the MX-5. Nothing wrong with the MX-5, just had a preference for the MR2 being mid engined and a bit lighter. Worth giving one a run for sure.