What 'fun' car from this shortlist:

[maxp]

I currently drive an elise, which although super fun, is my only car, which makes its rawness a bit tiring for a day-to-day commute.

Given a budget of 11k (although id be happy to save as much as poss)Ive got a simple shortlist

1 - 1st generation audi s3 (~5k)
2 - Mk5 golf gti (~9k)
3 - 2nd generation audi s3 (11k minimum)
4 - 1st gen / 986 porsche boxster. (6-8k)

Do about 25 miles a day divided across a year.

What would you pick?

[Crusoe]

of those porsche only one that is anything like fun. Also consider z4, 350z, s2000, e46 M3 etc.

[maxp]

I like the s2000, but ever since seeing one spin off the road into a barrier on a wet day, ive steered clear.

I know the boxster will be fun, but id be wary of 'enjoying' it as massive bills are a constant threat.

[Gigsy]

Agreed, the Boxster is the only thing approaching fun on that list.

For 11k you have a pretty broad range of options - an Evo or STI is going to be a lot more fun than either of the S3s for example.

[alfa pint]

Boxster definitely. You'll love having a soft top when the sun's out, or at least one where you can put the hood up and down in under a minute.

[RZ1]

keep the elise and get the early S3

[Jag-D]

maxp said:

I currently drive an elise, which although super fun, is my only car, which makes its rawness a bit tiring for a day-to-day commute.

Given a budget of 11k (although id be happy to save as much as poss)Ive got a simple shortlist

1 - 1st generation audi s3 (~5k) Fun??
2 - Mk5 golf gti (~9k) Fun??
3 - 2nd generation audi s3 (11k minimum) Fun???????
4 - 1st gen / 986 porsche boxster. (6-8k) Expensive gearbox when it goes tits up

Do about 25 miles a day divided across a year.

What would you pick?

In short, there's only one "fun" car on that list and it's bd expensive when things go titties vertical

[kambites]

Mk3 MR2? Very much like the Elise in character, but more refined and better built.

From your list, I'd say: Boxster >>>> Golf > Audis, in terms of fun.

[Chris71]

If it's your only car I think anything barring the Boxster would be a disappointment.

As others have said, one solution would be to keep the Elise for weekends and get a cheap shed (or plush barge as funds allow...) for weekday duties.

It also rather depends what exactly you need. A Boxster is certainly more comfortable than an Elise, but it doesn't offer that much more in terms of luggage space. A hot hatch would be a lot more versatile if you found yourself driving to the airport with two suitcases or making a trip to Ikea.

[anonymous-user]

maxp said:

I currently drive an elise, which although super fun, is my only car, which makes its rawness a bit tiring for a day-to-day commute.

Given a budget of 11k (although id be happy to save as much as poss)Ive got a simple shortlist

1 - 1st generation audi s3 (~5k)
2 - Mk5 golf gti (~9k)
3 - 2nd generation audi s3 (11k minimum)
4 - 1st gen / 986 porsche boxster. (6-8k)

Do about 25 miles a day divided across a year.

What would you pick?

Depends what your priorities are and what order they are in!?

[maxp]

MonkeyMatt said:

Depends what your priorities are and what order they are in!?

By far, my biggest priority is having something that means I can sleep well at night - not having huge running costs and scary bills should my personal circumstances take a nosedive.

[anonymous-user]

What about one of these? Sits nicely between the S3 and the Boxster! Quicker and with better handling than MK1 S3 and more practical than a Boxster.