New Car Recommenations - 15K

[theboyrob]

I'm getting a hankering for something new, much as I love the S2000 I've had it two and a half years and would like something new. Not sure exactly when I'm going to be changing but would like some suggestions on a possible replacement. Things I'm looking for:

- Ideally something quicker but not essential
- 2 Seats would be fine, no family ties at the moment!
- Something quite rare would be nice as I like not seeing many other similar cars about
- Another soft top would be nice as I love open air motoring
- Its going to be used as a daily so really needs to be fairly comfortable and reliable. Running costs aren't a big issue as it won't be doing that many miles.
- Would like RWD

So far I've been mulling over the following:

- BMW 135i
- Lotus Europa
- SLK55 AMG
- BMW E46 M3
- Z4M (Not overly keen on the looks)

Looking at spending 15k, would happily push a little more if needs be.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys!

Edited by theboyrob on Tuesday 20th August 12:51

[Mr Roper]

What are 370Z's doing these days??

Or perhaps an S5?? Lot of bang for the money.

[theboyrob]

After watching various reviews of the 370z they always seem to come back of it being a little heavy and not quite up to par against its rivals. The looks are spot on though, and its a pretty rare sight on the roads.

Not a fan of Audi's at all to be honest!

[Mr Roper]

Can you get a Europa for 15k??

If you can, then get it bought.

[JDMDrifter]

370z Would be my first choice! Having said that a Z4M might be worth a look

[trickywoo]

theboyrob said:

SLK55 AMG

Hard to beat at that price point.

[pork911]

996 and change

[GreatGranny]

Tuscan?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

or Griffith, Tamora, Chimaera etc...

Boxster S
996 Cab
650i Convertible

[TREMAiNE]

A top-nick RX7 with 5k left over to run it for about an hour!

[Mr Roper]

trickywoo said:

theboyrob said:

SLK55 AMG

Hard to beat at that price point.

I was looking at them just the other day...didn't realise they were so cheap.

[Herbs]

Elise, Z4M or SL55 AMG (forget the SLK) at that price.

[RobM77]

Herbs said:

Elise, Z4M or SL55 AMG (forget the SLK) at that price.

All great cars. Why 'forget the SLK' though? Having driven a few SLK55 AMGs and been in an SL, if it wasn't for mega miles continent cruising I'd rather have the SLK. Both are great cars of course, I'm just curious about your suggestion.

[RobM77]

Mr Roper said:

trickywoo said:

theboyrob said:

SLK55 AMG

Hard to beat at that price point.

I was looking at them just the other day...didn't realise they were so cheap.

I really like them, but for some reason the UK press reckoned they were rubbish (whilst the Japanese show Best Motoring views them as a benchmark). That might explain their depreciation, at least in the UK.

[Herbs]

I found the interior a little low rent and the nose too heavy in what should be nimble roadster, coupled with an auto gearbox it just didn't float my boat.

The SL made a better GT and the offerings from BMW, Porsche & Lotus are better sports cars leaving the SLK55 as a halfway house.

Ended up with a 200k one for Mrs Herbs as a replacement for her MX5.

[theboyrob]

Thanks for the comments, given some food for thought.

Going to have a look at a lovely looking SLK on the weekend, going to be hard to resist that V8!

[alephnull]

Elise S2

[Kirk280]

I doubt you'll find a Europa in that range, they hardly depreciate. They are awesome.

[mike9009]

Vxr220?

Mike

[Rakoosh]

I think you`ll struggle to get a Europa at that price point.

Out of curiosity (as you mention the Europa - I'm sure you considered it)- how come an Elise does not make your short list?

You mentioned you like roof off driving?

If two seats are enough I reckon a boxster s

[rtbpfd]

Jag XK (just about for £15k)
Boxster S or Cayman S