The 8-10k Handful?

[Tib]

Yup, another one of those what car threads.

I have 8-10k to spend on a good example of whatever I go for. Criteria are as follows:

Fixed Head
2-3 Doors
As batst, engaging and involving a driving experience as possible. Something that demands attention at all times when sitting behind the wheel.

Not my daily driver, so whilst a modicum of reliability would be appreciated, it's not all that essential. Open to the idea of classic cars and so on.

Go!

[clarkmagpie]

Cerb or 3200GT if you can get in budget...

[CrouchingWayne]

I had a similar requirements and went for a VX2220.

If you can stretch your top end you may get an S2 elise though.

If they're not for you how about a mint E39 M5? You could pick up a range of lovely M cars including an E46.

[pti]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/131122898292?nav=SEARCH

Scratch that. This:

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/271411795119?nav=SEARCH

[shoestring7]

I saw a Nissan 370Z nose into the kerb with front and rear damage on the A322 near Ascot today - there didn't seem to be any other cars involved. I bet he (it was) thought that was a bit of a handful.

SS7

[Cactussed]

You will have to pay attention before mashing the throttle here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[corozin]

E46 M3

Go kill yourself. At least it will start before sending you backwards into a field!

[Tib]

Thanks for the responses all.

I'd love a Cerb but unfortunately they are going for 10-15 at the minute and I'm not able to stump up 5k from behind the sofa. Even then, I'd have thought I'd have been looking at a pretty ropey example?

3200s are a good shout. Always had a soft spot for them. Monaros too are an interesting proposition.

I recall Elises/VX220s being targa topped - that's not something I'd be willing to compromise on. Same goes with the M5 - too many doors.

Whilst it's worth noting I'm not a RWD Nazi, I do require three pedals - sorry, should have stated that in the OP.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Totally different to the above but the budget should bag you a Tickford Turbo Capri I think.

[DAmiJO]

Z3M coupe
E46 M3
Clio V6

[J4CKO]

nagsheadwarrior said:

Totally different to the above but the budget should bag you a Tickford Turbo Capri I think.

Good call !

Went in one a few years back at 100 plus through Trafford Park, felt way quicker than 204 bhp and could be a handful.

370Z, if like my 350Z is a pussycat if you leave the electronics on, fairly predictable without but with 300 or more bhp and rwd it needs
some respect, I was more wary of my 944 Cab being older and it could be a bit snappy, age, tyres, scuttle shake etc.

[nonuts]

The very best e36 M3 Evo you can find, will be as fast as the e46 and has no form of TC so it can concentrate the mind some what.

If you want it to be really scary you want to find something that has a silly torque curve...

[slipstream 1985]

whats an early clio v6 go for?

[mug81]

A little out of the left field and needs some tinkering, but I think this is tasty;

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C477947#

ETA possibly not the hardcore experience per se, but surely the 7.2l will keep you on your toes

[jackh707]

Westfield

[crosseyedlion]

Chimera, 8-10k should get you a reasonable one. Spend 1.5k refreshing the suspension and some decent tyres and it'll be as satisfying and involving a driving can be.

Edited by crosseyedlion on Friday 28th February 00:04

[deltashad]

How much do Z3m's go for?

[roystinho]

deltashad said:

How much do Z3m's go for?

More than the budget for a half decent one

Early Clio V6 prices are heading north too so be quick if you want one £8-£10k

[DAmiJO]

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165...

http://motoring.friday-ad.co.uk/ross-on-wye/used-c...

I had to compromise with the missus as we ve only one car, I ended up with a 130i m sport, she loves it. Iv been telling her she'd love an M3 more...............

[Tib]

Some interesting responses and a few ideas I quite like.

Clio V6 is an idea, I've heard they're suitably batst.

I'd like a Z3M Coupe, but I am put off by the mileage of that one, plus should it die on me the budget would be spent. I'm not such a fan of the E46, just a bit too obvious for me. I went for the obvious choice last time, and I'm looking at changing once more. :/

Z3M Verts/westfields/chimeras etc are all a no-go as they don't have a proper roof. Car is going to live outside and only gets brought out at weekends, so I don't want the damp problems that they incur. Coupled with that I've got a Boxster S at the moment and the whole lid-off motoring just doesn't do it for me.

Out of leftfield, someone suggested a 147 GTA with a Q2 diff. Any thoughts?