Depreciation busting, fun, fast, fruity
Discussion
I'm searching for the holy grail. That car that fits all my needs and wants, but won't hurt my wallet too badly. Maintenance I don't mind, paying for upgrades I don't mind, but I don't like depreciation much - who does? 
Budget is £15-£20k.
Priorities are a fun, involving drive, nimble handling, great noise, low bork potential, minimal depreciation.
Practicality isn't a concern, but needs to be a viable daily driver and take three or four track days a year in it's stride. No heavy barges, let's say 1.5 tons-ish absolute maximum. Not especially keen on soft-tops, but will consider them.
Only doing about 8k miles a year in total so fuel economy doesn't matter. Would be nice if it was habitable enough to do the occasional cross-Europe trip to.... ooohhhh.... let's say Spa
Might have missed the boat on them already, but as an example the Z4M coupe looks like a good shout, rare, a bit under-appreciated at the moment as generally reviewed as not quite as sharp to drive as the Cayman, but has the E46 M3 CSL engine in a lighter package, feels like a future classic.
Any suggestions? Perfect Sunday afternoon daydream fodder surely

Budget is £15-£20k.
Priorities are a fun, involving drive, nimble handling, great noise, low bork potential, minimal depreciation.
Practicality isn't a concern, but needs to be a viable daily driver and take three or four track days a year in it's stride. No heavy barges, let's say 1.5 tons-ish absolute maximum. Not especially keen on soft-tops, but will consider them.
Only doing about 8k miles a year in total so fuel economy doesn't matter. Would be nice if it was habitable enough to do the occasional cross-Europe trip to.... ooohhhh.... let's say Spa

Might have missed the boat on them already, but as an example the Z4M coupe looks like a good shout, rare, a bit under-appreciated at the moment as generally reviewed as not quite as sharp to drive as the Cayman, but has the E46 M3 CSL engine in a lighter package, feels like a future classic.
Any suggestions? Perfect Sunday afternoon daydream fodder surely

It's worth considering a Z4 3.0 si if you are looking at the Z4M. About £10,000 for an excellent example. Definitely a great drive with a superb engine, though I'm not sure about the depreciation.
Somewhat less exciting engine than the M but still a very good one. The power curve is very similar between the two engines though the M engine revs around 1000rpm higher than the si.
No LSD though and I'm not sure if the brakes would cope on a trackday. Then again I don't think the Z4M brakes are that highly rated either.
Somewhat less exciting engine than the M but still a very good one. The power curve is very similar between the two engines though the M engine revs around 1000rpm higher than the si.
No LSD though and I'm not sure if the brakes would cope on a trackday. Then again I don't think the Z4M brakes are that highly rated either.
Lotus Elise? Depends if you are happy to do 8k init though. I had mine as my daily for the first 12 months with out an issue. Yes they are a bit noisey/ some leak.
Very cheap to run as they are so light. Looking at current prices it hasn't cost me a penny in depreciation. Might have even made a little on it.
Very cheap to run as they are so light. Looking at current prices it hasn't cost me a penny in depreciation. Might have even made a little on it.
I'd say the MK2 Focus RS is a great shout, a cracking engine reasonable running costs limited availability will always keep prices strong.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Look for a MR375 & you really won't go far wrong.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Look for a MR375 & you really won't go far wrong.
3.0 Si would definitely be a good shout, but I think I'd always be wishing it had that M engine under the bonnet. I like the idea of an Elise a lot, but I'm a bit tall for them.
I'd never considered a Focus RS, completely forgot about the Mk2, that's a very interesting thought as I've a major soft spot for a nice Volvo 5-pot.
I'd never considered a Focus RS, completely forgot about the Mk2, that's a very interesting thought as I've a major soft spot for a nice Volvo 5-pot.
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