Car choices for 30k...

[stuno1]

So, the criteria is below for the next car:

- Sub 30k
- Ideally no older than 5 years
- 60 sprint in around 4 seconds
- RWD
- Needs to be able to take a nipper (5 years old to 8 years old) as I want to use the car a fair bit
- Fun to drive as will mainly be a weekend car
- Not suffer heavy depreciation as the funds will be used for the next car in 3 years. For the same reason I don't want to have to spend a lot on it.
- Not too basic/raw as the wife needs to spend time in and it will be used for European trips

Cars ruled out so far:
- e92 M3. I would need to upgrade the pads and brake lines as well as change the push rod bearings (peace of mind) and throttle actuators will pop at some stage.
- ISF. Already owned one and would like to try something different.
- Ford mustang. Just not a fan.
- Jag XKR. Not a fan.

Car currently leading the charge is a 2013/2014 C63 AMG. They seem bullet proof, to my eye look nice, have a good spec, can be a weekend and touring car. Fit my nipper, may lose 2-3k in 3 years looking at older models and anticipated mileage.

What have I missed?

Stu

Edited by stuno1 on Tuesday 13th February 16:15

[Zetec-S]

Audi RS4/RS6 (although not RWD)
Maserati Ghibli (although slightly over £30k)

[yajeed]

Panamera?

[chrisph]

Perhaps an M5 they seem to be falling around the 30k range now, or a CLS63
I would agree with you that the C63 is the best choice, that engine in a small wagon bodystyle would be magic

[kiethton]

Lotus Evora?

[Al U]

E63 for me in either saloon or estate flavour -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-5...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-5...

[stuno1]

Panamera??? I'll look at pricing although I thing the fugly looks may be enough to put me off.

RS4 is too big and 4WD will kill weekend fun.

Owned an Evora S SR as my last car and sold it to fund a house purchase so don't fancy going back to a lower spec variant.

Ghibli would have been a serious choice but it is quite a bit over 30k at the moment I think.

[Zetec-S]

stuno1 said:

Ghibli would have been a serious choice but it is quite a bit over 30k at the moment I think.

Cheapest petrols are now under £30k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or £33k for the Ghibli S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[stuno1]

Zetec-S said:

Cheapest petrols are now under £30k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or £33k for the Ghibli S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They look good but I am not sure that floats my boat as much as the C63.

[Alex_225]

I'm a Merc fan so am a little biased but I wouldn't be disappointed with any of the '63 Mercs be it a C63, E63 or CLS63.

I like the look and performance of the C63, I'm not so keen on the interior or the image though. Just that it's a bit of a typical rowdy, loud, shouty image in the C63 so has a bit of a reputation. The E and CLS Class Mercs are that bit more nicely put together so I prefer the interior and the image isn't quite the same.

[Zetec-S]

stuno1 said:

They look good but I am not sure that floats my boat as much as the C63.

Yeah, if it was my money it would probably by the C63 too. Although I'd have to test drive the Maserati just to be sure.

[jcremonini]

stuno1 said:

Fit my nipper, may loose 2-3k in 3 years looking at older models and anticipated mileage.

What have I missed?

The English lesson where they explained the difference between loose and lose ?

[Krikkit]

F10 M5? Apologies if already discounted.

[stuno1]

jcremonini said:

The English lesson where they explained the difference between loose and lose ?

Quite right...i'll get it sorted...

[stuno1]

Krikkit said:

F10 M5? Apologies if already discounted.

I had not actively considered it due to size and being too big on B roads where most the fun will be had. So yes not a consideration.

[JordanM200]

M140i with a JB4. Job done

[MDMetal]

6 series, especially the gran coupe, effortless cruiser

[RobM77]

Given the criteria, I'm surprised that the OP is considering super saloons; most of them aren't far removed from standard family cars in terms of the driving experience, just with better performance and a better soundtrack. I'd have thought a 911 or Evora would be a better fit?

[stuno1]

M140i leaves me cold from a looks perspective and I imagine would need other upgrades like exhaust and possibly breaks to be truly fun.

6 series is just too big to be honest.

[donkmeister]

stuno1 said:

Krikkit said:

F10 M5? Apologies if already discounted.

I had not actively considered it due to size and being too big on B roads where most the fun will be had. So yes not a consideration.

You will find the Panamera, E63 and CLS63 too big too then.
I'll be corrected by someone but big cars are not very chuckable on fun B-roads. Sweeping corners yes, twisty bits no.
Worth trying them out though, your definition of B-road fun may be different from mine.