Weekend Toy

[K-Fed]

Hi all, after years of lurking I figured I’d create an account and get some of your views.

I’m looking for a weekend toy that will be taxed for 6 months a year. Looking to spend around £25k. I’ll be keeping it long term (10 years +) and would ideally not want to loose money on it.

So far I’ve narrowed down the options to the below (not driven any of them yet):

Z4M coupe - Think this is edging it for me at the moment.
997.1 S - I have a big soft spot for 911s but prefer the classics and feel like I’d always wish it was a 964.
Cayman S - would I wish I’d got the 997?
Evora - ??

If it was your money which would you go for? Any advice appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

If you want a toy buy a Westfield.

Much more satisfying to drive than a heavy overpriced "sports car.

Cheaper too.

[kiethton]

I'd look at a S2 exige - what I got last year to fit the weekend car brief.

Great fun to drive, no depreciation and few crippling bills, even servicing is cheap!

[davek_964]

K-Fed said:

Z4M coupe - Think this is edging it for me at the moment.

One of my friends had one of these, and rated it pretty highly.

K-Fed said:

997.1 S - I have a big soft spot for 911s but prefer the classics and feel like I’d always wish it was a 964.

Not driven a 997, but had a 996 turbo for 5.5 years. Very capable, and very fast - but in my opinion, not "fun" and not suited to being a weekend car. Some people disagree (strongly) but I've made the comment before and a lot of other previous owners feel the same.
I also had a 964 (and in fact, the two overlapped for a few years). When I bought the 996 turbo, I didn't think I'd ever sell the 964 - but eventually I found myself using it less and less because the turbo was better at pretty much everything.

K-Fed said:

Cayman S - would I wish I’d got the 997?

No, but you might wish you hadn't bought a Cayman S for the same reasons I mention above (but not driven one. I have used a Boxster for a week though, and it was as dull as my turbo)

K-Fed said:

Evora - ??

I reckon this is the one that is most suited to a weekend fun car.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say an Evora fits the bill, it's a great drive (a Z4M will feel ham fisted after driving this) & rare depreciation is low but they're hard to find.

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

[K-Fed]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Maybe I’m not being completely accurate by saying a weekend toy as I’d like to do a trip across Europe in it. Otherwise though it would mainly be weekend blasts.

For that reason I think I’d rule out a Westfield. Exige could be an option but I like the idea of bigger engine.

[MKnight702]

K-Fed said:

Thanks for the suggestions!

Maybe I’m not being completely accurate by saying a weekend toy as I’d like to do a trip across Europe in it. Otherwise though it would mainly be weekend blasts.

For that reason I think I’d rule out a Westfield. Exige could be an option but I like the idea of bigger engine.

Another vote for a Caterfield here. I had a Westfield SE and did 38,000 miles in 3 years, this included a fortnights camping trip to Luxembourg and a couple of jaunts to Scotland. Personally, I wouldn't think that the Exige is really much more practical than a Caterfield and will probably cost more to run. I also had a Westfield XI which we drove to Le Mans to take part in the drivers parade. Pack wisely and dress appropriately and you will be fine.

If and when I sell my Ultima I think a Caterham is next on my to do list.

[russy01]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say an Evora fits the bill, it's a great drive (a Z4M will feel ham fisted after driving this) & rare depreciation is low but they're hard to find.

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

This is my brother in laws car. Very nice motor, just doesn’t need it anymore.

Evora is a great shout. When you see one in the flesh and sit in it, it feels like a mini supercar. Proper 2 seater sports car, miles above any Z4 in terms of perception alone.

[Mr Tidy]

Well the good news would seem to be you aren't likely to loose money on any of them!

I've had a 3 litre Z4 Coupe for just over 4 years and love it's looks - but if an M Coupe was in budget that's what I'd go for (because I'm biased).

As you don't seem to be planning track days any of your options should work, but I wouldn't want a Caterfield for a European road trip!

If you can you need to try to drive all of your choices, then hopefully you'll see what suits you best.

Anyway good luck finding the right one.

[art200380]

Lotus Elise S3? Glacial depreciation if bought ride, cheap servicing (£300/yr), cheap consumables, cheap to insure and loads of fun!

[Venisonpie]

art200380 said:

Lotus Elise S3? Glacial depreciation if bought ride, cheap servicing (£300/yr), cheap consumables, cheap to insure and loads of fun!

Seconded. Bought one a couple of months ago and it's a totally immersive driving experience. I wouldn't want to use it daily but as a toy it's perfect.

[K-Fed]

Mr Tidy said:

I've had a 3 litre Z4 Coupe for just over 4 years and love it's looks - but if an M Coupe was in budget that's what I'd go for (because I'm biased).

As you don't seem to be planning track days any of your options should work, but I wouldn't want a Caterfield for a European road trip!

If you can you need to try to drive all of your choices, then hopefully you'll see what suits you best.

Anyway good luck finding the right one.

Must agree I think the Z4 coupe is a great looking car and you never read a bad word about the S54. Looks like prices are slowly creeping up, can’t help but feel that I might miss the boat if I don’t get one now.

Evora is an interesting option... Can’t help but feel it doesn’t have the performance to back up it’s looks though?

I don’t need any toys so Exige S would probably be the sensible choice.

[A900ss]

I’ll just add a TVR Tuscan/350C to your list if you want a truly special car. A big engine as well so ideal for European touring.

[Berkshire bred]

If you was fortunate enough to be in your position I would be having s serious look at tvr cerberas as they are lovely and very capable.

What about something a bit different like a supercharged s2000 or something like that.