£14-18k, Which car.......

[pd2]

Evening folks,

I’m a long term lurker on the forum and have read numerous threads on people asking about what car they should purchase next. Every time I read one I say to myself “I would do this or buy that” ........

Now that I am in the position myself where I actually have the funds to treat myself a bit, I have no idea what I want! lol.

I have always fancied 2 types of cars, either small 2 seater, quick and light or big brute V8 cruiser.

This is a car that I am going to use daily, around 5-7k a year. It won’t be garaged for the first year as I currently don’t have one (we are moving to a new build next year when it’s ready with a garage).

I had a loan of a lotus Elise 111r for a week from a friend a few years ago and loved every minute of it but unfortunately I’m priced out of them now as there all going above £20k, so I have been looking into VX220 turbos, standard with lowest miles. I believe I can live with the daily aspect of clambering in and out etc... servicing and parts are cheapish and I would hope it would retain some of its value down the line. Also I could do some maintenance myself.

The other option..... V8, SL500, SL55, CL63, M3, M6....... Quick, comfy, that noise!
Taxing, insurance and fuel I can handle but the servicing, maintenance and parts if anything goes wrong is potentially putting me off. Are these cars really as expensive to run and own as all the horror stories on line lead you to believe?

I’m 36 and had a range of cars from classic mini, 106 gti, MR2 turbo, old 3.9 rangie, Saab ‘verts, T5 volvo and a few others, so I’m use to compromising somewhere. Also currently have a wee ecoboost fiesta STline to use when the missus ain’t working.

Any opinions, suggestions welcome guys......

Cheers.

Paul.

[edc]

If you have a practical hatch already, I have an ST line too, then get a 2 seat sportcar. If you want the V8 thing too, done that with a C55, then you could kill 2 birds with one stone and get an SLK55 AMG. You could also try a CLK55/63/500 but personally I'd get a Boxster or perhaps an S2000 with plenty of change.

[SidewaysSi]

Elise 111S should be within budget and arguably more fun than the 111R.

Given what you have said, any other car will disappoint.

[SimonTheSailor]

Supercharged Monaro/VXR8.

[dangerousB]

Easy . . . my money would be all over a Monaro/VXR.

[slipstream 1985]

Shameless plug but im in Aberdeen and not that far away from you.

[obscene]

pd2 said:

The other option..... V8, SL500, SL55, CL63, M3, M6....... Quick, comfy, that noise!
Taxing, insurance and fuel I can handle but the servicing, maintenance and parts if anything goes wrong is potentially putting me off. Are these cars really as expensive to run and own as all the horror stories on line lead you to believe?.

If you're interested, just go with your eyes wide open. Avoid an E46 M3 which hasn't had the following done: Rod Bearings (1k repair), Vanos redone, Rear subframe check for cracks (1k to fix), possible headgasket (think 120k+ miles), rust etc.

Rod bearings also go for the E92 M3.

[TheAlastair34]

18k will get you a 111r and a decent one at that with around 40-50k on the clock private.

I have a 111r and had a vx220 before that, the vx220 was a 9/10 car let down by the engines, the Elise has a proper involving and fun engine 10/10 for me.

Also very cheap to run and maintain, values solid if not rising a little, i used mine daily for 2 years, dont miss that now it feels more special using it on a weekend.

I did consider a e46 M3 but they feel big heavy and a fair bit more to service insure and run.

[jas xjr]

Lexus ISF?

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a smallish sportscar & have a V8 the simple answer is the SLK55 AMG it ticks all the boxes, yes it's not as sharp as a Boxster but then the Boxster doesn't have a brawny V8, the SLK is pretty much bulletproof as a car so will be a great daily option.

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

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

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

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

[mattman]

Elise, S2000, Boxster S, Elan, Audi TT for the 2 seater sports - it it’s a toy, having the option of a soft top is really nice, especially with the decent weather we are having

If you want the V8 how about the E63/64 6 series variants or the V8 CLK’s. a lot of car for the money now days - easily get a good 645 well under budget or a nice 650. Not so much sports car, more GT cruiser/destroyer - effortless pace.

[slipstream 1985]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want a smallish sportscar & have a V8 the simple answer is the SLK55 AMG it ticks all the boxes, yes it's not as sharp as a Boxster but then the Boxster doesn't have a brawny V8, the SLK is pretty much bulletproof as a car so will be a great daily option.

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

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

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

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

Good shout a riot of on engine.

[irocfan]

I'd agree with the SLK angle gobsmacking performance with the added advantage of a hard top for when it's cold.

I'll be open here and admit that I'm selling my 2005 (larger brakes, lower roadfund, modded with an LSD, mystic blue)

[james_gt3rs]

For me I'd be looking at a Cayman, GT86 or M3 for a more comfortable daily, if not then Elise/VX220. It's a nice dilemma!

[pd2]

Thanks for all the reply’s guys|

I’ve decided to go down the VX220 route and scratch that itch while I can still get in and out one| going to try and hit my lower end of budget and keep some cash to aid with either the new house or a winter hack if I struggle lol.

Now onto turbo hunting!

Thanks again.

Paul.

[pd2]

Wee update.

Well it’s amazing how things never go to plan.....

I had semi-planned to view a couple of VX220’s this week after waiting for one of the owners to return from holiday.

I ended up popping into a small independent car sales place next to my old mans work, just for a nosey..... well......

Ended up purchasing a (MY10) 59 reg Jaguar XFR, all 5 litres, 8 cylinders and 500bhp of it!

Pick it up later in the week with a fresh mot, so looking forward to it..... and the fuel I’m gonna go through!!!

They also had a C63 and a couple of M3s, but after sitting in the Jag, my mind was potentially made up.

Edited by pd2 on Monday 3rd September 22:16

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted OP the XFR is a very good car & a bit underrated but you should be very happy.

[Terzo123]

Good choice. They were on my radar for a good while but I went the C63 route.

[jas xjr]

Nice. Pretty rare sight on the roads around here.cannot remember last time i saw one.
Sound good too

[keith333]

Great choice OP. Those XFRs are fantastic value for money. Don't fancy the £500+ road tax though :-(