Performance car sub 20k

[J90ack]

Hi, so I'm currently driving an audi RS3, looking at selling soon and getting something else. Budget up to 20k (preferably under) ...what should I go for? It'll be my daily so don't want to be spending loads on maintenance issues so any pointers on what to look out for please share.

Currently considering...

E92 M3 - Read about issues with Rod bearings and throttle actuators?
Gt86 - bit slow?
Z4 25/30
S3 - would I find this slow after an RS3?
S5 - pros cons of 3.0 vs 4.2?
M235i

Open to other suggestions and interested to hear any stories others have of their experiences with the above.

Over to you knowledgeable PHers!

Edited by J90ack on Thursday 9th May 21:25

[Trevor555]

An RS3 is a tough act to follow.

What would you change on the RS3 to make you not want to change it?

Might give us an idea what you're looking for.

[J90ack]

Trevor555 said:

An RS3 is a tough act to follow.

What would you change on the RS3 to make you not want to change it?

Might give us an idea what you're looking for.

The main thing in all honesty is to put some extra ££ in the house fund. It's an 8v so selling would give me a decent budget for another car whilst boosting the cash in the bank.

Lovely car to drive, insanely fast and I don't have much to complain about, other than it's maybe a little understated on the road (until you put your foot down).

[Trevor555]

Ok.

From your above list I'd probably go for the M235i

If you want to stick to awd then I guess an S3 with a little remap.

But you'll miss that 5 cylinder growl.

I love the GT86's but it'll feel proper slow in a straight line after your RS3.

Fun on a deserted industrial estate in the wet though.

But really, you'll miss the RS3

[JJ55]

M235i

[J90ack]

Trevor555 said:

But you'll miss that 5 cylinder growl.

But really, you'll miss the RS3

This is what I'm afraid of

I'm currently swaying towards an e92 m3, always thought these have looked great... £18kish will get me DCT with less 60k on the clock. Be interested to hear anyone's ownership experience on these who've covered a hefty mileage.

[jas xjr]

Isf ?

[aka_kerrly]

There are a few GT86s with turbo conversions that could fit the bill.
Other coupes that would offer a alternative driving experience to an RS3 could be a Nissan 370z, wild cards a Holden Monaro/vxr8 both of which would be somewhat older but are obscenely reliable

[J90ack]

jas xjr said:

Isf ?

Know very little on these... Pro's con's?

aka_kerrly said:

There are a few GT86s with turbo conversions that could fit the bill.
Other coupes that would offer a alternative driving experience to an RS3 could be a Nissan 370z, wild cards a Holden Monaro/vxr8 both of which would be somewhat older but are obscenely reliable

Didn't know GT86 had a turbo option! I'll look.

Considered 370z... vs a z4 3.0, are they comparable?!

[Summit_Detailing]

XKR?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

ISF?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Cayman S?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Alpina?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

C63?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

cheers

Chris

[J90ack]

Summit_Detailing said:

XKR?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

ISF?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Cayman S?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Alpina?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

C63?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

cheers

Chris

Thanks... From this list it'd either be a cayman or c63, only concern is hefty bork funds required - never owned porsche or amg, how do servicing and general running stack up vs audi for example. Are these reliable enough to use as a daily? Common issues to watch out for?

[ZX10R NIN]

From what you describe, I'd be looking for an IS-F they're running costs are very sensible whilst the performance is right up there.

The ride is a bit stiff but apart from that that there aren't any real downsides apart from the fact they're a bit quiet in standard form.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unique-2008-Supercharge...

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

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

[Terzo123]

Without wishing to put a curse on myself, C63's are in general pretty much bomb proof.

20k should get you a nice facelift one , and if you buy through Merc you will get a two year warranty.

[aka_kerrly]

OP, you can't get turbo gt86 from the factory but there are a few firms like Litchfield and Fennsport who supply turbo and supercharger kits plus there are already converted cars. Iirc it's around £4k for 260-280hp,

[J90ack]

ZX10R NIN said:

From what you describe, I'd be looking for an IS-F they're running costs are very sensible whilst the performance is right up there.

The ride is a bit stiff but apart from that that there aren't any real downsides apart from the fact they're a bit quiet in standard form.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unique-2008-Supercharge...

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

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

Might have to test one of these nearer the time, as said - never really considered one before and don't know anyone with one! Running costs I'm OK with - it's more the potential bork factor that concerns me, but from what I've read on lexus people seem to hype their reliability! Interesting, thanks.

Terzo123 said:

Without wishing to put a curse on myself, C63's are in general pretty much bomb proof.

20k should get you a nice facelift one , and if you buy through Merc you will get a two year warranty.

Good to hear. A friend of mine's dad ran one for a year or 2 and I thought it was beautiful, sounded evil too. Will check my local merc dealers stock lists.

aka_kerrly said:

OP, you can't get turbo gt86 from the factory but there are a few firms like Litchfield and Fennsport who supply turbo and supercharger kits plus there are already converted cars. Iirc it's around £4k for 260-280hp,

Ah OK gotcha! Any other upgrades generally needed when adding a turbo to an otherwise standard gt86?

[cerb4.5lee]

JJ55 said:

M235i

I think this is where I would be going too as a daily. I've had both a E92 M3(wrongly used as a daily) and a Z4M and they can both be frustrating in a daily situation for me. I'd much prefer the on tap performance of the M235i as a daily for sure.

[cerb4.5lee]

J90ack said:

Considered 370z... vs a z4 3.0, are they comparable?!

I've had a Z4M Roadster and I currently have a 370Z Roadster and there are definitely similarities for sure. I personally would much rather have the 370Z than the Z4 though, but I wouldn't want either as a daily(I used both as occasional cars). Many do use both as a daily though without complaint.

[Pistonheader101]

M135i and pocket the change

[ninjag]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...

[Tabs]

I've had an ISF for a year and 4k miles. Not used as a daily, mainly weekends.
30 mpg on a run, 22 if having a play!
Haven't spent a penny on it. Big service next week, £495 less 15% owners club discount.
Yes, suspension a bit hard, but liveable with.
Only downside is the rear seats don't fold.
Best part, no one knows what it is, and the glorious noise at full bore.