What fun car?

[sharifr1]

Hi all,

I am planning to get a new car late next year and treat myself for my 30th.

Here is a bit of an overview of some of the more fun cars I have owned in the past:

• 1989 Mazda Eunos 1.6
• 1993 Mazda Eunos 1.8
• 1996 Mazda Eunos 1.8
• 2004 Honda S2000 GT

The S2000 was by far the best car I have ever owned. I loved the revvy nature of the engine, the handling, the looks, it was perfect in my eyes and I kick myself for selling it.

As you can tell, I am a fan of rear wheel drive convertibles!

The car I will purchase will only be a weekend car, I doubt I'll even do 2-3k miles per annum. I would like to do a track day at some point in the car.

Ideally I am looking for something which is fun to drive, a real drivers car, manual and rear wheel drive. I am open to an AWD too. Ideally looking to spend £15k but could potentially go up to £18k for the right car.

I am just researching options at the moment but have briefly looked at the following:

• E46 M3
• E92/E93 M3
• 987 Boxster S (gen 2)
• S2000
• Z4 M

The E46 M3, is always a car I have wanted to own from a young age. My only concern is the age of these cars. I almost purchased one a few years back but after having the car inspected, it needed £2k's worth of work straight away, ideally this is something I would like to avoid immediately after purchasing a new car! I do appreciate every car needs it's maintenance but would be less inclined on spending this sum and then having to spend further ££££ straight after purchase.

Having owned the S2000 before, I would consider another one (facelift 2004 - 2006) but I am also thinking I should try something different. Good news is that a tidy 2004-2006 will be easily achievable in budget.

I have driven a 987 Gen 1 Boxster and I thought that was great. I haven't tried a Boxster S as of yet. From what I have researched so far, the Gen 2 Boxster S is more reliable than the Gen 1's. However, this would mean I would need to increase my budget slightly, I don't even think £18k would be enough for a tidy one.

The E92/E93 M3's I do not have much experience with. I am aware there can be issues with the rod bearings etc.

Apart from the above list, is there anything else you would suggest to look at?

Many thanks,

Sharif

[p4cks]

I'd ignore all of those for the sensational VX220 Turbo.

[Tyre Smoke]

I'll say it. Have you considered a TVR?

Not in your face power, more a cruiser that can lift it's skirts and hustle along. But definitely a driver's car.

I think you'll find anything German dull after a while.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'd recommend a TVR as well(noise/power to weight/sense of occasion are hard to beat). I've also recently purchased a 370Z GT Roadster(with a modified exhaust/intake so it sounds great) in your budget as a weekend/occasional car and I'm absolutely loving it so I can recommend them too.

Also had a E92 M3 and Z4M Roadster which I didn't really gel with but I would be very tempted with a E93 M3 as an occasional car for sure.

[PositronicRay]

Beach buggy, can't get more fun than that.

[DoubleD]

p4cks said:

I'd ignore all of those for the sensational VX220 Turbo.

Yep something light like a VX220, Elise or Caterham would be the best bet. The others are nice cars, but I wouldnt get up at 6am on a sunny Sunday morning to drive one!

[Trevor555]

There's a new shape MX-5 Recaro up somewhere for around 13k

Then a trip to BBR for more power.

That'd be 18k well spent.

Just an idea.

Edited by Trevor555 on Sunday 7th July 21:12

[ocrx8]

Z4M gets my vote. Mine is for sale, too ;-)

[DoubleD]

ocrx8 said:

Z4M gets my vote. Mine is for sale, too ;-)

Its so good that you want rid ha ha

[Angpozzuto]

A lotus Elise should fit that budget. As a 4 time MR2 owner I'd have to recommend one I've currently got a MK2 turbo and a supercharged V6 mk1

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're looking at the M3 then for me it has to be a saloon:

Then also consider the Lexus IS-F:

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

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

& C63:

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

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

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

TVR Cerbera

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

VXR8

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

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

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

VXR220 Turbo

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

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

Elise 111R

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

S

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

[SteveR1979]

I had a Z4M. Excellent car, could kick its head in all day long and it always came back for more.

I replaced the Z4M with a TVR chim 450. Great car, great noise, not as quick as the Z4, but what a noise, and driving it is always a bit of an event. You really need to keep on top of the maintenance. Mines been well looked after by me and previous owners, but I still find things to put right quite regularly.

Keeping the TVR company is a 2003 996 C2 coupe. Its good, very good. Clinically good even. Its almost worthy of being a daily driver. No drama, no real thrills, not like the Z4 or the TVR, but when it breaks, your bank balance knows about it unless you are prepared to get your hands dirty, and even then the parts aren't that cheap.

I miss the Z4, I spent a lot on it, but I'd not go back to one.
The Porsche is a bit meh for me at the moment. I'm not bonding with it but I've not had it long. I'll re-evaluate it in a year!
The TVR is a keeper, make of that what you will!

[Mr Tidy]

It looks like you've already had some fun cars OP!

If it has to be a convertible, I really wouldn't go for an E46 M3 Cabrio.

As I understand it the Z4 Roadster has a stiffer shell than the E46 Coupe so I'd put a Z4M Roadster ahead of any E46 M3 - sitting low just in front of the rear axle makes a Z4 feel more of an occasion, plus they don't seem to have issues with the boot floor cracking.

But you've got some other great options in mind too - good luck deciding what to go for!

[sharifr1]

Evening all,

Thank you for all the responses so far, much appreciated!

The VX220 is a good shout. They look like a lot of fun. One thing I forgot to mention is I have 2 slipped discs in my lower back, so not too sure the quality of ride is going to do me any favours! Saying that, I commute on a motorbike and whilst it flares up every now and then, it is manageable! I will consider one of these pending a test drive further down the line.

I haven't considered a TVR. I have read that they require a lot of maintenance. I would love a Tuscan but unfortunately the budget doesn't stretch to one.

The 370 GT looks like a nice car but I'm not too sure on them.

In regards to the MX5, I saw the Recaro edition on eBay and it looked nice. I'd rather not plough £5k into charging one though! I have modified many cars in the past and have taken huge losses. I would rather buy a car that is sorted and ready to go!

I have been looking more and more at the Z4M Roadster. They look like fantastic cars and within budget. This is on the list for serious consideration.

Thinking about the V8's, the C63, M3, IS, RS4 etc, they are quite tempting, I have been in a C63 & B7 RS4 as a passenger and they did seem like a lot of fun. I will consider one.

I was looking at 996's before, I always loved the shape of these cars from a young age. The maintenance on them is what puts me off. I'm not sure £15k would get a tidy example of one.

Lot's to think about, thankfully, I have a lot of time before making a decision.

I will keep you all updated on the progress!

Thanks for your help!

Sharif

[Integroo]

SLK55. Small car, big engine, apparently reliable and reasonably cheap to run. 15k would get you a decent one.

[SteveR1979]

The TVR maintenance isn't too bad if you are happy to do the simple stuff yourself.

£15k would get you a tidy C2 or C4 narrow body with under 100k on it.

[irocfan]

Integroo said:

SLK55. Small car, big engine, apparently reliable and reasonably cheap to run. 15k would get you a decent one.

only 'problem' is they only come in auto, if that's not an issue buy mine

[cerb4.5lee]

irocfan said:

Integroo said:

SLK55. Small car, big engine, apparently reliable and reasonably cheap to run. 15k would get you a decent one.

only 'problem' is they only come in auto, if that's not an issue buy mine

If they were offered with a manual gearbox there would definitely be one in my garage for sure. I love V8's and I much prefer folding hard top roofs to fabric ones. They are a lovely hot rod.

[Tyre Smoke]

Have you considered a 'Vette?

Steering wheel on the wrong side, but an awful lot of bang for your buck.

[SaggyOstrich]

I'm not sure if a Lotus Elise is within budget, but if it is then I would pick that or a VX220 as others have said.

Out of the options you listed though, I'd say the S2000.