Up to 35k on a Weekend Toy!
Discussion
Hi Phers!,
I am looking for a new weekend toy to replace my circa 400 bhp Nissan 180sx, the reason I am looking is I find myself more and more just jumping in the daily to go anywhere and having the current weekend car just sitting in the garage. I think I've narrowed it down to a few factors being its a pain as its low and doesn't agree with speed bumps, I worry about where I park it if we go anywhere and its off the road for a few months of the year when the gritter arrives. The aforementioned points have resulted in it only doing circa 600 miles a year in the last 4 years I've owned it therefore I think its time to move on and get something more like useable to replace the 180sx. Only good thing about keeping that car in the garage is the value is appreciating, if i was to sell now id probably get approx 20k and finance the balance to my price range.
My daily currently is a E90 335D which covers all the boxes really with decent mpg and being pretty fast for what it is, so the next car would really be more of a toy/ something to put a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Criteria
• 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
So far I've looked at a wide variety of cars such as the following i just cant decide which basket to put my eggs in.
BMW M4/M3 COMP - Slightly over budget, I previously owned a F30 330d and I'm not sure it would tick the experience box with the interior looking largely the same as a car I previously owned. I've never driven one but I don't know if it would be that rewarding? Id probably just sell both cars and buy one as a daily. Popular for tuning which is a welcome aspect for me.. currently expensive to buy i could potentially loose out on a fair chunk of money if/when the market comes down. Great for Weekend road trips and probably the best all rounder.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Aston Martin Vantage 4.3. Looks great. Sounds great. from what I have read a gigantic money pit but a bit of a bargain at this price point. Looks so cool though.
Caymen S 981 - Manual - Great drivers car from what I have read, ticks the jump in and drive box, could do road trips and track days. I think they look a bit soft though unless a GTS/GT4 which are out of budget which puts me off slightly.
R35 GTR - Blisteringly fast, could do the longer trips/b road blasts, interior isn't the most exciting but still would be a step up from the Nissan i own currently. Massively tunable but they are a heavy car, expensive to run on tyres and brakes. Not sure if it would fell that special?
V8 R8 - Manual - Amazing sound with aftermarket exhaust, used to hate the look of these but they have grown on me a lot recently, good for touring trips and could do some track days in it. I think this would tick the experience box with that noise and the looks of the car. standard seats are a bit bland though which isn't the end of the world, slightly over budget. Would be a similar pace to the Nissan id think.
Exige S3 - manual - Look gorgeous, track days would be a joy, that V6 noise is amazing! Only issue is these are over my budget currently.
Something cheaper potentially ?
Not a fan of american cars really.
The next stage, clearly, is to go and drive some of my options but if i can cut this down it would be a massive help.
I am looking for a new weekend toy to replace my circa 400 bhp Nissan 180sx, the reason I am looking is I find myself more and more just jumping in the daily to go anywhere and having the current weekend car just sitting in the garage. I think I've narrowed it down to a few factors being its a pain as its low and doesn't agree with speed bumps, I worry about where I park it if we go anywhere and its off the road for a few months of the year when the gritter arrives. The aforementioned points have resulted in it only doing circa 600 miles a year in the last 4 years I've owned it therefore I think its time to move on and get something more like useable to replace the 180sx. Only good thing about keeping that car in the garage is the value is appreciating, if i was to sell now id probably get approx 20k and finance the balance to my price range.
My daily currently is a E90 335D which covers all the boxes really with decent mpg and being pretty fast for what it is, so the next car would really be more of a toy/ something to put a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Criteria
• 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
So far I've looked at a wide variety of cars such as the following i just cant decide which basket to put my eggs in.
BMW M4/M3 COMP - Slightly over budget, I previously owned a F30 330d and I'm not sure it would tick the experience box with the interior looking largely the same as a car I previously owned. I've never driven one but I don't know if it would be that rewarding? Id probably just sell both cars and buy one as a daily. Popular for tuning which is a welcome aspect for me.. currently expensive to buy i could potentially loose out on a fair chunk of money if/when the market comes down. Great for Weekend road trips and probably the best all rounder.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Aston Martin Vantage 4.3. Looks great. Sounds great. from what I have read a gigantic money pit but a bit of a bargain at this price point. Looks so cool though.
Caymen S 981 - Manual - Great drivers car from what I have read, ticks the jump in and drive box, could do road trips and track days. I think they look a bit soft though unless a GTS/GT4 which are out of budget which puts me off slightly.
R35 GTR - Blisteringly fast, could do the longer trips/b road blasts, interior isn't the most exciting but still would be a step up from the Nissan i own currently. Massively tunable but they are a heavy car, expensive to run on tyres and brakes. Not sure if it would fell that special?
V8 R8 - Manual - Amazing sound with aftermarket exhaust, used to hate the look of these but they have grown on me a lot recently, good for touring trips and could do some track days in it. I think this would tick the experience box with that noise and the looks of the car. standard seats are a bit bland though which isn't the end of the world, slightly over budget. Would be a similar pace to the Nissan id think.
Exige S3 - manual - Look gorgeous, track days would be a joy, that V6 noise is amazing! Only issue is these are over my budget currently.
Something cheaper potentially ?
Not a fan of american cars really.
The next stage, clearly, is to go and drive some of my options but if i can cut this down it would be a massive help.
Nathsx said:
Criteria
• 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Sounds like what you want is an Evora? Could maybe stretch to an S if you're lucky. Not the same pure speed, but most of the enjoyment of an Exige with added practicality. • 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Nathsx said:
Hi Phers!,
I am looking for a new weekend toy to replace my circa 400 bhp Nissan 180sx, the reason I am looking is I find myself more and more just jumping in the daily to go anywhere and having the current weekend car just sitting in the garage. I think I've narrowed it down to a few factors being its a pain as its low and doesn't agree with speed bumps, I worry about where I park it if we go anywhere and its off the road for a few months of the year when the gritter arrives. The aforementioned points have resulted in it only doing circa 600 miles a year in the last 4 years I've owned it therefore I think its time to move on and get something more like useable to replace the 180sx. Only good thing about keeping that car in the garage is the value is appreciating, if i was to sell now id probably get approx 20k and finance the balance to my price range.
My daily currently is a E90 335D which covers all the boxes really with decent mpg and being pretty fast for what it is, so the next car would really be more of a toy/ something to put a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Criteria
• 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
So far I've looked at a wide variety of cars such as the following i just cant decide which basket to put my eggs in.
BMW M4/M3 COMP - Slightly over budget, I previously owned a F30 330d and I'm not sure it would tick the experience box with the interior looking largely the same as a car I previously owned. I've never driven one but I don't know if it would be that rewarding? Id probably just sell both cars and buy one as a daily. Popular for tuning which is a welcome aspect for me.. currently expensive to buy i could potentially loose out on a fair chunk of money if/when the market comes down. Great for Weekend road trips and probably the best all rounder.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Aston Martin Vantage 4.3. Looks great. Sounds great. from what I have read a gigantic money pit but a bit of a bargain at this price point. Looks so cool though.
Caymen S 981 - Manual - Great drivers car from what I have read, ticks the jump in and drive box, could do road trips and track days. I think they look a bit soft though unless a GTS/GT4 which are out of budget which puts me off slightly.
R35 GTR - Blisteringly fast, could do the longer trips/b road blasts, interior isn't the most exciting but still would be a step up from the Nissan i own currently. Massively tunable but they are a heavy car, expensive to run on tyres and brakes. Not sure if it would fell that special?
V8 R8 - Manual - Amazing sound with aftermarket exhaust, used to hate the look of these but they have grown on me a lot recently, good for touring trips and could do some track days in it. I think this would tick the experience box with that noise and the looks of the car. standard seats are a bit bland though which isn't the end of the world, slightly over budget. Would be a similar pace to the Nissan id think.
Exige S3 - manual - Look gorgeous, track days would be a joy, that V6 noise is amazing! Only issue is these are over my budget currently.
Something cheaper potentially ?
Not a fan of american cars really.
The next stage, clearly, is to go and drive some of my options but if i can cut this down it would be a massive help.
You say your not a fan of American cars but your budget get's you a C6 Z06 a car that's very light with a cracking chassis I am looking for a new weekend toy to replace my circa 400 bhp Nissan 180sx, the reason I am looking is I find myself more and more just jumping in the daily to go anywhere and having the current weekend car just sitting in the garage. I think I've narrowed it down to a few factors being its a pain as its low and doesn't agree with speed bumps, I worry about where I park it if we go anywhere and its off the road for a few months of the year when the gritter arrives. The aforementioned points have resulted in it only doing circa 600 miles a year in the last 4 years I've owned it therefore I think its time to move on and get something more like useable to replace the 180sx. Only good thing about keeping that car in the garage is the value is appreciating, if i was to sell now id probably get approx 20k and finance the balance to my price range.
My daily currently is a E90 335D which covers all the boxes really with decent mpg and being pretty fast for what it is, so the next car would really be more of a toy/ something to put a smile on my face every time I drive it.
Criteria
• 35k - could in theory be stretched
• Coupe/saloon
• Id like to do more track days this year.
• RWD/4WD
• Good Power to weight
• Ideally something I could work on myself, its something I enjoy.
So far I've looked at a wide variety of cars such as the following i just cant decide which basket to put my eggs in.
BMW M4/M3 COMP - Slightly over budget, I previously owned a F30 330d and I'm not sure it would tick the experience box with the interior looking largely the same as a car I previously owned. I've never driven one but I don't know if it would be that rewarding? Id probably just sell both cars and buy one as a daily. Popular for tuning which is a welcome aspect for me.. currently expensive to buy i could potentially loose out on a fair chunk of money if/when the market comes down. Great for Weekend road trips and probably the best all rounder.
Lotus Exige S2 - 260 bhp - Probably the closest to what has been the best car experience I've had which was driving a Caterham 7 around Scottish B roads on a scorching day. I have ruled the caterham out due to staying in Scotland where it rains all the time, the exige would improve my driving over time and provide that thrill I'm looking for. Bad points being its not really that practical when compared to some of the other choices. Cheap to run and prices are on the up which is a big plus.
Aston Martin Vantage 4.3. Looks great. Sounds great. from what I have read a gigantic money pit but a bit of a bargain at this price point. Looks so cool though.
Caymen S 981 - Manual - Great drivers car from what I have read, ticks the jump in and drive box, could do road trips and track days. I think they look a bit soft though unless a GTS/GT4 which are out of budget which puts me off slightly.
R35 GTR - Blisteringly fast, could do the longer trips/b road blasts, interior isn't the most exciting but still would be a step up from the Nissan i own currently. Massively tunable but they are a heavy car, expensive to run on tyres and brakes. Not sure if it would fell that special?
V8 R8 - Manual - Amazing sound with aftermarket exhaust, used to hate the look of these but they have grown on me a lot recently, good for touring trips and could do some track days in it. I think this would tick the experience box with that noise and the looks of the car. standard seats are a bit bland though which isn't the end of the world, slightly over budget. Would be a similar pace to the Nissan id think.
Exige S3 - manual - Look gorgeous, track days would be a joy, that V6 noise is amazing! Only issue is these are over my budget currently.
Something cheaper potentially ?
Not a fan of american cars really.
The next stage, clearly, is to go and drive some of my options but if i can cut this down it would be a massive help.
as well as a healthy amount of power, as well as a car that you can both work on & in terms of handling it's a car that will give a GT3 nightmares, then there's the running costs which apart from fuel are very low in comparison to the GT3/Evora.
There was one for sale bang on your budget but it looks like it's sold, the one below is over budget but it'll give you an idea:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...
The regular C6 with the Z51 package is still a great car & even cheaper to run:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115206613401?hash=item1...
The other car that stands out is the Evora they're another great steer the S is the pick but the N/A never leaves you feeling short changed but they're in short supply at the moment.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...
The R8 is somewhere between these two but both of the above are better drivers cars (as long as the C6 has the Z51 Pack) with the R8 being the better allrounder:
I'd consider a Jaguar F-Type coupe or rag top. You could get a good V6 S under-budget, or a V8 S or even V8 R with modest budget creep.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202102...
A Granturismo 4.7 V8 Sport also creeps into budget. The Sport version has an updated exterior, much sportier seats, and 20 bhp more than the older 4.7 S.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202092...
A Tuscan, Tamora or Cerbera would be a great a toy
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12396802
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201071...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12869618
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202102...
A Granturismo 4.7 V8 Sport also creeps into budget. The Sport version has an updated exterior, much sportier seats, and 20 bhp more than the older 4.7 S.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202092...
A Tuscan, Tamora or Cerbera would be a great a toy
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12396802
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201071...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12869618
Edited by fflump on Tuesday 15th February 18:28
LeeM135i said:
The budget might just get you into a C63 with the 4.0 V8 BiTurbo. Not as sharp as the M3/M4 but more comfortable on the road, better noise and real character.
I actually love these! Such a good looking car in this specification and colourhttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...
Nathsx said:
LeeM135i said:
The budget might just get you into a C63 with the 4.0 V8 BiTurbo. Not as sharp as the M3/M4 but more comfortable on the road, better noise and real character.
I actually love these! Such a good looking car in this specification and colourhttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201201...
It’s heavy for the track, will want to sideways and need new tyres after every session but they are so awesome!
I think it depends how raw you want to go with the weekend car - you’ve got a nice daily which presumably you’d take on longer trips (?) or with family etc. Personally I’d be thinking Lotus (either of the Exiges, Elise or Evora) or Porsche, but a 987.2 S rather than a 981 for a more analog experience. Either of the above will be fun for blatting around B roads and available in budget.
I'd consider a Tuscan, Tamora or T350C, all would be in budget.
Every drive is an event but also very comfortable om longer journeys.
I could not decide between a 4.3 Vantage and Tuscan, went for the Tuscan as it felt more special and the TVR meets are very welcoming and can provide great advice and help s well as organising some great trips and events.
Every drive is an event but also very comfortable om longer journeys.
I could not decide between a 4.3 Vantage and Tuscan, went for the Tuscan as it felt more special and the TVR meets are very welcoming and can provide great advice and help s well as organising some great trips and events.
Mouse Rat said:
TVR tuscan. 35k would get you a good MK1 or MK1s.
Nothing would come close for the drama at 25mph through a town centre or 125mph on track.
Modest running costs.
Otherwise for something more civilised the R8 manual would be my choice.
I’d agree with that as I currently have both (my 2nd Tuscan, but 3rd TVR) and first R8. The R8 is the better drive, but as you’ve said the TVR is an event just getting it out the garage. It is much more of a weekend/nice day car than the other options.Nothing would come close for the drama at 25mph through a town centre or 125mph on track.
Modest running costs.
Otherwise for something more civilised the R8 manual would be my choice.
I have an S2 exige s and bro has t350. TVR is quicker and sounds amazing just cruising, nicer interior better tourer, exige has better handling, feels like a race car, cheaper to run and more reliability. Both look amazing and get attention if that's your thing.
I love both and couldn't pick between them.
I'm a fan of R8's and would consider one too, but it's more common and more of an everyday car in my view, incredible cars though. Drive them all, would be interested to know how you get on.
I love both and couldn't pick between them.
I'm a fan of R8's and would consider one too, but it's more common and more of an everyday car in my view, incredible cars though. Drive them all, would be interested to know how you get on.
Having had a e46 m3, s2 elise, tuscan, cerbera & 4.3 vantage
The elise/exige is best handling and cheap to run
The tuscan is jokes and such an event, everyone loves it, but they are more brittle than an exige/Elise IMO
Vantage was beautiful, but not a sports car, only a gt. Not recommended as a fun weekend/track car, but a cruiser to dinner reservations in style!
M3, yeah but yawn. Exige or TVR are just so much more fun, albeit the m3 is a weapon. It is a good daily, but I don't find it exciting enough.
Not driven a gtr, but I have no interest as they are all electronic aids and flappy paddled
So. Probably Id errr on elise or tuscan if brave for you. They are usable and roof comes off and they are wikid fun.
I use my tuscan as a daily (3k/yr) and my Elise inwas doing 10k/yr in @30mpg!
The bigger, heavier cars are not as fun IMO.
The elise/exige is best handling and cheap to run
The tuscan is jokes and such an event, everyone loves it, but they are more brittle than an exige/Elise IMO
Vantage was beautiful, but not a sports car, only a gt. Not recommended as a fun weekend/track car, but a cruiser to dinner reservations in style!
M3, yeah but yawn. Exige or TVR are just so much more fun, albeit the m3 is a weapon. It is a good daily, but I don't find it exciting enough.
Not driven a gtr, but I have no interest as they are all electronic aids and flappy paddled
So. Probably Id errr on elise or tuscan if brave for you. They are usable and roof comes off and they are wikid fun.
I use my tuscan as a daily (3k/yr) and my Elise inwas doing 10k/yr in @30mpg!
The bigger, heavier cars are not as fun IMO.
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