Overthinking it

[pb8g09]

I'll try to keep this short as possible but with enough background. Looking to buy a car end of July. I'm a serial car changer and I want that to end and keep this one long term. It will only be used once a week to go to the supermarket and then at the weekends for longer drives (A and B roads) (50miles+) so annual mileage will be low- circa 3k miles. Not after anything dull/cooking spec nor wanting electric.

Budget up to and around £13k (but ideally the less the better), I had my eyes on a Z4 coupe or Cayman 987 however the missus has started making noises about a child next year so 4 seats needs considering too regrettably I don't want to spend lots of money on something with 6 figure mileage (don't want it to be a hard sell in 3/4 years if needs change).

Must have a boot big enough for a set of golf clubs or a hard suitcase.
I don't want something unreliable (throwing 4 figure bills on the regular), manual or a good auto is fine if it's not an old car.
Acceleration 6.5 and under
5 or 6 cylinders. 4 cylinder only if not a bland VAG 2 litre.

I have written off the 350z- road tax, boot space and not a fan of the interior.
I think I've gone up and down Autotrader a hundred times and guess I just need some finer tuning on what fits the criteria and is a good car to own versus fits the criteria but not 'right'.

I think I know which 3 cars are going to be suggested but going to wait and see! Thanks in advance guys, hope I wasn't too blunt- just trying to keep concise whilst my mind is going back and forward!

[DodgyGeezer]

I'll try some obvious choices -

Audi TT
Scirocco

bland engine? For sure but good enough for a junior for several years

[SiT]

Surely the answer has to be Megane RS in either 250/265 guise? Covers all your bases and won’t break the bank.

Friend of mine had a 265, mapped, decatted and it was an absolute wearing.

Si

[Mr Tidy]

I've had two BMW Z4 Coupes and loved them both, but if they are no longer an option you could always have the same N52 engine in an E9* 330i of some description or an E87 130i!

[georgeyboy12345]

Here are some you might not have thought of

What about one of these hot hatches?

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106294...


Mini JCW
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203173...


Peugeot 308 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205055...


Renaultsport Megane (looks like a nice example)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205075...


Or one of these Germans

Audi S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205085...


BMW E46 M3 Convertible
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205125...


Mercedes C55 AMG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205085...


Mercedes CLK55 AMG Cabriolet
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 13th May 21:51

[ChrisH72]

Unless you're actually expecting a child I'd probably take that out of the equation. Even if you intend to start a family next year it might not happen straight away and of course you do get 9 months to prepare!

Do the 2 seat stuff while you can.

That said, if you are intending to use the car for family duties then I'd go 5dr if it's your only car. Maybe something interesting like a Giulietta QV. If you have another family sized car then a 4 seat coupe or hot hatch will be fine. Megane RS springs to mind or even something smaller. I have a 6 year old and he goes in my Fiesta ST no problems. I had an e92 BMW when he was only a year old and it was fine.

[Xcore]

Chimaera.

[cerb4.5lee]

ChrisH72 said:

Unless you're actually expecting a child I'd probably take that out of the equation. Even if you intend to start a family next year it might not happen straight away and of course you do get 9 months to prepare!

Do the 2 seat stuff while you can.

I'm totally biased(and I have 2 kids!)...but this would be the direction that I'd go in as well!

[cerb4.5lee]

Xcore said:

Chimaera.

I really like this idea too!

[pb8g09]

Thanks all for the replies.

I expected the Megane to be recommended! Is it just the Cup editions that have LSDs? How are these for axle tramp/front wheel traction without otherwise? (I.e Cup or nothing?)

I didn’t realise 2l JCWs fell into budget. I’ve had a few Minis and the missus keeps joking I’ll end up with another but I really want to treat them as a last resort.

S4 has been flirting with me but I’ve heard they aren’t the most reliable/throw big bills.

330i is probably a bit wheezy low down for me- I don’t mind NA if it’s proper quick but I don’t want to have to rev the nuts out of to pull out of a junction quickly.

My worry with going for the 2 seat option is buying in an inflated market and then potentially selling in the middle of a recession next year or so and losing a chunk.

Was expecting Insignia VXR to be suggested.

Alfa is tempting but again the ability to throw large bills makes me wary.

Hoping to be told I’m wrong on many of the above statements!

[Rozzers]

Ghibli fits that bill, has 24 month service intervals as well if you’re on low mileage.

[georgeyboy12345]

pb8g09 said:

Was expecting Insignia VXR to be suggested.

Give ZX10R a chance to reply!

[Mouse Rat]

E class conv
Jag xk coupe / conv
slk?

Get the 2 seater / Convertibles done while you can.

[pb8g09]

Rozzers said:

Ghibli fits that bill, has 24 month service intervals as well if you’re on low mileage.

And how much is one of those?

[pb8g09]

Mouse Rat said:

E class conv
Jag xk coupe / conv
slk?

Get the 2 seater / Convertibles done while you can.

To be fair, I have owned a Z4 previously so it’s not like I’ve never had a convertible- was just quite fancied the idea of a Cayman or the Z4 Coupe. How is the 4.2 in the jag for reliability?

[Rozzers]

pb8g09 said:

And how much is one of those?

From about £18k for the oldest one, from about £25k for the 2017 model with more power, better brakes and better infotainment. Don’t blow £90k on a new one!

[pb8g09]

Rozzers said:

From about £18k for the oldest one, from about £25k for the 2017 model with more power, better brakes and better infotainment. Don’t blow £90k on a new one!

I’ve got £13k!

[Rozzers]

pb8g09 said:

I’ve got £13k!

Sorry, no specs, thought it said 18!

You can’t get a diesel for 13, but they’re crap and at that money will need work.

[robemcdonald]

If you’re a self confessed serial car changer just buy what you want now.
You’re going to change it when you get bored anyway..
Accept your nature and just roll with it. Sooner or later circumstances will force you to think more long term, enjoy yourself while you can..

Oh and you already answered your own question: cayman.

[Mr Tidy]

pb8g09 said:

330i is probably a bit wheezy low down for me- I don’t mind NA if it’s proper quick but I don’t want to have to rev the nuts out of to pull out of a junction quickly.

My worry with going for the 2 seat option is buying in an inflated market and then potentially selling in the middle of a recession next year or so and losing a chunk.

Was expecting Insignia VXR to be suggested.

My 330i really doesn't feel wheezy low down, although the same engine in my Z4 Coupe was noticeably quicker and more tuneful.

Interesting thought about losing a chunk - that must be where the Insignia option comes in to play!