Changing a Focus RS for something “special”
Discussion
I’ve owned a MK3 Focus RS from new and almost 6 years on it still puts a smile on my face but I feel like now might be the time to change it for something special whilst I have the opportunity.
These days I do about 1500 miles a year in it and bar a short drive to a station once a week and picking kids up from childcare it’s only used for fun. Family duties will be covered by a soon to arrive Jag iPace.
Some hard saving gives me a budget of circa £50k and a few £k to buy something cheap to chuck the kids in and park at the station without worry.
The first question is am I mad in doing this now with a young family (7 & 3) rather than waiting 10 years when I’ll potentially have more time to use it. My thinking is that if I don’t do it in the short term there may not be the opportunity to ever do it.
The second question is what to buy? The list of options in my head isn’t long and I keep coming back round to a Lotus Exige V6, hopefully a Sport 350.
Paying some money off the mortgage just isn’t as exciting….
These days I do about 1500 miles a year in it and bar a short drive to a station once a week and picking kids up from childcare it’s only used for fun. Family duties will be covered by a soon to arrive Jag iPace.
Some hard saving gives me a budget of circa £50k and a few £k to buy something cheap to chuck the kids in and park at the station without worry.
The first question is am I mad in doing this now with a young family (7 & 3) rather than waiting 10 years when I’ll potentially have more time to use it. My thinking is that if I don’t do it in the short term there may not be the opportunity to ever do it.
The second question is what to buy? The list of options in my head isn’t long and I keep coming back round to a Lotus Exige V6, hopefully a Sport 350.
Paying some money off the mortgage just isn’t as exciting….
None of us know what the future holds so I’d do it now.
A couple I’d consider if it were my money are Nissan GT-R, Porsche 996 or 997 Turbo or something from Lotus.
Depends on your preference, with the values of the Ford RS marque I think I’d try and hang on to it somehow if it meant a cheaper fun car.
A couple I’d consider if it were my money are Nissan GT-R, Porsche 996 or 997 Turbo or something from Lotus.
Depends on your preference, with the values of the Ford RS marque I think I’d try and hang on to it somehow if it meant a cheaper fun car.
Did the same thing 18 months or so ago. Had been saving for a few years and had around £50k including my M135i as a PX.
Spent ages looking at 911’s, my wife called this purchase project Porsche, after driving a couple of different cars I realised they weren’t for me. They are a lovely thing but need to be driven at 100% to really feel special and with our roads it just can’t be done very often. Looked at Aston V8 vantages, Lotus Evora and ended up with a Mercedes C63S coupe.
The 63 makes an epic noise and is happy pottering around with the exhaust on loud and happy when you grab it by the scruff of the neck and drive it (not 911 happy) but it’s a good compromise.
The agreement was that the car will go if we ‘need’ the money as it is a toy, so far it’s worth more than I paid for it but I doubt that will last forever.
I would pick something that you could get the kids in on occasion, my nephew loves a trip out in the Mercedes and someone needs to get the next generation into cars before they become appliances.
Spent ages looking at 911’s, my wife called this purchase project Porsche, after driving a couple of different cars I realised they weren’t for me. They are a lovely thing but need to be driven at 100% to really feel special and with our roads it just can’t be done very often. Looked at Aston V8 vantages, Lotus Evora and ended up with a Mercedes C63S coupe.
The 63 makes an epic noise and is happy pottering around with the exhaust on loud and happy when you grab it by the scruff of the neck and drive it (not 911 happy) but it’s a good compromise.
The agreement was that the car will go if we ‘need’ the money as it is a toy, so far it’s worth more than I paid for it but I doubt that will last forever.
I would pick something that you could get the kids in on occasion, my nephew loves a trip out in the Mercedes and someone needs to get the next generation into cars before they become appliances.
ChrisNic said:
My thinking is that if I don’t do it in the short term there may not be the opportunity to ever do it.
Exactly. Do it now while you can. And I agree, paying off your mortgage is a waste of money. Seems you want something quite raw and sporty given you are looking at an Exige, which is a great car, but here are some other ideas for slightly different cars that I'd also consider special. Now could be your chance to own a V12 Ferrari - here's a lovely 456 GTA in one of the best colour combos of grigio titanio and bordeaux interior. Your kids will also be able to ride along with you as it's a 4 seater. Check out some of the dealer's other stock too, he has some interesting stuff!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207127...
Another couple of V12s - an Aston Martin DB9
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207157...
or a Rapide - another one your kids will be able to join you in
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111109...
Another classy British bruiser in the shape of this Jaguar F-Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206227...
One more Brit - a bit less classy and a bit more raw - TVR Tuscan in one of the best colours available, chameleon blue
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205246...
Lexus LC500h in a stunning flare yellow triple pearl
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...
Stretch the budget a bit and you can get 5.0 V8 non-hybrid version. Here's a nice one in an equally stunning solar red. LCs also have 4 seats too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206146...
Another 4 seater coupe with a glorious V8 soundtrack that's in budget is this Maserati Granturismo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207187...
Finally - Audi R8 V10 Spyder
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207187...
I sense asking here whether it’s a good idea is like asking a drug dealer if another hit is sensible!
Some great ideas for other options.
The idea of an Exige comes from wanting something that is an experience every time I drive it. Having the option to remove the roof is attractive and the something that I could occasionally put on a track would be good. The Exige is also small enough to go in the garage which would help with the discussion at home!
I know having 4 seats would be useful but I am hoping this is a long term purchase so likely that the window for going out in as a family is a narrow one.
Some great ideas for other options.
The idea of an Exige comes from wanting something that is an experience every time I drive it. Having the option to remove the roof is attractive and the something that I could occasionally put on a track would be good. The Exige is also small enough to go in the garage which would help with the discussion at home!
I know having 4 seats would be useful but I am hoping this is a long term purchase so likely that the window for going out in as a family is a narrow one.
The Lotus is a great idea but maybe the 2+2 Evora may suit your needs better as you can then fit your children in without the need for another car, whilst still having a great drivers car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206086...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...
Now if you are going to buy a workhorse & want a car that's an event as well as a great steer then I'd say take a very good look at the C6 Z06/ZR1 although I would say the ZR1 is more towards a 911 Turbo end of the scale, whilst the Z06 is GT3 territory.
Z06:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108015...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...
ZR1:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206217...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206086...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...
Now if you are going to buy a workhorse & want a car that's an event as well as a great steer then I'd say take a very good look at the C6 Z06/ZR1 although I would say the ZR1 is more towards a 911 Turbo end of the scale, whilst the Z06 is GT3 territory.
Z06:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108015...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206277...
ZR1:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206217...
Look for an Exige with a “soft top conversion” if you want to take the roof off. You can unbolt the hardtop on any Exige. However unlike the Elise the mounts for the soft top bars aren’t already there. The fibre glass needs to be cut for them to be fitted.
Then the bars go across and you can fit a soft top. Of course you can just bolt the hardtop and drive around like that but you have no back up if it does start to rain.
However if you stay about 60mph+ the rain goes over your head anyway!
Last I heard is a second hand soft top is about £1500. If you can get hold of one. So getting one included with the car is a bonus.
I haven’t bothered taking the roof off mine but it was fun in my Elise.
Then the bars go across and you can fit a soft top. Of course you can just bolt the hardtop and drive around like that but you have no back up if it does start to rain.
However if you stay about 60mph+ the rain goes over your head anyway!
Last I heard is a second hand soft top is about £1500. If you can get hold of one. So getting one included with the car is a bonus.
I haven’t bothered taking the roof off mine but it was fun in my Elise.
I done something similar 3yrs ago. 3 kids all under 6 at the time.
Stuck 50k into a rather lovely R8 V10, I’ve also got a suv and a 1k puddle jumper hatch run around. A car for all occasions….almost.
Only regret with a 2 seater is I hardly use it. If like me you probably convince yourself that you will be able to get more use, in reality it’s much less. Think school holidays, kids to entertain etc
Wife doesn’t like it either, too fast/low/loud…..etc
I’m now looking at 2+2’s for that very reason. Fancy a 991 gts next.
Stuck 50k into a rather lovely R8 V10, I’ve also got a suv and a 1k puddle jumper hatch run around. A car for all occasions….almost.
Only regret with a 2 seater is I hardly use it. If like me you probably convince yourself that you will be able to get more use, in reality it’s much less. Think school holidays, kids to entertain etc
Wife doesn’t like it either, too fast/low/loud…..etc
I’m now looking at 2+2’s for that very reason. Fancy a 991 gts next.
Edited by Edible Roadkill on Friday 22 July 12:48
I’m not sure my employer would be too keen on me selling their iPace.
Due to a lovely circa 65% marginal rate it costs buttons to have it - that’s what I’m doing a fantastic job of convincing myself and everyone else anyway.
A 911 to squeeze the kids into sounds like a vaguely sensible option. I would need to investigate running costs and I’m not sure if it fits the special bill.
Once I’ve got an idea in my head (Exige) I find it hard to deviate. I am though torn about moving the Focus on, I tend to get bored of cars within a year or 2 but it has stuck around and I still enjoy owning and driving it.
Due to a lovely circa 65% marginal rate it costs buttons to have it - that’s what I’m doing a fantastic job of convincing myself and everyone else anyway.
A 911 to squeeze the kids into sounds like a vaguely sensible option. I would need to investigate running costs and I’m not sure if it fits the special bill.
Once I’ve got an idea in my head (Exige) I find it hard to deviate. I am though torn about moving the Focus on, I tend to get bored of cars within a year or 2 but it has stuck around and I still enjoy owning and driving it.
Edited by ChrisNic on Saturday 23 July 07:50
Stick to your plan then or you will go around in circles wondering about it a bit like me!
There is little to touch the Exige in terms of pure driving excitement if that’s what your after but they are very raw cars to live with and really belong on a track.
Maybe go and take a look at one and have a test drive is your best start.
There is little to touch the Exige in terms of pure driving excitement if that’s what your after but they are very raw cars to live with and really belong on a track.
Maybe go and take a look at one and have a test drive is your best start.
Belle427 said:
Stick to your plan then or you will go around in circles wondering about it a bit like me!
There is little to touch the Exige in terms of pure driving excitement if that’s what your after but they are very raw cars to live with and really belong on a track.
Maybe go and take a look at one and have a test drive is your best start.
I don’t fully agree, maybe a S1/2 are a bit raw but my S3 (410 does has nitrons) is fairly comfortable and compliant. When the exhaust valve is closed below 4500rpm it isn’t that noisy. I agree it’s possibly to quick for the road but it only goes as fast as you make it and you don’t need to be breaking the speed limit to enjoy the feedback from the controls.There is little to touch the Exige in terms of pure driving excitement if that’s what your after but they are very raw cars to live with and really belong on a track.
Maybe go and take a look at one and have a test drive is your best start.
The Mrs is perfectly happy init for road trips. If you are big getting in and out may not be the easiest. I look at them as a practical Caterham. With the added practicality you can use it more. Although I would still add a caterham if the opportunity arose. I think my Exige is a keeper. Great cars you should try one.
350 Sport here. Picked it up private (under warranty) for sub 50K.
Can be done just there is very few around for sale. Owners know what a good car they are!
Pretty solid on depreciation too. Of all the cars I've owned LOTUS are the only ones I've sold for a higher price.
Got into mine with the mindset I'll try it for 3 months and if it's too extreme I can sell it on easily for the same money.
Evora may be an option if you can kids with you but had a fixed roof.
Just do the Exige, you won't regret it. Your only problem will be finding one.
Can be done just there is very few around for sale. Owners know what a good car they are!
Pretty solid on depreciation too. Of all the cars I've owned LOTUS are the only ones I've sold for a higher price.
Got into mine with the mindset I'll try it for 3 months and if it's too extreme I can sell it on easily for the same money.
Evora may be an option if you can kids with you but had a fixed roof.
Just do the Exige, you won't regret it. Your only problem will be finding one.
ChrisNic said:
Once I’ve got an idea in my head (Exige) I find it hard to deviate. I am though torn about moving the Focus on, I tend to get bored of cars within a year or 2 but it has stuck around and I still enjoy owning and driving it.
Have you been to, sat in, tried an exige ? I went along to local lotus, leven cars, used to be murray motors, explained that I had some savings I planned to drop on a special weekend car and they let me try a few cars out, back when I was on the lookout for my special car.
I didn’t particularly like any of the lotus. Found them a bit too purposeful I thought (I don’t do track) uncomfortable, with me and my mate strapped in it felt like we were nearly sat on top of each other. My favourite was in fact the latest model (3yrs ago) Elise, from the whole line up.
As cool as the exige look and good as they are, they arnt for everyone.
On a similar note I also tried a caterham and didn’t fit in the bloody thing, even the wide body one. I quick decided I like some comforts, bit of room to move around
Edited by Edible Roadkill on Saturday 23 July 14:48
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff