Recommended weekend car for B roads (mid-life crisis)

[d114ve]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is still a thing but it appears to be my time to have a mid-life crisis and buy a “fun” third car for the weekend. Kids are now at the stage where we are having to ferry them around every weekend to various sports training/fixtures and friends’ houses, generally on B roads and some interesting A roads, so looking for something entertaining (won’t be breaking any speed limits) but not completely impractical.

Had my eye on the GR86 but mistimed things (twice) and refuse to pay the bonkers prices the dealers have put their demos up for. Would like something below £35k but might consider more (but preferably less!). Also thought about importing a 2022 GR86/BRZ from Japan.

Not interested in a soft top/convertible at the moment. Will be looking to move in the near future but no garage at our current place so will be kept outside.

And needs to be pretty reliable as I don’t have the time/patience these days. But happy to consider something that needs a couple of upgrades to make it more fun (not a ‘project’ though).

Any recommendations much appreciated.

Thanks

[Jamescrs]

MINI Cooper JCW would be worth a look. Fun car, has some practicality and I'd guess a pretty new one would be within budget.

[CG2020UK]

If you’re going RWD you’ll get an M2 which offers serious performance and ridiculous fun.

High running costs in terms of mpg and servicing but overall they have turned out to be quite reliable and holding their value really well.

[d114ve]

Thanks for the suggestions already. Should have added that current cars are an S-MAX (fits everyone comfortably) and an Ibiza (to go to the station and back). I may have over-emphasised practicality as we can always use these if needs be - I just don’t want to get something that’s so impractical it’s never used. Reality is it will be used as a taxi service and I’d just like the taxi driver (whether me or my wife) to be able to have some fun. I had in mind to get a third car but the other option if it’s ‘too practical’ would be to replace the Ibiza

[Shiv_P]

I've just bought an M2 non competition for around £33k.
It is a great car, the only thing I am 100% likely to change is the suspension which is just too harsh for the UK. I use it as a daily driver (in the office 4 times a week, 20 mile round trip). Imo it has that 'special' factor whilst being able to just about fit 4 adults for short trips.

It's also fast but not too fast, still a few seconds on the accelerator and you are going at quite a rate

[ZX10R NIN]

If it's for mainly B Road work I'd say go for the Megane Cup S:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302033...

Or sell the Ibiza & get a Megane 300 Trophy so you have a great B road car & a nice daily:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306028...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305197...

[SWoll]

How old are your kid OP and how tall are you all? I ask as the rear seats in the GR86 and M2 aren't particularly roomy.

With your budget I'd be looking at one of these personally.



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306168...

Or if you're feeling a little braver one of these



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209169...

Or a lot braver



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...

Every drive an event in those 3 no matter the speed, and all very practical 4 up. You'll be bored of a hot hatch in 5 minutes and at £35k they'll depreciate hard even with minimal use.

[CG2020UK]

SWoll said:

How old are your kid OP and how tall are you all? I ask as the rear seats in the GR86 and M2 aren't particularly roomy.

I’ve had 4 full grown men (all 6ft plus) in the M2 multiple times. Except for losing the middle seat and hatchback it’s been the same as my Golf and I’ve sat in family hatchbacks with less room.

Edited by CG2020UK on Sunday 18th June 12:33