Fun, fast, up to £45k

[10mmspanners]

Looking to move on from an BMW M2 LCI. Naturally I'm thinking F87 M2 Competition as it's better in pretty much every way and I love that orange.. minus exhuast note.

Doesn't seem to be much else in that bracket for fun, age and mileage that competes unless I'm missing something. Had a V6 Exige previous so the Lotus box has been ticked now also.

Only criteria is 4 seats (to fit a small dog in the back), rear wheel drive preffered, coupe/saloon. Only do approx 3k a year so mpg etc isn't an issue.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Alpina B4 would be where my money would go:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306228...

Or if it has to be an M car then the M$ CS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306299...

[Andy665]

With that kind of mileage I'd be looking at something that is slightly more special and an event - TVR Cerbera would be where I'd be looking with a nice chunk of money left over - mid £30k would get a superb example

[BrettMRC]

So many options OP!

Lexus RC-F
Ford Mustang
Jaguar F-Type
Audi RS5
Aston Martin DB9
Maserati Granturismo

[10mmspanners]

Firstly thanks all for your replies, it's greatly appreciated.

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say the Alpina B4 would be where my money would go:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306228...

Or if it has to be an M car then the M$ CS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306299...

Not a fan of Alpina's at all. However I didn't realise an M4CS is now in this price bracket and may be more special to drive than the M2C..

Andy665 said:

With that kind of mileage I'd be looking at something that is slightly more special and an event - TVR Cerbera would be where I'd be looking with a nice chunk of money left over - mid £30k would get a superb example

Cerbera I've never fancied, never got the whole TVR thing

BrettMRC said:

So many options OP!

Lexus RC-F
Ford Mustang
Jaguar F-Type
Audi RS5
Aston Martin DB9
Maserati Granturismo

Lexus RC-F - been in one before but never loved it
Ford Mustang - Hate these, must be a Ford thing
Jaguar F-Type - an option with the V8 but lack of back seats
Audi RS5 - had all manor of fast Audi's and they are boring as hell to drive
Aston Martin DB9 - more of a GT and can't imagine it being fun. Tried a V8 vantage and felt disappointed
Maserati Granturismo - an option, would service/running costs be scary?

[Zarco]

I'd get a 911 if the dog is small enough.

[BrettMRC]

My understanding is that the Granturismo is a pretty well built & reliable - they were on my list awhile back but had gone out of production.
Probably won't be as quick as you want though.

[SWoll]

The 3k miles per year OP, what kind of trips are we talking about? And just how small is this dog?

[BlueJ]

10mmspanners said:

Maserati Granturismo - an option, would service/running costs be scary?

Yes! Friend of mine has the MC Stradale version and regular servicing costs are a LOT - his last one was £2,400.

[EVOTECH3BELL]

Dartzon 240z
911 996
Ford Sierra Rs Cosworth

If I was just doing 3k pleasure miles a year I'd be buying something older and more engaging to drive.

[SWoll]

BlueJ said:

10mmspanners said:

Maserati Granturismo - an option, would service/running costs be scary?

Yes! Friend of mine has the MC Stradale version and regular servicing costs are a LOT - his last one was £2,400.

Specialist servicing costs can vary wildly. Here's the fixed price service menu from JHTAutos as an example.



Conumable costs like brake dics/pads are high, but for 3k miles per year that shouldn't be much of an issue?

[blueg33]

Giulia Quadrifoglio - a fantastic thing to drive, great steering/handling, quick etc.

eg https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15092543

Edited by blueg33 on Wednesday 9th August 10:09

[rawenghey]

Meh, all these cars are boring day to day coupe/saloons but with big engines. Unless driving like a hooligan or on track they're going to feel like the equivalent diesel.

Would you consider a 997?

Edit: Caveat that with the Maserati and the Giulia QV are more special.

Edited by rawenghey on Wednesday 9th August 10:34

[blueg33]

IMO, much as I like smaller cars and coupe's, something like the Alfa is a lot of fun. Steering feel wise its better than a 997, almost Lotus like, plus unfortunately by today's metrics a 997 isn't especially quick unless its a turbo.

I did wonder about Evora, very different from Op's Exige, closer to 911 in some ways, but rear seats are small so dog size is relevant, plus Op says he has done Lotus.

[rawenghey]

blueg33 said:

IMO, much as I like smaller cars and coupe's, something like the Alfa is a lot of fun. Steering feel wise its better than a 997, almost Lotus like, plus unfortunately by today's metrics a 997 isn't especially quick unless its a turbo.

I did wonder about Evora, very different from Op's Exige, closer to 911 in some ways, but rear seats are small so dog size is relevant, plus Op says he has done Lotus.

Apologies, yeah, I didn't see the Quadrifoglio. Would love one of those

Not sure if the OP can get a 997.2 C2S for his budget, but with 385bhp and 60 coming up in mid 4s, it should be quick enough. Also find Porkers are a bit quicker against the competition than their numbers suggest. It won't have the low down punch of all the turbo cars here, but as an event to drive surely it's more stimulating than something from RS/AMG/M brigade?

[10mmspanners]

Dog is certainly small enough for a 911 and would consider them also. My only concern is the 997 Carrera S good enough or as good as other options suggested? I think I'd be constantly wishing to have a GTS although way out of budget.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio sounds great, I'd love to hear owners opinions on these on costs and reliability.

Someone mentioned an Evora also but I'm not sure I could go back to Lotus with the reliability issues.

[Zarco]

I find a 911 much more desirable than a super saloon, much as I like the Giulia Quadrifoglio and M3s. It's a purpose built sports car, rather than a souped up saloon for a start.

[hunt123]

Nissan Skyline GTR R35.

[Zarco]

hunt123 said:

Nissan Skyline GTR R35.

Good call.

[blueg33]

10mmspanners said:

Dog is certainly small enough for a 911 and would consider them also. My only concern is the 997 Carrera S good enough or as good as other options suggested? I think I'd be constantly wishing to have a GTS although way out of budget.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio sounds great, I'd love to hear owners opinions on these on costs and reliability.

Someone mentioned an Evora also but I'm not sure I could go back to Lotus with the reliability issues.

My Evoras were daily drivers, did 50k miles in one and 70k miles in the other. They were perfectly reliable, a couple of niggles (mainly a pillar trims) but otherwise fine.

I have a Giulia Veloce TI - same as a quadrifolglio but with a much less interesting power plant. Reliability is fine, a couple more niggles than the Evoras but nothing major. Watch for the big service on a Quad, I think its around 30k miles otherwise shouldn't be too painful to run.

niggles = slightly rattly air vent - now fixed, lacquer peeling off one key, infotainment is clunky but saved by apple car play.