£25k - SLK55, F-Type v6 or…
Discussion
I will be treating myself in the new year and I need advice.
Budget as above with small wiggle room - I have never owned a V8.
But is there a better alternative?
It’ll be a weekend car, only 2-3k per year. Must be ULEZ and must make a nice noise.
Potentials:
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
I think I’m reasonably sold on the Merc but I have never driven any of the above. I did think about an M3/4 but don’t think they’d be special enough for a “fun” car.
Only issue with the cars above is lack of modern infotainment (with the exception of the Mustang)
I don’t want something with the potential to bankrupt me at every turn - not too worried about fuel costs as it’ll do so few miles.
The Vert roof on the SLK worries me - complexity issues? I have never owned a convertible.
Budget as above with small wiggle room - I have never owned a V8.
But is there a better alternative?
It’ll be a weekend car, only 2-3k per year. Must be ULEZ and must make a nice noise.
Potentials:
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
I think I’m reasonably sold on the Merc but I have never driven any of the above. I did think about an M3/4 but don’t think they’d be special enough for a “fun” car.
Only issue with the cars above is lack of modern infotainment (with the exception of the Mustang)
I don’t want something with the potential to bankrupt me at every turn - not too worried about fuel costs as it’ll do so few miles.
The Vert roof on the SLK worries me - complexity issues? I have never owned a convertible.
I’d replace the M3/M4 with the M2.
I looked at the F-Type and Mustang when I went my M2. Neither could come close to the M2 as a drivers car or for fun. It would be more agile than both the Mustang and F-Type as well as more practical and comfortable.
Yes it’s lacks the looks to match the cars on your list but its ability was more what I valued. Worth a look.
Can’t comment on the SLK55 never driven one.
I looked at the F-Type and Mustang when I went my M2. Neither could come close to the M2 as a drivers car or for fun. It would be more agile than both the Mustang and F-Type as well as more practical and comfortable.
Yes it’s lacks the looks to match the cars on your list but its ability was more what I valued. Worth a look.
Can’t comment on the SLK55 never driven one.
pidsy said:
I will be treating myself in the new year and I need advice.
Budget as above with small wiggle room - I have never owned a V8.
But is there a better alternative?
It’ll be a weekend car, only 2-3k per year. Must be ULEZ and must make a nice noise.
Potentials:
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
I think I’m reasonably sold on the Merc but I have never driven any of the above. I did think about an M3/4 but don’t think they’d be special enough for a “fun” car.
Only issue with the cars above is lack of modern infotainment (with the exception of the Mustang)
I don’t want something with the potential to bankrupt me at every turn - not too worried about fuel costs as it’ll do so few miles.
The Vert roof on the SLK worries me - complexity issues? I have never owned a convertible.
They don't often play up but you have to lube & check the drain holes every 6 months, saying that the SLK55 is a cracking car.Budget as above with small wiggle room - I have never owned a V8.
But is there a better alternative?
It’ll be a weekend car, only 2-3k per year. Must be ULEZ and must make a nice noise.
Potentials:
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
I think I’m reasonably sold on the Merc but I have never driven any of the above. I did think about an M3/4 but don’t think they’d be special enough for a “fun” car.
Only issue with the cars above is lack of modern infotainment (with the exception of the Mustang)
I don’t want something with the potential to bankrupt me at every turn - not too worried about fuel costs as it’ll do so few miles.
The Vert roof on the SLK worries me - complexity issues? I have never owned a convertible.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407031...
Lexus RC F, these are often overlooked but they're special in their own way:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410235...
Mustang:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410014...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411045...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409033...
V8 F Type:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411116...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410225...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410245...
I'm bias on this next selection but I love mine:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...
100% the Jag (must be the coupe for me) from that list.
The rest are good / noisy but the Jag is next level and the better handler of that list.
I’d agree with the poster above though, if noise / V8 is the top requirement you’ve got the right list, but an M2 would be a much better car than all of them honestly.
My 2c
The rest are good / noisy but the Jag is next level and the better handler of that list.
I’d agree with the poster above though, if noise / V8 is the top requirement you’ve got the right list, but an M2 would be a much better car than all of them honestly.
My 2c
For what it’s worth I found my M2 Comp to be the most dull car to drive of any sports car I’ve had. Little to no feedback though the wheel, overly competent for the road and a one trick pony of liking to light the rears up. Wish I never had it, only car I regret.
981 Boxster was amazing, sounded the nuts.
TTRS sounds amazing and strangely drives about as well as the 981
F type and slk55 never brought myself to buying as the drive always left me wanting more, though sound was epic on both
981 Boxster was amazing, sounded the nuts.
TTRS sounds amazing and strangely drives about as well as the 981
F type and slk55 never brought myself to buying as the drive always left me wanting more, though sound was epic on both
I've owned all of those, although Jag was the v8.
The mustang is a lot better than the vxr8, nicer engine and better parts availability. I'd have that over vxr8, Mustang just needs roush rear box and ford racing springs to look and sound as it should.
I must admit the slk is a stonking drive / lovely noise. Ftype looks better - I'd probably have the 55 of these two.
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
The mustang is a lot better than the vxr8, nicer engine and better parts availability. I'd have that over vxr8, Mustang just needs roush rear box and ford racing springs to look and sound as it should.
I must admit the slk is a stonking drive / lovely noise. Ftype looks better - I'd probably have the 55 of these two.
SLK55 (R172)
F-Type V6
New shape Mustang (must be the V8)
VXR8
Edited by bennno on Thursday 12th December 02:42
I would also look at an M2 for that kind of money.
Previously owned a 2018 V6 F-Type and a 2021 V8 F-Type and now in a G87 M2 and I must say dynamically the M2 is miles ahead. Yes ok it doesn’t feel as special and it’s a bit more under the radar but if you want something to really enjoy driving down a back road I’d vote the M2. If you’re looking for something a bit more special and using around town etc I’d vote the F-Type
Previously owned a 2018 V6 F-Type and a 2021 V8 F-Type and now in a G87 M2 and I must say dynamically the M2 is miles ahead. Yes ok it doesn’t feel as special and it’s a bit more under the radar but if you want something to really enjoy driving down a back road I’d vote the M2. If you’re looking for something a bit more special and using around town etc I’d vote the F-Type
Some great points - thanks to you all so far.
Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
pidsy said:
Some great points - thanks to you all so far.
Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
I've not run a GT but have run other Maseratis as I find them to be good value used cars due to perceptions around reliability and costs (for the same reason I ran multiple Alfas when I was younger). I've found running them pretty straightforward with costs similar to the BMW and Porsche I ran.Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
At this price point I would certainly get a specialist PPI (up on a ramp, not kerbside) -a well cared for example should not have any nasty surprises.
pidsy said:
Some great points - thanks to you all so far.
Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
Sounds like you would be best served with a v8 vantage or f type then, or if you need rear seats, a v8 Mustang.Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
Mustang is the only one that’s inexpensive to run if you need any parts. They are peanuts relatively speaking.
pidsy said:
I haven’t seen much in the way of M2’s at that price.
I had an e46 M3 a few years ago - not sure another M would be as exciting. A 1M on the other hand…
I’ll look into an M2 though. Don’t know a great deal about them.
I’d advise having a look at the OG M2 2016-2018. Lighter, sounds far better, more fun and very reliable. I had an e46 M3 a few years ago - not sure another M would be as exciting. A 1M on the other hand…
I’ll look into an M2 though. Don’t know a great deal about them.
I’ve drove both the comp and OG (owned an OG LCI) a good bit and the OG gets my money every time. It’s very much in the flavour of the 1M just a bit more composed, the comp is much more mature and too much mini M4 for me.
pidsy said:
Some great points - thanks to you all so far.
Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
With that criteria I think you want a V8, which will provide the theatre at any speed.Just a note - an F-type for me would have to be the coupe, though the Red V8 linked above is gorgeous!
I’m not into outright speed anymore - 43 years old so cruising about at sensible speed is where I’m at.
I would like a bit of theatre and something out of the ordinary.
The Gran Turismo idea would be wonderful- they sound fantastic but aren’t they silly money to run?
Difficult to look past an F Type or an XKR.
Maserati has the best noise. They are big and heavy but just as reliable as the competition and have four usable seats. Just be aware that consumables such as brakes are very expensive.
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