Help me with buying my next performance car
Discussion
I'm in a quandary!
I've owned a lot of mid range performance / sports cars over the years but due to having to release some funds to buy a second vehicle for my business last year I found myself not being able to afford a weekend fun car for the past few months. I've now recouped a bit of cash and have a budget of around 10k (couldn't justify more as the car will most likely only get used a couple of weekends each month).
My short list so far is Nissan 350z, Audi S3 and BMW 130d (the last 2 likely with some sensible ecu tuning). The criteria is that it has to fit in a single garage and also has to be at least on par or more powerful than my previous toys. My cars owned between 2008 and 2016:
Lotus Elan SE
Audi TT 1.8 (225) - remapped to circa 270bhp
Porsche 911 Carerra 2 (3.2 Model - 1999) - Not as impressive as I'd hoped and a money pit!
BMW Z4 3.0 (231bhp model, under powered in my opinion)
Mercedes SLK 350
Mini John Cooper Works (tuned and remapped)
I don't really want to repeat owning any of the above although the Remapped TT and the SLK were very enjoyable fast cars. What I'd like from the experts on this forum is suggestions of anything I may have missed and also confirmation if possible that the 3 cars on the shortlist I mention above are capable of exiting as much (or more) than the vehicles I've already owned - don't want to feel I've taken a backwards step. I have already discounted the likes of Impezza and Evo's as I'm in my 40's and feel they send out the wrong image for someone attempting to act professional! I'm not too keen either on the fast Astra's and Clio's ect as they're just a bit normal. I'm a fussy git I know!
Any advise gratefully accepted.
Paul
I've owned a lot of mid range performance / sports cars over the years but due to having to release some funds to buy a second vehicle for my business last year I found myself not being able to afford a weekend fun car for the past few months. I've now recouped a bit of cash and have a budget of around 10k (couldn't justify more as the car will most likely only get used a couple of weekends each month).
My short list so far is Nissan 350z, Audi S3 and BMW 130d (the last 2 likely with some sensible ecu tuning). The criteria is that it has to fit in a single garage and also has to be at least on par or more powerful than my previous toys. My cars owned between 2008 and 2016:
Lotus Elan SE
Audi TT 1.8 (225) - remapped to circa 270bhp
Porsche 911 Carerra 2 (3.2 Model - 1999) - Not as impressive as I'd hoped and a money pit!
BMW Z4 3.0 (231bhp model, under powered in my opinion)
Mercedes SLK 350
Mini John Cooper Works (tuned and remapped)
I don't really want to repeat owning any of the above although the Remapped TT and the SLK were very enjoyable fast cars. What I'd like from the experts on this forum is suggestions of anything I may have missed and also confirmation if possible that the 3 cars on the shortlist I mention above are capable of exiting as much (or more) than the vehicles I've already owned - don't want to feel I've taken a backwards step. I have already discounted the likes of Impezza and Evo's as I'm in my 40's and feel they send out the wrong image for someone attempting to act professional! I'm not too keen either on the fast Astra's and Clio's ect as they're just a bit normal. I'm a fussy git I know!
Any advise gratefully accepted.
Paul
Paul-4oy28 said:
I'm in a quandary!
I've owned a lot of mid range performance / sports cars over the years but due to having to release some funds to buy a second vehicle for my business last year I found myself not being able to afford a weekend fun car for the past few months. I've now recouped a bit of cash and have a budget of around 10k (couldn't justify more as the car will most likely only get used a couple of weekends each month).
My short list so far is Nissan 350z, Audi S3 and BMW 130d (the last 2 likely with some sensible ecu tuning). The criteria is that it has to fit in a single garage and also has to be at least on par or more powerful than my previous toys. My cars owned between 2008 and 2016:
Lotus Elan SE
Audi TT 1.8 (225) - remapped to circa 270bhp
Porsche 911 Carerra 2 (3.2 Model - 1999) - Not as impressive as I'd hoped and a money pit!
BMW Z4 3.0 (231bhp model, under powered in my opinion)
Mercedes SLK 350
Mini John Cooper Works (tuned and remapped)
I don't really want to repeat owning any of the above although the Remapped TT and the SLK were very enjoyable fast cars. What I'd like from the experts on this forum is suggestions of anything I may have missed and also confirmation if possible that the 3 cars on the shortlist I mention above are capable of exiting as much (or more) than the vehicles I've already owned - don't want to feel I've taken a backwards step. I have already discounted the likes of Impezza and Evo's as I'm in my 40's and feel they send out the wrong image for someone attempting to act professional! I'm not too keen either on the fast Astra's and Clio's ect as they're just a bit normal. I'm a fussy git I know!
Any advise gratefully accepted.
Paul
130d?I've owned a lot of mid range performance / sports cars over the years but due to having to release some funds to buy a second vehicle for my business last year I found myself not being able to afford a weekend fun car for the past few months. I've now recouped a bit of cash and have a budget of around 10k (couldn't justify more as the car will most likely only get used a couple of weekends each month).
My short list so far is Nissan 350z, Audi S3 and BMW 130d (the last 2 likely with some sensible ecu tuning). The criteria is that it has to fit in a single garage and also has to be at least on par or more powerful than my previous toys. My cars owned between 2008 and 2016:
Lotus Elan SE
Audi TT 1.8 (225) - remapped to circa 270bhp
Porsche 911 Carerra 2 (3.2 Model - 1999) - Not as impressive as I'd hoped and a money pit!
BMW Z4 3.0 (231bhp model, under powered in my opinion)
Mercedes SLK 350
Mini John Cooper Works (tuned and remapped)
I don't really want to repeat owning any of the above although the Remapped TT and the SLK were very enjoyable fast cars. What I'd like from the experts on this forum is suggestions of anything I may have missed and also confirmation if possible that the 3 cars on the shortlist I mention above are capable of exiting as much (or more) than the vehicles I've already owned - don't want to feel I've taken a backwards step. I have already discounted the likes of Impezza and Evo's as I'm in my 40's and feel they send out the wrong image for someone attempting to act professional! I'm not too keen either on the fast Astra's and Clio's ect as they're just a bit normal. I'm a fussy git I know!
Any advise gratefully accepted.
Paul
Did you mean 130i or 330d?
Thanks for the ideas so far. Does the 130d not share the same engine as the 330d? BMW M3 did go under my radar - will be taking a look at these (and whether it can fit in the garage) but the budget will only stretch to a high mileage 2004/5 model - will I still get reliability from a car of this vintage (will be regularly doing 200 mile round trips)
Paul
Paul
Paul-4oy28 said:
Thanks for the ideas so far. Does the 130d not share the same engine as the 330d? BMW M3 did go under my radar - will be taking a look at these (and whether it can fit in the garage) but the budget will only stretch to a high mileage 2004/5 model - will I still get reliability from a car of this vintage (will be regularly doing 200 mile round trips)
Paul
Buy well and the e46 m3 is very reliable.Paul
Avoid the 996 unless you have a slush fund for a 10k engine rebuild.
I guess loads to choose from
I know you don’t want to repeat any cars, but I had a MK1 TT 240 QS and it was bloody awesome and the 2-tone black/red colour made it look amazing. It was a proper go-kart and I am seriously considering getting one as a 2nd car again (one without the bucket seats though lol).
A Honda S2000 is something I have considered too as a weekend toy.
I know you don’t want to repeat any cars, but I had a MK1 TT 240 QS and it was bloody awesome and the 2-tone black/red colour made it look amazing. It was a proper go-kart and I am seriously considering getting one as a 2nd car again (one without the bucket seats though lol).
A Honda S2000 is something I have considered too as a weekend toy.
If you don't mind remapping an S3 then my suggestion is a Megane RS250 when it comes to a fun car they're hard to beat.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Or go leftfield & get a high mileage MK1 Focus RS it'll still have some cache once you've finished with it plus you won't be afraid to use it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Or go leftfield & get a high mileage MK1 Focus RS it'll still have some cache once you've finished with it plus you won't be afraid to use it.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Thanks again for suggestions. It appears there's loads out there that I haven't yet considered!
I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
Paul-4oy28 said:
Thanks again for suggestions. It appears there's loads out there that I haven't yet considered!
I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
Get yourself over to m3cutters - some really clean examples for sale and buying guides - not sure why people are saying steer clear of pre 04 models. I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
SMG is fine, manual is nice but 1st and 2nd can be a pain to get into when it is frozen up / cold outside.
Just make sure the subframe repair / fix has been done by BMW - lots of cars had cracked floorplan and BMW agreed to replace the whole floor for cars up to 10 years old.
Paul-4oy28 said:
Thanks again for suggestions. It appears there's loads out there that I haven't yet considered!
I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
Once you are in, it's surprisingly comfortable especially with Probax seats. Took one of mine to the south of France via the coast route which was 13 hours in one day with a stage 2 exhaust and decatted I had discounted another Porsche as my 911 had the IMS bearing go and did cost me a small fortune so its a case of once bitten twice shy! Lotus Elise in theory ticks all of the boxes for me but on the longer journeys I'll be having swmbo sitting next to me and not sure I could sell the idea to her...
Sure I'll be back with more questions when I've made a definite choice but the M3 is currently in the lead having read some reviews - just a case of finding one without sky high miles. Research has suggested to steer clear of pre 04 models and to go for the manual gear box. Not a huge choice out there for -£10k...
Cheers
Paul
Got out the other end and could have turned round and driven back, didn't even have any complaints from the ex!Herbs said:
SidewaysSi said:
Lotus Elise of course
This, forget power. An Elise will offer everything you want and more for a weekend car and be cheap to run as well.Herbs said:
Once you are in, it's surprisingly comfortable especially with Probax seats. Took one of mine to the south of France via the coast route which was 13 hours in one day with a stage 2 exhaust and decatted Got out the other end and could have turned round and driven back, didn't even have any complaints from the ex!
Was she so traumatised by the experience that she just left without a word? Got out the other end and could have turned round and driven back, didn't even have any complaints from the ex!HustleRussell said:
Herbs said:
Once you are in, it's surprisingly comfortable especially with Probax seats. Took one of mine to the south of France via the coast route which was 13 hours in one day with a stage 2 exhaust and decatted Got out the other end and could have turned round and driven back, didn't even have any complaints from the ex!
Was she so traumatised by the experience that she just left without a word? Got out the other end and could have turned round and driven back, didn't even have any complaints from the ex!
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