Porsche potential write off. Cheaper fun car alernatives?

[TameRacingDriver]

To cut a long story short, an object from a trailer collided with my Boxster S and I'm advised it may end up being a write off.

I've long been thinking for a while I don't have the buzz for driving I used to and so if the car is written off, I'm quite happy to go with something cheaper.

Looking at total cost of ownership, I'm wondering how I can get the biggest bang for my buck. I am considering everything from shed price (2K) to around 10K.

I still want it to be fun to drive, I have no desire to pay my own money for anything that makes me want to punch myself in the face.

Older cars can come with higher running costs, so it might be worth paying more for something newer.

Cars I'm thinking about:

Swift Sport
Cheap to buy, fun to drive, robust. Don't particularly care for the looks, but its cheap motoring.

Celica 190
Good engine, crap gear ratios. Reliable. Decent handling, nice looking.

Clio RS
I've owned a 172/182, would consider stretching for a nice 200 instead for the change. Not sure how robust it would be.

Fiesta ST
More pricey to buy, but should be relatively painless to own. Chavvy.

MX5
I've had a couple of Mk1s, so prefer a newer one. An mk4 ND 1.5 might be within reach. Or just get another old one and just watch out for rust.

GT86
Might get a really leggy one if I'm lucky, and I've never liked buying at the very bottom of my budget.

Megane 250
These probably wouldn't be cheap to run at all, but I do find these pretty appealing for some strange reason

Z4 Coupe 3.0 Si
I've had an auto, so the manual would be a change. Lovely looks and a nice place to be with average BMW running costs (not too bad).

FN2 Type R
I could get a leggy early one for 4k or a half decent CW edition for double. Super reliable, and a fun engine, aged very well too.

Any thoughts or anything I've missed?

[mike9009]

I would add a MINI R53 (early Cooper S) but get one post 2004 facelift.

A great rewarding little car.

[MDL111]

I have a Clio RS 200 (Cup I think) and can highly recommend it as a fun car. Enough power, but not so much that you can’t use the gears. The engine doesn’t sound great, but revs quite high. Try to get one with the Recaro bucket type seats, they are great. Also good fun on track although on the straights you feel like a moving chicane

[TameRacingDriver]

mike9009 said:

I would add a MINI R53 (early Cooper S) but get one post 2004 facelift.

A great rewarding little car.

Agreed, but my last car was exactly one of those, so that's why I won't have one - too soon!

[RoVoFob]

TameRacingDriver said:

Looking at total cost of ownership, I'm wondering how I can get the biggest bang for my buck. I am considering everything from shed price (2K) to around 10K.

Z4 Coupe 3.0 Si
I've had an auto, so the manual would be a change. Lovely looks and a nice place to be with average BMW running costs (not too bad).

Any thoughts or anything I've missed?

If you’re considering the Z4 but want the biggest bang for your buck, why not get a 130i? Same engine, only weighs 55kg more and pre-facelift models have hydraulic steering, which isn’t available in the Z4.

[T1547]

As usual the answer is probably.. MX5 Would be my choice personally from the list, something like :

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201071...

or

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112040...

Can't help but think it would feel a bit more of an event/fun/enjoyable than a hot hatch.

[Mr Tidy]

RoVoFob said:

If you’re considering the Z4 but want the biggest bang for your buck, why not get a 130i? Same engine, only weighs 55kg more and pre-facelift models have hydraulic steering, which isn’t available in the Z4.

Or save way more money and get an early 330i with the same engine and hydraulic PAS.

I never managed to find a 130i at the right price at the right time, but if my E90 330i is anything to go by while the steering is way better than the EPAS in the Z4s it just doesn't feel anything like as special to drive.

FWIW my Z4MC has HPAS, but Ms are going to blow the budget.

But if you liked the Porsche why not get another one? Or if it isn't completely trashed maybe think about buying your car back and getting it fixed with some used parts.

[Belle427]

I'd go Mx5 too, a lot of fun for the money.

[Hol]

I’d go for the Megane.

But that is because I have owned an R26 for 5 years that I have used on a few PH runs and it happily keeps place with all the exotic stuff without having to straight line any corners.

Prices have just started going UP as well, which means depreciation isn’t an issue.

[Jamescrs]

I don't think any of the cars listed are really going to measure up to the Boxster, I have either driven or owned a good portion of them and now own a 986 Boxster and the Boxster is well ahead in terms of driver experience in my opinion.

Out of the list if I was to choose one it would be the MX-5 as that is the only one close in my opinion, I used to own a Mk2 1.8 and it was a really fun car,

[KPB1973]

Jamescrs said:

I don't think any of the cars listed are really going to measure up to the Boxster, I have either driven or owned a good portion of them and now own a 986 Boxster and the Boxster is well ahead in terms of driver experience in my opinion.

Out of the list if I was to choose one it would be the MX-5 as that is the only one close in my opinion, I used to own a Mk2 1.8 and it was a really fun car,

Agree with this. For instance, I had a Megane with Ohlins, akra exhaust etc and it was a phenomenal car on a back road. A downturn in business led to me selling it, and I picked up a 2.7 986. Despite it being baggy as heck (it was £3k and 110k miles) it was more of an event to drive than the Megane. I could go most places in 3rd gear working the engine hard without doing silly speeds, and it sounded epic.

You can't really beat a 2-seater, low slung sports car for palette cleanser.

@tameracingdriver what Gen was your Boxster S? I just sold a minter 986S with every conceivable job done on it for £7.5k and it was a real thrill compared to the 987.2 that has replaced it. It was only flawed ergonomics and a hip problem that led me to the change.

[TameRacingDriver]

I feel like you guys are right about the porsche being on another level. When I'm looking at other cars, they're just not really doing it for me, and feel like they'd be a bit of a come down no matter what I might try and persuade myself. I guess something like a BBR MX5 is the only thing that'll come close.

Mine was a facelift 2004 S 3.2, and was an amazing example albeit I paid strong money to get one like this. My fear now is that if the car is written off then I'm going to lose the money due to paying extra for a nice one because as you say you can get a good one for 7500 (I paid 10k).



It's not been confirmed and I'm still somewhat hopeful they will actually go ahead and do the work.

I haven't completely ruled out getting another one either. I feel I have unfinished business with it as I've only had it since September so haven't really driven it as much as I'd have liked.

The last pic I had of it before the incident, being used properly

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 16th February 10:53

[KPB1973]

TameRacingDriver said:

I feel like you guys are right about the porsche being on another level. When I'm looking at other cars, they're just not really doing it for me, and feel like they'd be a bit of a come down no matter what I might try and persuade myself. I guess something like a BBR MX5 is the only thing that'll come close.

Mine was a facelift 2004 S 3.2, and was an amazing example albeit I paid strong money to get one like this. My fear now is that if the car is written off then I'm going to lose the money due to paying extra for a nice one because as you say you can get a good one for 7500 (I paid 10k).



It's not been confirmed and I'm still somewhat hopeful they will actually go ahead and do the work.

I haven't completely ruled out getting another one either. I feel I have unfinished business with it as I've only had it since September so haven't really driven it as much as I'd have liked.

The last pic I had of it before the incident, being used properly

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 16th February 10:53

What a shame. Really sorry to read about the situation. I do tend to gravitate back to them after brief dalliances elsewhere. A sorted one on fresh bushes really does offer a lot for the money and increasingly, they feel like the right amount of power for the road.

As good as MX-5s are, their engines just can't compete with the howls of the flat 6 variocam.

[edc]

Cars like a 130 or 330 are a totally different driving experience to a 986. If you're thinking more "weekend" car then I'd definitely avoid them. For what it's worth my first 986 was also written off within a relatively short period and I bought another. I could have "upgraded" but chose not to.

[isogorth]

I own a Swift Sport and an FN2 Type R. Would definitely recommend either.

[cerb4.5lee]

Gutted to hear that it is a potential write off TRD.

Wishing you all the best in finding something else.

I think that I'd be quite tempted to go in the GT86 direction.

[XR]

After reading the first few lines I was thinking Swift Sport and there it is at the top of your list, dependable, relatively cheap to run, no rust and fun to drive. New model is a modest 140bhp but I think 175 or so is just a chip away and its available in bright yellow lol!

[Networkgeek]

I really wouldn't recommend a Renault Clio RS200 after coming from a Porsche Boxster. I honestly think you will hate the car.

The Clio handles fantastically, I really enjoy hammering mine around a track. What I hate, is their sheer lack of comfort and low down torque. They're gutless below 4/5k RPM and let's be honest, not everyone wants to hammer their car constantly.

Also, build quality isn't amazing. The fancy Recaro seats aren't that comfortable and if you get a Cup pack then the suspension is rock hard.

But, if you like driving the pants off a car and not breaking the speed limit while doing so, then an RS200 is the car for you. They take abuse very well, have amazing handling, fantastic brakes (on the cup pack) and they sound good with a few mods.

I'm soon due to be retiring mine from daily driver to track days only.

[TameRacingDriver]

No updates today, I thought I'd have heard something by now, but maybe no news is good news. So I still don't know whether it'll be a write off...

KPB1973 said:

What a shame. Really sorry to read about the situation. I do tend to gravitate back to them after brief dalliances elsewhere. A sorted one on fresh bushes really does offer a lot for the money and increasingly, they feel like the right amount of power for the road.

As good as MX-5s are, their engines just can't compete with the howls of the flat 6 variocam.

Thanks mate. I'm quite gutted about it because as far as I know, mine was as close to perfect as I could find. I even had the coffin arms and top mounts done, and an alignment at a cost of nearly £700 only about 5 months ago. They checked the rest of the car and said it was 'exceptional'. It's quite hard to accept it may now end up in the crusher

And I wont rule out another, but the fact is, I'll be extremely lucky to find another as good as that one for a price I can now afford - because I ain't putting any extra money in.

edc said:

Cars like a 130 or 330 are a totally different driving experience to a 986. If you're thinking more "weekend" car then I'd definitely avoid them. For what it's worth my first 986 was also written off within a relatively short period and I bought another. I could have "upgraded" but chose not to.

I've had a Z4 Coupe Auto, it was decent actually but the autobox ruined it (and then packed up)...

I've also had an E36 and E46 328 so relatively close to say a 330, and you're right they're quite dull I thought. The E36 was the better steer of the two. I did wonder about the 325Ti, on the basis it's described as a mini M-car but I suspect that's over-zealous owners describing it as such, but I can imagine it'll be more fun than the full sized cars.

I am not ruling out another 986 either in honesty.

isogorth said:

I own a Swift Sport and an FN2 Type R. Would definitely recommend either.

I've owned the FN2 and thought it was unfairly maligned. With a Hondata Group N map it was hilarious, the VTEC kicks in at 3800 and limiter is now set at nearly 9000. Probably no quicker in reality, but it just felt like a bonkers N/A car straining at the leash without even driving that hard. Definitely recommend one of those to any Honda owner.

I'd be interested to hear how you feel the FN2 compares to the SSS.

cerb4.5lee said:

Gutted to hear that it is a potential write off TRD.

Wishing you all the best in finding something else.

I think that I'd be quite tempted to go in the GT86 direction.

Cheers Lee. It's gutting I do love the GT86 but can't help but feel the engine will be a dissapointment after the Boxster, and as you know, its not so much the performance that bothers me, but I can imagine it's going to feel and sound a bit wk compared to the Flat 6 in the Box, and I'll end up wanting to mod it, and when I can barely justify the entry price as is, I'm not sure. I'll have to drive one really.

XR said:

After reading the first few lines I was thinking Swift Sport and there it is at the top of your list, dependable, relatively cheap to run, no rust and fun to drive. New model is a modest 140bhp but I think 175 or so is just a chip away and its available in bright yellow lol!

Yep, they are quite appealing if I decide to just go with the cheap runabout route. I think the Boosterjet is beyond my justifiable budget though, having looked.

Networkgeek said:

I really wouldn't recommend a Renault Clio RS200 after coming from a Porsche Boxster. I honestly think you will hate the car.

The Clio handles fantastically, I really enjoy hammering mine around a track. What I hate, is their sheer lack of comfort and low down torque. They're gutless below 4/5k RPM and let's be honest, not everyone wants to hammer their car constantly.

Also, build quality isn't amazing. The fancy Recaro seats aren't that comfortable and if you get a Cup pack then the suspension is rock hard.

But, if you like driving the pants off a car and not breaking the speed limit while doing so, then an RS200 is the car for you. They take abuse very well, have amazing handling, fantastic brakes (on the cup pack) and they sound good with a few mods.

I'm soon due to be retiring mine from daily driver to track days only.

That's a shame, but I suspect you might be right. I have been fairly vocal on here that I reckon the 182 is a bit overrated personally having owned one before, but was hoping the 200 might be some kind of revelation. Maybe not. I do love the look of them though (for a hot hatch).

[RoVoFob]

TameRacingDriver said:

No updates today, I thought I'd have heard something by now, but maybe no news is good news. So I still don't know whether it'll be a write off...

edc said:

Cars like a 130 or 330 are a totally different driving experience to a 986. If you're thinking more "weekend" car then I'd definitely avoid them.

I've had a Z4 Coupe Auto, it was decent actually but the autobox ruined it (and then packed up)...

I've also had an E36 and E46 328 so relatively close to say a 330, and you're right they're quite dull I thought. The E36 was the better steer of the two. I did wonder about the 325Ti, on the basis it's described as a mini M-car but I suspect that's over-zealous owners describing it as such, but I can imagine it'll be more fun than the full sized cars.

I am not ruling out another 986 either in honesty.

Sorry to hear things are dragging out. Hope that’s good news.

I run my 130i as a “weekend” car. I far prefer it to any two-seater convertible - these things all depend on what you’re after, so don’t rule it out if it works for you.

I had a manual 325ti followed by three manual 130is. The 130i is a far better drive; it’s 30kg lighter, has 72hp and 51lb ft more plus improved steering feel and better front seats (all of mine were Sport/M Sport).

I love the stubby look of the 325ti and it sounds amazing, but the 130i is a much better car. Think ex-F1 driver Marc Gene branded the 325ti as a mini-M3 in Top Gear mag when they had a long termer. The 325ti does have much shorter gears than other 325is - and six gears in facelift form (which no other 325is have) - and very wide tyres for its weight/power, so it does invite you to drive it hard…