fun, engaging car I can use everyday - GR86? M2?

[markblack]

I'm sure this has been asked many many time, so apologies, but just wanted to start a thread to see what advice the good folks of PH could offer me...

a bit of back story.

So for years I drove a BMW E39 530D and I loved it. Still have it, should sell it but I'd miss the old thing.

I decided and I wanted to try a Porsche and (brace yourself) I bought a really nice Panamera Turbo. What a car... turns heads, fast, a really nice place to be. However I feel I've done that and I want to try something new.

For years (about 15) I never changed my car (the E39) and now I'm keen to try something new.

But I want something a bit less full on - the Pan is amazing, I did a drive from London to Aberdeen in it and it was so good at that - and I was working from home so I didn't use it all the time - it's also a big old wagon - but now I need a bit more of a "daily" car (sorry for the youtube expression) but I still want something fun.

I would like a car 3 people can travel in - even if the back is tight (GR86)...
I would like something that isin't too crashy - the pot hole is king around here...
I don't need speed - but more the feeling of being engaed is what I like...
Something not too "boy racer"

What should I be looking at with say a £20k and £30k budget???

Hope the above makes some sense?

Thanks in advance.

Edited by markblack on Monday 19th February 23:05

[Super Sonic]

Civic type R

[samoht]

Also consider the Giulia QF at the top end, Jag XE V6 at the lower end

[snorkel sucker]

Seems to be that you have a strong bond with your BMW so for that budget;

M2
M4

[markblack]

snorkel sucker said:

Seems to be that you have a strong bond with your BMW so for that budget;

M2
M4

I do like my BM's - and I would love to try and M car - I also just want something that's not too big, I think I need to test drive an M2

[markblack]

thanks for the suggestions so far...

[keo]

Super Sonic said:

Civic type R

Have you seen the state of them! He said not too “boy racer”

As competent as they are I don’t think it’s what the op is after! GR86 does sound perfect for what he’s after. M2 as said or how about a Lotus Evora 2+2 the rear seats can’t be much worse than a gr86 can they?

If it’s driving pleasure you want the Lotus will drive the best.

[markblack]

keo said:

Have you seen the state of them! He said not too “boy racer”

As competent as they are I don’t think it’s what the op is after! GR86 does sound perfect for what he’s after. M2 as said or how about a Lotus Evora 2+2 the rear seats can’t be much worse than a gr86 can they?

If it’s driving pleasure you want the Lotus will drive the best.

thank for that - i did edit the post to add "not too boy racer" so the civic wasn't a bad shout considering I changed the brief

thanks for those suggestions...

[keo]

Re reading my post it comes across a bit arsey! Was t meant that way.

[RD-1]

So many options at this budget OP, but when you say engaging, what engages you?

Handling?, manual?, noise?, can it be older?, something you can tinker with?

[CG2020UK]

An M2 is basically king at this the end of the market.

Seriously quick, bags of fun, special and raw. Can do a trackday at the weekends and then take the kids to the school the next day.

OG M2 N55 cars are very reliable, lighter, sounds miles better, more raw and is better to drive. M2 Comp has nicer seats, better for tuning and the extra weight gives a nicer ride so it more mini M4.

It’s a very Jekyll and Hyde car capable of being a complete hooligan burning tyres or being a track weapon and brilliant to handle on the limit.

Big if however in your requirements is that the M2 is a very stiff car! Certainly test drive one as it could be too crashy for you. M4 doesn’t drive as well especially on the limit but has adaptive dampeners which makes it less crashy and worth a look at.

Impossible not to be a fan of an M2 if you are a car person and drive one.

[Belle427]

Im in a similar postion and have looked at the GR86, Type R, M2 and the Focus RS.
I think ive ruled out the GR86 as it isnt really exciting me.
The Type R is a tough one though as if you can get past the looks its a fantastic drivers car.
At the moment im leaning toward the Focus only because i think the 4wd will be a benefit to everyday driving enjoyment but my head is saying M2 all day long.

[LowTread]

Had an OG M2.

Yes they're a great jack of all trades a bit like a hot hatch.

Big enough in the back for older kids. Comfy enough, but the ride is a bit crashy.

Good for hooning around in, but also quite good at commuting.

I carried bikes on the roof of mine too.

With the back seats down you can easily fit a bike in the back with the front wheel off. Even a large e-bike fits.

They're very loud. I wouldn't want one now as i'm frequently up and out at 5:30am and live in quite a tightly packed street. When i had mine i lived away from other houses so it wasn't a problem, but damn it was LOUD on cold start.

I still miss it, but i don't miss the running costs. BMW warranty is as expensive as any other M car. Tax isn't cheap. And 28-30mpg avg gets a bit tiring when it's only a 10 gallon tank. About 300 miles between fill ups.

Lovely looking things though.

[markblack]

LowTread said:

Had an OG M2.

Yes they're a great jack of all trades a bit like a hot hatch.

Big enough in the back for older kids. Comfy enough, but the ride is a bit crashy.

Good for hooning around in, but also quite good at commuting.

I carried bikes on the roof of mine too.

With the back seats down you can easily fit a bike in the back with the front wheel off. Even a large e-bike fits.

They're very loud. I wouldn't want one now as i'm frequently up and out at 5:30am and live in quite a tightly packed street. When i had mine i lived away from other houses so it wasn't a problem, but damn it was LOUD on cold start.

I still miss it, but i don't miss the running costs. BMW warranty is as expensive as any other M car. Tax isn't cheap. And 28-30mpg avg gets a bit tiring when it's only a 10 gallon tank. About 300 miles between fill ups.

Lovely looking things though.

Thanks for that - very helpful.

I went to look at an M2 today - just to sit in one and see what it was like size wise - no test drive yet.

Worst thing I did was drive my Panamera there - It's no M2 for size and I'm sure driving feel - but what a car... maybe I'm making a mistake!!!

Is it just me or does the M2 feel very basic inside? maybe that's a good thing?

and here's a pic of my (ugly) porsche as posts are better with pics.

Edited by markblack on Tuesday 20th February 15:38

[esuuv]

A Cayman and a train ticket for someone....

[Belle427]

The interior is a bit bland but your not buying it for that really.
I would guess your going to be disappointed with most stuff after the Pork.

[markblack]

Belle427 said:

The interior is a bit bland but your not buying it for that really.
I would guess your going to be disappointed with most stuff after the Pork.

I hear ya.

[markblack]

RD-1 said:

So many options at this budget OP, but when you say engaging, what engages you?

Handling?, manual?, noise?, can it be older?, something you can tinker with?

That's a very good question and one i should of answered better in the OP. Cheers.

It's not about speed, just more fun, getting a bit more connected, doesn't have to be shouty. Basically something to put a smile on my face on a drive home from the train station... And can fit a little in the back without squeezing him in. (I think that rules the GR86 out)

I kind of did gob older with the panamera, it's a 2010
The reason I retired my e39 was it was 2000 and thing were just starting to play up more. Plus it was a diesel ULEZ etc.

[markblack]

esuuv said:

A Cayman and a train ticket for someone....

If i bought a Cayman my Mrs would be very happy... As would me little lad... I on the other hand would be the one with the train ticket

[Hippea]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16159236