Need help: Fun daily for under £9k. What do I look at?!

[Bammj]

Hi PH community,

New member here but a regular forum contributor elsewhere in the Porsche community. I just sold my beloved 987.2 manual Cayman S.

As such, I'm looking for a new car. Whereas the Cayman was 'my' car, this time my gf and I are going twos in. We're saving for a house and plan to apply for a mortgage in 18 months or so, which means PCP and finance is out.

We've got about £9k to play with so going down the used route, and it only needs to see us through for the next 18-24 months before we are sorted. After this we'll up budgets and find something newer.

That said, for the £9k we still want something fun to drive, that we can be relatively proud to own. Not saying a shed is completely out of the mix, but even a shed can be fun if you pick the right one! Makes you appreciate the thing next too.

Can you help me by suggesting some makes and models you would look into buying based off the criteria below? We have been looking for a good few weeks now but honestly feeling lost...there are so many directions to go in.

Here's a list of what we ideally want:

- Under £9k
- Over 150hp, ideally over 200hp
- Comfortable ands cruisey when required
- Nice interior, the more modern the better
- Reliable engine, don't want huge bills every 6 months – the porka gave me that!
- Not worried about mileage but obv lower the better
- Automatic – but manual would be okay
- We like the idea of a convertible, but not a deal-breaker
- Gf does love an SUV (as you'll see)

And here's what's made the shortlist so far:
- BMW e90 330i (N52) or 335i (N55)
- BMW e93 330i/335i (N53/54, for my sins)
- Merc e350
- Audi S5 sportback or cab
- VW Golf GTI mk5/6
- Volvo XC90
- Mazda CX-5
- Skoda Karoq

I've done a ton of research on some but not others. Mainly the bimmers. Not many 330i/335i examples around with an amazing SH and set of paperwork. I've been put off a bit by the bills, but guess the e350 and S5 might be the same so may need to stomach that and factor in.

Finally, and thanks for reading this far, a few 'sheds' to add to the mix:
- Lexus IS250 pre-2013
- Honda Civic
- Curveball – a VW VR6 4motion is for sale down the road from me at £4k

My gf won't under any circumstances buy something that is an absolute stbox for £500 or so, running the risk of being stranded or a car that is a bit ropey...ie Vauxhalls, Fords, old Quashquais, micras, etc. Suzuki Swift, Panda 100, VXR are all out too.

As you can tell, lots of varied options and need some help narrowing this down. PH...we need you.

Thanks in advance!

[keo]

Mx5 or fiesta st?

I’d get something cheap and put the extra in the house deposit though for now.

[ThingsBehindTheSun]

Bammj said:

My gf won't under any circumstances buy something that is an absolute stbox for £500 or so, running the risk of being stranded or a car that is a bit ropey...ie Vauxhalls, Fords, old Quashquais, micras, etc. Suzuki Swift, Panda 100, VXR are all out too.

I have it on good authority that no old BMW or Audi has ever broken down or suffered a catastrophic engine failure costing thousands to repair.

[coldel]

Megane RS?

[Bammj]

Should add, the reason I sold the Cayman was because we want a bit more room and four seats. It was an amazing whip but on 19" wheels the ride was so firm...we travel up to the Midlands a fair bit where the roads are in the countryside, and started using it as a daily so it became impractical. No matter how much I loved it!

So MX-5 would give the same issues I think, but a good shout if I had another cruiser. ST....gf hates it .

[E17KRY]

Mk2 Audi TT or TTS could be a decent shout.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403137...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406020...

I had the 3.2 coupe and I enjoyed it, the back seats are pointless though. It has a suprisingly large boot especially with the back seats down

E class Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...

I had one of these and they're a nice place to be

4 Series

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405300...

Jaguar XK

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...

Mini Cooper S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402236...

[CG2020UK]

Peugeot 208 GTI Prestige might be an option

[PositronicRay]

Mercedes CLK
Convertible
Comfortable
4 seater
Automatic
Decent engine range
+ some money left over

Only minus is not the most involving diving experience, but you can't have everything, right?

[ChrisH72]

I've just moved from a Fiesta ST3 to an mx5 RF. Both great cars but if you want something comfy with good cruising ability then I think not.

I had an E92 325i with the N53 engine which I ran for 3 years. Nice car but the interior isn't really all that modern. We'll built though. It did unfortunately throw some large bills.

I think you're on the right lines with something like the S5 cabriolet.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050995...

I had a good look at one of these recently. It's very nice inside and I had no difficulty getting into the back seats. There seems to be plenty around at your budget. Might not be the cheapest to run but it should be better than a Porsche.

[Bammj]

I have to admit I'm really tempted by the S5. Looks somehow more modern despite being the same age bracket as the bimmer 3 series at the same price point. Cab would be mega fun too.

MX-5 RF is a great car. If I hadn't had the Porsche, I'd probably be tempted by that too.

Would prefer a petrol, btw.

The Merc...yeah, I'll look into that too. Though if it has two seats it will be veto'd by the other half...

[PositronicRay]

Bammj said:

I have to admit I'm really tempted by the S5. Looks somehow more modern despite being the same age bracket as the bimmer 3 series at the same price point. Cab would be mega fun too.

MX-5 RF is a great car. If I hadn't had the Porsche, I'd probably be tempted by that too.

Would prefer a petrol, btw.

The Merc...yeah, I'll look into that too. Though if it has two seats it will be veto'd by the other half...

CLK is a proper 4 seater, not elegant entry or exit to the back, but comfy and sculptured.

Edited by PositronicRay on Thursday 13th June 14:53

[SWoll]

If you are considering the CLK/E-Class cabriolet the how about the 6 series? Better looking, better engine and far nicer inside than the Mercs IMHO.



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406010...

[culpz]

If saving for a house and freeing up cash is key, you could get something like a decent FN2 Type R for 5k. I got rid of mine start of the year for an E92 325i SE auto and I do regret it. So, much so, I'm looking at getting rid and getting another. It's a nice cruiser, but that's about it. It has cost a fair bit so far and needs a bit more spending still for me to be happy with it. Even, then, it's just not got that fun factor to it, so I just don't feel like spending on it to still be unhappy with what it offers.

They are good cars though, just not for me. A 330i would be a better option, but I'd still go for an N52 and not an N53, which means having an older car (mine's N52).

[RoVoFob]

Bammj said:

- Under £9k
- Over 150hp, ideally over 200hp
- Comfortable ands cruisey when required
- Nice interior, the more modern the better
- Reliable engine, don't want huge bills every 6 months – the porka gave me that!
- Not worried about mileage but obv lower the better
- Automatic – but manual would be okay
- We like the idea of a convertible, but not a deal-breaker
- Gf does love an SUV (as you'll see)

And here's what's made the shortlist so far:
- BMW e90 330i (N52) or 335i (N55)
- BMW e93 330i/335i (N53/54, for my sins)
- Merc e350
- Audi S5 sportback or cab
- VW Golf GTI mk5/6
- Volvo XC90
- Mazda CX-5
- Skoda Karoq

I have to admit I'm really tempted by the S5. Looks somehow more modern despite being the same age bracket as the bimmer 3 series at the same price point. Cab would be mega fun too.

2011 Audi S5 Sportback owner here and had a BMW 130i until a month ago. The N52 in the BMW is a very good engine, torquey, revs well, economical and reliable. However, I imagine it’s less impressive in the heavier 3 Series. I used my 130i as a family car for a while with a young son and apart from failing to accommodate a bassinet and pram base when he was young, it was more than practical enough and still enjoyable to drive, though better as an enjoyable and affordable car than a modern one to covet. The 3 Series is probably slightly nicer inside, though bigger, heavier and probably less analogue in feel.

I love the S5 as a practical and fun everyday car; it feels tactile and good quality and both modern and still reasonably analogue. I bought my very late pre-facelift model (so still has hydraulic steering and less eco gubbins) with less than 90k miles and a very good spec for less than £10k in September - most typical equivalents would be sub-£9k now, though most have a more basic specification, which may or may not bother you.

Mine is on 18-wheels and has adaptive suspension, so is more comfortable than most, but I find it both comfy and enjoyable to drive. It’s a really nice place to be and feels like a good all-rounder for the money if you want a mix of performance, usability, quality and equipment - optional B&O speakers are common and sound very good, the media system is mostly fine and feels modern enough with the optional nav/Tech Pack but still has easy-to-use physical controls and while the S5 isn’t bulletproof, mine has been pretty robust so far.

[Bammj]

SWoll said:

If you are considering the CLK/E-Class cabriolet the how about the 6 series? Better looking, better engine and far nicer inside than the Mercs IMHO.

Yeah, we looked at those…do like them, just not in love with them, if that makes sense? I think they look a bit dated now.

[Bammj]

culpz said:

If saving for a house and freeing up cash is key, you could get something like a decent FN2 Type R for 5k. I got rid of mine start of the year for an E92 325i SE auto and I do regret it. So, much so, I'm looking at getting rid and getting another. It's a nice cruiser, but that's about it. It has cost a fair bit so far and needs a bit more spending still for me to be happy with it. Even, then, it's just not got that fun factor to it, so I just don't feel like spending on it to still be unhappy with what it offers.

They are good cars though, just not for me. A 330i would be a better option, but I'd still go for an N52 and not an N53, which means having an older car (mine's N52).

Yeah, we considered the 325i but concluded it wouldn’t have enough poke or noise. I guess the 330i solves that but compared to an S5 or S4 Avant, it does seem a bit dated in the cabin? The B8 has really held up well.

What is an FN2?

[Bammj]

RoVoFob said:

Bammj said:

- Under £9k
- Over 150hp, ideally over 200hp
- Comfortable ands cruisey when required
- Nice interior, the more modern the better
- Reliable engine, don't want huge bills every 6 months – the porka gave me that!
- Not worried about mileage but obv lower the better
- Automatic – but manual would be okay
- We like the idea of a convertible, but not a deal-breaker
- Gf does love an SUV (as you'll see)

And here's what's made the shortlist so far:
- BMW e90 330i (N52) or 335i (N55)
- BMW e93 330i/335i (N53/54, for my sins)
- Merc e350
- Audi S5 sportback or cab
- VW Golf GTI mk5/6
- Volvo XC90
- Mazda CX-5
- Skoda Karoq

I have to admit I'm really tempted by the S5. Looks somehow more modern despite being the same age bracket as the bimmer 3 series at the same price point. Cab would be mega fun too.

2011 Audi S5 Sportback owner here and had a BMW 130i until a month ago. The N52 in the BMW is a very good engine, torquey, revs well, economical and reliable. However, I imagine it’s less impressive in the heavier 3 Series. I used my 130i as a family car for a while with a young son and apart from failing to accommodate a bassinet and pram base when he was young, it was more than practical enough and still enjoyable to drive, though better as an enjoyable and affordable car than a modern one to covet. The 3 Series is probably slightly nicer inside, though bigger, heavier and probably less analogue in feel.

I love the S5 as a practical and fun everyday car; it feels tactile and good quality and both modern and still reasonably analogue. I bought my very late pre-facelift model (so still has hydraulic steering and less eco gubbins) with less than 90k miles and a very good spec for less than £10k in September - most typical equivalents would be sub-£9k now, though most have a more basic specification, which may or may not bother you.

Mine is on 18-wheels and has adaptive suspension, so is more comfortable than most, but I find it both comfy and enjoyable to drive. It’s a really nice place to be and feels like a good all-rounder for the money if you want a mix of performance, usability, quality and equipment - optional B&O speakers are common and sound very good, the media system is mostly fine and feels modern enough with the optional nav/Tech Pack but still has easy-to-use physical controls and while the S5 isn’t bulletproof, mine has been pretty robust so far.

Really interesting, thanks. That is the exact MY S5 I would love to own, and sportback too. Insurance is coming out at £1400 though, compared to £700 on a cabriolet V6. Is it worth the extra dollar? Did you consider the cab?

I’ve heard they can all be money pits but equally plenty of stories out there on hassle free ownership. I found one that has just had the timing chain done and it’s on 100k miles…but that’s the penny insurance quote!

[culpz]

Bammj said:

culpz said:

If saving for a house and freeing up cash is key, you could get something like a decent FN2 Type R for 5k. I got rid of mine start of the year for an E92 325i SE auto and I do regret it. So, much so, I'm looking at getting rid and getting another. It's a nice cruiser, but that's about it. It has cost a fair bit so far and needs a bit more spending still for me to be happy with it. Even, then, it's just not got that fun factor to it, so I just don't feel like spending on it to still be unhappy with what it offers.

They are good cars though, just not for me. A 330i would be a better option, but I'd still go for an N52 and not an N53, which means having an older car (mine's N52).

Yeah, we considered the 325i but concluded it wouldn’t have enough poke or noise. I guess the 330i solves that but compared to an S5 or S4 Avant, it does seem a bit dated in the cabin? The B8 has really held up well.

What is an FN2?

I only went for the 325i because I couldn't find any decent example N52 330i autos in budget. They seem quite rare now. But, yeah, the 325 ain't bad but it does feel quite flat and does need that extra poke. Noise though, both will be quiet, unless the exhaust has been played about with. Almost sounds like a diesel on startup.

Audi interiors are much nicer but they will be a bit "meh" to drive compared to a BMW. As painful as BMW ownership can be, VAG cars really don't seem to do well as the miles pile on.

It's the unloved shape of the Civic Type R, so the "spaceship" one that Clarkson hated, after the EP3. However, they're bargains now for what you get. Mine definitely surprised me, not being a huge Honda fan, but I get it now.

[ZX10R NIN]

G37:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301253...

E500 Coupe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406050...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405159...

S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406070...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404068...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404259...

328i GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405209...

[M.F.D]

I would be looking at these personally,

Megane 250 Cup
BMW 130i
Z4 3.0si