Like a 200sx, but newer?
Discussion
I'm trying to think of something more recent that ticks the same sort of boxes as my old S13 200SXs did (and, no, not an S14!)
Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
defblade said:
Shedding said:
If you don't need back seats, 987 Cayman
A Boxster isn't even close to fitting me - is the cayman better?Closest thing that came to my modified s14 was a stock e92 M3.. OK, it wasn't an S13, but the M3, out of the box, felt like everything I was trying to achieve with every modification I made to my s14 (apart from being too quiet!)
Even the HK audio made the aftermarket stuff from the 200 seem unrefined.
It struck an amazing balance between cruising and becoming a b-road weapon. Within limits ofcourse, but the 200sx suffered from similar limits anyway.
2+2, relatively practical and available with a manual!
The M3 would be out of budget, but perhaps a 335i with a few choice options. Not sure if non-M cars have EDC, but for me it's what made the car such a good all rounder.
The M3 didn't have the sudden rush of acceleration given the linear power delivery, but the 335i might be able to address that +some.
Bmws don't have that Japanese charm, but it's a good compromise. However, there is quite a large aftermarket scene for 335s, so not all is lost and you can make it as sharp as you want.
Even the HK audio made the aftermarket stuff from the 200 seem unrefined.
It struck an amazing balance between cruising and becoming a b-road weapon. Within limits ofcourse, but the 200sx suffered from similar limits anyway.
2+2, relatively practical and available with a manual!
The M3 would be out of budget, but perhaps a 335i with a few choice options. Not sure if non-M cars have EDC, but for me it's what made the car such a good all rounder.
The M3 didn't have the sudden rush of acceleration given the linear power delivery, but the 335i might be able to address that +some.
Bmws don't have that Japanese charm, but it's a good compromise. However, there is quite a large aftermarket scene for 335s, so not all is lost and you can make it as sharp as you want.
Billy_Rosewood said:
Closest thing that came to my modified s14 was a stock e92 M3.. OK, it wasn't an S13, but the M3, out of the box, felt like everything I was trying to achieve with every modification I made to my s14 (apart from being too quiet!)
Even the HK audio made the aftermarket stuff from the 200 seem unrefined.
It struck an amazing balance between cruising and becoming a b-road weapon. Within limits ofcourse, but the 200sx suffered from similar limits anyway.
2+2, relatively practical and available with a manual!
The M3 would be out of budget, but perhaps a 335i with a few choice options. Not sure if non-M cars have EDC, but for me it's what made the car such a good all rounder.
The M3 didn't have the sudden rush of acceleration given the linear power delivery, but the 335i might be able to address that +some.
Bmws don't have that Japanese charm, but it's a good compromise. However, there is quite a large aftermarket scene for 335s, so not all is lost and you can make it as sharp as you want.
333i , or maybe even 435i coupe is a good shout. Manuals will be rare though and don't come with an LSD as standard. Even the HK audio made the aftermarket stuff from the 200 seem unrefined.
It struck an amazing balance between cruising and becoming a b-road weapon. Within limits ofcourse, but the 200sx suffered from similar limits anyway.
2+2, relatively practical and available with a manual!
The M3 would be out of budget, but perhaps a 335i with a few choice options. Not sure if non-M cars have EDC, but for me it's what made the car such a good all rounder.
The M3 didn't have the sudden rush of acceleration given the linear power delivery, but the 335i might be able to address that +some.
Bmws don't have that Japanese charm, but it's a good compromise. However, there is quite a large aftermarket scene for 335s, so not all is lost and you can make it as sharp as you want.
I had two S13s, a year in a Silvia then four with a 180SX. Hard to think of anything as small and sporting which can take two bicycles in the back.
Test drove a GT86 - these do feel similar but better to drive and are a similar envelope, but the engine is totally gutless compared to any CA or SR. But probably the closest thing, perhaps an aftermarket seat could help? Also not a hatchback if that matters.
Had a 350Z for a year, didn't do it for me. Felt much less responsive and connected than the S13 and odd clutch feel. Totally impractical in terms of luggage space for its size, if that's part of what you need.
RX-8 will handle better but be slower.
I think a BMW is a good bet, probably the closest thing. I'd consider a 1 or 2 series as well.
The other option is to give up the RWD and get a hot hatch, which is what most people had as a fun only car at the stage of life when us cognoscenti had S13s and S14s
Test drove a GT86 - these do feel similar but better to drive and are a similar envelope, but the engine is totally gutless compared to any CA or SR. But probably the closest thing, perhaps an aftermarket seat could help? Also not a hatchback if that matters.
Had a 350Z for a year, didn't do it for me. Felt much less responsive and connected than the S13 and odd clutch feel. Totally impractical in terms of luggage space for its size, if that's part of what you need.
RX-8 will handle better but be slower.
I think a BMW is a good bet, probably the closest thing. I'd consider a 1 or 2 series as well.
The other option is to give up the RWD and get a hot hatch, which is what most people had as a fun only car at the stage of life when us cognoscenti had S13s and S14s
defblade said:
I'm trying to think of something more recent that ticks the same sort of boxes as my old S13 200SXs did (and, no, not an S14!)
Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
A 370Z would be my pick, they're heavier but they handle well & will get under your skin.Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
Convetible (Cerb will be able to give you a good insight into ownership) personally I prefer the coupes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407061...
Coupe:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406070...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406221...
Hot hatch wise the one that could do everything you're looking for is the Astra GTC VXR:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
bennno said:
125i / 135i coupe
125i has 3L straight six, 135i has the same with twin turbos.
125i has 3L straight six, 135i has the same with twin turbos.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
£8800, manual three-door. Got to be the closest to a modern S13 in terms of being a hatch, RWD, turbo, not too big footprint. Also seem to have quite a tuning scene like the S-bodies back in the day. Plus you get an I6 instead of an I4 engine. Doesn't look as good but otherwise probably as close as it gets?
Lady near me has an M135... I have been strangely attracted (to the car!)
I am currently looking at 3 series as well; no great need for luggage space but I do like a convertible, even if no-one else in the family does. And I've had an E46 320 vert before, which was simply a nice car with the roof up, not nice-for-a-convertible (but not quick. At all.)
On the fitting in front - I've got a long back and "normal" legs, so headroom is usually my challenge, especially in anything vaguely sporty.
Seems like a small(ish) BM with a big engine is very much the way to go then
I am currently looking at 3 series as well; no great need for luggage space but I do like a convertible, even if no-one else in the family does. And I've had an E46 320 vert before, which was simply a nice car with the roof up, not nice-for-a-convertible (but not quick. At all.)
On the fitting in front - I've got a long back and "normal" legs, so headroom is usually my challenge, especially in anything vaguely sporty.
Seems like a small(ish) BM with a big engine is very much the way to go then
ZX10R NIN said:
defblade said:
I'm trying to think of something more recent that ticks the same sort of boxes as my old S13 200SXs did (and, no, not an S14!)
Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
A 370Z would be my pick, they're heavier but they handle well & will get under your skin.Handles well but refined on a cruise, quick when asked but easy to drive when not pushing on, low/sporty but comfortable seating, small-ish footprint but a decent amount of room... basically a GT-lite, or sports/tourer.
Any ideas for something more up-to-date... but not toooooo recent as I'm on a budget of maybe £8-9k tops!
I can only really think of the GT86/BRZ which is just dipping into budget, but sadly they're too small for me at 6' 4"...
Convetible (Cerb will be able to give you a good insight into ownership) personally I prefer the coupes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407061...
Coupe:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406070...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406221...
Hot hatch wise the one that could do everything you're looking for is the Astra GTC VXR:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
I've had my 370Z Roadster for over 5 years, and I also love it to bits. The 370Z is obviously heavier and more of a GT, however they do drive/steer well though. Plus if you're that way inclined they will also do the silly sideways stuff like the 200 enjoyed doing too.
I'd definitely try a 370Z Coupe to see what you think.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff