Fun car, up to 20-ish K

Fun car, up to 20-ish K

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Otispunkmeyer

Original Poster:

13,037 posts

162 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
This might be a long one because I guess my tastes are quite broad! Here goes.

What I do know is this car will be a toy/weekend/fun car. It will never be a daily driver.

The car will be used for driving on nice days, with my daughter, maybe I might take it on a long road trip with "the lads" a couple of times so it does need a decent comfort level. As such I've decided that it will very preferable if its a convertible because In my head I've got it that it will be just a bit more fun.

The first sticking point comes: Roadster or 2+2? my thoughts are that now my little girl is old enough to sit in the front, that it can be something we do, just me and her (or her and mum). But I got thinking that the option to enjoy it, all 3 of us, is gone if the car is strictly a 2-seater. So I think I would be prepared to go 2+2 so long as the thing was still fun to drive and didn't become too floppy.

Gearbox: well I'd lean toward an auto so long as it was good auto.

The next problem is choice! There is a heck of a lot of choice! Here are some of the things I've gotten on to a list (in no particular order):

Abarth 124 Spider - I do not fit in an ND MX-5 so unsure about how well I'd fit here. I'm 6ft 3. They do sound great though. However, I'd probably have to budget for some lower seat rails (if thats a thing) and maybe a stage1 map to bring about 190 bhp. Many seem to comment that stock performance just leaves you wanting a little more.

BMW Z4 35iS - Not sure about these. Don't know why. You don't see many about which I like, at least not here, but then maybe there is a reason for this?

BMW M240i convertible - Slightly left of field and actually seems like a nice half-way house given its not a particularly large car. Would allow everyone to come along. B58 engine is great and the ZF-8speed is good too. I think I'd have to find one with the sports exhaust.

Audi TT 3.2 V6 Roadster (MK1)- Love the original TT design, its really one of my favourites and it looks just as good today as it did when it was new. I'd probably be up for paying a bit more for a nicely preserved one. However, it is a 20 year old car and I know many of the V6 ones came with the DSG box...how well does a 20 year old DSG hold up?

Ford Mustang GT - Ticks the V8 box, but it would stretch the budget for a more recent RHD one. I think there is a yellow 2016 GT near me but its £26k. Otherwise I'd have to deal with LHD, which I wouldn't mind. I think I'd actually be happy with a 3.7 V6 as well as you still get the looks and it sill sounds great because its not a 4-cylinder!

Jag XK- Ticks the V8 box I suppose and they do sound excellent. They're bit old-man-golfclub which I am willing to look past. The wife? maybe less so.

Nissan 370Z convertible - Left field choice, but older than I thought? There don't seem to be many newer than about 2011. But its got a beefy 3.7 V6 and it looks great in the right colour.

Honda S2000 - Another modern classic, prices are wild, but they're not going to make 4-cyl NA screamers like that anymore are they?


Any others? I know I know ... the elephant in the room is the Porsche Boxster. Its the obvious choice. But that is kinda the reason I don't want one and besides the wife simply doesn't like the way any Porsches looks. There are also 3/4 series BMWs but I think the 2-series would probably work better as its smaller. There are also M4 convertibles and Audi RS5 convertibles in price range, but more owners than the village bike and I am not sure I want to be paying silly insurance premiums.





jamesbilluk

3,974 posts

190 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
How about a Z3M roadster?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309111...

It shouldn't loose much value either

Or the E46 M3 convertible, certainly less around than the M4
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15816024

snotrag

14,928 posts

218 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
You've got a real range of cars there, my thoughts having had similar cars and similar usage for some years:

Make sure the roof comes off. It makes such a big difference for a weekend car, and I will fight anyone to the death who claims that the 'lack of torsional rigidity....' etc etc. simply not an issue these days, and I'd take the open roof over a 1% improvement on the 1 trackday I do every few years even if it were true.

Fiat 124 IS an ND MX-5 with a different engine and bodykit, Interior is identical, so unfortunately if you dont fit the Mazda, you wont fit the Fiat.

Dont buy a 'regular' 4 seater BMW 2, 3 or 4 series. They are very good cars but feel very, very 'normal'. E46 M3 above is a good choice though as its old enough now.

Mustang, XK (you could easily get an XKR) and the Nissan are great choices - they all have character, and feel like 'weekend' cars.

Try a Boxster. You are right in line for a really, really nice 987. Finding one with a slightly more interesting colour or spec is key, there are far too many dull ones. They are the obvious choice for a reason.

370Z is a real brute, like a Japanese Muscle Car, and quite easy to look after and maintain, just keep putting fuel in. Roadsters are rare but great fun, I was very tempted by one I test drove.


I currently have a BMW Z4M Roadster - I would highly reccomend. Technically 'worse' than all the newer BMW options you have suggested but far more character, and an engine you simply cannot get anyhting like these days. I also had a 986 in the past hence me not getting a 987.

Having driven a number of S2000's, the M roadster really is like an S3200 - massive revs, and the sound is glorious.


Based on your 2+2 and auto leanings, I would strongly reccomend getting a go in a nicely specced Jaguar XK or XKR - they feel very special, monumental engines, really 'feel good' in a way that an Audi TT or such will never be.


TLDR - If your buying a 'special car' (and you can very much afford to with 20K) make sure its special, not just slightly more sporty version of something very dull. Dont be afraid to look at cars a bit older.


TameRacingDriver

18,550 posts

279 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Abarth 124 - quite like these, but for up to £20k I'd be more tempted to get an ND and a trip to BBR for a supercharger or turbo. Much more fun I'd imagine.

Z4 35i - not bad looking cars but for £20k I'd rather a Z4M (coupe or Roadster), just that bit more special for me.

M240i - not quite special enough for me. I'd rather spend a little more and go for an M2.

TT MK1 V6 - Drove one, boring. Also no way would I spend £20k on one. Get a TTRS instead.

Mustang - agree that I wouldn't want a LHD personally, and the RHD ones are expensive for what they are. I'd look into a Monaro VXR instead.

Jag XK - Like these but are we getting close to F Type territory for £20k?. If you do though make sure you get an XKR 5.0.

370Z - yes as long as it's a nismo.

S2000 - cool car but I've never quite been sure they're particularly amazing to drive, with the exception of the engine and gearbox.

What about an Elise 111S or a VX220 turbo?

Decky_Q

1,656 posts

184 months

Monday 16th September
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What about Bentley Conti GT? would take that over the mustang for my V8 kick. While they were very expensive to maintain when new, there are work arounds now for most issues. Friend had one a while ago and it's on my list.

Stick Legs

5,916 posts

172 months

cerb4.5lee

33,614 posts

187 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Some great choices there OP I reckon. I've had my 370Z Roadster for almost 6 years now and I still really like it. It isn't standard in the noise department though, and that helps a lot with why I love it so much I think.

I really like your V8 5.0 Mustang suggestion too. thumbup

I've got 2 kids and my missus, and I've still managed with only 2 seats in the 370Z/Caterham though. So 2 seaters are definitely doable I think. Although a 2+2 would enable you to take everyone out in fairness.

Otispunkmeyer

Original Poster:

13,037 posts

162 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
jamesbilluk said:
How about a Z3M roadster?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309111...

It shouldn't loose much value either

Or the E46 M3 convertible, certainly less around than the M4
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15816024
Oh they are very nice aren't they and those 3.2 sixes are sublime. I can just hear the insurance guy rubbing his hands together though! I'm going to run these two through compare the market and just see what the damage is. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised!

jamesbilluk

3,974 posts

190 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Otispunkmeyer said:
Oh they are very nice aren't they and those 3.2 sixes are sublime. I can just hear the insurance guy rubbing his hands together though! I'm going to run these two through compare the market and just see what the damage is. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised!


Definitely worth a go I think smile May not be too bad!

They do sound fantastic, and shouldn't loose much value on them too.

Otispunkmeyer

Original Poster:

13,037 posts

162 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
TameRacingDriver said:
Abarth 124 - quite like these, but for up to £20k I'd be more tempted to get an ND and a trip to BBR for a supercharger or turbo. Much more fun I'd imagine.

Z4 35i - not bad looking cars but for £20k I'd rather a Z4M (coupe or Roadster), just that bit more special for me.

M240i - not quite special enough for me. I'd rather spend a little more and go for an M2.

TT MK1 V6 - Drove one, boring. Also no way would I spend £20k on one. Get a TTRS instead.

Mustang - agree that I wouldn't want a LHD personally, and the RHD ones are expensive for what they are. I'd look into a Monaro VXR instead.

Jag XK - Like these but are we getting close to F Type territory for £20k?. If you do though make sure you get an XKR 5.0.

370Z - yes as long as it's a nismo.

S2000 - cool car but I've never quite been sure they're particularly amazing to drive, with the exception of the engine and gearbox.

What about an Elise 111S or a VX220 turbo?
Welcome input. The 124s can be had for 13-15k which is nice, but as another poster has mentioned I'm likely not gonna fit or at least not find it comfortable. I distinctly remember sitting in an ND MX-5 when they came out and realising that my view out of the windscreen was mostly sun-visor.

Z4 35i and M240i - I know what you mean. In your head you know they're quite capable machines but its hard to actually get a bit of a fizz on looking at them. Particularly the 240i. I did find one on AT with photos of the roof up: I now know why most will take photos with the roof down!!!

Shame about the TT but not unexpected, its a 20 year old AWD Audi, they are not the last word in exciting. But they look awfully cool and the V6's sound nice. I mean that's really 90% of what I'd want, not looking to go round corners on the door handles. They're not 20k, a good one seems to be between 6-9k.

Mustang - definitely right. IIRC when they first launched here they were about £35k weren't they? 8 years later and they're still 25k+ and I've read the earlier V8s certainly don't feel as fast as you'd like to think. Rectified by the updated version of course, but those would now be closer to £30k.

Jags - Not sure on the F-type prices, will look. Would have a V6 one no sweat. There are XKs with the 4.2 or 5.0 V8 so would like to know which of those is better? I'd heard a few things about the 5.0 not being so reliable?

370 - definitely a car I like the sound of and you can get them for £10k. Not sure any of them are Nismo variants (did they even do a Nismo roadster?).

Honda - I think its gonna be one of those cars you have to be in the mood for. Otherwise it will be annoying.


Otispunkmeyer

Original Poster:

13,037 posts

162 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
cerb4.5lee said:
Some great choices there OP I reckon. I've had my 370Z Roadster for almost 6 years now and I still really like it. It isn't standard in the noise department though, and that helps a lot with why I love it so much I think.

I really like your V8 5.0 Mustang suggestion too. thumbup

I've got 2 kids and my missus, and I've still managed with only 2 seats in the 370Z/Caterham though. So 2 seaters are definitely doable I think. Although a 2+2 would enable you to take everyone out in fairness.
Is your 370 a manual or auto? There do seem to be a few autos about. I don't know what they use but perusing some YT videos, it seems the Auto isn't too shabby at shifting.

cerb4.5lee

33,614 posts

187 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Otispunkmeyer said:
Is your 370 a manual or auto? There do seem to be a few autos about. I don't know what they use but perusing some YT videos, it seems the Auto isn't too shabby at shifting.
Mine is a manual, but Om on here has an auto Coupe, and he says that it is a good gearbox and it really suits the car. thumbup

SFTWend

1,036 posts

82 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Worth mentioning that most convertibles with rear seats are not nice to sit in the back of, above c.50mph with the roof down, due to the buffeting.

Otispunkmeyer

Original Poster:

13,037 posts

162 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
snotrag said:
You've got a real range of cars there, my thoughts having had similar cars and similar usage for some years:

Make sure the roof comes off. It makes such a big difference for a weekend car, and I will fight anyone to the death who claims that the 'lack of torsional rigidity....' etc etc. simply not an issue these days, and I'd take the open roof over a 1% improvement on the 1 trackday I do every few years even if it were true.

Fiat 124 IS an ND MX-5 with a different engine and bodykit, Interior is identical, so unfortunately if you dont fit the Mazda, you wont fit the Fiat.

Dont buy a 'regular' 4 seater BMW 2, 3 or 4 series. They are very good cars but feel very, very 'normal'. E46 M3 above is a good choice though as its old enough now.

Mustang, XK (you could easily get an XKR) and the Nissan are great choices - they all have character, and feel like 'weekend' cars.

Try a Boxster. You are right in line for a really, really nice 987. Finding one with a slightly more interesting colour or spec is key, there are far too many dull ones. They are the obvious choice for a reason.

370Z is a real brute, like a Japanese Muscle Car, and quite easy to look after and maintain, just keep putting fuel in. Roadsters are rare but great fun, I was very tempted by one I test drove.


I currently have a BMW Z4M Roadster - I would highly reccomend. Technically 'worse' than all the newer BMW options you have suggested but far more character, and an engine you simply cannot get anyhting like these days. I also had a 986 in the past hence me not getting a 987.

Having driven a number of S2000's, the M roadster really is like an S3200 - massive revs, and the sound is glorious.


Based on your 2+2 and auto leanings, I would strongly reccomend getting a go in a nicely specced Jaguar XK or XKR - they feel very special, monumental engines, really 'feel good' in a way that an Audi TT or such will never be.


TLDR - If your buying a 'special car' (and you can very much afford to with 20K) make sure its special, not just slightly more sporty version of something very dull. Dont be afraid to look at cars a bit older.
Agree with the roof off, there is no reason not to for a car like this.

Hadn't thought about the Z4M, will add those too.

cerb4.5lee

33,614 posts

187 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Otispunkmeyer said:
Agree with the roof off, there is no reason not to for a car like this.

Hadn't thought about the Z4M, will add those too.
I've had a Z4M Roadster and they are a proper drivers car I reckon. However the manual gearbox and suspension with very little give in it, did niggle me though. It always felt a bit nervous when you were pushing on down bumpy roads to me for example.

Plus it nearly spat me off the road in the rain once going over a big bump in the road, and that was a heart in the mouth moment for sure. Whereas the 370Z is far more forgiving in comparison, and it soaks the bumps up far better for me. I must be getting old I reckon! hehe

flatso

1,307 posts

136 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Decky_Q said:
What about Bentley Conti GT? would take that over the mustang for my V8 kick. While they were very expensive to maintain when new, there are work arounds now for most issues. Friend had one a while ago and it's on my list.
Interesting, do elaborate please.! Which generation, where is some info on this ?

bobsavage789

686 posts

61 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
My immediate reaction to the OP was “TVR”.

I used to have a Tuscan (none within budget that I could see from a cursory glance), and taking my boy out in that was the stuff of deathbed memories: just wonderful times. He was about 1 and a half at the time, and still talks about our drives a couple of years later.

Chimaeras and Griffiths are in budget, and £20k should get you a good one.

Nothing is as much as an event as a TVR and a looked-after Chim/Griff should be relatively straightforward to look after due to their simplicity. Just make sure you have a pre-purchase inspection to check outriggers etc!

Best of luck OP: please keep us updated so I can vicariously relive the decision I had to make!

cerb4.5lee

33,614 posts

187 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
bobsavage789 said:
My immediate reaction to the OP was “TVR”.

I used to have a Tuscan (none within budget that I could see from a cursory glance), and taking my boy out in that was the stuff of deathbed memories: just wonderful times. He was about 1 and a half at the time, and still talks about our drives a couple of years later.

Chimaeras and Griffiths are in budget, and £20k should get you a good one.

Nothing is as much as an event as a TVR and a looked-after Chim/Griff should be relatively straightforward to look after due to their simplicity. Just make sure you have a pre-purchase inspection to check outriggers etc!

Best of luck OP: please keep us updated so I can vicariously relive the decision I had to make!
I have fond memories of going out in my Cerbera with my eldest daughter as well. I'd had it 2 years before she was born, but then I had it for another 4 years after that though. I used to take her with me to all the TVR meets too.

She's 16 now, and she hasn't got the slightest bit of interest in cars though. Much to my frustration in fairness!

limpsfield

6,193 posts

260 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
I've had an M240 which I loved. Coupe though, I never liked the the look of the convertibles - as you say, the photos are taken roof down for a reason.

I think you need to decide on 4 seater or two seater. It would narrow your choice down and focus things.


I have just bought an FType V6S. Absolute riot. They are low 20s now. Perfect stupid weekend car.

Prior to that I had a 987 Boxster S for about 9 years. There is a reason they are the default choice. I avoided them for a few years (Elise and Evora instead). But I think they are the perfect two seat sports car. Would have one again, and probably will do.

Good luck!

Mr Tidy

24,327 posts

134 months

Monday 16th September
quotequote all
Otispunkmeyer said:
Oh they are very nice aren't they and those 3.2 sixes are sublime. I can just hear the insurance guy rubbing his hands together though! I'm going to run these two through compare the market and just see what the damage is. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised!
You might! When I got my Z4M Coupe the next insurance renewal was actually cheaper than the previous year when I had a 3.0Si Coupe. confused

The only problem with the Z4M is the Band M Road Tax that is £735 a year! Although that may well apply to some of the other suggestions too.

I love my Z4M and the engine sounds fantastic, but you'd get rear seats with an E46 M3, the same Road Tax and cheaper Road Tax on most of them.

The E89 Z4s are generally considered more of a GT than sports car.

Some great other suggestions - I really fancy trying a TVR one day if I'm ever brave enough!