£15k ish for a 'modern classic'

[blueovercream]

It's really just an idea at the moment - more fun than money in the bank etc. Criteria:

- 80's/90's/early 2000s
- Fun to drive
- Manual
- Won't cost the earth to run
- Not an Elise or a 182 Trophy (Got one, had the other)
- Won't mind living outside

Ideas so far:

- 205 GTI
- Clio Williams
- Mini Cooper Works GP Mk1
- Warm BMW 3 series (E30 318is etc)

What else have you got?

[edc]

Porsche 968/944. Plenty of 986/987 Boxster in range too. 996 in reach as well.

[trickywoo]

edc said:

Porsche 968/944. Plenty of 986/987 Boxster in range too. 996 in reach as well.

Good suggestions but could cost the earth to run in the context of the other cars op listed.

[trickywoo]

Ford Racing Puma.

[Timoo]

E46 M3?

Assuming you’re not driving them that much, none of the cars should be too excessive in cost to run. And if you were to get something that’s appreciating (like the above), then it’d be worth spending the money.

[blueovercream]

Some nice suggestions there. Porsche possibly quite expensive to run and perhaps won't hold their value so well. I do love the 968 though really I'd want a Club Sport.

M3 would be tempting.

Hadn't thought about a Racing Puma!

[CrouchingWayne]

I’ve got similar criteria and have a Mini GP2 at the moment. Honestly it’s such a ‘fun’ car at road speeds. Downside for me is the lack of rear seats as I have young kids so I might move on at some point, but possibly sticking with the brand for that fun factor. You may not have to worry about this practicality however!

From your list an obvious gap would be a Z4M, or E46 M3 which someone else has suggested - albeit it depends on how you view the running costs of these.

[RS Grant]

If the 'ish' extends to nearer £20k then I'd look at an E46 or Z4M Coupe that have had all the common issues dealt with; start looking lower than that and you'll begin to see the ratio of 'good cars:shiny lemons' increase dramatically IMO.

For that money I'd personally be looking for the best facelift (but pre-2006) Honda S2000 that I could find and possibly saving myself some cash; or if you can find a realistic owner then a MK1 Focus RS.

All that being said; I still wouldn't like to leave any 80s, 90s or 00s 'special' cars sitting outside. If they're kept dry under cover then it's a bit better, but even still it's not something I'd like to do with a car that I bought with at least one eye on longer term 'investment' potential.

[griffter]

Honda S2000, Integra Type R, Accord Type R
Volvo T5R
Audi S2
BMW 635

There’s loads. I love that era!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say look at a Monaro VXR as they pretty much tick every box, price wise they're pretty solid & this will imo become a modern classic.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-Vauxhall-Monaro-6-...

Nissan Silvia

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-Nissan-Silvia-S15-...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Silvia-S15-Aero/...

Mitsubishi Evo

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mitsubishi-Evo-6-swap-p...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1998-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-...

MK1 RS Focus

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-rs-mk1/11451...

[aaron_2000]

What about an Impreza Type R? Light, very quick, extremely capable and as a plus point they're also rising in value so it probably won't cost you a penny to own.

[cerb4.5lee]

ZX10R NIN said:

Nissan Silvia

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Silvia-S15-Aero/...

So much want from me for this.

[Xcore]

Tvr chimaera,
Not some grotty hatch back

[mattman]

BMW 635 csi or an older M5?

Myself, 309 GTI Goodwood, but that’s only because I have a strange desire for one after owning a 1.3 version when I was 18 and couldn’t afford the GTI

[colinrob]

E39 m5

[Mr Tidy]

I know BMW E46 M3 and Z4M have been suggested, but they aren't that cheap to run when you factor in an Inspection 1 or 2 every 4 years with the valve clearance check and potential shimming, and probably new crank rod bearing shells at some point if they haven't been done.

I knew all that before I bought my Z4MC, so what I paid left room for an Inspection 2 that required a few extra bits done plus new bearing shells and engine mounts. But even at a BMW Indy that resulted in two 4 figure bills!

I don't know about the E39 M5, but it may need similar attention.

Whatever you fancy it's well worth doing some research on dedicated forums so you know what to expect.

[blueovercream]

Running costs for the older M cars could be quite high. I love the E39 M5 but I imagine there would be some scary bills involved in the ownership. Same with the TVR, which I think would also struggle without a garage.

I think the 635 is lovely - hadn't thought of one of those...

[InfamousK]

Curve ball but what about an FD2 Type R?

[Mr Whippy]

VX220 or Elise?

Will be happier outside than a steel monocoque/panels ‘normal’ car wrt fundamental deterioration issues... which imo are the big longer term costs of keeping an older car in very good nick.

Also very special as an ICE experience.


Garages make a vast difference to an occasional use car’s condition.

[trickywoo]

Mr Whippy said:

VX220 or Elise?

Lol. Op’s 5th bullet.