£30k (ish) sports car

[Deendog]

Morning

Looking for something with a bit of character to replace my m4

Budget ideally £30k but can be stretched a bit
Don’t really have many constraints . I have a longish commute and would consider getting a cheap commuter but ideally want something that I can use regularly (if not quite every day)

Currently considering db9, vantage, Maserati, possibly r8 but would be bottom feeding unless really stretched the budget

Any thoughts?
Thanks

Ps had a 997 until recently- loved it but would not get another gen 1 unless Hartech rebuild and gen 2 out of budget.

[SpudLink]

Lotus Evora? People tend to ignore it, but will be a better drive than most GT cars. There are a couple in the PH classified under £30k.

[Deendog]

Agree, Evora would be perfect but I have never been a fan of the design for some reason. Big lotus fan but after the esprit I think an evora would lack presence (albeit better in most other ways)

[cerb4.5lee]

I'd be very tempted by the Maserati Gran Turismo I think. They look and sound awesome I reckon.

[86r40]

Evora or Maserati GT are quite tempting in that range.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Evora is the pick, I understand that they don't have as much presence as an Esprit but a test drive in one will have you looking for a longer route.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11952609

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...

They'll daily with ease & a change of headunit will give you all the connectivity you'll require.

The GranTurismo is a very good GT car & they do feel special to own/drive.
You have to workout what the majority of your journey type will be, if it's a lot of town work then go for the full auto as stop start traffic will wear the clutch on the MC Shift cars.

Also make sure you go for a 4.7 to avoid the cam variator issues that affected the 4.2 cars.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106193...

I'd also look at the Mustang they're a good drive & can be made better with some simple upgrades & you'll get a nice one for your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107024...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012157...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106284...

Somewhere between the GT & Mustang is the Lexus RC-F a very good steer with a special engine that get's under your skin the longer you own it. The interior is a very nice place to be too & they're a rare sight on the road:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106193...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107205...

Now my leftfield pick is the 370Z Nismo they're often overlooked but these are a cracking steer mated to a brawny V6 & you can get one comfortably under budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106183...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106183...

[georgeyboy12345]

If getting a DB9, go for an auto as the clutches on manuals only last for 20,000 miles - not great if you'll be putting a lot of miles on it. They also need a service every 7500 miles at a cost of £750, so something to consider.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106234...


Not sure you'll get in an R8 for 30 grand. You can just about squeeze into a Nissan GT-R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...


Jag F-Type S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105152...


Maserati Granturismo S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106294...


Mercedes SL63 AMG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106304...


That Lexus RC-F that ZX10R posted is also quite lovely.

[cerb4.5lee]

This thread does just show how many lovely cars there are out there for around £30k for sure.

[Deendog]

Thanks for the replies
Some great suggestions
Sounds like I need to have a proper look at an evora

If I was to go for an r8 I would extend the budget to £40k but still at the bottom end of the r8 market

Currently leaning towards the Maserati- the one at oakdene posted above looks fantastic

Also considering a vantage or possibly the sl63

Does anyone have experience of a vantage v Maserati gt?

[ZX10R NIN]

For me the 4.7 MGT is a better resolved package than the Vantage with similar running costs both are good cars but for me the Maserati edges the Vantage everywhere, especially when you're looking at a 4.3 Vantage.

When it comes to the SL63 for me the better pick at this price point is the S500 lovely inside & a remap away from nearly being 63 power levels, you'd truly be rolling first class & it'll make a great daily.

Running costs are sensible & the 4.7TT is actually quite decent on fuel too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107074...

[davek_964]

I liked my Vantage a lot, and I think you should still be able to pick up a decent one for £30k. I would hesitate to call it a sports car though.

I kept an ownership thread on the Vantage forum over the 4 years I owned mine (sold two years ago). Gives a good real world ownership experience I think.

I reckon I'll have another one in the future

[48k]

davek_964 said:

I liked my Vantage a lot, and I think you should still be able to pick up a decent one for £30k. I would hesitate to call it a sports car though.

I'd second that. It's more a baby GT car than a sports car. Nice place to sit and waft along enjoying it's lazy acceleration and the epic noise, but not a razor sharp grin inducing flicky sports car. If you go for the flappy paddle box be aware it's very much "of its time". Also at the 30K end of the market you're looking at quite old cars and as they were hand built, the niggles do build up. Servicing and parts were not as eye watering as I thought they would be mind you.

[86r40]

Deendog said:

Does anyone have experience of a vantage v Maserati gt?

Having spent a relatively brief time I leant towards the Maserati myself. Interior felt quite a bit nicer, and the engine has far more character than something that's basically an old Jag V8 lump. A colleague has also had one since 2016 (2013 4.7) and has been pleased with it and uses it daily for the commute.

[simonrockman]

You might just squeeze a 456 into that budget but they are drifting upwards. As others have said, I'd go for the Evora. But, as an oddball I'd also be tempted by a Focus RS

[Deendog]

Came across your thread davek, it was an interesting read. Looking around, low 30s seem to buy a low mileage low owner vantage, although an early one

Had not considered an s class coupe - may have a closer look although not sure it will be the contrast to the m4 I’m looking for

As someone said earlier, lots of interesting stuff in this range (although I think a 456 is a bit too interesting for me 😬)

[Legacywr]

I agree that the Evora does look too odd to ever consider trying one.

[Legacywr]

I was in a similar position last year with a higher budget. I went for a Mustang, had it 6 months, sold it, waiting for a new one to turn up

[simonrockman]

Deendog said:

Came across your thread davek, it was an interesting read. Looking around, low 30s seem to buy a low mileage low owner vantage, although an early one

Had not considered an s class coupe - may have a closer look although not sure it will be the contrast to the m4 I’m looking for

As someone said earlier, lots of interesting stuff in this range (although I think a 456 is a bit too interesting for me ??)

This 456 failed to sell. I doubt they would go £20k lower though: https://silverstoneauctions.com/sa076-lot-16722-19...

As you say there is a huge amount at this price point. I seem to be the only person who likes the 4c.