£10k weekend and track car

[jimmy_wrxsti]

Happy New Year all,

A very similar question to others asked over the years on here but with some specific requirements that i was hoping people can input on.

Been looking at options to purchase a weekend car, something that would meet the following criteria:
- Fun car, good drive - doesn't have to be the fastest but decent pace
- 2 doors fine, 2 seater fine, ideally have rear seats for options but not essential
- Would be used as weekend fun car but also occassionally taken to track, so not hardcore track monster but able to do both
- Would like to keep as oem as possible but with selected upgrades on brakes/suspension etc
- Want it to keep value as best it can, something that if looked after would hold most of value over next few years
- £11k budget max, would like to have £1k over though to cover insurance, perhaps some initial work on car etc

Initial research has pointed me towards the following:
- Renault Megane Cup 250
- Nissa 370Z (budget stretched)
- Cayman 987 2.7 (at that budget is it too risky?)
- BMW M135i
- Clio 197 Cup (with change)
- CTR FN2 (with LSD)

Any other options to consider?

[fflump]

In addition to your list, I'd think about some other more Japanese options- Toyota GT86, Mazda MX-5 2.0i, or a Honda S2000.

[samoht]

Everything in your list points to a GT86, except they've risen just beyond a £10k budget now. However I think given their generally low expected running costs vs other cars on your list, I think there's a case for seriously considering stretching the budget a bit & trying to snag a cheap one.

Would you consider a convertible? The MX-5 is another good option, you could get a hardtop NC 2.0 with the facelift that apparently restored the handling. Equally, Boxsters are much better value than Caymans.

If a 370Z is stretching the budget you could consider the very similar 350Z. Personal opinion, I'd want some suspension mods to use one for your purposes though.

ETA: it's worth researching the RX-8. Yes it's high maintenance, but the low values compensate for that and they're pretty good road/track option I think.

ETA2: they're old cars now, but you might consider the Mk2 MR-2 (SW20), mid-engined, generally reliable I think but watch for rust, need to buy carefully. Could get a turbo for the budget https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313813238350

Edited by samoht on Saturday 1st January 12:31

[jimmy_wrxsti]

Thanks both,

Will take a look at the GT86.

Covertibles are not my thing unfortunately, although hard top S2K could be an option.

[Pistonheader101]

Integra DC5

[jimmy_wrxsti]

Pistonheader101 said:

Integra DC5

Oooh now that's a shout. Used to own one after importing via Newera and it is an awesome car.

[ZX10R NIN]

jimmy_wrxsti said:

Happy New Year all,

A very similar question to others asked over the years on here but with some specific requirements that i was hoping people can input on.

Been looking at options to purchase a weekend car, something that would meet the following criteria:
- Fun car, good drive - doesn't have to be the fastest but decent pace
- 2 doors fine, 2 seater fine, ideally have rear seats for options but not essential
- Would be used as weekend fun car but also occassionally taken to track, so not hardcore track monster but able to do both
- Would like to keep as oem as possible but with selected upgrades on brakes/suspension etc
- Want it to keep value as best it can, something that if looked after would hold most of value over next few years
- £11k budget max, would like to have £1k over though to cover insurance, perhaps some initial work on car etc

Initial research has pointed me towards the following:
- Renault Megane Cup 250
- Nissa 370Z (budget stretched)
- Cayman 987 2.7 (at that budget is it too risky?)
- BMW M135i
- Clio 197 Cup (with change)
- CTR FN2 (with LSD)

Any other options to consider?

At this time of year these cars are bit thin on the ground so if you can wait a bit then you'll have a bit more choice.

The GT86 is the standout pick but it's a car I've never got on with that's not to say you should write it off but test drive one first:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112080...

Personally I'd hang out for a 370Z but at the moment you'll be nearer to 12k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...

At the top of your budget the later Z4 with the folding roof would be well worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158...

FWD wise I'd be going for the Astra GTC VXR it's a smidge off off the Megane RS250 with the Cup Chassis in terms of handling but it's still a cracking steer & you'll get a good one for your 10k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...

[VEX]

How about a nicely modified fast road/track Mini Cooper S R53?

Mine will be up for sale soon at about a 1/3 of your budget. Bought it from here about 4 years ago. 7k worth of mods and 1 lady owner from new!!

[jimmy_wrxsti]

ZX10R NIN said:

At this time of year these cars are bit thin on the ground so if you can wait a bit then you'll have a bit more choice.

The GT86 is the standout pick but it's a car I've never got on with that's not to say you should write it off but test drive one first:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112080...

Personally I'd hang out for a 370Z but at the moment you'll be nearer to 12k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...

At the top of your budget the later Z4 with the folding roof would be well worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158...

FWD wise I'd be going for the Astra GTC VXR it's a smidge off off the Megane RS250 with the Cup Chassis in terms of handling but it's still a cracking steer & you'll get a good one for your 10k:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112180...

Thanks for this, Z4 E89 really interests me so will be adding that to the list. The GT86 just doesn't float my boat visually, although if there is one local I may test drive. The Astra is a good shout but I definitely have underlying bias against anything Vauxhall which means I don't think it will make the cut!

Latest updated list is:
- Renault Megane Cup 250 (265 at push)
- Nissa 370Z
- BMW Z4 E89 30i
- Honda CTR FN2 (with LSD)
- Honda S2000 hardtop

RX8 is potential bargain but reliability aside it's not for me. DC5 - unfortunately out of budget I think, MX5 - even with hard top not for me. Clio and M135i - good cars but the Megane and Z4 I think are better options. Also removed Porsche as for budget I don't think it's worth the risk unless a bargain comes up.

[jimmy_wrxsti]

VEX said:

How about a nicely modified fast road/track Mini Cooper S R53?

Mine will be up for sale soon at about a 1/3 of your budget. Bought it from here about 4 years ago. 7k worth of mods and 1 lady owner from new!!

Mini not for me, yours sounds good though

[Warcloud36]

Mazda Mx-5 MX3 2.0

People say they are the worst ones and yes from the factory with the +30mm springs they feel disconnected but with some MesiterR coilovers and alignment they are very good handling cars.



£5k for car
MeisterR £1000
£1300 on tuning would give you about 10-15% more torque and an extra 20/25hp.

Generally very very reliable motors and tend not to rust as much as previous models which is a massive bonus. Has traction control which is useful for the winter days on the road where was the mk1 and mk2 don't.

For around 5k you can get them turbo charged which takes them from 160 to around 250hp. Would hold it's value easy being quite unique with the turbo.

[georgeyboy12345]

MX-5, obvs
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...


Mini Cooper S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109207...


BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0 si (over 200 kg lighter than a 350Z)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110038...


Toyota GT86
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110018...


Renaultsport Clio 197
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108226...


FN2 Honda Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111219...


Renaultsport Megane
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...


Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139...

Ford Fiesta ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112160...


Peugeot 208 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...


Honda S2000
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109297...


Nissan 350Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...

[edc]

986 Boxster.

[M.F.D]

OP - Out of the cars you have mentioned, the Megane 250 is hands down the superior car. Cup packed cars out the box are incredible, even better with a few tweaks.

Z4/370z etc are not going to be suited to track work out the box. They will also be fairly heavy on consumables, so that is something I would very much consider. A 370Z much weigh a lot and tyres will not be cheap.

M135i - Straight line hero, but needs modification for track work. LSD/Brakes/Suspension etc. You can get a Birds package but that'll take you north of your budget.

FN2 and 197 are decent cost effective options, as is the ever appreciating EP3, but lack the road manners you might look for considering you have mentioned a few GT cars.

For a do it all car for £10k, I would be looking for a mildly fettled Meg 250 Cup. Nice enough on the road, sharp on track, and maintenance is fairly budget friendly too. All MK3 RS's are basically the same, so don't get hung up on 250 v 265.

Edited by M.F.D on Saturday 1st January 23:56

Edited by M.F.D on Saturday 1st January 23:59

[M.F.D]

Pistonheader101 said:

Integra DC5

The days of a £10k DC5 are long gone....

[jimmy_wrxsti]

M.F.D said:

OP - Out of the cars you have mentioned, the Megane 250 is hands down the superior car. Cup packed cars out the box are incredible, even better with a few tweaks.

Z4/370z etc are not going to be suited to track work out the box. They will also be fairly heavy on consumables, so that is something I would very much consider. A 370Z much weigh a lot and tyres will not be cheap.

M135i - Straight line hero, but needs modification for track work. LSD/Brakes/Suspension etc. You can get a Birds package but that'll take you north of your budget.

FN2 and 197 are decent cost effective options, as is the ever appreciating EP3, but lack the road manners you might look for considering you have mentioned a few GT cars.

For a do it all car for £10k, I would be looking for a mildly fettled Meg 250 Cup. Nice enough on the road, sharp on track, and maintenance is fairly budget friendly too. All MK3 RS's are basically the same, so don't get hung up on 250 v 265.

Edited by M.F.D on Saturday 1st January 23:56

Edited by M.F.D on Saturday 1st January 23:59

Thanks - really useful, much appreciated

[ZX10R NIN]

M.F.D said:

OP - Out of the cars you have mentioned, the Megane 250 is hands down the superior car. Cup packed cars out the box are incredible, even better with a few tweaks.

Z4/370z etc are not going to be suited to track work out the box. They will also be fairly heavy on consumables, so that is something I would very much consider. A 370Z much weigh a lot and tyres will not be cheap.

M135i - Straight line hero, but needs modification for track work. LSD/Brakes/Suspension etc. You can get a Birds package but that'll take you north of your budget.

FN2 and 197 are decent cost effective options, as is the ever appreciating EP3, but lack the road manners you might look for considering you have mentioned a few GT cars.

For a do it all car for £10k, I would be looking for a mildly fettled Meg 250 Cup. Nice enough on the road, sharp on track, and maintenance is fairly budget friendly too. All MK3 RS's are basically the same, so don't get hung up on 250 v 265.

I slightly disagree the 370/Z4 will be very good weekend cars & if you're only doing sporadic trackdays throughout the year then both will be more than fine, there are a few threads on here of 370Z owners tracking their cars in almost stock form with no issues.

If you're going to be doing quite a lot of trackdays then the RS250 Cup/Cup Chassis is hands down the winner but it'll depend on your overall usage.

[anonymous-user]

Megane R26 and £3-4k in the bank?

These are cars that seem to be appreciating and certainly won't be depreciating any time soon.

[M.F.D]

Elatino1 said:

Megane R26 and £3-4k in the bank?

These are cars that seem to be appreciating and certainly won't be depreciating any time soon.

Good shout, but definitely not as refined at the Mk3 Meg if that is something that is important to the OP.