The 2nd "fun" car dilemma

[OolongSlayer]

Hi all,

New to the forum but have been trawling through many posts researching cars which has taken me down the rabbit hole even further!

I am currently looking for a 2nd car that I can have fun with but to get one of my kids to football training and matches, so would only be driven 2-3 times a week (I say that now!)

We are a family of 5 and the current car is an EV which will do the sensible daily driving.

It doesn't need to be overly practical as the main car will do the majority of the work.

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Budget £15k-ish there is possible movement on that without going excessive.

Mileage - 6k pa tops.

I started looking at something reasonable like a Mini JCW and went deeper into the abyss with other cars.
Looking for help/advice on vehicle choice, any issues to be aware of and maintenance costs to look out for on my current want list. Please feel free to offer other suggestions

Wishlist

Mini JCW
BMW 135/140
987 Cayman (2.7 for Gen 1, need to look at budget further for a gen 2)
Scirocco R

Maybe

BMW Z4
Nisszn 370Z


Discounted

Toyota GT-86

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Any help and advice appreciated which will hopefully stop me looking into even more cars and complicating things even further.

[Jimjimhim]

What about a Megane RS250/265 they are an absolute riot to drive in a practical body.

[covmutley]

Why not the gt86? Seems to fit budget criteria perfectly. I mean it's up to you, but it may help others with suggestions.

Il add: mks mx5, lotus elise (think still just in budget, but would be good for limited depreciation and low running costs), xkr, M3,

Edited by covmutley on Monday 23 September 20:29

[Jag_NE]

What are you looking for in terms of fun?

I say that because there’s a fair chance your EV could be faster than the ones on your list. Looks? Handling? Rarity?

My general advice would be to buy a model that you are really enthusiastic about or you may tire of it quite quickly.

Best bang for buck is a cheap shed and buy a motorbike

[OolongSlayer]

Jimjimhim said:

What about a Megane RS250/265 they are an absolute riot to drive in a practical body.

Hadn't really given them a thought tbh. How are they reliability-wise? Will take a look into them

[OolongSlayer]

covmutley said:

Why not the gt86? Seems to fit budget criteria perfectly. I mean it's up to you, but it may help others with suggestions.

Il add: mks mx5, lotus elise (think still just in budget, but would be good for limited depreciation and low running costs), xkr, M3,

Edited by covmutley on Monday 23 September 20:29

Yeah it fits the budget, would be fun to drive but didn't seem to offer as much as the other vehicles when I started looking into it.

Already had an MX-5 before so will be looking for something different.

Elise is a shout, didn't think a reasonable one would be in my budget, but will take a look.

XKR, did look at those, reliability wise I wasn't so sure.

M3, was on the list I'll dig a bit further to see if anything comes up within budget.

[OolongSlayer]

Jag_NE said:

What are you looking for in terms of fun?

I say that because there’s a fair chance your EV could be faster than the ones on your list. Looks? Handling? Rarity?

My general advice would be to buy a model that you are really enthusiastic about or you may tire of it quite quickly.

Best bang for buck is a cheap shed and buy a motorbike

Yeah, I get what you mean, I'd ideally be looking for something quick/lively and handles well, the majority of driving would be A&B roads and limited motorway mileage so it would be good to throw it around into some tight country lanes, which was why I initially started with the mini JCW and then went down the rabbit hole.

I've had several hot hatches before which have been fun, probably why I started looking at something different but not wanting to look like I'm having a midlife crisis in the process! lol

The EV I have acceleration-wise is quick, but handling-wise it's ok but feels very bottom-heavy, as it would do with the batteries underneath.

The 987 Cayman would be a good driving experience, was just worried about the maintenance aspect of them being an older car, but from what I've seen doesn't look too bad.

M135/140's seem to be ok but adding springs can help with the ride.

[ZX10R NIN]

With your budget I'd say that the 308 GTI PS will fit your requirements:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408293...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408142...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409073...

2.5 Focus RS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401245...

M240i but it'll need some suspension work:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406221...

2.9 Cayman:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403257...

[pinchmeimdreamin]

we if its just the one kid you need to transport


This is PH remember

[M.F.D]

The Megane 250/265/275 needs considered OP. I have had 3 and contemplating another, they get right under your skin. Your budget will get you a lovely example (perhaps even a nice RS275 Trophy).

None of mine have let me down, ever. I drove them hard and tracked them too.

Get either a Cup, Trophy or a 'Full Fat' spec car with Cup option ticked for Red Brembo's and LSD. Cars with factory Recaro's will carry a premium, however well worth it and will pay when selling on again.

As with any car there are things to look out for, but nothing that will ruin you.

[Belle427]

Elise prices have come down a lot this last 12 months so you could get one in budget, depends how raw you want to go. The VX220 is an even better buy and often overlooked because of the badge.
You will probably have as much fun in something like an RS Megane or one of the other good hot hatches around in all honesty and it will be more practical and useable.
I wouldnt have a TVR personally for your driving even though i am a fan and ex Chimaera owner.

[Jimjimhim]

Belle427 said:

Elise prices have come down a lot this last 12 months so you could get one in budget, depends how raw you want to go. The VX220 is an even better buy and often overlooked because of the badge.
You will probably have as much fun in something like an RS Megane or one of the other good hot hatches around in all honesty and it will be more practical and useable.
I wouldnt have a TVR personally for your driving even though i am a fan and ex Chimaera owner.

As good as something like a Megane is, he won't have as much fun as he would in something like an Elise/VX220, but a hot hatch is way more practical.

[Hippea]

Honda Civic Type R FD2, extremely practical being a four door saloon



https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1782733

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[JackReacher]

If you can live with just 2 seats, then I don't think you can beat a 987 cayman as a usable drivers car at that price point. I had a 2.9 gen 2 with a tweaked exhaust and it was sublime. They will cost a bit more to service and in parts than the others though. They are also not fast compared to EVs and m140i etc.

I also had an m240i, quicker and better cruiser but nowhere near as much fun . But obviously much better for carrying kids.

[Simon_GH]

OolongSlayer said:

Jimjimhim said:

What about a Megane RS250/265 they are an absolute riot to drive in a practical body.

Hadn't really given them a thought tbh. How are they reliability-wise? Will take a look into them

My neighbours bought one of these after a Z4 3.0 manual - they love it but it’s too early to tell about reliability. Sounds good too!

[edc]

Be realistic with what you will use the car for. If it's 95% back up car family duties then many of what many would call fun cars, good handling and fun to drive might just end up frustrating.

[Ezra]

This was up for £16k a few weeks ago. It's where my money would be heading if I was in your position

https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/honda-integra-type-r-d...

[Mr Tidy]

I can understand why you discounted the GT86. I had a test drive in one in 2014 and loved the handling, but the engine felt gutless and unrefined. My E46 325ti Compact felt much quicker and smoother, although it didn't have quite the same handling finesse.

I'm on my 3rd BMW Z4 now (an M this time) and love it, but obviously you are limited to 1 passenger. But they are cheaper than E46 M3s.

I think you need to decide how many seats you want first!

[ncjones]

Cayman. Awesome handling, great noise. Room for 2.

[bennno]

ND MX5