Another what car 20k (sorry)

[mr2turbogts]

Apologies I know this heading comes up a lot so apologies, but here’s my 20k dilemma.

After a bit of a recent car purchase (Jaguar XKR) that I’ve lost my shirt over.

I am needing a new daily (after the Jag reliability is key) but I still want fun, especially if I’m spending the best part of 20k

Requirements are 4 seats (have two small kids)
Do a 50mile round trip mainly B roads (MPG not really an issue, and anything after the Jag will probably be better)

Short list is

BMW M240i (F22)
BMW M2
BMW M4
Audi S4/S5

Any recommendations for the above requirements?

I’m thinking M240i with the b58 is the sensible choice also easy within budget but feels a bit lacking in the special department

[mr2turbogts]

Adding to the list a BMW 440i looks appealing

[ZX10R NIN]

Obviously I'm going to recommend a C63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602280...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...

Don't overlook the RS5 they're a cracking car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507315...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601048...

From your list my pick is always the (actually it's the F80 M3 but you won't get one in budget) M4, they don't cost that much more to run than a 40i but they'll depreciate less & imo are significantly more special:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603070...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

Leftfield

4.7 GranTurismo S, great cars but not the sharpest steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...

High mileage RC-f but these cars are special & they tick every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

[OhHamburgers]

If you’ve got kids then probably going to be wanting 4/5 door if it’s a keeper

S5 sportback will be a capable car no doubt. But compared to an M4 I’m not sure about the special factor

[mr2turbogts]

ZX10R NIN said:

Obviously I'm going to recommend a C63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602280...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...

Don't overlook the RS5 they're a cracking car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507315...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601048...

From your list my pick is always the (actually it's the F80 M3 but you won't get one in budget) M4, they don't cost that much more to run than a 40i but they'll depreciate less & imo are significantly more special:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603070...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

Leftfield

4.7 GranTurismo S, great cars but not the sharpest steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...

High mileage RC-f but these cars are special & they tick every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

Thank you.

I should have elaborated on the losing my shirt on the Jag. Purchased it in Nov 26, within a month the timing chain guides gave out just after i'd spent 2k on tyres brakes service ect...now other items are wrong with it so reliability is key. So i'm in 16-17k on a car that is worth 10-12k in 2 months.

Therefore the maserati is out, haha.

C63 - Dont these have big potential issues lurking, along with the RS5 (Timing chains)

[mr2turbogts]

mr2turbogts said:

ZX10R NIN said:

Obviously I'm going to recommend a C63:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602280...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...

Don't overlook the RS5 they're a cracking car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507315...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601048...

From your list my pick is always the (actually it's the F80 M3 but you won't get one in budget) M4, they don't cost that much more to run than a 40i but they'll depreciate less & imo are significantly more special:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603070...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

Leftfield

4.7 GranTurismo S, great cars but not the sharpest steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...

High mileage RC-f but these cars are special & they tick every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602230...

Thank you.

I should have elaborated on the losing my shirt on the Jag. Purchased it in Nov 26, within a month the timing chain guides gave out just after i'd spent 2k on tyres brakes service ect...now other items are wrong with it so reliability is key. So i'm in 16-17k on a car that is worth 10-12k in 2 months.

Therefore the maserati is out, haha.

C63 - Dont these have big potential issues lurking, along with the RS5 (Timing chains)

RC F looks temtping.......know nothing about them, do they lurk massive bills?

[ZX10R NIN]

mr2turbogts said:

RC F looks temtping.......know nothing about them, do they lurk massive bills?

No they don't they're pretty much bulletproof & with reliability being the key factor the Lexus is where I'd be looking, everything else has the ability to throw up a hefty bill.

Alao they're a rare sight.

[T1547]

Alfa Giulia Veloce? This one comes with 2 year warranty. Never driven one personally but meant to be a good drivers car.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510237...

[Deep Thought]

mr2turbogts said:

Apologies I know this heading comes up a lot so apologies, but here s my 20k dilemma.

After a bit of a recent car purchase (Jaguar XKR) that I ve lost my shirt over.

I am needing a new daily (after the Jag reliability is key) but I still want fun, especially if I m spending the best part of 20k

Requirements are 4 seats (have two small kids)
Do a 50mile round trip mainly B roads (MPG not really an issue, and anything after the Jag will probably be better)

Short list is

BMW M240i (F22)
BMW M2
BMW M4
Audi S4/S5

Any recommendations for the above requirements?

I m thinking M240i with the b58 is the sensible choice also easy within budget but feels a bit lacking in the special department

A very strong recommendation for the M2. I absolutely loved mine. A real step above the M140i we had before it.

Brilliant car. If you can find a good one for £20K, it'll hold its value very well too.

[andy43]

Also consider the Kia Stinger.

[ZX10R NIN]

andy43 said:

Also consider the Kia Stinger.

If you're looking at the cooking models (S5 etc) then this is a good shout.

[nikaiyo2]

Have you considered a M140? IMHO more fun the the 240 and practical with kids.
Took mine from 5k miles to 45k and had to replace front brake pads and that’s it.

The M4 and M2 are very different IMHO. The M4 is very big and is much more grownup and sensible, so bought an M2

S5 the worst car I have ever “owned,” the constant faults of my Delta Integrale were forgivable in an Integrale, not whilst being dull as ditchwater like the S5 was.

Of them the M2 is the best by far, but not sure you will get a good one for £20k.

[Belle427]

£25k seems to be the number for a nice M2, I cant help thinking though you could save a shed load of cash with an M140 and some choice mods but maybe that tips it over being a sensible buy.
I do appreciate dynamically the M2 is better in every respect.

[Deep Thought]

Belle427 said:

£25k seems to be the number for a nice M2, I cant help thinking though you could save a shed load of cash with an M140 and some choice mods but maybe that tips it over being a sensible buy.
I do appreciate dynamically the M2 is better in every respect.

The M140i may then be as quick as / quicker than an M2, but it'll never be an M car. The M2 is a level above.

I'd have one all day long over an M140i, M240i or M4 for that matter.

Coming in at around £20K now for an early car, but £25K opens doors.

I sold mine for £24,500. 2018 LCI, ICONs, reversing cam, HK, electric seats, genuine 763Ms, carbon interior inserts, etc.

[mr2turbogts]

Kia Stinger…….hmmmmmm not sold on the looks to be fair.

Might watch some videos to see if I can change my mind

[CSR Performance]

mr2turbogts said:

C63 - Dont these have big potential issues lurking, along with the RS5 (Timing chains)

So dial it back very slightly and go C43... there's even a choice of body types!

Coupe:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603010...

Saloon:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603090...

Estate:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602250...

[mr2turbogts]

I’ll be honest I keep doing full circle with the M2 / M240i

Such as I’ll save a few quid and get the M240i but then think it’s not a proper M car so sod it let’s get the M2, then think about maintenance and the b58 seems more reliable but then it’s not a M car, so on and so on.

I think (well currently in the cycle of getting the M2) if I get the M240i I will probably be thinking I should have gone M2.

Just need to find one.

Other then the usual PistonHeads/autotrader/ebay is there anywhere to look notable garages etc…

[Deviation]

I’ve owned a B9 S5. Mega engine. Terrible transmission tune and lots of understeer. It desperately doesn’t want to go around a bend quickly.


The ZF8 in competing products is much better mapped, with the S5 feeling very mushy and rubbery by comparison.



It sounded so flipping amazing though. Intoxicating really.

[biggbn]

ZX10R NIN said:

mr2turbogts said:

RC F looks temtping.......know nothing about them, do they lurk massive bills?

No they don't they're pretty much bulletproof & with reliability being the key factor the Lexus is where I'd be looking, everything else has the ability to throw up a hefty bill.

Alao they're a rare sight.

....is the correct answer...

[Belle427]

Deep Thought said:

Belle427 said:

£25k seems to be the number for a nice M2, I cant help thinking though you could save a shed load of cash with an M140 and some choice mods but maybe that tips it over being a sensible buy.
I do appreciate dynamically the M2 is better in every respect.

The M140i may then be as quick as / quicker than an M2, but it'll never be an M car. The M2 is a level above.

I'd have one all day long over an M140i, M240i or M4 for that matter.

Coming in at around £20K now for an early car, but £25K opens doors.

I sold mine for £24,500. 2018 LCI, ICONs, reversing cam, HK, electric seats, genuine 763Ms, carbon interior inserts, etc.

I think i may end up in one at some point but would rather keep it as a weekend car as my daily commute is on dreadful roads.
They can be difficult to buy, enthusiast owned are very few and far between.