Which Sports Coupe for 25k ?

Sneaky Peaky

Sneaky Peaky

Sneaky Peaky

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If you had 25K to splurge on a sports car what would you go for ? :cool:

Criteria is

Only 2 seats needed - although 2+2 maybe ok.
Not a convertible unless it has a folding tin top.
Up to 5 years old / less than 50k miles
Not an out and out racer, good balance or refinement and sporting

Shortlist so far is

BMW Z4MC
Porsche Cayman S
Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Comments on the above and more suggestions please ! :D
 
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At the AMG driving experience at MB World in Brooklands, all the instructors rate the SLK55 as the better driver's car in the range (as of a few years ago). However, they also acknowledge that none of the AMG range is really all that adept when compared to their competitiors. Therefore the assumption might be that when you're buying an AMG you're doing it for the straight line speed and the cachet that goes with the car. The SL has pretty much the same straight line speed as the SLK, but is a model higher up the range, giving it extra pose factor, and so would be the preferred choice ofr most.

As for my choice for £25K, probably a Cayman S. I think many who want a hardcore driver's car would be going for an Exige.
 
I suppose its not actually 'better' per se, but an SL55 would be my choice.

I've actually done a bit of research on this sort of price bracket as in the next 6-12 months, I may very well be buying a 'sports coupe for £25k'. For me, I just think the SL looks better than the SLK, and unless the newer models (read unaffordable!) have changed, I don't think the SLK gets the supercharged V8. Comments about the handling being average, but the straight line speed being phenomenal are true. A fully derestricted SL55 is capable of 205mph... Autoexpress article

I've also looked at 996s, and although they are ludicrously capable cars I'm sure, there's just something about them that doesn't really appeal to me. I suppose I'm after comfort as well, so haven't considered the Exige/Elise/Caterham route. After a friend of mine bought an MX5, my next car HAS to be a convertible!, and, not doing many miles at all, fuel economy is a bit of a non-issue.

I also considered a Mustang, but LHD might be a bit of a pain(?), VXR8 would be a possibility, T350 would be fun, but a bit lairy for everyday use and I'm not really a classic Ferrari man.
 
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I know the VXR comes well rated and all that and call me a snob if you like but I can't see me spending 25k on a Vauxhall when I can get an very nice Porsche for the same money - does that make me a bad and shallow person ? ;)

Any other suggestions chaps ?
 
£25k is the bottom of the SL55 AMG market. It would be my choice but I'm just not sure you can get a minter for this money. They will also be about 7 years old.
 
[TW]Fox;15929206 said:
£25k is the bottom of the SL55 AMG market. It would be my choice but I'm just not sure you can get a minter for this money. They will also be about 7 years old.
Click to expand...

The great thing is about high end merc's is that in contrast to most of the used car market it is actually very easy to find near mint examples. I'd be confident that even at the bottom end, although higher mileage and older, and perhaps in less desirable spec's, you would find a car that even you would be happy to own :)
 
Is this another dreamer thread or a serious advice thread?

If the former, sod the age and get a DB7. If the latter, I'd probably give the Jag XK serious consideration
 
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