Looking for a new exciting car

alex24

alex24

alex24

Soldato
Joined
1 Jan 2008
Posts
11,529
I currently own a 2012 Fiesta Metal, which is great, but it's not a sports car. I realised there probably won't be much time in my life to own properly fun cars, so I think that I should change to something more exciting. Plus, it's the best time financially to swap the Fiesta for a couple of reasons.

So, has anyone driven, or have an informed opinion on the cars below? Anything missing I should consider? Budget is £25k ish if I finance the car (this is the plan), can go a little more for something special but I'd rather not. Key criteria are RWD, Petrol and '11 plate or newer. It will be my primary vehicle for commuting (20-40 miles a day on A/B roads) and also everything else! We do have another car in the household for boring stuff though.

I saw there was someone with the 86 here, would love to get an opinion.

Thanks!

EDIT: Revised list:

Toyota GT86
BMW M135i (expensive for budget)
BMW Z4 (which engine?)
BMW M3 '08
Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayman
Nissan 370Z
 
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alex24 said:
I realised there probably won't be much time in my life to own properly fun cars, so I think that I should change to something more exciting.
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Are you old & about to kick the bucket or something?? :D

I'd be a little less fussy about age and broaden your choices a bit.

ST seems an odd choice in company with the others in your list....

If it were me, I'd be looking for the latest sub 60k mile (for the extended warranty) M3 you could find.

Ok an M3 is no Elise, nor Z for that matter, but I'd take one over an ST or anything else in your list - not forgetting it would be child compatible (assuming this is your ticking time bomb??) - £25k would get a good one,direct from a BMW dealer - plenty on PH...
 
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Is the year old max a stuck thing?
If not go older then look at M3s or Cayman/boxsters imo
 
Do you want a soft-top 2 seater or tin-top 4 seater?

A Z4 or M3 would be a good place to start.

If you really wanted to buy new, then a GT86 would be a great car.
 
Age is fixed, and I do like the sound of a V8 but I don't think an M3 falls into that budget unless its older. Basically I'm at a time where I will be able to afford something nice and as you say, other things may come along. Just thinking long term.

No requirement for 2 or 4 seats in particular and roof isn't a consideration if the car drives well. Reason for the focus is I can get a meaty discount on one, but certainly it is the odd one of the group.

Skidder, what in particular puts you off the Elise for daily? Too unrefined? I see a guy drive to work in one every day. No chance to ask him about it though.
 
I think the M135i is an awesome buy. Sounds amazing, good on fuel and will be good on residuals. Also, you lose none of the practicality. Could hang fire and wait for some 1-2yr old examples which have already taken the massive depreciation hit.

Watch Chris Harris' video on the M135i, its a lovely car.
 
alex24 said:
Age is fixed, and I do like the sound of a V8 but I don't think an M3 falls into that budget unless its older. Basically I'm at a time where I will be able to afford something nice and as you say, other things may come along. Just thinking long term.

No requirement for 2 or 4 seats in particular and roof isn't a consideration if the car drives well. Reason for the focus is I can get a meaty discount on one, but certainly it is the odd one of the group.

Skidder, what in particular puts you off the Elise for daily? Too unrefined? I see a guy drive to work in one every day. No chance to ask him about it though.
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just based on how rudimentary it is as a place to sit everyday. If your commute is ever anything but a free moving hoon, I just wouldn't fancy it.

I think they are a fantastic car but for me, they could only be a second, non-daily car (I haven't owned one by the way, just my views based on a neighbours one). I know you said you have a boring car too but it sounds like this would be your main car.
 
Sorry, missed the 11 plate consideration.

M135 is an awesome car by all accounts, will be faster than the Z4 but I'd still look at both and see which you prefer.

You might *just* be able to scrape a Boxster for that money too
 
Why must it be so new? M3 and Cayman would be at the top of my list. I certainly wouldn't want to plonk £25k on a Focus or Toyota, they just aren't special enough. And especially if this is a last fling flash in the pan, I need a sports car for a year kind of deal then I would be wishing to minise depreciation as much as possible, not be buying as new as possible.
 
Skidder said:
just based on how rudimentary it is as a place to sit everyday. If your commute is ever anything but a free moving hoon, I just wouldn't fancy it.

I think they are a fantastic car but for me, they could only be a second, non-daily car (I haven't owned one by the way, just my views based on a neighbours one). I know you said you have a boring car too but it sounds like this would be your main car.
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I understand - my commute is a mixture to be honest. Yes, I saw the interior is a bit dated and sparse so I know what you're getting at.

Scottland said:
Sorry, missed the 11 plate consideration.

M135 is an awesome car by all accounts, will be faster than the Z4 but I'd still look at both and see which you prefer.

You might *just* be able to scrape a Boxster for that money too
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Faster isn't necessarily better, I'd just like something fun. I'll look to see what sort of Boxster may be in budget, thanks. Although I do wonder if running costs may grow to be unpalatable (not necessarily un-affordable, but are they expensive to keep going?).

I'll be test driving the shortlist in the new year when I get time, so should have a real chance to weigh up against one another myself. Thanks for the comments so far!
 
olv said:
Why must it be so new? M3 and Cayman would be at the top of my list. I certainly wouldn't want to plonk £25k on a Focus or Toyota, they just aren't special enough. And especially if this is a last fling flash in the pan, I need a sports car for a year kind of deal then I would be wishing to minise depreciation as much as possible, not be buying as new as possible.
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Few reasons - would like some warranty included, hopefully less hassle in maintenance as it will be a daily driver, as well as I'd just rather have a bit newer because condition *should* be better. I like my things new rather than used I guess and I have a license plate that can go on a '11 or newer car too if I wanted. In the future I will go for something used, but it will be cheaper and more of a project car. Not sure if I want two older cars, rather have one I can count on.

Cayman looks nice indeed. I guess only I can really answer, but would it be sensible considering my options so far? Don't know if they're pricey to run or reliable etc. Not that running costs should be too much worse than anything else, but insurance may be a bit more difficult to swallow. I don't like having to pay expensive premiums on principle, although thankfully my current rates are not bad. Just thinking out loud.

I did go and see a few of these cars at the weekend, but I haven't been to BMW yet. They sound popular here!
 
Going from a fiesta to a 25k sports car is a big upgrade and a fairly significant commitment financially, especially if you're financing it. Assuming you're a younger bloke, is there definitely nothing in your life that might come around in the coming years? Like buying your own place or anything.

Not really interested in your finances, but it sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster depending on your circumstances so just saying it might warrant a bit of thought
 
I'm a little puzzled about the age criteria, having had a few rides in a 10 plate Elise, and both driven and been driven in an 09 plate M3, I know which I'd be hankering after for that "special" feel, have you driven an M3 OP? - I get the feeling you have not perhaps...,
I was a bit "meh" about them until a mate bought one......
Age & miles can mean little in terms of condition - just look up Fox's 200k 2001 Model e39....
As I say in my initial reply, get one sub 60k,extended BMW warranty - which is akin to a new car warranty afaik - from a BMW dealer, private plate if such a thing matters to hide its age, detail, job done!
 
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iaind said:
Going from a fiesta to a 25k sports car is a big upgrade and a fairly significant commitment financially, especially if you're financing it. Assuming you're a younger bloke, is there definitely nothing in your life that might come around in the coming years? Like buying your own place or anything.

Not really interested in your finances, but it sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster depending on your circumstances so just saying it might warrant a bit of thought
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I understand and appreciate the concern - I've got no issues there though. I'm fortunate to have been able to work very hard and get a good stable job and I have very few commitments bar a shared mortgage. I'm more looking for some input on which car would suit best as a first decent performance car. Fiesta is no slouch, but it's not as special. I've been a petrolhead for all my life so this is quite high on my priorities I guess.
 
Test drive an M3, the "no slouch" fiesta will feel like a milk float built out of paper by comparison!

Few cars suit the "petrol head" tag like one imo.
 
Appreciate that and don't want to derail the thread - just that a young bloke spending 20 grand on finance is the sort of think you hear about ending in disaster too often. Sounds like you've done your research though, if you said you were still living with parents I'd strongly suggest reconsidering for example. Enjoy whatever you end up with - all I have to contribute is to echo what everyone else is saying and dont be so set on age
 
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