8K - something interesting

[TW]Fox;25684828 said:
The roof on a convertible should be used like an umbrella. If its raining, put it up. At all other times, roof down. Even if its 2c outside on a crisp morning, get that roof down. Thats the great thing about a convertible, you don't need to be sitting in blazing sunshine to enjoy it. There are hundreds of opportunities every year for top down fun almost whatever the weather. As soon as you introduce a stupid hardtop into equation you lose the ability to quickly drop the hood.
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I'm sure you've said this before. :cool:
 
Driving around in the cold and rain is not fun with the roof down.
Not once did I ever think "Damn, I can't put the roof down as I have the hardtop on"
 
rjkoneill said:
GT. Hardtop. Facelift. 06+ if possible. Stock. Sensible miles. Interesting colour.
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And within 100 miles for under £8k?

You're asking a lot, either be happy to lose a few of your requirements, or expand your searches. If you really want the S2000 then you should be willing to travel for it. It's not a Ford Fiesta, they aren't popping up all over the place...

Don't buy anything else, you want the S2000, just wait for one to come up for sale, regardless of where it is.
 
Nothing wring with the hardtop with the weather recently I don't think even an Austin Healey driver would have the roof down.

The GT also came with a hard top as standard and it is cheaper to insure. Might have trouble selling it on if you don't have the original equipment.
 
Rich

I am inclined to agree with others, you've had your heart set on an S2000, you should buy an S2000, why:-

Very challenging to drive, go-kart like chassis, can be geo'd to be less challenging and more progressive, but in all a truly very focused drivers car that requires someone good behind the wheel to get the most out of it. The chassis, engine are all about a challenge and its a truly bespoke car, there is only one model and as the years pass they will only become rarer. Roof down dry motoring, or if your like me, even when its raining gently. I hated driving mine with the roof up to be honest.

Why not to buy one, it might kill you, maybe you'll be slower in it than your Civic due to it being more challenging and this might put a damper on things and when it is wet, cold and raining, well its simply not as fun with the roof up. Your first RWD car, the S2000 does have a reputation. ;)
Though to be honest with the alignment done and a few choice modifications the handling is far more forgiving that the very early cars and as your going newer than 04 and will get the suspension aligned and sorted you should be ok.

The other option! :D

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...m3-2dr-csl-spec-fully-loaded-only-81k/1956106 - Negotiate down to 6-5.5k region, not stellar mileage, but not low either, but the engines in these IF MAINTAINED are pretty bullit proof.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...arbon-sound-system-delivery-available/1970708 - OK far away but looks like a perfect well maintained example with lots of extras.

This would be my choice:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...ndividual-365bhp-----------------2003/1959087

OK I hate the front bumper, but a CSL front bumper fitted and painted for less than £500 fixes that, the rest of the modifications are pretty good and it looks extremely well looked after with all suspension and brakes changed.

Or this as its newer and less mileage:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...ries-e46-m3-smg------------------2004/1989617

Or in the best colour, though very far away:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e46-m3-00-06/bmw-m3-m3-coupe-smg-3-3/1951402

Im not sure on red, but this car looks stupidly clean:-
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=93605

Or in a sickly colour:-
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...rlynew,new/model/m3/price-from/6000?logcode=p

Maybe perfect for you:-
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...id/0e8b3648aa00c58c6deccc4e3c076365?logcode=p

Low mileage and not far away whilsy remaining in budget, offer 7.5k

If still available, a great price:-
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...0/postcode/st87hf/model/m3/make/bmw?logcode=p




Why M3, well though a very nice looking car, it is just another BMW so does not have the rare appeal that the S2000 has. But as a drivers car and that straight 6 powerhouse revving towards 8000rpm, it is hard to beat. The lardyness can easily be cured as 100kg is easily lost with sacrificing creature comforts, its only when you got mad like me and strip out 250kg you loose the creature comforts. ;)

One could argue a safer RWD experience than an S2000, due to the DSC systems on offer etc. and by the fact they have a longer wheelbase making them a little more progressive in let go and you can certainly grab them by the scruff of the neck and drive them hard. :D
 
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...radius/1500/page/1/postcode/pl144jk?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...00/price-from/7000/fuel-type/petrol?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...144jk/page/1/model/m5/price-to/9000?logcode=p

9000

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infernox said:
Gibbo your M3 must feel like a rocket with how much you've stripped out?
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Yup it goes well now it weighs 1350kg :D , feels quicker than 911, though in reality 911 still seems to have the edge, obviously down to the slippyness and extra torque the 911 has.
 
I dont see the m3 in standard guise as being as 'special' as the s2000, certainly not for a a weekend only car, am I alone in this? A sports car just seems much more of an occasion than any saloon based coupe, regardless of outright pace. The m3 is surely a league above in terms of running costs too?
 
Will said:
I dont see the m3 in standard guise as being as 'special' as the s2000, certainly not for a a weekend only car, am I alone in this? A sports car just seems much more of an occasion than any saloon based coupe, regardless of outright pace. The m3 is surely a league above in terms of running costs too?
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Not as special I'd agree, but only to look at.

The E46 M3 is still known as potentially one of the best M3's ever and the benchmark, E9x M3's were over-weight and the V8 though nice was never the S54. The new M4 is no longer NA, but it could maybe be the new hero, time will tell.

Owned S2000, M3 CSL and now a regular M3, as a weekend only car a sorted M3 to drive is just as much an occasion to drive, but ideally with a few subtle mods.

If I had an S2000 and my M3 on the drive, the drive to work would mostly be the M3, its a better car for that task. The weekend blast, I'd say toss a coin on a great stretch of road both cars equally feel sorted. On a red hot sunny day, yep take the S2000. :)

Running cost I'd agree, my S2000 never let me down and though I can't remember the exact figures average mpg was above 20 easily and servicing was relatively cheap. The M3 is average high teens mpg wise and servicing cost are I'd say three times as much.

Depends what Rich wants, if he is after a faster car or outright pace then the M3 or something like an EVO becomes an option. If outright pace is not that important the S2000 is his ideal car as you hardly notice the lack of pace due to being sat so low down and that 9000rpm, its only when I come flying past in the M3 and he is thinking, right supercharger kit so I can keep up. ;)
 
86JR said:
Got to be an M5 for that money ;)
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For me, maybe (I'm 43!) - the OP is 25, who at that age wants a large engine 5 series? (Fox excluded!!) :p

I can't see many 25 year olds opting for an e39 M5 over an e46 M3 tbh, ones ultimately an executive express, the other, a sorted performance car.

Great as an e39 M5 undoubtedly is, its nothing like as good ,IMO,as an M3 or S2000 when it comes to the "quick,fun & good handling" bit.
 
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