£20k 'fun' car suggestions

Kamakazie!

Kamakazie!

Kamakazie!

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Joined
12 Jan 2003
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Looking at a sporty 2nd car that's a bit (a lot) more engaging than our current van and could do with some suggestions.
Criteria:
- Up to around £20k for a decent example
- Decent reliability
- Will get fairly regular use but not big miles, not just a weekend car
- Convertible would be a bonus
- Something likely to retain it's value preferred
- Can be garaged if needed, especially if fairly compact
- Doesn't need to be modern

At the moment the cars that I've thought might fit the bill are:
- Golf GTI MK1 or MK2 (MK2 would be pretty much perfect if they did a cabriolet version!)
- E46 M3 convertible

I know these are quite different, but both have the engaging drive I'm looking for. Also seem reasonable to live with when used on a fairly regular basis.
 
S2000 or MX5 are probably what I should get, but just don't fancy at the moment.
Can't get excited about the Boxster either.

Always fancied an Elise but are they practical enough for regular use? Expected them to be on the very firm side of things.
 
S2000 is probably the best choice imo - they don't make them like that any more and never will.
A MK1 or MK2 golf is just an old golf, certainly not going to be an event to drive or feel special other than because it's old.
 
Another vote for the S2000. Drive one. You will love it (or hate it, they are very raw).
Buy it well and you won't lose a penny. I ran my last one for over a year and 8k miles and got back what I paid when I got rid of it.
 
Lotus Elise, checks every one of those requirements other than being 100% great as a daily, however I now know a number of people that do daily them.

Your list of requirements was what I had early last year and ended up buying an Elise (S2 111s). I've had all sorts over the years including big V8s and a decent 911 but when it comes to an enjoyable driving experience then nothing touches this. Raw, engaging, and you don't need to do silly speeds to get a buzz from it.
 
Had my s2000 and e92 m3 together for 3 years. Hardly drove the S2000 as the M3 is basically a S4000 with 4 seats, comfort and an amazing gearbox.

Hard to see why spend £20k on one when you can get a e92 m3 which is much better and less rust prone. Sadly as I loved my S2000s
 
The MR2 mk2 does exist in Spider form. They were built in *very* low numbers and weren’t a mainstream model but there are at least a couple in the country if you are determined enough to have one.
 
Plenty of choice at your budget. Really depends on what you want at the end of the day. For me a fun car is a car with no roof and a manual gearbox.

S2000 is a good call, but they’re commanding good money and bits will need sorting out on them. The interior is comfortable, but a lot will be showing their age now. Best gearbox I’ve ever experienced. Not the fastest but the engine is extremely engaging. I do miss mine, but not sure I’d go back to one.

Sticking your budget, manual, convertible and <6s 0-60 brings up a lot of interesting machines. Elise, caterham, v8 M3, plenty of boxsters, BMW 235/240, Z4M… even an AM V8 vantage!

Nice time to be buying something fun!
 
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