Anything remotely fun around the 20k mark?

The Lexus is a rare car and reliably bulletproof. There are cars with over 200k miles that haven't had a single thing go wrong other than regular maintenance. I'm considering one as well. Only things against them are high RFL and no LSD no pre-facelift cars.
 
I like the Lexus too, it’s cool. Doesn’t scream ‘fun’ though perhaps? Subjective. If you want to have a V8 it seems like a fairly sensible option.
 
It's as lol as an overpriced Kia ..

At least the Lexus will be reliable, also V8 but whatever... Boring 4 cylinder turbo petrol is just as good right?

V6 actually :p plus some 2017 cars are still under full manufacturers warranty and even after that they have a 10 year drivetrain warranty. You will have way more fun in the stinger when the kids arent in it with its limited slip rear differential and you get that back end sliding out.
 
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Everyone is different but for me something that old would be missing too many modern creature comforts to be a family day to day car - ancient sat nav, no smartphone integration, no DAB, assume it at least has bluetooth but not 100% sure - fine if you're buying stuff for £5-6,000 but a bit lacking at £20,000 really.
 
Is a Fiesta ST too small for the family? Really like my Dad’s one and it’s properly fun to drive. Can get a 2022 or newer in budget so would have decent, modern kit.
 
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I've got a Golf R, I'd say it meets that brief pretty well. If you get one with a VW service history you can get it onto the VW 'all-in' plan, £37.50 a month for servicing, warranty and MOT which isn't too bad of a deal for peace of mind (I got it when it was £30 a month).
 
Thanks for the different suggestions. Started to search for what can see locally to get a better idea to hunt down the final choice.
Ultimately I will be happy with a majority of the suggestions and more a mind of matter thing with dropping a chunk of change and having no buyers regret as usually keep my cars a very long time.
 
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If you want fun and event a fwd hatch shouldn't be it.
W204 c63 AMG face-lifts are easily within budget and the main reason to get one is that it's the the last hurrah before downsizing and electric comes along. Fantastic sounding v8 stuff, great presence but still sensible servicing and parts availability. (fuel economy obviously not great but at low mileage shouldn't really be an issue).

The more sensible and economical option would be something B58 engined - anything from a m140i to 340i, 440i and even with a bit of patience 540i (massive jump in interior quality and comfort). This is an absolutely legendary engine with untouchable balance of sensible / performance / tuning potential that makes any other 4 cylinder car look very pedestrian by comparison.
 
If you want fun and event a fwd hatch shouldn't be it.
W204 c63 AMG face-lifts are easily within budget and the main reason to get one is that it's the the last hurrah before downsizing and electric comes along. Fantastic sounding v8 stuff, great presence but still sensible servicing and parts availability. (fuel economy obviously not great but at low mileage shouldn't really be an issue).

The more sensible and economical option would be something B58 engined - anything from a m140i to 340i, 440i and even with a bit of patience 540i (massive jump in interior quality and comfort). This is an absolutely legendary engine with untouchable balance of sensible / performance / tuning potential that makes any other 4 cylinder car look very pedestrian by comparison.

C63 Estate does look great and different from the Saloon.
540i like this also looks amazing and a sensible choice but not sure these would hit 20k anytime soon.
The B58 is a great engine and would tick most of the boxes at being sensible over the full M variants.
 
Indeed, nothing really touches the B58 in terms of performance / running costs / reliability blend.
Why not a saloon? I see a fair few around 20k so with a bit of patience they are certainly accessible given you intend to keep it long term?
 
Another vote for the Golf R from me, I have 1 and it does pretty much everything well. OK Golf's are not uncommon and the looks are understated (suits me) but a cracking all round car.
 
Is a Fiesta ST too small for the family? Really like my Dad’s one and it’s properly fun to drive. Can get a 2022 or newer in budget so would have decent, modern kit.
My wife has a 19 plate fiesta st (3) and she loves it. She normally has it in sport mode for the pops, but you have to try for them. It's not like a lot of others that have the popping all the time. We have 2 older kids (10 and 7) and she's never thought she needed a bigger car (in fact she used to have a mk 3 focus at but the space was wasted (not in tangerine scream though:()). She's distraught as to what she can replace her fiesta with.
 
My wife has a 19 plate fiesta st (3) and she loves it. She normally has it in sport mode for the pops, but you have to try for them. It's not like a lot of others that have the popping all the time. We have 2 older kids (10 and 7) and she's never thought she needed a bigger car (in fact she used to have a mk 3 focus at but the space was wasted (not in tangerine scream though:()). She's distraught as to what she can replace her fiesta with.

I think the i20N would be a decent 'spiritual' successor to the Fiesta ST, when the time eventually comes to replace it.
 
I wouldn't buy a Ford now with all the engine issues they have been having with wet belts etc. The Korean cars are all chain driven and proving much more durable.
 
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