Sports Coupe ideas

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:29

Hi all.

I'm in the market for a new car soon. I have decided upon a coupe. My wife has her driving test on Monday, and all being well if she passes, she can have the family car for our son etc. And I can get a coupe. So potentially 2 seaters are an option.

So far I have test driven a MX-5 RF and a 370Z Nismo. Both had good points and bad points, for totally different reasons.

I'm after ideas and inspiration for other options.

Here is a pic of the two I've tried so far. (both parked on my driveway)

P.S. I prefer to buy new!

[TW]Fox · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:32

Why would you buy a new 370Z now, are they not from the previous decade? Buy used if you want one of those.

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:37

Fox, I didn't ask about opinions on these cars. I have my own opinions formed already. I asked for advice on what other coupé car options that are available.

Also max budget is £40,000 but I'd prefer to aim for around £30,000 but for the right car I could go for £40,000

Jono8 · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:37

Arent they quite different in terms of performance/price though?

I mean do you want 325 or 160bhp!

It is difficult to guage what you want when you have those two on the same shortlist.

[TW]Fox · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:38

Ace Modder said:
Fox, I didn't ask about opinions on these cars.

You posted pictures of them on a discussion forum, that invites opinion.

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:40

[TW]Fox said:
You posted pictures of them on a discussion forum, that invites opinion.

Fair enough, but your opinion is one of the key points that was in my head anyway from having driven one. So I agree with your point, but that's not the main thing I'm asking for.

NickXX · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:41

£30k on a 370z or mx-5, lol.

Seriously, save the cash and go used.

[TW]Fox · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:42

I'd consider a discounted M240i or 440i M sport.

Can get significant discounts off list, up to 10k iirc.

ShivP · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:44

Cayman?
I expect you would have to look at used though

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:45

Jono8 said:
Arent they quite different in terms of performance/price though?

I mean do you want 325 or 160bhp!

It is difficult to guage what you want when you have those two on the same shortlist.

That's the issue, I'm not sure which I want. I enjoyed both cars but for very different reasons. I currently don't have any real preference, this is why I'm struggling so much with what to consider.

Steeps · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:45

Usually helps if you list the good/bad of each of the ones listed above otherwise it would be pointless trying to suggest something if it already has a major bad point from above.

Toyota GT86
BMW 135i
BMW M240i
Audi TT

So really you want us to google a list of Coupe cars?

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:52

MX-5 RF
Good points

Fun
Good economy
Exterior looks ace
Steering is spot on
Love the retractable hard top, even if UK only gives 5 days weather a year for it

Bad points

Poor power-performance at high speeds
No storage space... and yes the 370z won that battle - would would have thought it.
Brakes were very poor, but they can be upgraded

370z
Good points

Noise is ace
Power performance is great, even at 90mph it pulls like a train
Reasonable storage for a 2 seater coupe

Bad points

economy with fuel
Car from 2009 and the design age is showing a little
Having all the tech gadgets adds to the price by £5k

ShivP · 24 Jun 2017 at 19:54

This video is made for you

https://youtu.be/JUhLXvxlQR4

Scrutinize · 24 Jun 2017 at 20:35

Your budget is too high for the cars you are considering imo.

New Merc C Class C300 AMG Line are discounted to circa 30k at the moment from SW Mercedes (carwow)

That is a very nice place to be plus practical albeit not that quick and if considering PCP great pm figures due to high residuals.

Otherwise the BMW 240/440 again helped by the deals and residuals. The M240i is almost the no-brainer option here.

The Nissan 370z still has something about it but even discounted it seems like a lot of money when buying new. It's a z car so has its own following and market. Always going to be appreciated so the compromises can be worth it.

Mazda MX-5 is in a completely different class to the above cars really.

Top of your budget should get you a 6-12 month old Jag F Type.

NickXX · 24 Jun 2017 at 20:45

The 240i seems like a no brainer here.

Lashout_UK · 24 Jun 2017 at 20:58

If you liked the RF, try the Abarth 124 Spider. I know it's a soft-top, but I found it far more entertaining and gratifying than the Mazda - primarily because of its turbocharged engine. Or buy a GT86, which handles much better and is a proper coupe.

M240i is a sound suggestion - but just don't track them in standard form, haha. They don't like long sweeping bends at higher speeds, it transpires...

kaku · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:06

I had a similar problem when looking for a new car, it felt like there wasn't actually that much choice.

My shortlist was:
GT86
MX-5 RF
370Z Nismo
Z4M
M235/M240i

Bear · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:07

Spend the £40k on an F type

Ace Modder · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:26

kaku said:
I had a similar problem when looking for a new car, it felt like there wasn't actually that much choice.

My shortlist was:
GT86
MX-5 RF
370Z Nismo
Z4M
M235/M240i

What did you pick in the end and why?

Jono8 · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:33

[TW]Fox said:
I'd consider a discounted M240i or 440i M sport.

Can get significant discounts off list, up to 10k iirc.

Is that 10k off list you mentioned just for the 440i? I have found that, but can't see anywhere with 10k off a 240i - seems to be more like £5k off the 240i (but i might just be reading it wrong and you may have meant just 10k on the 440i).

Sports Coupe ideas

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