I've always bought second hand cars bordering on bangernomics, the past two vehicles I ran them for three years and nearly got all my money back.
I've now decided to live a little and buy a decent sports/fun sub £20k type car,needs to be automatic gearbox because I desperately need a new hip and I'm not sure when that's gonna happen, I will probably do less then 5k miles a year.
Not an MX5 because we're planning on getting a small dog.
It will be our only car so no kit cars, been there already.
I've only really owned Japanese cars with a couple of blips.
I'm going to try to keep an open mind, I would prefer for you to have owned the cars you suggest so I can get an idea of reliability and running costs.
I don't care about electric this and that and infotainment bollocks.
I live in Wales so never get stuck in jams if that is relevant.
Thanks in advance for any advice and for reading these ramblings.😊
Toyota GT86?
It's the only smallish fun car I can think of that comes with an auto box. Also probably one of the most beloved/well received car of recent times if you ignore the people crying out for moar powwaa.
I came here to post the same thing as Sharkattack
Honest John Review - It even mentions the space in the back ref a small dog!
^^^ I was going to say Subaru BRZ/ Toyota GT86.
had a poke round one when my car was in for some work at the local Subaru dealership. If I could afford a mid life crisis car it might be one of them and been really impressed with Subaru customer service.
Keep it a few years and the current high mileage will even out.
Get the best 911 you can find.
Nothing else comes close.
Get roof bars for the bike, plenty of back seat room for a small dog.
The car I came on here to suggest has already been mentioned, the M140. I had one (well the M135) for 4 years. There is not a better balance of performance and practicality in my view. I had the auto and the ZF8 ‘box is sublime and mated to the 6 pot motor it’s a match made in heaven. If you do go for one - check for creaky steering and rattly back box on cold start. Common issues, and expensive (the steering) to fix but most should have been fixed under warranty if the 1st owner was on the ball.
If you don’t need the practicality of the 5 door hatch, go for the 440i. They’re better nailed together and quieter cabin on long runs.
2015/6 Mk7 Golf R’s are in that price bracket, Mid 30’s MPG, not significantly more expensive to service than a standard Golf. I had My 2015 R for three years (from 2 to 5 years/45000 miles old) and it had one rear damper replaced under warranty and that was it.
Or if you don’t feel the need for 300bhp And 4wd, then a Mk7 Golf GTi. My brother has had a 2017 Mk 7.5 from new and it has not had any work on it and regularly does 40mpg but if anything is sweeter to drive than the R unless you are really pushing it which to be honest isn’t sensible on public roads.
Edit: not a sports car but fun if you want and practical for the 90% of the time you just want to get from A to B
Bmw m140 or 340/440
I had the earlier m135,it was brilliant, the zf 8 speed auto is fantastic.
I get how good Golf's are. But surely you buy a Golf if you need a sensible daily driver that you can also extract a bit of fun from when the situation allows it.
If I wanted something predominantly 'fun' for occasional use and weekend missions I wouldn't even put one on my long list.
Granted the necessity of an auto box slashes your options, but still. Golf's are crushingly dull.
. Golf’s are crushingly dull.
I prefer to see it as a stealth option rather than dull. Most people don’t realise what it is.
Takes all sorts- BMW 1 series are In my opinion poorly packaged and ugly, but then I liked Fiat Multipla’s so what do I know.
What about a MGB GT? Your budget would get a really good sorted example and autos do exist. At that 5000 mile limit it could be a cheap option on classic insurance. I would have suggested an Alfa 105 Series coupe but these days 20K might not get a good one and manual only.
I would say Audi TT hardtop could be a good bet, lots of different engine options, practical, reliable, dsg gear box which is very good. Only bad thing is a lot of people won’t consider its proper sports car because it’s based on golf/a3/Leon under piñon and you can get a diesel one.
BMW M3
Very surprised at the BMW one series suggestions. My mate had one of those M series in line six jobs and yes it was fast, but it's a small car with a hefty transmission tunnel restricting space. Summary - small car with space inefficiencies due to RWD.
Also, BMWs and Golfs car are the boring choice, they make you look like a photocopier salesman.
My sis had a BRZ/GT86 and I was massively underwhelmed by it. Yes it drove ok but inside it is spartan to the point of being crap and it simply doesn't have enough power. She swapped from a R3 RX8 which really was ace but they're never going to win awards for reliability or running costs. Moto journos love the GT86 though, so what do I know?
How about an impreza or wrx or whatever they are called these days?
had one a long long time ago and it was great, never missed a beat for the 2 years I had it so things might be different these days. It was a bit thirsty and I was on first name terms with the local tyre fitter but again things might have changed. Worth it for the sound of the flat 4 alone
I test drove a few of these over the years
m140i has decent power but looks a bit meh and handling was not particularly sharp imo.
GT86 lacks power but handles really well - I would buy this car. The lack of power might irritate on a motorway but for normal roads you can potentially work the car more and stay within the speed limits. The back seats are for luggage only I would say, dont even think kids would fit. Infotainment was poor when I looked. Not really a great car for a dog. On the plus side they do an automatic if you want that but I did not think it worked so well and the manual seemed much better.
I bought the old model Focus ST in preference to the GT86 as value for money was a bit better and it was a bit more practical too - bootspace and back seats. Bit harsh on poor roads but overall handled well.
I've recently changed to the new ST which is a definite improvement over the Mk3.5. Chassis /comfort on poor roads is very good. Its got the old RS engine, plenty of torque. Good space for a dog and they are just launching the auto. Typically over budget - but I paid nowhere near list for mine.
Did not even consider Golfs, Audis etc - just did not appeal.
People I know with Carrera's have got rid as they found that level of performance did not work in UK conditions and upkeep was expensive but perhaps look at Boxters/ Cayman instead. I've never bothered
It’s all very personal and different cars suit different people. It’s just deciding exactly what you want and will enjoy the most.
Fast VAG cars aren’t just a dull everyday car as alluded to above. I take both Caterhams and my Leon Cupra to trackdays; the Cupra is epic fun (400 bhp and track pads / fluids the only change to standard) and it could never be described as dull. It’s main flaw is it’s too competent for the roads, far too fast. Stuff like Caterhams are quick but still feel a bit edgy on the roads, so you don’t have to go as quickly to enjoy them, the same can be said for lots of cars. We have a John Cooper Works convertible, the handling is pretty shocking 🙂 but it suits us for its purpose.
I have a real soft spot for BMWs and have had several 130s and M3s. The former make great road cars with a decent diff added; flawed but an enjoyable ownership experience and not too competent / fast for the roads. Just love the noise from the engines...
To end my rambling, don’t worry about a car that has flaws, that often makes it more enjoyable. It doesn’t need to be the fastest or the best handling, unless of course you intend to take it Hill climbing and on trackdays 🙂
An Alfa 105 convertible or spider is doable for less than 20k. Late 2 litres are available in auto, and they're a lot of fun! The spider continued in production well into the 80s and had all the bells and whistles. There are a few spiders around for less than £10k, leaving a few quid for alfaholics upgrades.
Reliability? I've put 30k miles on mine in 3 years and the only failure has been the 20 year old Japanese battery...
370Z
My Golf R on snow tyres was the most fun I’ve had in winter ever !
Kept it for 3 years and 27,000 miles then sold it , had a 911 for a while and now in a manual S3 which is alright. Any of them can’t go wrong
Leon Cupra dsg if you want an auto but you have the paddles and manual shifting if you feel like it
Yeah, the Leon.
I have the 2 litre petrol FR which is pretty handy when I want it to be. The Cupra must be seriously quick.
Golf’s are crushingly dull
Come back and say that after you've driven/owned a Mk7/7.5 GTI or R.
Me and the wife loved our 7.5 GTI, opted for it over the R as said elsewhere you get 40mpg but still fast enough for B road blasts to keep up with a surprising number of faster cars. Plus it takes a towbar for bikes.
She's not one for fast cars but this car was the only one she's loved out of the vast array I've had over the years. (S3, 335, 350Z, Impreza, 135i, S4) Only sold because having a bloody kid forced the need for more space as you need to bring the kitchen with you on every trip. We were both gutted and plan on getting another one in a couple of years.
That yo mentioned first the mpg is proof enough!
of the car, and the owner...
Come back and say that after you’ve driven/owned a Mk7/7.5 GTI or R.
Absolutely no desire to own one but I've been in and around loads of them. A few days ago I was in a Golf R with 420bhp. The owner thinks it's the greatest car to ever drive the Earth. From the passenger seat it's like every other lardy, boring, shopping trolley. Occasionally you can put your foot down and run out of road instantly. When we were in town we also drove past almost identical looking Golf's about every 90 seconds. Personally I'd take half the power, half the weight and half the gadgets every day.
None of this is relevant to the OP. He's not looking for a daily driver.
Lexus isf. Phenominal reliability, amazing underated cars. V8 fun. Bit of haggling and you might get a good one for 20k
Stretch your budget and sit behind 600 BHP of happiness
https://nclarksouthampton.wixsite.com/kleemannslk
*I have some personal interest in you buying it
**I have a knackered ankle so am also restricted to automatics
I had a ride in a year or two old Golf GTI and was underwhelmed. Nothing special and unrefined.
We loved our lower powered 1 Series, lovely car. Neighbours have a Z4 and that seems a decent motor.
@WorldClassAccident Does it come with the full hairdressers tool kit or do you have to provide your own?
Check the advert - mildly tuned to 596BHP at the wheel. It is a fine blow dry and keeps those bug like Aston, Lambos and Ferrari's out of your hair
Z3 is more of a hair dressr car so I did this to the 2.8 straight six version after an engine tweak
Anything but VAG... surely something wrong if they have to play a synthesized engine sound in the cabin instead of the real sound...
Save up a little more.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202005159339924
It’s got a hatchback to cater for the dog.
The owner thinks it’s the greatest car to ever drive the Earth.
Thats a bit of a stretch, but to say they're dull is just ill informed.
There's nothing wrong with stating either that it can get 40mpg (eco mode) while still being a great B road blaster (sub 15mpg). Just shows the versatility down practicality of it which the OP is showing a desire for - sporty but spacious.
Didn't realise I needed to sell photocopiers to drive my golf, anyone looking to buy some xerox?
A hot hatch is a reasonable compromise if you need to cart a family around, the op doesnt so a sports car makes more sense.
Other than gt86, have a look at 370z (depending on dog size), mustang (not sure if the v8 is in budget), lotus evora (little over budget, Toyota v6)
Anything but VAG… surely something wrong if they have to play a synthesized engine sound in the cabin instead of the real sound…
I think you will find that quite a few brands do this, BMW - who call it active sound design, Mercedes, Ford etc.
But I do agree about the fake sound, I had the Soundikator disabled on my R
BMW 140i
When we were in town we also drove past almost identical looking Golf’s about every 90 seconds
Part of the appeal for me-not everyone wants to be an exhibitionist
That’s amazingly rubbish with the active sound design off. Back in the day I had an E46 330i and that sounded better than that 140i does with it on.
As much I’d like a powerful car again, I looked into get a remap on my 320d but that just doesn’t do it. For me at my time of life it’s all about a burble and a luxurious interior, something like and RS6 or E63, none of which I can afford.
OP how about a 3.2 147 GTA? Gotta own an Alfa once, right?
Wow, how defensive are all the Golf drivers? I don't even strongly dislike them, literally the first thing was that I get how good they are. They're a perfect all rounder. I just got the impression from the OP that he didn't want or need a perfect all rounder.
but to say they’re dull is just ill informed.
I must have misinformed myself. There's no point in the last 15 years where I haven't known someone with some form of hot VAG and I've never fancied one for myself. The closest I got was test driving Golf GTD's while looking to replace my girlfriend's daily. Didn't buy one. We might end up with an Octavia VRS or similar.
Wow, how defensive are all the Golf drivers?
You could say this about any brand. Reread the thread, who started the mud slinging?
I almost bought an Alfa Montreal in the late 80’s, having owned three GT juniors, but as a 25 year old the running costs were going to be just too much. Now that V8 is a peach of an engine.
I would echo what others have said. The BMW ZF8 box is sublime. Mrs Inbred has one on her X1 25D. It uses the sat nav to anticipate the terrain and changes gear to suit. It’s certainly smoother than any Twin Clutch jobby we tried. We had a DSG in her previous car (DQ200) and it was for ever changing up when we approached roundabouts. It’s a quick change no doubt but not always the right gear and a bit jerky. Just our experience, maybe the bigger DSG boxes are better at the price range you’re looking at.
Wow, how defensive are all the Golf drivers?
It was before coffee, I'm always grumpier before coffee 😉
Personally for the OP, there's so many choices and so few pointers, as an only car I find it useful to be able to throw more than just a shoebox into the car from time to time, a bike for example, so a batch works well for me. If I had to buy a second car right now I'd be looking at an S1 Elise, a 350z, or something else with a nice v6/v8 burble.
I'd also suggest what I have, but you'll get a lot of people who've never driven one telling you they are boring
