Alfa, Audi, Mazda, Porsche or 'Other'?

Pyongyang

Hi, I'm starting initial research in to my next used car purchase. I've narrowed my list down to an Alfa Romeo GT, Audi TT, Mazda RX8 and the Porsche Boxster.

Budget is between €8-€15k so a decent margin to work with. What are each of those cars like with regards to fuel economy, insurance groups, repair costs and most important which is the most fun to drive?

Personally I like the looks of the Alfa GT and the TT. For the money I think the only Boxster's available would be one's on the verge of ruin or prior the facelift. Looking at RX8 threads on Boards.ie I'm a bit concerned at the fuel economy and repair costs.

What do you think? Can you recommend any other cars that may fit in to my search?

Thanks!

Anan1

They're all quite different, i'd start off by driving a good example of each. Tell us what you want from the car, what kind of driving you do, etc and people will be able to advise more.

Viper_JB

Slightly biased here as I have one, RX8 is great though, and for the money you're spending you should be able to get a good one, as far as running costs go, they are heavy on petrol. If I were you though, what I would do...and what I would enjoy doing is going out and having a drive in all the cars mentioned. Rx8 probably will be the best handling (not too sure what kinda boxter you'd find for that money) but they do require that you make sure oil levels are okay often and that you keep it well maintained, there may be a few gremelins kicking around the ignition system in the car so be sure you check the coils and stuff if you do decide to buy.

I'd personally avoid the older TT's as the new ones are far better and I'd always be a bit annoyed anytime I seen a newer drive past lol.

cabrwab

For me,
Boxster

TT if its the quattro 3.2

Rx8 remember the oil, get the 231 version and a well cared for version.

Then the gt.

Pyongyang

Anan1 wrote: »

They're all quite different, i'd start off by driving a good example of each. Tell us what you want from the car, what kind of driving you do, etc and people will be able to advise more.

Thanks for the replies all. Yep this is what I'm looking to do. Maybe contact a few dealers and set up some viewings, give them a run out and see.

I've been in a Boxster my friend owns, it's definitely a fun car and has a lot of 'badge' going for it I guess. Just the running costs and insurance group could be dodgy, not looked in to it to be honest.

The TT I like a lot, but I've heard older 1st gen models are considered 'boring' or a bit of a girl's car. Cheap enough though but still those issues are enough to cause reservations.

The RX8 I'm just not sure about. Full stop. Maybe driving one might change my mind. I may be on my own here, may be a bit OCD for this too but, does anyone else think the side indicator placement on an RX8 really ruins the look of the car? I try not to look at it but Christ it wrecks the look of it!

The Alfa GT I find stunning to look at inside and out but according to reviews I've read, it's another all looks no action car and has been classed as 'boring' too. Plus the Alfa reliability stigma bothers me somewhat. A nice example in Alfa red though really is something...

Redsoxfan

There's a low mileage 2005 3.2V6 GT for sale on Octane at the moment-hard to find over here.

Stevie Dakota

The side indicator placement on an RX8 is the least of your worries.

I would avoid the RX8 like the plague. They can use up to 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles, economy is lousy, oil changes every 4000 miles are not uncommon if you want to preserve you engine, worn rotor tips can result in wrecked engines, it also came came bottom of 121 cars in the "Cost of ownership" survey run by AutoExpress.

Matt Simis

I had a Boxster S for a while, fun toy car but un-liveable as a daily car IMO.

TCP/IP

I ran a Boxster S as a daily ride for two years and it was faultless. By the sound of your budget a good model might be out of range. Forgot the RX8 muck machine and not very quick. I would look for a nice 3.2 TT should be in budget.

MetzgerMeister

Even though I drive an RX8 and I love it, I think the Porsche would be your best pick out of these.

markeymark

Maybe you would also consider the BMW Z4 or the Nissan 350z? The Z4 is getting cheap now and is vastly better than it's predecessor. I think it looks great but it's an acquired taste I suppose. Boxster is supposedly a better drive.

I'd have the Boxster, or the diesel Alfa GT :P

Edser

I've owned 3 out of the 4 - TT, RX8 & Boxster

All were capable daily drivers and each great cars, and RWD very enjoyable to drive.

TT was solid, well built and had quattro AWD. Mazda was more spacious but very heavy on petrol. Oil wasn't too bad but they recommended checking it every time you put petrol in it!

Boxster is probably the best of the bunch and not as expensive to run as you'd think, eg. 31mpg with mixed driving. Easy to live with too, with two boots, takes the golf clubs, etc. Newer model much nicer inside and out but probably won't get one on your budget.


Haven't driven the GT but always thought it looked well. Would be concerned about the usual Alfa reliability and residuals.

Also had a Z4 as mentioned, another nice car, with straight 6, a little smaller but in a similar class.

Eoin

What about the Alfa Brera? You might just get one in budget. This one comes close.

Edser wrote: »

Haven't driven the GT but always thought it looked well. Would be concerned about the usual Alfa reliability and residuals.

Residuals are relatively strong for the GT, and the reliability issues are usually wildly overstated or just uninformed opinions based on pub talk. The 1.9 FIAT diesel engine is excellent, but I doubt I would go for the 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines. I'd say the 3.2 is pretty sweet - but then you're opening up a range of alternatives when you start looking at that engine size.

I test drove one a few weeks ago. I liked it a lot, but the handling wasn't quite as good as I would have expected from an Alfa. I'd still definitely consider one myself though.

Edser

eoin wrote: »

the reliability issues are usually wildly overstated .

Yep, have owned an Alfa before so maybe should have said 'perceived' reliability issues, however I test drove a new Brera demo where the seat belt wouldn't reel back and the bonnet release lever was broken off. (in a main AR dealer BTW).

Victor_M

I'll mention the BMW M3 before someone else does!

It has the looks, performance, reliability ( if properly maintained) you are looking for.

I had one for 5 years, still miss it. 22 mpg, servicing is very reasonable for the phenomenal performance you are getting, I only had to replace tyres and bushings on top of the services (15K miles intervals).

Magnificent car, there is a very good reason that it's as popular and respected as it is.

My .02C worth.

Matt Simis

Edser wrote: »

Boxster is probably the best of the bunch and not as expensive to run as you'd think, eg. 31mpg with mixed driving. Easy to live with too, with two boots, takes the golf clubs, etc. Newer model much nicer inside and out but probably won't get one on your budget.

You guys are mad, apart from the MPG I had the complete opposite view to you and TCP. Great car to drive when all the bits "come together", but as comfortable as a Kart with a roof, awful engine note (and no it does not sound like a 911 boxer engine for those imagining), cramped, cheap and ugly interior, brutal sound system, high road noise, rubbish visibility out the rear, tedious in city driving, non existent boot space(s).

Always remember needing to get something out of my wallet.. with 2 people in the car there is literally no room in the cabin to leave a coat. Had to pull over to take my coat out of one of the boots. Oh left my glasses in the coat too, wait, there is a pull in area in 10miles, will get them then.... In-fricking-sane
Would love one for the Summer weekends, but thats it. Its not in any way a capable daily car (commuted on perfect back roads for a couple of months) or a long distance driver (drove it 500miles straight, so yeah, tested this explicitly and it was horrible).

To list it along side an Alfa GT (luxo cruiser with more show than go) or the 350z (fast GT come track car when you want it) makes me think... infact I just dont know WTH to think about the bizarreness of this thread. Chalk and cheese and outright contradictory.

My Boxster S was a low mileage facelift model in great shape btw, great car, would have a another, but not for the proposed usage as a primary car.

?Cee?view

There was a 2007 3.2 Brera in last Sunday's Sunday Times for €14,950. It's already suffered horrendous depreciation, so you'll have missed most of that pain and it's just beautiful as a daily driver.

r1_2010

Alfa Brera is a stunning car. I've driven the JTDM 1.9 engine in the 159 and it was a lovely drive... not the sportiest thing ever, but plenty of punch for day to day. In a coupe like the brera I would imagine the 2.4 JTDM would be the one to go for and a great drive. However... elephant in the room when you buy the brera....
As stunningly gorgeous as the car is (and I still reckon the brera is the most beautiful car sub 120k on the road today) .... 15k is a lot of money in these financial times, and if/when you decide to sell it on, not many dealers will want to talk to you, let alone the time it will take to sell on the private market... it would have to be a very VERY good deal. just my 0.02 though.
That suggestion for the M3 is brilliant. A ferrari for the real world.

samsemtex

r1_2010 wrote: »

Alfa Brera is a stunning car. I've driven the JTDM 1.9 engine in the 159 and it was a lovely drive... not the sportiest thing ever, but plenty of punch for day to day. In a coupe like the brera I would imagine the 2.4 JTDM would be the one to go for and a great drive. However... elephant in the room when you buy the brera....
As stunningly gorgeous as the car is (and I still reckon the brera is the most beautiful car sub 120k on the road today) .... 15k is a lot of money in these financial times, and if/when you decide to sell it on, not many dealers will want to talk to you, let alone the time it will take to sell on the private market... it would have to be a very VERY good deal. just my 0.02 though.
That suggestion for the M3 is brilliant. A ferrari for the real world.

The residuals for the diesel Brera are actually quite strong. I dont think you would have much trouble getting rid of one. I have very mixed opinions on the brera though. It looks amazing from some angles and frumpy from others. Its nowhere near as nice as the concept and by all accounts is a very disappointing drive. The 3.2 V6 is supposed to be incredibly disappointing.

If I was going for a Brera it would have to be the Prodrive 2.2 Brera S which actually handles like a sports car. Looks way better too.

Joe 90

Funny someone reckoning the Boxter not to be a pracical car. I would seriously consider one when I get too old and stiff for the Exige.

Mr.David

Its personal taste really which you go for.......so long as its RWD.



Seriously, there's RWD cars and then there's everything else.

Pyongyang

Matt Simis wrote: »

I had a Boxster S for a while, fun toy car but un-liveable as a daily car IMO.

Bringing back my old thread here. I fell off the buyers market for a while but am back again looking. Requirements have changed though along with the budget (now I'm budgeting around €7k-€9k).

I think I've gone off the old TT's now. They look a bit bland next to the new TT. I'm really considering an RX8 though, despite it's thirstiness and love of oil! I keep coming back to it.

Considering throwing a 350Z in to the pot in place of the TT through reading boards,ie threads the tax on these sounds truly terrifying (along with the interior!).

I've gone off the Alfa GT a bit too, nowhere near as keen on it as I was. The Boxster might have to go now as I doubt I'll find one to suit my budget now.

Perhaps you may be able to recommend a different car? I should have maybe outlined what I want from my car and how I will use it.

I'd like a coupe, something very sporty and quick. Not a nightmare on tax/insurance (although I am over 30 so not expecting lunatic sums). MPG doesn't equate too much as buying a car of this nature you expect it to be on the low side.

I won't actually be using it daily, more a weekend car so mileage will be low (indeed I've dubbed this project my premature-Mid-life crisis car).

I very much appreciate any help you may be able to give me.

MetzgerMeister

I'll throw these at you:

Mazda 3 MPS (FWD)
Mazda 6 MPS (4WD)

Neither of these are coupes but they are very sporty and VERY quick with slightly better MPG than the RX8.

Pyongyang

einheisserschre wrote: »

I'll throw these at you:

Mazda 3 MPS (FWD)
Mazda 6 MPS (4WD)

Neither of these are coupes but they are very sporty and VERY quick with slightly better MPG than the RX8.

I think I saw the 3 MPS mentioned earlier in this thread but I dismissed it without even looking. Are they really all 'loud trousers' under the hood? The looks put me off a bit as I am looking at the aesthetics too to be fair.

MetzgerMeister

Pyongyang wrote: »

I think I saw the 3 MPS mentioned earlier in this thread but I dismissed it without even looking. Are they really all 'loud trousers' under the hood? The looks put me off a bit as I am looking at the aesthetics too to be fair.

Not loud trousers at all lad 2.3 litre turbocharged engine producing 260bhp. Same engine in both the 3 and the 6.

Pyongyang

einheisserschre wrote: »

Not loud trousers at all lad 2.3 litre turbocharged engine producing 260bhp. Same engine in both the 3 and the 6.

Not rotary? Interesting! I think I'm secretly really trying to be convinced not to buy an RX8. I've yet to test drive one so that may be the decider. I think I was blinded by the only real alternative within budget being the 350Z.

What insurance group is the 3/6 MPS? Are they pricey to tax too?

MetzgerMeister

Pyongyang wrote: »

Not rotary? Interesting! I think I'm secretly really trying to be convinced not to buy an RX8. I've yet to test drive one so that may be the decider. I think I was blinded by the only real alternative within budget being the 350Z.

What insurance group is the 3/6 MPS? Are they pricey to tax too?

Nope, every Mazda car is piston engined except anything bearing the "RX" badge. I drive an RX8 and to be honest, I love it. I've had it 3 years and the novelty still hasn't worn off

350Z is a 3.5ltr engine so taxwise it'd be €1500 a year. If you're going down that route, you'd be better off with a BMW M3.

Both the 3 and 6 would be €860 a year to tax. Keep in mind that the RX8, while thirstier than these 2, is only €551 to tax a year.

Henry Ford III

If you are looking at bigger engines in high performance cars and road tax is an issue - a few hundred more would be a factor perhaps - I'd respectfully suggest looking elsewhere.

Road tax really is a very minor factor. An engine or transmission issue might be however.

stevenmu

Pyongyang wrote: »

I may be on my own here, may be a bit OCD for this too but, does anyone else think the side indicator placement on an RX8 really ruins the look of the car? I try not to look at it but Christ it wrecks the look of it!

Are you looking at pictures on a US site perhaps? In the US the side indicators are all orange plastic which looks terrible IMO, I believe all EU cars came with "clear corners" which is the first mod most US owners seem to go for. Even the clears sometimes stand out in photos but in real life they're not very noticeable IMO.

MetzgerMeister

stevenmu wrote: »

Are you looking at pictures on a US site perhaps? In the US the side indicators are all orange plastic which looks terrible IMO, I believe all EU cars came with "clear corners" which is the first mod most US owners seem to go for. Even the clears sometimes stand out in photos but in real life they're not very noticeable IMO.

You can even get corners to match the style of the headlights - i.e. see-through.

BostonB

Matt Simis wrote: »

You guys are mad, apart from the MPG I had the complete opposite view to you and TCP. Great car to drive when all the bits "come together", but as comfortable as a Kart with a roof, awful engine note (and no it does not sound like a 911 boxer engine for those imagining), cramped, cheap and ugly interior, brutal sound system, high road noise, rubbish visibility out the rear, tedious in city driving, non existent boot space(s).

Always remember needing to get something out of my wallet.. with 2 people in the car there is literally no room in the cabin to leave a coat. Had to pull over to take my coat out of one of the boots. Oh left my glasses in the coat too, wait, there is a pull in area in 10miles, will get them then.... In-fricking-sane
Would love one for the Summer weekends, but thats it. Its not in any way a capable daily car (commuted on perfect back roads for a couple of months) or a long distance driver (drove it 500miles straight, so yeah, tested this explicitly and it was horrible).

To list it along side an Alfa GT (luxo cruiser with more show than go) or the 350z (fast GT come track car when you want it) makes me think... infact I just dont know WTH to think about the bizarreness of this thread. Chalk and cheese and outright contradictory.

My Boxster S was a low mileage facelift model in great shape btw, great car, would have a another, but not for the proposed usage as a primary car.

Seems like a 2 seater convertible Mid engined, is exactly the wrong car for you tbh. Your looking for a comfy GT not a sports car. The Boxster is the softer side of sports car too.

Dunno a friend of mine has a Boxster S for many years as a daily driver, I've driven and been a passenger in it a lot. Gone on holidays on it etc. I thought it was a very comfy cruiser. Hes had other 2 seat, mid engined cars too, and the experience was very similar.

The only thing I'd agree with is, the interior doesn't seem very high quality and hes had problems with the seats and trim. I didn't think it was ugly though??? I think the trim is improved on newer ones. His has a fancy sound system, something off the options list. Sounds ok. Also his engine failed at 20k. Had a battle with Porsche to get them to sort it out. Bills on Porsches tend to be expensive. Other than the above hes had no problems.

Pyongyang

Henry Ford III wrote: »

If you are looking at bigger engines in high performance cars and road tax is an issue - a few hundred more would be a factor perhaps - I'd respectfully suggest looking elsewhere.

Road tax really is a very minor factor. An engine or transmission issue might be however.

Agree with the above, I just thought the 350z bracket was a bit on the high side. That's where on the tax side the RX8 fits the bill.

Insurance-wise I ran a test quote a few weeks ago on a 350Z and was quoted €750 fully comp+1 named driver inc. 0 years NCB, which I thought was a great deal considering.

I don't think I want to go down the BMW route and Audi's are becoming very unappealing to me. I thought about an S2000 but that's over budget I think and the cars are old... It's a confusing market that's for sure, I'm not sure what I really want!

ArphaRima

My vote goes on the RX8 as long as you follow the owner's community guidelines in choosing a good one. A properly serviced, well treated model would be perfect and within your price-range.

-I think it a far superior car to the Mk1 TT. I owned a Mk2 TT in previous years and it was fantastic but it's outside your budget.
-Boxsters are great but the interiors for the years you're looking at are awful.
-Alfa GT would be great with a nice engine.
-Z4 might be worth a look also. I've always liked those. Nice interiors and they drive well enough.

I know people are saying to get out there and drive them, but realistically that's a lot of sellers you're going to annoy. Get as much research done as you can using cbg.ie for pricing and EVO/what car? etc for reviews and the like before you go viewing. Narrow it down to 3 cars (not models)to look at in person.

Pyongyang

fluffer wrote: »

My vote goes on the RX8 as long as you follow the owner's community guidelines in choosing a good one. A properly serviced, well treated model would be perfect and within your price-range.

-I think it a far superior car to the Mk1 TT. I owned a Mk2 TT in previous years and it was fantastic but it's outside your budget.
-Boxsters are great but the interiors for the years you're looking at are awful.
-Alfa GT would be great with a nice engine.
-Z4 might be worth a look also. I've always liked those. Nice interiors and they drive well enough.

I know people are saying to get out there and drive them, but realistically that's a lot of sellers you're going to annoy. Get as much research done as you can using cbg.ie for pricing and EVO/what car? etc for reviews and the like before you go viewing. Narrow it down to 3 cars (not models)to look at in person.

Have to agree with every word you said there. It's exactly the mindset I'm in. Going through your post I agree in that:

1. The RX8 is the car I secretly want but the rotary engine scares me and the MPG, even taking in to account what I want from my pre-mid-life crisis car, is a bit on the greedy side for my liking. I can live with it, but I don't want it to become buyers remorse and that I think is the killer punch for me with this car.

2. Agreed. The Mk2 TT is way out of my budget and the Mk1 is starting to look seriously dated.

3. If I went for an Alfa GT it'd have to be the 1.9 JTD or nothing. Also the GT is becoming rather commonplace I think and aesthetically something really bugs me about it's backside. It is a lot of car for little money I think but reviews I've read say the car is no fun and then personally the big Alfa Romeo reliability alarm bell refuses to switch itself off inside my head.

4. The Z4 doesn't appeal to me, plus it's a convertible so bang goes the insurance hike. I don't think I really like any BMW's or Audi's to be honest. Not sure why, just I've never really been taken with them.

5. The Porsche Boxster early models I agree look super dated on the inside, plus I read somewhere that a lot you see used and for a good price are usually hitting the 70k mileage mark at which point something or other catastophically expensive to repair goes wrong with them. I forget what.

6. I'm definitely going to test drive as many as I can but I agree, I don't want to anger any dealers or private owners. If I went for an RX8 I'd want a compression test done too I think as everyone on boards.ie who's chimed in on the RX8 has recommended doing so it seems. I've been reviewing and studying for months now, even while off the market but I'm almost ready to put my money where my mouth is...I think!

Pyongyang

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I dont see the logic of people recommending a RX8 or a 350z/Z4 because of the lower tax. You will get murdered on fuel costs and your "saving" from the tax will be wiped out after about a month or two./QUOTE]

Agreed to a point. I've taken MPG's in to consideration as buying such a car I think you really have to come to terms with these figures. They're not designed as daily runabouts but then at the same time you don't really want to be crying yourself to sleep at night because of your cars endless thirst affecting your bank balance.

I've tried to offset the low MPG's in my situation against the fact it's not going to be a run around car, merely something for the weekend if you will. Essentially trying to kid myself that if I look at it that way, then it's grand.

BostonB

If you are worrying about tax, good luck when you get a bill for tyres, or an exhaust or something.

Pyongyang

BostonB wrote: »

If you are worrying about tax, good luck when you get a bill for tyres, or an exhaust or something.

Good call! Suddenly the whole tax issue is becoming a bit of a non-issue!

Absurdum

There are lots of 350Zs around within budget, plenty have low mileage and from reputable garages with warranty etc. That would be my choice anyway.

ArphaRima

the Mk1 is starting to look seriously dated

Very much so. I know some people have done a relatively tasteful job of modifying their headlights etc, but it still has aged. I had a poster of the car on my wall (along with the F40, F1 and Diablo)when it was released so it's not like I didn't like it..

Alfa Romeo reliability alarm bell refuses to switch itself off

Love them too, but the reliability/residuals were showstoppers every time.

I don't think I want to go down the BMW route

The entire country bought a 316i or a 320d in 2007 and think they're great. Dont join the pack.

The Z4 doesn't appeal to me, plus it's a convertible

There is a coupe. I know I just binned bmw's but dont write this car off too easily. They're well built, quite nice inside, go quick and are RWD.

There are lots of 350Zs around within budget

I dont know about the 350z but I had a look at the 370z at the nurburgring beside a GTR. I was blown away by both. It looked great inside and out. Far more so in person than in print. Until then I had always thought of a 350z as a Toyota Celica on acid.

I've tried to offset the low MPG's in my situation against the fact it's not going to be a run around car

I went from that mk2 TT to a car that I get 12 mpg in regularly. Now that change hurt! But it was worth it because as I did it I changed from using my car daily to using a motorbike to commute and having a nice car for the weekends.
My mid-life crisis vehicle will have to be a blimp/zeppelin/biplane or something like that..

I'm almost ready to put my money where my mouth is...I think!

Good luck!

Pyongyang

Absurdum wrote: »

There are lots of 350Zs around within budget, plenty have low mileage and from reputable garages with warranty etc. That would be my choice anyway.

This is a 350Z I was keen on:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/SPORT-CO/201106201229361/advert?channel=CARS

What bugs me though is the same car is listed here:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/Fairlady/201044200069085/advert?channel=CARS

Check the numberplates to see what I mean.

Thoughts?

Pyongyang

fluffer wrote: »

I went from that mk2 TT to a car that I get 12 mpg in regularly. Now that change hurt! But it was worth it because as I did it I changed from using my car daily to using a motorbike to commute and having a nice car for the weekends.

Jeez what bike was that you got? Straying off topic I'm a big fan of the GSX-R!

I can rule out any chance of buying a BMW or Audi, I'm just not in to them at all. The Alfa reliability is the showstopper for me too, though my mind may change with a test drive. Is it true the GT is based on the 156 or is it the 159? Or neither?

Absurdum

Pyongyang wrote: »

This is a 350Z I was keen on:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/SPORT-CO/201106201229361/advert?channel=CARS

What bugs me though is the same car is listed here:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/Fairlady/201044200069085/advert?channel=CARS

Check the numberplates to see what I mean.

Thoughts?

I think Richford sell cars on behalf of clients rather than actually owning them themselves. I'd still expect a healthy discount if you're paying cash, the market for 3.0+ petrol engines isn't great at the moment I would imagine.

edit: just say your other post with the €7-9k budget, I was going by the original post budget

BostonB

I think when you are looking at the interior, and the badge, and the road tax, perhaps all out driving experience, at the expense of everything else isn't the priority. Which is fine, but perhaps change your priorities to suit. Sounds like running costs are probably the priority here.

ArphaRima

Jeez what bike was that you got?

Nothing like a GSXR I'm afraid; it's not the best choice for commuting. A Triumph Street Triple R & AMV8.

That Nissan 350z looks great. I would be ultra cautious about its history though. Pay particular attention to number of owners and how long owned by current owner. Full motorcheck, engineer inspection, and then possibly service (if needed at your cost) before sale being final.
Jap cars with aftermarket kit (wheels?)make my spider senses tingle, but that car really does look fantastic inside and out.

Pyongyang

BostonB wrote: »

I think when you are looking at the interior, and the badge, and the road tax, perhaps all out driving experience, at the expense of everything else isn't the priority. Which is fine, but perhaps change your priorities to suit. Sounds like running costs are probably the priority here.

Fair point. Running costs I admit are an issue, but not a dealbreaker (except for an Alfa). Given your point in to account though, what would you suggest looking at that fits the bill?

BostonB

TBH I dunno. I don't think you've said what kinda driving you will be doing. So I dunno if you want sports car, GT, bare bones thrills, or a sporty cruiser.

I like the boxsters, but I don't think I'd get one on a budget. I assume the Nissan would be the cheapest to run, and its a great drive by all accounts (never driven one). But I don't like Nissan dealers, who can be pricey and dire. IMO.

Pyongyang

Fair play, much appreciated comments. Essentially what I want is something:

Quick, sporty looking, not a convertible, reasonably cheap to run/maintain, reliable. Not a BMW, Audi or Hyundai.

The car will see little mileage. Mainly weekend use.

Not fussed about practicality, I don't want the car for that.

Something uncommon that looks a little different.

BostonB

I'd be thinking Elise. Despite it being a convertible. Little to go wrong, small engine, reliable. Fast and exotic. The running costs of the other cars, would worry me, if on a budget. Safe choices would be a Celica or a MRS, but maybe not exotic enough. Consider that a safe/cheaper option to your original list. If you can stretch to the 350 then thats probably what I'd go for in that list. I suspect its hard to get a clean one. I'm thinking there much better value in the UK, though, as costs are cheaper there, and a bigger market. So theres more to choose from, and more competition on price.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article824060.ece

firefly08

It's not not a convertible, but since you were looking at the boxster, have you considered an S2000? I'm pretty sure it'll cover quick, reliable and fairly uncommon. I think the looks are OK and with a 2 litre engine the tax bill won't break the bank either. I don't know if you can get a hard top for them. (You can actually get that for the Boxster)

You didn't mention how far back you're willing to go age-wise, but I'm guessing not too far, considering the cars you suggested. If you're willing to go back a bit, you might have more options - Alfa GTV, Celica, Supra etc. IMO the GTV is the best looking car in that kind of price range. I'd have that with the big V6 before the GT any day. You would probably save a few squid and have plenty left over for the 3.0L road tax

Absurdum

Pyongyang wrote: »

Fair play, much appreciated comments. Essentially what I want is something:

Quick, sporty looking, not a convertible, reasonably cheap to run/maintain, reliable. Not a BMW, Audi or Hyundai.

The car will see little mileage. Mainly weekend use.

Not fussed about practicality, I don't want the car for that.

Something uncommon that looks a little different.

OK I'm totally ignoring some of your requirements above, but you'd get a mint Mazda MX5 for relatively little money, running costs would be a fraction of those of a 350Z or RX8

Loads of fun to drive and bulletproof reliability too...

Glowing

I initially didn't want a convertible, but am so 'converted' now, took a 2 hour spin south in my mx5 on Friday last with the sun beating down on me and the wind in my hair - absolutely nothing like it!!!

Edit. with a hard top too I've the best of both worlds!