Fun 2nd car - recommendations

elbyrneo

Hi there,

Would massively appreciate advice and sorry in advance for length of post! I'm very fortunate to be in the position where i can spend in or around 40k on a 2nd car.

Family of five and a dog, but we already have a Kia Sorento PHEV for family trips so that's covered, I currently have a 2007 MKV GTI which i'll sell privately hopefully.

General points: Want something very quick / fun to drive that has a bit of "presence". Petrol engine wanted - will do low mileage (max 10kms a year, average 5k right now!) so fuel economy isn't a worry. 2 door ok if looks justify, but need 4 seats minimum. Don't like hatchbacks / estates or the looks of Evos / WRXs etc. Happy to do a stage 1 but prob nothing stage 2 mechanical. Am prepared to suffer from high tax / servicing if the car is worth it. Prefer dealer with warranty but would go private if needed. Would slightly worry about theft but will live with that worry.

Thought process has went like this over the last few months:

Golf R - ticks the quick box, great value, 5 seats a bonus, but is bit bland, don't want another hatchback or estate, looking for something with more presence.

Audi S3 saloon - ticks the quick box, 5 seats a bonus, but is a little bland, looking for something with more presence but its an option for sure. Have not tested yet, this weekend hopefully.

Audi S4 saloon - ticks the quick box, 5 seats a bonus, but being bigger might not be as fun as S3 and a tiny bit bland.

Audi S5 coupe - ticks the quick box, 4 seats and no back doors i can live with, like the looks, but being bigger might not be as fun as S3.

M3 - too much money unless E92 older model

340i / 440i - cant locate any for sale to test, but could stage 1 having read up on them, owners seem to love them

M5 - massive tick on quick box, could stretch to F10 2012/13 model, 5 seats a bonus albeit expensive to run, mental fast but not as fun round the corners i felt. Felt quite big, test drove start of year and the straight line speed and sound was a blast but dare i say it, thought was too much power at times!!

Mercedes C63 AMG - ruled out, budget would be older model and think is a bit "dealer" looking , but fab car / sound all the same

Mercedes A45/ CLA45 - really like the CLA45, despite lots of people saying its ugly. Test drove at weekend, very quick (2016 model 0-60 in 4.2), stiff ride but compact and fun around corners, has 4 doors / 5 seats albeit low roof so just kids in back (fine for me). Seems reliable, low tax and insurance is ok. Def not the usual car people would go for.

911 - only early 00 model in budget, great looks but limited space for kids and not as quick as others (but fun!). Have driven (plenty of times) and do like but just too small / cramped for kids in 2+2 coupe form.

Maserati GranTurismo- really in dream territory here but possible. Ideally would need a 2012 upwards where engines more reliable (but would still be nervous on reliability). One in DoneDeal for 50k for about 2 years now(!) in Sarsfield Motors which i haven't tested other than starting it up, sound was glorious but wonder why they cant sell. Should have asked them at the time but was afraid i would get too attached to it haha. 4.7 litre over 4.2 litre earlier model, my pref, but budget will be broken. Tax 2350, insurance and servicing scary, but i could stretch. Have researched for years so do know what i would be getting into...............

So landed on CLA45 as most likely, Maserati GT the unicorn, and the S3 saloon, M5 and 340/440 as backups....decisions decisions.

Would appreciate any thoughts / insights - what would you go for in this situation or am I missing something from the list ?

Thank you!!

hoodie6029

Classic 911 might be in budget if you don’t mind a LHD. It’ll hold its value and be a hoot to drive. Classic tax and insurance too.

Low Energy Eng

Hi elbyrneo,

I'm in very similar position to you, I currently have a 335i and a mk5 GTI. The intention is to upgrade both so I've got a new RAV4 on order, just need to decide what to upgrade the fun car to. My fun car budget is similar to yours as well.

I'm yet to start test driving but if the 340 is anything like my (m sport) 335, you only get 2 seats in the back.

I would consider a 911 but at the end of the day old cars, even with low mileage, become brittle and require continuous maintenance.

Would you consider an RS3?

Let us know how you go.

ifeelabreeze

There's a W12 Bentley in your budget, 4 seats and plenty of road presence!

elbyrneo

Thanks, like the idea of classic but the reality might be different in terms of upkeep and being able to rely on it. I'm not the handiest with a spanner haha

elbyrneo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120129349#Comment_120129349

Thanks, like the idea of classic but the reality might be different in terms of upkeep and being able to rely on it. I'm not the handiest with a spanner haha

elbyrneo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120172516#Comment_120172516

Thanks. Id actually be happy with the S3 saloon as stage 1, it's not a million miles off the RS. You pay a lot extra for the "R". Def want to move away from hatchbacks though, me being in my early 40s says the wife......

The 340i four doors I have seen in UK have 3 seats in the back but the 440i has 2. I imagine the coupe version of the 340i has 2 seats as you say.

I'm still undecided, am tidying up the GTI and should be ready for sale end March, I want to have a car before then so that's the target.

I'm same as you on the 911, my bro has one and it's lovely but upkeep on an older car and limited space in back puts me off.

I saw a 2009 Maserati Granturismo on Lucan backroads near Catherines park on Saturday. Well when I say saw, I heard it first. My god it was beautiful. That's where the heart is now.

But the mind says Cla45 or S3 saloon.

Donedeal/carzone/usedcarsni refreshes about 5 times a day right now.

Let us know how you get on too !!

elbyrneo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120174085#Comment_120174085

Haha I actually saw that one in Meath yeah? It's definitely got the presence, beast of a car, but appearance wise but maybe when I'm a little older. Have this image I can't shake that it's a grand tourer for a retiree. Or a drug dealer. I'm neither right now haha

Low Energy Eng

@elbyrneo Any luck your end? I'm starting to consider the cupra formentor VZx. Not the best handling car but I don't see myself tracking it.

Would be good for the fam too.

elbyrneo

Still looking! S3 saloon is the most likely as the cla 45 is rare and that bit more expensive...thinking I might spend a little less upfront and explore stage 2 on the S3.

VZx looks very quick - seems to be very similar to GLA45 merc which you could consider too if you are looking for that type combo of power and space? Did you test drive?

I set target of end of March so hoping the right one comes along soon!

elbyrneo

Well I came to a decision that surprised myself!

Having test drove many of the above, I was still undecided (and gave up on the Maserati GT dream as budget wouldn't stretch).

I then went and tried a Maserati Ghibli diesel (petrol out of budget) but was not massively impressed, styling aside. I even took a 2007 Quattroporte 4.2l for a spin which was fun but made no sense value wise.

I then looked on donedeal for 3.0 BMW's and forgot to filter for petrol only, and up came a 2016 BMW 435d gran coupe. When I saw diesel, I exited quick, but then curiousity got the better of me so I googled the specs.

0-60 4.7 as standard, lots of bells and whistles interior wise, 40+ mpg, 5 seats but still relatively compact. Hmmm, that's interesting I thought.

So I went down the rabbit holes of internet reviews, forums, and YouTube videos. Loads of positives, but, supposedly not fun to drive around the bends being a 4wd xdrive, and doesn't sound great being a diesel...but a stage 1 tune from 313 to 380 odd bhp and a new set of springs could add more drama...

Decided I would test drive and couldn't believe how much I loved it. Not as fun as the cla45 around the bends but i loved the sense of being glued to the road, and the power was immense and delivery was instant. Engine noise average but didn't bother me. Driving position and comfort was brill and felt right for me.

Just shows that different cars are for different people and despite thinking I wanted a powerful petrol, fun around the corners car, what I actually wanted was a grand tourer comfortable car that had oodles of power and torque.

Bought it there and then.

God, what have I done, I bought a diesel!

Will take a few pics if anyone interested....

blackbox

If you bought a diesel 4 seater hardtop for your second car, what's your first car?

elbyrneo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120391573#Comment_120391573

Kia Sorento plug in hybrid 7 seater..3 young kids..all playing multiple sports. We basically ferry them round all weekend so practicality rules

hoodie6029

great buy and well wear. Would love to see some pics too!

Henry Ford III

Your insurer won't like the new springs and the stage 1 tune.

wotzgoingon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120404954#Comment_120404954

I doubt he is going to tell them...

Wailin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120404954#Comment_120404954

Ffs 🤦‍♂️

Henry Ford III

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120407047#Comment_120407047

That'd be fraudulent though and you and I have to pay for it.

elbyrneo

Ah don't worry, actually no need to tell an insurer as I just print my own discs.

Gorteen

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/toyota-celica-2002/32565219

djan

Shame about no pic but great choice, the x35d/x40d engines are really something else and perfect for Ireland's tax/insurance system. A lot of petrol diehards have changed their tune after having a go in one. You get the best of both worlds and that torque is just so addictive. Enjoy it!

selectamatic

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120423627#Comment_120423627

Yep and in particular when a lot/all the petrol options are automatic too. There's really very little to pick between performance delivery and engagement levels imo.

Low Energy Eng

Congrats, they're a right beauty.

Throw up a pic or two when you get the chance

elbyrneo

Thanks all, i'm away for Easter break (and missing the new baby in the driveway) but will upload pics when im back!

elbyrneo

Finally got to take some pictures! Still loving the car I have to say

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elbyrneo

I also bought a dragy and got to test it out. Private road of course. Stock the car should do 0-60 is 4.7 or so.

I was wondering if my car is tuned.....

Screenshot_20230421-142627.png

That was on a full tank without launch control so I'm wondering could I break under 4 secs. Which is ridiculous for a diesel!!

elbyrneo

I'd like to get it tested on a rolling road - Kildare / Dublin area. Any recommendations

Also any recommendations for a good mechanic to give it a look over? Have a short term warranty but wouldn't mind getting a BMW specialist to check it out.

Cheers!

supersaint3

A modern diesel saloon as a fun second car (albeit extremely powerful no doubt) ..... I don't know what's the world coming to!

What ever happened to the noise and smell of petrol getting the juices flowing .. cars that feel fast even tho they aren't... The aural and sensory experiences.... Each to their own!

Wailin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120504841#Comment_120504841

Yeah that's tuned alright. Most of them are. My old 535d was stock when I bought it and I had it tuned by Joe Power (TDR Performance). It went from 310bhp to 378bhp and 620nm to 750nm torque. I'd say yours is similar. You could get it tested by Joe actually to see what it's putting out. I wouldn't exactly call a heavy 4x4 4series a fun to drive car but it's very quick in a straight line. They still look great too.

But I'd definitely recommend Joe for testing the car and a remap if it's not already done. With those figures I would say it most certainly is mapped. He's based in monasterevin.

vintagevrs

Massively capable car you bought and great all rounder. Fun though?

2nd fun car with back seats would have have me looking at a gt86 or e92 m3 which would leave you loads of change.

As long as you're enjoying it that's the main thing.

goochy

With it being diesel hope car not sitting around too much or just going on short runs .well wear