Weekend car suggestions

CIP4 · 23-04-2019 08:15PM

blindside88 wrote: »

Nice position to be in OP, best of luck with the decision. If you have a A4 I’d probably go for something a little different. These would be my choices

https://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Lotus/Elise-1-8-K-SERIES-WITH-ENGINE-REPLACEMENT-IN-2018---GRE/201903216120241

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/21409149

Or you could go back over 20 years old and get classic insurance to reduce overall costs (this would be my option), still some great choice.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/21508559

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/21564842

Best of luck what ever you do

Thanks for the suggestions the lotus and Porsche are both very nice. 350Z would also be nice know a guy in work who has one as a weekend car and loves it.

terrydel wrote: »

I'm glad you are not in charge of my bank account. You are comparing two options, both of which cost a fortune in terms of a 'weekend' car, thru either depreciation or running costs. All this when you have a perfectly good option to buy a cheap, fun, low maintenance weekend car such as an mx5.

I love the way that the fact I don't want an MX5 which would be your preference somehow makes me bad at managing money :pac:

MX5 are actually nice enough but they are only 124bhp and really can't be described as quick. If I was going the small convertible route would probably pick a Z4.

I think overall a Clio 197 might be a good compromise between performance and overall cost of ownership wouldn't really be that interested in anything with less power than that. Plus I have always wanted a Clio 197.

DaveyDave · 23-04-2019 08:28PM

Something without huge power that you could push to the limit. I think those big Audi's are a but much for a weekend car. Anything S5+ should be daily driven with a big fck off salary. They're just too practical for a weekend car in my opinion. They scream more "I got something fun as a company car" than weekend car to me.

As others have mentioned, something like an MX5, S2000, 350Z, RX8 etc. Gut them, mod them etc. Don't know about cost but you wouldn't necessarily need something new if it's just a weekend car, heated seats and mod cons need not apply. GTI, basic supporting mods, remap etc.

23-04-2019 08:31PM

Squidgy Black wrote: »

A 325i or a GTI aren't going to offer you much different from what your current daily does, they're not exactly thrilling to drive, hence the comments saying they're daily drivers. I suppose the question is, are you looking for a weekend car that's fun to drive and thrash around, or are you just looking for a second car as a bit of a change?

You obviously haven’t much experience if a Golf GTI if you think they aren’t a great drive, a lot of fun and relish being “thrashed”.

terrydel wrote: »

I'm glad you are not in charge of my bank account. You are comparing two options, both of which cost a fortune in terms of a 'weekend' car, thru either depreciation or running costs. All this when you have a perfectly good option to buy a cheap, fun, low maintenance weekend car such as an mx5.

Most diesels have more power than an mx5 I have no idea why people think they are such a fun car. No power no fun imo, 200bhp absolute minimum.

James Bond Junior · 23-04-2019 08:33PM

An mx5 lacks in power but your missing the point. Light, rwd and simply unbelievable handling. Also cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to maintain, cheap to modify and most importantly for a weekend car cheap for tax and insurance.

My e36 is only 170 bhp but what makes it enjoyable is the whole experience, maintaining it, minding it, getting it to a standard which is always just one more job away and above all the community of other owners, the meets, going to shows as well as driving it.

On a side note, what age are you? Because I have a feeling you are about 23 and you simply won't get classic insurance until you are 25 at the very minimum.

23-04-2019 08:38PM

James Bond Junior wrote: »

An mx5 lacks in power but your missing the point. Light, rwd and simply unbelievable handling. Also cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to maintain, cheap to modify and most importantly for a weekend car cheap for tax and insurance.
.

Personally it’s the kick in the back from power than puts a smile on my face or the power pulling out of corners, turbo spoiling and recirc valve whooshing etc.

Interslice · 23-04-2019 08:41PM

CIP4 wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions the lotus and Porsche are both very nice. 350Z would also be nice know a guy in work who has one as a weekend car and loves it.

I love the way that the fact I don't want an MX5 which would be your preference somehow makes me bad at managing money :pac:

MX5 are actually nice enough but they are only 124bhp and really can't be described as quick. If I was going the small convertible route would probably pick a Z4.

I think overall a Clio 197 might be a good compromise between performance and overall cost of ownership wouldn't really be that interested in anything with less power than that. Plus I have always wanted a Clio 197.

The gen2 1.8 is around 140hp, 1000kg and knee high.

They have whole world of affordable options for improvements. More than any other car ive come across. They nippy enough and can be extremely quick when turbocharged to 250hp. Forged engine internals from the factory mean you can just bolt on turbos and superchargers.

Value for money _ https://youtu.be/zSsJqFYfQrU

James Bond Junior · 23-04-2019 08:45PM

Pearl Fast Strapless wrote: »

Personally it’s the kick in the back from power than puts a smile on my face or the power pulling out of corners, turbo spoiling and recirc valve whooshing etc.

Power isnt > handling. It helps but you need the whole package. A 2.5 or 3.0si Z4 may be a great option if you wanted plenty power but there are none over 20 years old yet so a Z3 2.8i would fit the bill nicely. There is a few nice examples on DD including a lovely 3.0i widebody.

CIP4 · 23-04-2019 08:58PM

James Bond Junior wrote: »

An mx5 lacks in power but your missing the point. Light, rwd and simply unbelievable handling. Also cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to maintain, cheap to modify and most importantly for a weekend car cheap for tax and insurance.

My e36 is only 170 bhp but what makes it enjoyable is the whole experience, maintaining it, minding it, getting it to a standard which is always just one more job away and above all the community of other owners, the meets, going to shows as well as driving it.

On a side note, what age are you? Because I have a feeling you are about 23 and you simply won't get classic insurance until you are 25 at the very minimum.

No I am a bit older than that alright 25 in this Summer. Just looking could get a second insurance policy not using my NCB discount on a 197 Clio for around 2.2K so I didn't think that was too bad.

Wailin · 23-04-2019 09:27PM

Where did you get that quote? It's actually not too bad considering.

CIP4 · 23-04-2019 09:31PM

Wailin wrote: »

Where did you get that quote? It's actually not too bad considering.

Just with Aviva you get a good bit of discount for having no penalty points and buying it online. I am renewing my policy with them during the week so will ask them what the craic is with a second car policy.

Wailin · 23-04-2019 09:34PM

As far as I'm aware they need a minimum of 1 years ncb, they were the first I rang when i bought my second car. Be interesting to see what they say.

Ferris · 24-04-2019 01:21PM

Dartz wrote: »

The answer is always RX8

I hugely regret selling mine and am contemplating getting another. Great fun, reasonable tax and the most reliable car I ever owned. Fuel consumption is horrific but that shouldn't matter on a weekend car. My brother had an mx5 at the time and the rx8 was of course quicker but also handled better in my view. It was also very comfortable and the rear seats are useful for kids etc.

Other than that its an s2000 but man they're expensive.

Notch000 · 24-04-2019 03:07PM

I have both an mk2 Mx5 & a mk5 GTI Golf, The golf is a sporty fast comfortable hatch, its unattached and modern feeling. Its better then the bulk of modern cars but My mx5 is so so much more fun. 140bhp, RWD & 1000 kg is plenty fast to go hooting around in. It adores being trashed al day long. The golf is a nicer places to be in but a distant second in the fun factors.

Marcusm · 24-04-2019 04:34PM

CIP4 wrote: »

No I am a bit older than that alright 25 in this Summer. Just looking could get a second insurance policy not using my NCB discount on a 197 Clio for around 2.2K so I didn't think that was too bad.

Not sure why there is negativity. I think you are right to do this to scratch your itch a bit more cheaply and in a different way. I would agree that the S5 would be an expensive weekend car. A Clio 197 or similar 4pot hatch sounds like a nice torquey free revving fun car. I had a hankering for an R32 and testedthem twice. Never really puts smile on my face. I was expecting a massive step up from a GTi and itwasn’t. Don’tforget The other warm/hot hatches. Personally I have a goo for another Mini Cooper S convertible for the summer (only fun with the top down) but I stop myself pulling the trigger.

beauf · 24-04-2019 05:09PM

I assume we've seen this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4e-Mwalhkg

CIP4 · 24-04-2019 08:23PM

Marcusm wrote: »

Not sure why there is negativity. I think you are right to do this to scratch your itch a bit more cheaply and in a different way. I would agree that the S5 would be an expensive weekend car. A Clio 197 or similar 4pot hatch sounds like a nice torquey free revving fun car. I had a hankering for an R32 and testedthem twice. Never really puts smile on my face. I was expecting a massive step up from a GTi and itwasn’t. Don’tforget The other warm/hot hatches. Personally I have a goo for another Mini Cooper S convertible for the summer (only fun with the top down) but I stop myself pulling the trigger.

Yes not sure myself didn't think I would need to provide 6 months of bank statements and proof of funds to be able to get advice on a weekend car or be accused of being reckless with money.

For me I don't see it as a big deal worst case scenario it doesn't work out and I sell the car and cancel the insurance policy sure a bit of money lost but like its not going to financially ruin me or put me in debt. I would never have a regret for doing something like this life is too short.

Being honest the 197 Clio is a bit of a winner at the minute anyway think it would be quite a realistic choice and great fun. Its whether it would be worth going down the UK road for more choice as VRT is low enough on them.

MarkN · 24-04-2019 08:42PM

MX-5 shouldn’t be written off on power alone. They’re brilliant fun to drive, 160bhp ish in the newer ones is more than enough, you’re about 2 inches off the ground in them. Not saying it’s the car for the OP but anyone who writes them off as not quick enough is missing the point of the car entirely.

Suggestions of E30s are wonderful, until you check the prices of decent ones.

Boxster would be hard to overlook for me out of the cars mentioned!

John_Rambo · 24-04-2019 10:55PM

Notch000 wrote: »

I have both an mk2 Mx5 & a mk5 GTI Golf, The golf is a sporty fast comfortable hatch, its unattached and modern feeling. Its better then the bulk of modern cars but My mx5 is so so much more fun. 140bhp, RWD & 1000 kg is plenty fast to go hooting around in. It adores being trashed al day long. The golf is a nicer places to be in but a distant second in the fun factors.

^^ this.

I've had a few Golf GTi's, Ford ST's and other powerful modern hot hatches, they're great, best cars ever, but there's a bit of confusion between power & speed V fun!

We're talking about weekend fun cars. Not powerful daily drivers that stick to the road and certainly not executive saloons!! A MX5 with small tyres, or a Suzuki Cappuccino, Honda Beat, Fiat Abarth, Mini rover or Fiat panda 100bhp that won't get you penalty points but incredible fun to drive. Maybe at a stretch a (expensive for clutches, brake pads, discs etc... ) Porsche Boxter or a well preserved Fiat coupe or a really good early eighties Golf GTi will put a bigger smile on your face than a modern Golf GTi.

Give me an underpowered Clio cup or Peugeot 1.6 Gti for fun. I'll use the 191 Golf Gti for grunty (but fairly predictable) overtaking on my commute.

I presume there are motorists on this forum other than myself, Markn and Notch that get this?

Duke O Smiley · 25-04-2019 10:49AM

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-m6-5-0-v10/21677098

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Go all out and buy this

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Henry Ford III · 25-04-2019 01:18PM

Dartz wrote:

Mine's been reliable. Engine was killed by a broken sparkplug dropping into the chamber - that'd happen to anything. It was otherwise fine when it died.

Doesn't sound too reliable.

terrydel · 25-04-2019 01:38PM

CIP4 wrote: »

Yes not sure myself didn't think I would need to provide 6 months of bank statements and proof of funds to be able to get advice on a weekend car or be accused of being reckless with money.

For me I don't see it as a big deal worst case scenario it doesn't work out and I sell the car and cancel the insurance policy sure a bit of money lost but like its not going to financially ruin me or put me in debt. I would never have a regret for doing something like this life is too short.

Being honest the 197 Clio is a bit of a winner at the minute anyway think it would be quite a realistic choice and great fun. Its whether it would be worth going down the UK road for more choice as VRT is low enough on them.

Get over yourself, nobody is saying provide statements or whatever.
You asked for advice, and put forward options that were incredibly expensive just for the sake of a weekend car. And plenty of people simply pointed it out and kindly offered good alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
Dont be so sensitive.

Weekend car suggestions

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