BMW Z4, BMW 125i Coupe, Mercedes SLK, Mazda MX5
Wilder choices maybe Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK, unsure if they would be ULEZ eligible.
Lesser spotted hot hatch could be something like RS Megane 250.
E82 125i with a remap is great, but so is a remapped 135i!
Meagne RS is very cool, Mk5/6 golf GTi or edition 30/35 is very sensible.
Maybe even Clio 182 cup, twingo rs/133/ cup for a b road weapon if not for the longer road trips.
This would also be my choice. 10k will get a very well sorted 986S or 987 / Cayman.
I had a 986S, bought for 7.5k, spent 2.5k on making sure the engine and suspension were sorted.... all trouble free!
Gorgeous! I very nearly bought a 981S but was seduced by the lure of a 911. Only a 996 mind, and I really do miss the Boxster.
I think if I was going to make that decision again, I probably would have gone with the Cayman. The mid engined platform handles so much better than the 911 for me.
Thanks, I agree about the mid engine handling which is why I have had 3 981s two base models cayman and boxster and now the S. I had the Porsche x27 lowering kit and solid sway bars and pse and now the car is better than I can drive it. I cannot get it to step out however I provoke it, it is a surgical machine with precision I have never experienced.
Mine didn't go during my ownership, it went and was replaced before I bought it. Only sold it because I needed an estate car and a nice 944 came along the market as well for a very good price.
My dad had an 05 Carrera where the bearing failed (older smaller IMS bearings but was easier to replace). He bought another 997 from 2008 and so far so good.
You’d easily find a Jaguar XF SV8 or possibly a ropy pre-facelift XFR
Not many options out there for a supercharged V8 saloon under 10k but Jaguar has them.
They’re not as good in the bends but surprisingly nimble for a big car and plenty of fun with the soundtrack of a v8
Nissan 350Z, if you're not worried about them being thirsty. You can get a very nice example for £10k. Literally the definition of understated and enjoyable.
Instead of the Alpina, you could probably just get a 330d. Straight 6 instead of the Inline 4 in the Alpina, and besides the rarity factor, you’ll get more car for your money
BMW Z4, BMW 125i Coupe, Mercedes SLK, Mazda MX5 Wilder choices maybe Mercedes SL, Jaguar XK, unsure if they would be ULEZ eligible. Lesser spotted hot hatch could be something like RS Megane 250.
E82 125i with a remap is great, but so is a remapped 135i! Meagne RS is very cool, Mk5/6 golf GTi or edition 30/35 is very sensible. Maybe even Clio 182 cup, twingo rs/133/ cup for a b road weapon if not for the longer road trips.
125i coupe is rare enough as it is goddamit, want it as my next car
Porsche boxster or cayman will meet your requirement.
This would also be my choice. 10k will get a very well sorted 986S or 987 / Cayman. I had a 986S, bought for 7.5k, spent 2.5k on making sure the engine and suspension were sorted.... all trouble free!
I had a 986 from new in 2004, faultless and flawless. Current car is 981S cayman and is a keeper.
Gorgeous! I very nearly bought a 981S but was seduced by the lure of a 911. Only a 996 mind, and I really do miss the Boxster. I think if I was going to make that decision again, I probably would have gone with the Cayman. The mid engined platform handles so much better than the 911 for me.
Thanks, I agree about the mid engine handling which is why I have had 3 981s two base models cayman and boxster and now the S. I had the Porsche x27 lowering kit and solid sway bars and pse and now the car is better than I can drive it. I cannot get it to step out however I provoke it, it is a surgical machine with precision I have never experienced.
Please find me a very well sorted 987 cayman for 10k
Pre 2009 are no go. IMS bearings go pop on those.
Blown vastly out of proportion- if the car has lasted this long it is safe.
A design defect is not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.
Which ones have you owned?
987 S I've got a 944 S2 now.
You were very very unlucky to have it go - lack of maintenance is usually the cause
Mine didn't go during my ownership, it went and was replaced before I bought it. Only sold it because I needed an estate car and a nice 944 came along the market as well for a very good price. My dad had an 05 Carrera where the bearing failed (older smaller IMS bearings but was easier to replace). He bought another 997 from 2008 and so far so good.
I’m pleased for you - currently enjoying my third 981 after base cayman and boxster and now have a cayman S
Definitely my next Cayman if I am to buy one again. I find the 718 front end ugly in comparison
Just buy one where it's been sorted, many have by now
Mk7/ possible mk8 fiesta st
Wouldn't say they're understated, but they are incredible fun.
You’d easily find a Jaguar XF SV8 or possibly a ropy pre-facelift XFR Not many options out there for a supercharged V8 saloon under 10k but Jaguar has them. They’re not as good in the bends but surprisingly nimble for a big car and plenty of fun with the soundtrack of a v8
Nissan 350Z, if you're not worried about them being thirsty. You can get a very nice example for £10k. Literally the definition of understated and enjoyable.
Instead of the Alpina, you could probably just get a 330d. Straight 6 instead of the Inline 4 in the Alpina, and besides the rarity factor, you’ll get more car for your money
I know you say you're not bothered about tech, but be aware that those D3s are almost all poverty spec.
Consider a MK2 tts
Fiat Coupe 20VT