Another "what should I buy?" thread (NLC)

[graeme]

All,

The Snot160 has gone to a new home now. Delivering it to some bloke in Carlisle on Sunday. I don't think I'll ever get another Elise sadly. Part of the reason it went was that I've been folding my lanky frame into Elises for so long that I've now got permanent damage in one knee and my back hurts. I could ignore this when I was younger, but I'm getting old now. I fell over a couple of weeks ago when my knee gave way, so enough is enough...

So, I need something a bit more comfortable and roomy than an Elise. Oh dear, let the slagging begin.

I know I'll get absolutely slated, but here's the list so far.

T350C (too risky and thirsty)
Z4 M Roadster/Coupe (heavier than the moon, but 343bhp. Probably the current favorite)
TT Quattro (queer, style over substance)
S2000 (a bit cheap looking, but fun)
Boxter S (fugly. really really fugly)
Cayman (very good looking, handling++, but can't really afford one)
RX8 (dull, common)
350Z (dull, common, brand issues)
Scooby/Evo (don't want or need the back seats, image problem, my dad has one)
Evora (can't afford it, too new, and I have my doubts about Lotus in a premium market)
Focus RS, Golf GTi etc (warm hatch image problem, too practical, FWD)

Anyone got any suggestions or ownership experiences of coupe or roadster type cars that might suit a tall chap with a knackered knee? Must be fun and not too hairdressery. Mostly road use.

Really struggling for inspiration in this area.

£10k up to say £25-30k depending on how new, reliable etc.

Ta,
Graeme

[Shug]

Genuinely too shocked to slag... One of the true faithful departed....

[graeme]

Oh, fear not dear friend. I will no doubt one day have a 340R as a weekend toy. Just getting too sore to commute in a Lotus.

[Shug]

Well why don't you go down the well trodden commuting slag/silly elise route? You've got a bloody car park across the road, I'm sure you'd manage to find space

Alternatively, what about one of the AJP8 powered Cerberas for a short while? Reputedly didn't have anything like the issues of the speed 6 engine and did the whole shebang very well. Sat in one ages ago and the footwell seemed to go on for ever. Pennies to buy just now too.

[DDtB]

Can't believe you sold my car to someone else.....

[mckeann]

All,



T350C (too risky and thirsty) Agree, but if you have the balls, go for it. expensive to run
Z4 M Roadster/Coupe (heavier than the moon, but 343bhp. Probably the current favorite) look great, probably drives nice too, expensive to run
TT Quattro (queer, style over substance) PROPER QUEER
S2000 (a bit cheap looking, but fun) you wont fit
Boxter S (fugly. really really fugly) you wont fit
Cayman (very good looking, handling++, but can't really afford one) you wont fit
RX8 (dull, common) super expensive on petrol, bland
350Z (dull, common, brand issues) MEGA car, i really want one, but thirsty engine
Scooby/Evo (don't want or need the back seats, image problem, my dad has one) uninvolving at road speeds
Evora (can't afford it, too new, and I have my doubts about Lotus in a premium market) sounds ideal for you, but depreciation city
Focus RS, Golf GTi etc (warm hatch image problem, too practical, FWD) both will be good to drive in a fwd type of boring way.

comments added above in bold.

I'd say the 350Z would be awesome. At least as good as a Z4, and gives you a spare 10K to spend on petrol. Thats where my money would be going.

[smitstui]

I couldnt live with the back ache from my 160 but I used my Elise R as a commuter for a month or so with no problems as it was plenty soft enough for everyday driving.


Downside was It was plenty soft enough for everyday driving.

[graeme]

Cheers Neil. Yeah, sad day but I never drive the thing anyway. It's done half it's miles this year in just 3 weeks - 2 week in Chamonix and 1 in Le Mans. I never commute in it any more, so I wanted to find somebody who would give it some rough love, but really appreciate what they were buying. I think the guy gets it...

Anyhoo,
Cerbera added to the list.
I added 996 C2 as well, but promptly removed it again. I don't know what came over me...
Also added the 3.0si Z4 - no M-tax on servicing, better MPG etc.

[Brian J]

I'd say the 350Z would be awesome. At least as good as a Z4, and gives you a spare 10K to spend on petrol. Thats where my money would be going.

I'd back McKean on the 350Z, as I had one. It is not dull (lurid oversteer on demand and more fun than a Z4), not that common and the only brand issue I had was that servicing is half the cost of the Lotus. Also it was 100% reliable in 2 years and depreciation was the lowest of any car I've owned. Is thirsty.

Worth trying one - some people love it; some hate it. Only went because Linda traded it for the XK.

Brian J

[VXJON]

Have you tried an Europa? Slightly more comfortable than a s1



Or buy a white caterham

[graeme]

350Z is moving up the list through repeated (respected) recommendation, but it will have to be a good ride to get past the fact that it is completely undesirable. In no way good looking, head turning or prestige IMO, and I kinda need a car to tug at the old heartstrings before I can splash the cash.

Tried a Europa, but don't fit. Exactly the same size as all other Elise derivatives, so no luck there. More comfortable yes, but no bigger.

CSL is an good one, that goes on the list. It's a bit 'family', hence the cooking M3 is not on the list, but maybe lack of rear access and a bit of carbon tat will help tempt me.

Aero 8 is vomit-inducing bug-eyed termite fodder. One of those old Morgans might go on the list though...

[sja]

I ran a 350z for a year and the only problem I had was the poor paint work on the front bumper which is common problem with the car.
On a long journey sitting at 80tuts on cruise it would return 32mpg (Shell optimax)
I only sold it as I needed a car which could carry my bikes. So Audi A3 and S1 was the solution to my problem.
You need to drive one and see what it’s like, switch of the traction control and have some fun!

Stephen

[mckeann]

I'd say the 350Z would be awesome. At least as good as a Z4, and gives you a spare 10K to spend on petrol. Thats where my money would be going.

I'd back McKean on the 350Z, as I had one. It is not dull (lurid oversteer on demand and more fun than a Z4), not that common and the only brand issue I had was that servicing is half the cost of the Lotus. Also it was 100% reliable in 2 years and depreciation was the lowest of any car I've owned. Is thirsty.

Worth trying one - some people love it; some hate it. Only went because Linda traded it for the XK.

Brian J

It was your 350Z that made me like them so much. Just a seat in it at a xmas karting event and i really wanted one. Still never driven one. maybe i should go and be pretend buyer for a day

[kenny]

BigD and Andy both owned 350Z's worth getting their 2p. I borrowed Andy's for a couple of days while he was fixing my CTR, quite liked it myself.

[Brian J]

And I bought it because Jonathan Palmer was using them at his Bedford Palmersport days and it was FUN there.

Accept that not everyone likes them to look at (but I've never bought cars on looks) or to drive.