Weekend/Trackday Coupe

[rdfcpete]

This is 12-18 months off yet, but I've been checking out the used options.

I'd like something that's;

- ideally a coupe
- 6 cylinders (or more)
- under £18k
- affordable 'few day a week' running costs
- balanced and proven chassis
- good brakes from factory
- respectable stock performance
- mildly tunable (or more)
- reasonable residuals for resale

I'd gotten' a shortlist down to:

• e46 M3 Coupe (Manual)
• earlier Z4 Coupe with the 3.0si block (Manual)
• 2006/2007 Cayman S
• e92 335i Coupe Manual or Step Auto

Talking to a friend who's a well respected enthusiast in the trade, he said advised me against the e46 M3 because of the repair costs you tend to have to fork out with them - how true in reality that is for a lightly used one, I don't know. He recommended the Cayman S as the ideal low-cost everyday fun coupe but then, he is a Porsche/Audi man and even said look at the B5 RS4 and Clio 182 Trophies too for all out laughs. Having NurRing'ed a Megane 265, I should probably consider that but it's just another hot hatch 

I'd like to put the B7 RS4 on that list too but perhaps the best ones aren't within £18k and also they're a much plainer and less exploitable option on fast road/track.

Views for and against each? What have I missed?

Thanks.

[Viking]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201405164261918

[Deako]

I'd go Cayman, but then I have a Boxster S so....... ;)

[rich83]

I'd go Cayman, but then I have a Boxster S so....... ;)

Until the wind changes direction.... 

[Deako]

I'd go Cayman, but then I have a Boxster S so....... ;)

Until the wind changes direction.... 

I like cars, I like trying out and changing cars. And it effects me only, so nobody else needs to be offended by my compulsion to do what I enjoy. :D

[rich83]

Far from offended.... if I could I probably would. 

[Leonpettit]

335i, z4m?

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[gobbleplease]

When I had the e46 m3 my repair costs were horrendous ! Most unreliable car I've owned - it was a good car to drive though but I'd never buy the e46 again it's well and trulley put me off - I had a low milage reasonably new one aswell.

E9* bmw the handeling was very sloppy and the lack off an LSD really killed the car for me

[tony_danza]

Cayman S/Boxster S/944 turbo S/968 clubsport
Z4M
Elise
Caterham
Subota GT86/BRZ
S2000
MK3 MX5 and a BBR turbo kit
RenaultSport Spider

You want something small, light and fun. All of those will track straight out of the box with little effort and hold their values respectably.

[rdfcpete]

Cayman S/Boxster S/944 turbo S/968 clubsport
Z4M
Elise
Caterham
Subota GT86/BRZ
S2000
MK3 MX5 and a BBR turbo kit
RenaultSport Spider

You want something small, light and fun. All of those will track straight out of the box with little effort and hold their values respectably.

 

Obviously the same engine Mike, but is the Z4M conventionally more reliable and easier to maintain than it's fatter e46 M3 brother?

[rdfcpete]

When I had the e46 m3 my repair costs were horrendous ! Most unreliable car I've owned - it was a good car to drive though but I'd never buy the e46 again it's well and trulley put me off - I had a low milage reasonably new one aswell.

E9* bmw the handeling was very sloppy and the lack off an LSD really killed the car for me

That's not good news mate 

Are you directly comparing the e90 coupe to the e46 M3, or the e90 to other coupes in the same class?

[Deako]

I went down the Westfield route. Great fun, just too unpractical, now gone. My Boxster S is far more suitable and can be used for weekends away with ease. Whilst still enjoying a sense of occasion with the top down.

[tony_danza]

E46 M3 suffers from boot floor cracking (10 year warranty), VANOS sh*tting itself and head gaskets. Facelift cars better, the CS the best. Z4Ms less likely to have been owned by idiots, so possibly safer. No issues with boot floor. Cult following and prices holding well and plenty with extended BMW warranty, which is worth its weight in gold - totally unquestioned service. 

E9* 335i, you'll have to throw a lot of money at it to make it special, just buy something special instead.

Pork is great, but hard to work on and bills reflect this. I'd favour it personally, but go in eyes open.

[rdfcpete]

E9* 335i, you'll have to throw a lot of money at it to make it special, just buy something special instead.

Totally agree, but - perhaps the most practical, sensible on-cost-to-run and tunable in my first list (and possibly yours too?). A couple of DMS maps and an exhaust later and you'll be looking up at 400hp(?).

Maybe its the 'safe' bet, but no M car - I concede.

[tony_danza]

Someone's worked out how to graft the E9* M3 diff onto a 1/335i now with relative ease, along with the other M3 bits and some suspension/brakes you've got a fine handling car. Engines map well, heat management is tricky.

Can you be bothered with all that though?