Nothing wrong with any of the cars featured, all fantastic choices.
Would five grand get you into a Porsche 928? I'm sure that an ok example could be obtained for that much.
Maybe even a BMW 6 series? Even a lowly 628i would be nice for 5k.
Five grand would probably get a very nice ZS 180, whilst some money could be saved by buying a 4-door E36 M3. The M3 is a bit more risky than some, though - with crash damage and written off examples being rife.
Oh, and before I shut up, I have to put in a personal favourite - what about trumping the C30, by going for an S60R? 300HP, same engine as the C30. And, as with the E36, buying the saloon version may make things cheaper.
Excellent read and likewise suggestions, Gav! Thanks a bunch. Some cars that were surely already on my shortlist (the ZS, the 306, the Corrado, the Clio and the Cooper S, even the XJR crossed my mind..) but I get more and more worried about fuel consumption the more I think about it. Perhaps I should stop thinking.
Will look into the Integra (though I suspect rare as hens' teeth here), C30, RX8 and M3. I do share the love for the e36 generation, by the way.
But I fear the Integra and C30 might not be viable options with Dutch prices. Worth a look, though.
I must confess, the PetrolBlog knighthood sounds tempting, as well! The XJR, btw, should be disqualified for packing more punch than the 968. I would then have to turbocharge that, making me officially the most broke man on earth.
Could for sure get a 928, but I've heard too many horror stories about running those, that I don't think I dare to. Similarly with the XJR, though I've been hearing good things about the quality, fuel consumption will be brutal. I will be traveling a lot of short distances, too, unfortunately.
Good call on the Integra, great car. Can't see past it from Gav's selection. I do like the GTi-6 suggestion, although think the Rallye would be the more discerning choice.
If you are looking for something fun that packs less punch than the 968, with occasional seats, how about a Ford? Thinking something that will be in budget and possibly hold its value too. So, how about a bit of Racing Puma action?
PS. Ton, nice to hear the good words about the 924 ;-)
The Integra would be my first choice although I have to agree with the great shout on a Racing Puma, £5k seems around the right money for a well looked after model.
As for the ZS180, current prices should mean you could get a fleet of them! £5k should be more than enough for a low mileage mk2 with a decent history, it pays to ask around in the owners forums as these tend to be well looked after and I know of a couple of dutch owners that could help with advice.
I do like the idea of a Racing Puma, but none for sale over here!? Don't know if it ever was, as the Puma was completely below my radar until I recently discovered how much it's loved by you UK folks!
The 924 was my first Porsche, heck, my first car. Could only enjoy it for a couple of weeks (driver error), but all the basics for fun are there :) And, like the Volvo 480, it's Dutch designed :)
Some lovely choices there but I'd go for the big engine, lazy torque of the Jaaaag. Ok not the best fuel consumption but lovely things to be in and fairly simple and unstressed. Nice, really nice, drive though.
Should you find yourself in charge of a team of stylists this 'Vette might suit:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4096255.htm
Only joking. Most othe muscle I can think of is either completely unavailable or far too doggy for your money :(
I completely agree with the Corrado VR6, thats top of my dream car list that has a chance of reality, but one car that could appear on the list is the Sierra Cosworth? It would stretch the budge slightly for a good condition Cosworth, but for driving pleasure its up there.
One last suggestion, if you want the added pleasure in driving where you play the lottery of breaking down every journey, then the Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 has surely got to be on the list, just coming into the price bracket.
It's a wild and incoherent list! I've considered Mk1/2 XR2s, Mk2 Golf GTIs, R5 GTTs, Fiat Coupe Turbos... as a product of the 80s my desire to own a classic hot/warm hatch is strong so they are the most heavily considered.
Since selling my Clio 182 I've really missed the fun of driving - the company Peugeot 308 really doesn't inspire me...
I realised after offering the 205 GTi that I committed one of the worst crimes on the ‘net. Someone makes a short list and then is greeted with “Have you tried x?” or “What about y?”. ;)
But given your longing for your old Clio and your list of cars, it would make a lot of sense. Mr FailCar is certainly enjoying his (1.6).
The Fiat Coupé has always tempted me too. If nothing else, for the glorious colour-coded interior! ;)
Hard to ignore the lure of the 'rado though, isn't it?!
That sounds like the inside of my head! I clearly need more money / lock ups.
You make a good point. I got rid of the Clio for probably the wrong reason; depreciation. It was just sitting there, very occasionally used and losing money day after day. It had to go. The replacement has to be an appreciating classic / right on the bottom value rung in it's life but also fun, usable and interesting. The 205 hits the spot.
There's few experiences like sitting in a tuned Fiat Coupe Turbo hurtling up to silly speed in silly quick time, heightened by the uncertainty of how long it will be before something blows up / falls off. I've lost count of how many turbos a friend has been through on his. Still has it though which speaks volumes.
You can't ignore a cult classic like the 'rado - I crave a VR6 roar.
The 'rado would certainly be a more sensible purchase over the Fiat, but no less interesting or indeed fun.
And even if the novelty of the VR6 roar wore off, you can still revel in the brilliance of the electric rear spoiler.
Pointless fact - the Corrado VR6 is the only car that made my children cry when I sold it. They still miss it now - nearly three years after I sold it.
From what I've read, the 'rado's can be just as unreliable in some instances as the Fiat (well... maybe not quite that bad). Still, more likely due to forum gossip or neglected examples rearing their ugly heads.
It's strange how reliability to me is still a factor in a second car. Perhaps on those 2 or 3 occasions a month you want to go for a drive it's important that the thing starts.
The Corrado has the power to make children cry? Add that to the list behind the Ford Scorpio... although for different reasons.
Guess it's the same with anything. Look after a car and it will look after you. Matt at Volkscraft said that most of the Corrados he worked on were in a terrible state mechanically, so you could be right about the unreliability factor.
It's important, even if it is a second car. You don't want to be spending too much cash on a car that only gets used twice a month.
A close friend of mine has been having nothing but trouble with his C VR6. The other friend, with the Coupé Fiat (as its official name is, rather than the other way around) hasn't had a problem yet other than having the exhaust fall off (something my friend with the Barchetta had, too, I start seeing a trend). It has to be said though, the Rado is (as they are all) a very high mileage car and seemed to have been neglected a bit before he purchased it.
But yes, the pre-coil-pack models with high miles on them are best to be avoided if you are seeking for trouble free motoring, I'd say!
Oooh I love a good debate. However, as a huge MINI fan (but not a fan of those huge MINIs) you really ought to have included the JCW kitted version for that money. 200bhp per tonne in a psuedo-Brit pocket rocket is a hoot.