I've decided that when I move house, the Golf's got to go. It's just going to be too expensive to commute back and forth in a hungry V6. So, I'll get a cheap diesel for my daily commute, and a weekend car for fun and frolics. Specifically, I'm looking for a car that's already done most of it's depreciation, and one which might just get elevated to 'classic' status, like cars such as the Mk1 Golf Campaign, or the Lancia Delta Integrale. Unlike those, I don't, particularly, want a hatchback, nor do I fancy a saloon or estate. I'm looking at cabriolets and coupes. (Although, if anyone wants to flog me a urRS2 cheap then PM me [
])
I'm on a limited budget (say, ?8k). I've narrowed down my shortlist to these, tell me what you think:
Lotus Elan M100 Turbo:
Should pick up one of these for anywhere between ?5k and ?7.5k in good condition and with good history. Can't quite stretch to the S2 model, but should be able pick up a turbo SE.
Pros: Good looks, the Elise's forerunner, fab handling, pretty nippy (165bhp), rarity.
Cons: Leaky soft-tops, the 'Lotus' syndrome (Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious), could turn into a money-pit.
Audi S2 Coupe:
These are getting seriously cheap these days, and with 230bhp on tap, they look very appealing. I used to have a 2.3 10v Audi Coupe, and I loved it to bits, but the handling was decidedly ropey.
Pros: Fast, looks good, Audi badge, 4WD.
Cons: Not sure of handling ability over old 2.3 (I assume it's got uprated dampers, brakes and springs, but I don't know for certain). Finding one that isn't thrashed might be a problem.
VW Corrado VR6 Storm:
Picking up a regular VR6 Corrado on my budget seems imminently doable, so going for the end of line Storm seems a possibility. The Corrado already has that 'future classic' tag attached, and getting hold of a good Storm would be great.
Pros: Fab handling, great to look at, already know most of the gotchas (what with owning so many VW's before)
Cons: Finding one, dodgy Mk2-esque interior.
Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet:
It appears that I might just be able to afford one of these. Look lovely in the flesh, and they have *that* badge. 211bhp. Would very much like to own a Porsche before babies and stuff come along and ruin my fun, until mid-life-crisis time. []
Pros: Very quick, lots of independent dealer support, Gorgeous car. Soft-top.
Cons: Like the Lotus, could be a money pit, *Insurance!*
I like the idea of getting a sporty soft top, and with it being winter they're going very cheaply. Obviously the S2 and Corrado are coupes, and finding a good example of one of these in my price bracket might be difficult.
I'm not too bothered about buying something that'll need some 'tidying up', or that may have a few 'issues', but buying an outright lemon frightens the be-jaysus out of me. Paintwork can always be resprayed, and exhausts replaced, but how much is a replacement cylinder head going to cost for a 15 year old 944?
What do you guys reckon, and what other motors should I be considering? Thanks
])I'm on a limited budget (say, ?8k). I've narrowed down my shortlist to these, tell me what you think:
Lotus Elan M100 Turbo:
Should pick up one of these for anywhere between ?5k and ?7.5k in good condition and with good history. Can't quite stretch to the S2 model, but should be able pick up a turbo SE.
Pros: Good looks, the Elise's forerunner, fab handling, pretty nippy (165bhp), rarity.
Cons: Leaky soft-tops, the 'Lotus' syndrome (Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious), could turn into a money-pit.
Audi S2 Coupe:
These are getting seriously cheap these days, and with 230bhp on tap, they look very appealing. I used to have a 2.3 10v Audi Coupe, and I loved it to bits, but the handling was decidedly ropey.
Pros: Fast, looks good, Audi badge, 4WD.
Cons: Not sure of handling ability over old 2.3 (I assume it's got uprated dampers, brakes and springs, but I don't know for certain). Finding one that isn't thrashed might be a problem.
VW Corrado VR6 Storm:
Picking up a regular VR6 Corrado on my budget seems imminently doable, so going for the end of line Storm seems a possibility. The Corrado already has that 'future classic' tag attached, and getting hold of a good Storm would be great.
Pros: Fab handling, great to look at, already know most of the gotchas (what with owning so many VW's before)
Cons: Finding one, dodgy Mk2-esque interior.
Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet:
It appears that I might just be able to afford one of these. Look lovely in the flesh, and they have *that* badge. 211bhp. Would very much like to own a Porsche before babies and stuff come along and ruin my fun, until mid-life-crisis time. [
]Pros: Very quick, lots of independent dealer support, Gorgeous car. Soft-top.
Cons: Like the Lotus, could be a money pit, *Insurance!*
I like the idea of getting a sporty soft top, and with it being winter they're going very cheaply. Obviously the S2 and Corrado are coupes, and finding a good example of one of these in my price bracket might be difficult.
I'm not too bothered about buying something that'll need some 'tidying up', or that may have a few 'issues', but buying an outright lemon frightens the be-jaysus out of me. Paintwork can always be resprayed, and exhausts replaced, but how much is a replacement cylinder head going to cost for a 15 year old 944?
What do you guys reckon, and what other motors should I be considering? Thanks
