Suggestions for a performance car for the other half

**New_scooby_04** · 01 July 2009, 14:24

Hi all,

My other half is on the look out for a car: she was originally looking at Nissan 350Z, BMW Z4, and the Mini Cooper S. She wants something quick, fun, not too pricey to keep on the road (insurance isn't a problem for her) and attainable for around 10k. She's recently been starting to get worried about running costs and has down-graded her aspirations to an MX-5. I must dissuade her from getting this hairdressers special!! Yes, I know they handle beautifully, but I'm sorry, they are a bit limp, power wise!

Any suggestions?

Oh, it needs to have half decent room for the driver and passenger as she's a tall lass!

Thanks for any advice offered.

Ns04

stilover · 01 July 2009, 14:48

Just give her a slap, and tell her to buy the Mini Cooper S.

Z4 & 350Z running/Fuel costs will be quite high. The Mini will be cheap to run in comparison.

Just tell her the MX-5's are tail happy in the wet. She won't like that, thus putting any thought of owning an MX-5 out of her little head.

nickwrxstiV2 · 01 July 2009, 15:01

Honda S2000 - Very rarely go wrong and very cheap running costs compared to other performance vehicles. Insurance isn't too bad, just get a few quotes first. If you wait a few months then you'll be able to pick up a MY04+ for around £10k.

Very good cars, lovely handling and suprisingly quick for a NA 2.0.

Andy M3 · 01 July 2009, 15:52

The Z4 is a nice car, pretty reliable, frugal and brisk.

Jamz_ · 01 July 2009, 16:25

Something a little different... focus st?

rsarjantson · 01 July 2009, 16:30

Audi TT ? previous model, quick enough - can get the soft top if want to be a bit more hair dresser ish !

Lol at an MX5 been tail happy in comparision to a 350Z

The Z4 was a good suggestion as well - they do a 2.0 litre version - woman across the road has one - does look smart

Richard

**New_scooby_04** · 01 July 2009, 17:06

Has to have a bit of poke. A BMW without at least one of their excellent straight 6 engines is just wrong IHMO

S2000 interesting suggestion.

Fabioso · 01 July 2009, 22:13

S2000.......if you don't rev it hard then its just a bit faster but as reliable as an mx-5.

Rev its nuts off and then it really starts moving........

RWD though and had a reputation as a "bit of a handful" although the 2002 model onwards had a more forgiving setup.

Def one to consider......the mechanical reliability record is stunning for a car which such poke. I know 6ft 2" tall can fit inside without a big issue.

wrxsti280 · 03 July 2009, 12:21

boxster???

Midlife...... · 03 July 2009, 15:46

PARKWAY MOTOR GROUP : MR2 ROADSTER (LOVELY LOW MILES)

Might not have enough poke, but I've a soft spot for the old "Mister 2"

Shaun

**SwissTony** · 03 July 2009, 15:48

HTH

Midlife...... · 03 July 2009, 15:51

Lotus : Lotus Elise S2

Lotus elise

Shaun

RobEvo5 · 03 July 2009, 16:44

Boxter 'S' 240bhp to be a little different- Its got the badge, it does handle v.well, and goes just as well any any of the other listed. Great value for money because non of the die hard porcshe fans like them. Despite it being water cooled and engine in the middle its still a cracking car.

Spooky Mulder · 03 July 2009, 17:01

As a 911 owner I have to say the Boxster makes a nice runaround for the little lady.

Midlife...... · 03 July 2009, 17:18

Can you get a decent boxter for £10k ??

Shaun

03 July 2009, 18:08

One of those Flintstone mobiles so you've got plenty of room to wave your gimp hammer around?

mamoon2 · 07 July 2009, 22:09

Abarth 500?

Janspeed · 07 July 2009, 23:45

You allow her to drive!!!

scooby222 · 08 July 2009, 01:14

dc5 integra, thats what my other halfs got
honda reliability,decent poke, great handling and if you keep vtec to a minumum can get 350 miles from a 50 litre tank. and my lass is 6 foot so plenty of headroom

SimonD · 08 July 2009, 06:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwissTony

HTH

Cheers, that just earned me a clip around the ear!

**New_scooby_04** · 08 July 2009, 09:45

The Integra's an interesting suggestion - much rarer than the Accord. Fiat....intriguing, but it's a Fiat! I'm a bit wary of Lotus at the lower end of the price brackets to be honest: very nice car though.

08 July 2009, 18:53

Most Integras are looking really tatty now i think and will have been thrashed a lot more than most other cars. Hard to find a good one i imgaine?

scooby222 · 08 July 2009, 21:27

dc5 integra mate,2001 to 2007 havent seen any tatty looking ones- think your thinking of dc2's

The Dogs B******s · 08 July 2009, 21:31

I've heard that Subaru's are ok