Fun Car up to $40,000

2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 16:43
Last edited 09/02/2019 - 16:57

Hi all,

I'm coming into some money and i'm in a weird situation where I can't buy a house for 2 years and have no rent expenses.

After spending $40.000, I'll still have around decent money left and will build on those savings for a house.

Now, the fun bit.

If you had up to $40,000 to spend on a car that's purely for fun and road trips, what would you buy? I'll be daily driving my 2015 dual cab ute and puppy duties.

So far, a 2010 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG is topping my list and has been a fave car for a long time.

I've had japanese turbo, Aussie 6cyl. Wouldn't mind a V8, but turbo 6cyl is still up there.

CarSales links appreciated

Automotive Car

Comments

        • Commander Shepard on 13/02/2019 - 12:26

          996 is a great car. Once its been sorted. However a 997.2 Manual is what you want for long term investment I think.

    • thrillhouse on 10/02/2019 - 08:23
      +14

      You must be a thrill at parties!

    • R-Man on 10/02/2019 - 13:56
      +2

      Normie opinion here, good acceleration for overtaking/merging onto freeways and responsive steering make a car fun - without breaking any laws

    • SuperMid on 10/02/2019 - 18:59
      +2

      ive had several cars in my lifetime. many of them high powered

      the most "fun" car was actually the smallest and least powerful. it was like driving a go kart on the road. very little could keep up with it on the twisties

      and being underpowered, you could rev and smash through several gears, whilst doing less than 100kph

      in high powered cars, 2 gear shifts and your doing well above 120kph

      • BartholemewH on 10/02/2019 - 20:13
        +1

        It all depends on the roads imo. Some of the most fun I've had has been in a Focus manual and even a Charade manual on the back roads of NZ. It might be a small manual hire car thing. I own a T4 AWD (also fun), T6 RWD and 2 V8 RWDs.

        • WhyAmICommenting on 10/02/2019 - 21:55

          Your rego bills must be fun!

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 23:35

          Sounds like the consensus is manual = more 'fun' driving experience.
          Maybe I should rent something manual for a day or 2 while traveling.
          My only manual experience to date, is my year 2000-model Ford Econovan campervan. I have found myself having a but of fun pushing it a bit with gear changes to get more ooomph out of it, but every time I start enjoying it, at same time I feel a bit of guilt like I maybe am wrecking it… Then sometimes this makes me stop, but mostly I keel thrashing it, lol.

    • Praeto on 11/02/2019 - 12:38
      +1

      A fun car isn't necessarily a powerful or even fast car. If you look at the kinds of cars that win "best drivers car" type awards, you'll often find the MX5 and other low powered cars topping the list. If I was after a fun car, I'd prioritise:

      • Handling (sits relatively flat, doesn't "bounce" when cornering).
      • Braking (stops the car quickly and isn't prone to fading).
      • Road feel (can I feel what the car is actually doing, or do I feel disconnected).
      • Balanced (specifically I don't like a natural tendency to understeer).
      • Controllable (twitchy and edge of your seat might be fun on a track, less so on a mountain pass).

      Ideally a "fun" road car allows you to have fun at the kinds of speeds you're doing on the road. You don't need or even want 1000hp for that.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2019 - 12:54
        +1

        Thanks for the insight.
        I guess watching shows like Top Gear, and seeing how much fun those guys seem to be having, gives the impression that what they're doing is the most fun to be had driving a motor vehicle.
        I think what those guys do sure looks fun… But also quite dangerous. But I think they are on the private track when they do all the really sketchy stuff (sliding out, drifting, doing the hot laps, etc).
        I wonder what might be an affordable option for a 'fun car' with the types of things mentioned. By affordable, my max budget would be 5k and needs to be high sitting (as I'm >6foot and have back injury, so sitting up, like in suv, or even in my van, in better).
        Maybe no 'fun' cars in my current budget. Unless maybe I get something not high-sitting, and just not drive it much or for long drives, then it would be fine for my back to be uncomfortable for a bit.

    • ozeebee on 11/02/2019 - 15:29

      Everyone is different, but best way to have fun is to drive a slow car fast, instead of a fast car slow.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 10/02/2019 - 08:21

    Porsche 928. I had a manual and was an amazing car. The GTS is out of your budget but a decent older one can be found in the 20/30k mark and although maintenance is not cheap, as a bonus they are starting to increase in value. Did I mention pop up headlights?

    An alternative would be a boxter - newer, no roof, and can do a lot of work on it yourself. Do your research on what to get, and even after allowing funds for doing a major service etc you will still have a lot of funds left over. Here's a guide (UK, but other than prices everything else is pretty much still valid) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8lv4V232Bx8

    My current fun car is an 86 - doesn't match your engine criteria but it is a hang load of fun as it is. You could get an older model for $20k,and spend $10k on performance mods like a turbo etc…..

  • FAIL on 10/02/2019 - 08:56

    I've had two Evo X's and bang for buck they are hard to go past for me, a few mods and a tune you can have 250-270awkw and that much grip it will make your eyeballs hurt! Depends if you want manual though because I'm not a huge fan of the SST auto. Other one if you like euro that's a bucket of fun is the Golf R. A used E90 manual M3 is a great choice too. I've driven heaps of AMG cars over the years but I find they are a novelty car as they are very shouty, I still love them I just wouldn't own one but each to their own. Also comes down to what sort of driving you want to do, track days, twisty mountains or driving through surfers paradise with the windows down reving your engine. Probably out of your budget but a car I surprisingly enjoyed driving was the VF GTS (supercharged), I always find Commodores boaty but they really did a great job with that. Just go drive a heap of cars and see what takes your fancy, you may meet your idol and realise you hate it! Good luck

  • djmm on 10/02/2019 - 09:49

    Mini cooper jcw is a fun car.

    • brendanm on 10/02/2019 - 10:49
      +2

      Fun for your chiropractors bank balance as well.

  • conza on 10/02/2019 - 10:13
    +1

    While the answer is always miata, I don't think you'd find that fun just based on your list above. It's a purely driving car, precision, great for twisty roads, finesse and communication. Brand new can be had for $40k, and that's the bigger engine one. It's also not slow at 5.5s to 60.

    For maximum anti-social behaviour though, consider the V10 M5, V8 M3, Obviously all the usual Holden/Ford, A45 AMG would leave most things for dead if you can find one (even a C63/E63 in real life, those things would just eat tyres… and fuel). Maybe an Audi TT RS (5 cylinder turbo).

    • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:27
      -1

      Only a complete moron would but a second hand V10 M5.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:57
        +7

        Thanks for your quality contribution.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 19:26

          See below.

      • JIMB0 on 10/02/2019 - 12:59

        The same could be said about most of these second hand performance cars.

      • SuperMid on 10/02/2019 - 19:06
        +4

        burnertoasty could have worded their response better however they are correct. the v10 m5 was amongst the most failure prone engines out there. and also very expensive to fix. the v8 m5 sounded much nicer tho. the euro v10's sound raspy.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 19:26
          +1

          They are guaranteed to fail, it's just a matter of time and when they do, it's not a repair, it's a new engine. There is no preventative maintenance that fixes the issue either. You can swap the rod bearings out, but it's still going to fail. The SMG transmission will also fail, because it's rubbish, and so will the steering angle sensor. The E39 M5 was a much better car than the E60.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 10:24
    +5

    Civic Type R or Honda S2000

    • R-Man on 10/02/2019 - 13:58
      +1

      Also vote Civic Type R

  • eldudebrothers on 10/02/2019 - 11:23
    +3

    I was in the same predicament you were in and bought an Mx5. Best car decision of my life. Most smiles per liter you can have in a car. I have had it for 2 years and have owned 7 different cars previously.

    • de9299 on 11/02/2019 - 22:39

      My first car was a brand new 2L 2016 MX5.It was either that or a MK7 GTI. Highly impractical with almost no boot capacity ( i purchased it when I was single). It is also a bit sluggish at start-stop traffic, almost like it hates being there.
      However, it comes alive on mountain roads and leaves me smiling ear to ear. I reckon it will continue to be the best car decision of my life.

      I would love to keep it permanently but my fiancé wants something that we could take camping.

      I am saving up for a RS3 in the future but the answer will always be a miata.

      • eldudebrothers on 11/02/2019 - 23:13
        +1

        I was in the exact same predicament and got my fiance to buy an SUV. After driving an MX5 its hard to drive anything else and have the same feeling.

        • Oz8argain on 12/02/2019 - 17:33
          +1

          thanks for the tip. now i know not to get a fiance

        • Commander Shepard on 13/02/2019 - 12:28
          +1

          I went from a 2016 MX5 2.0L to a 2010 Porsche Cayman. I want my MX5 back.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:28
    -3

    I'd get something with a V8, a C63 seems like the best car for the money. It's not going to break down, it will retain value, and although it's not a rocket ship, it's quick and its fun to drive.

  • chumlee on 10/02/2019 - 11:32

    Go the C63 AMG. Awesome car and i would love to have one too.

    If it's the car you really want get that one so you have no regrets. Just get it fully checked by a good mechanic first

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:55

    You mentioned V8, so get one while you can. SS or R8 or whatever fits in the budget.

    Alternatively A250, A3 2.0l (even the 1.4 is really quick around town), Hyundai i30 N (or whatever they’re called), Kia Stinger

    • SuperMid on 10/02/2019 - 19:04

      yup. euro emissions standards are looking to go purely non fossil fuel in the next 20 years. bye bye fun petrol guzzling v8 beauties.

  • nuttapillar on 10/02/2019 - 12:00
    +1

    Mazda 6 GT/Atenza 2016 or later.

    • SydBargainator on 10/02/2019 - 12:11

      Yes, I agree with the choice, Mazda 3 Astina cost you less than $40k.
      Safe and Economical.

      • bmerigan on 11/02/2019 - 00:21
        -1

        LOL. (I assume joking).

    • Schvampken on 10/02/2019 - 12:36
      +7

      If he's looking at a RWD V8 like a C63 then I doubt he's going to be thrilled about a Mazda 6

      • Milk tea on 11/02/2019 - 18:25

        or most of these cars suggested lol

      • nuttapillar on 13/02/2019 - 05:39

        Mazda's newer models with turbo can be pretty quick.

  • Dreamcast on 10/02/2019 - 12:05

    Buy a Caldina ST246. Convert to manual (if you prefer it). Throw a little cash into that 3sgte motor. You have yourself a quick wagon.

  • UncleMurphy on 10/02/2019 - 12:12
    +1

    Abarth 124 Spider - an Italian MX5 on steroids. Built in Japan in Mazda's factory so you avoid the Italian niggling issues. I have one, 2 years old heaps reliable and cheap to run. Plenty on sale for cheap on carsales.

    • Schvampken on 10/02/2019 - 12:37

      This is a good suggestion, you avoid the typical problems of Italian electronics since you're getting it built by Mazda, even has a Mazda transmission in it. Only Italian built part is the turbo engine in them.

      • BartholemewH on 10/02/2019 - 20:38

        Never knew about these. Wonder if the 1.4T can be turned up a little.

      • ozeebee on 11/02/2019 - 15:35
        +1

        The only problem with the 124 is the looks. It literally looks like a big mouth whale. But obviously, looks are subjective.

        Love the engine in it though.

  • conservative on 10/02/2019 - 14:06
    +2

    A camry V6.

    • YellowDieselGolf on 10/02/2019 - 14:23
      +19

      Username checks out.

      • Charity on 10/02/2019 - 14:44
        +1

        lol, at least he held back his 4cyl Camry recommendation. All out with the V6 Camry!

        For OP however, I would recommend the Lexus ES300. (It's literally the pinnacle of the Camry platform lol)

    • Ghost47 on 11/02/2019 - 22:48

      Haha thanks for the laugh.

  • domadgee on 10/02/2019 - 15:16
    +3

    2016 Focus RS mk3 can be had for under 40k now, ask anyone who's actually driven one they're amazing.

    • BartholemewH on 10/02/2019 - 20:59
      +1

      They are sensational to drive. Ask any owner and the problems with the head make for a nailbiting ownership proposition.

      • Oz8argain on 12/02/2019 - 17:34
        • sync 3 is much better right?
  • SuperMid on 10/02/2019 - 15:58
    +1

    op: please confirm if your household income exceeds $300k

    • 2jzzzz on 10/02/2019 - 16:13

      Nope.

  • Praeto on 10/02/2019 - 16:24
    +5

    I was in the same boat, and after months of looking around.. I ended up with an FPV F6 Typhoon. I’ve never regretted the decision.

    • brendanm on 10/02/2019 - 18:30
      +2

      While they go well, handling and interior wise they are inferior to euro stuff the op is looking at. Engine is great though.

      • Mitch889 on 10/02/2019 - 22:58
        +2

        Agreed, had two XR6 Turbos over the years (BFII and FG), and the engine/ZF auto combo was sensational, while the interior was garbage.

      • Praeto on 11/02/2019 - 12:41

        I'm not sure I'd agree with your assessment of the handling, but the interior is nothing particularly special. Given the list of cars that the OP has previously owned though, I didn't get the impression that the interior was a significant concern.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/02/2019 - 17:19

        Handling is great.

        Interior I've never worried much about TBH. But I use and abuse my fun cars.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/02/2019 - 08:24
      +3

      I'm honestly shocked it's taken until the 2nd page for the F6 to be mentioned. It is fast, cheap to maintain and cheap to make even faster!

  • lothus777 on 10/02/2019 - 16:34
    -4

    gt 86 / brz

  • Worf on 10/02/2019 - 16:46
    +2

    Supra

  • ddxsamx on 10/02/2019 - 18:40
    +2

    Audi RS6 :) I believe he’s dropped it to 40k

    http://www.ironchefimports.com/cars-available/2009-audi-rs6/

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 18:40
    +1

    Holden Commodore SV6 or Calais or even the Insignia VXR. Spend $18k~$25k. Save $15k and invest it. You'll make another $15k on your investment over the years.
    Spending $40k is a waste and not required.

    • Ghost47 on 11/02/2019 - 22:51

      Save $15k and invest it. You'll make another $15k on your investment over the years.

      I'm glad someone mentioned this. If I came into that money I'd invest it as well.

      But OP wants to spend, so i30 N!

  • SuperMid on 10/02/2019 - 19:01
    +2

    op/s username is 2jz, am surprised they arent after a supra (mkiv)

    i think the new supra will be $70k + however

    an early model porsche boxter could be had for cheap. not very powerful, but handles like a dream. not too much technology in it to go wrong either.

    • cintamami on 11/02/2019 - 12:54

      i dont think it will be $70k+, we could be well looking into $90k plus plus.

      • SuperMid on 11/02/2019 - 14:24

        If ford focus's and corollas can cost $40k then I'm not surprised.

  • Anonymous101 on 10/02/2019 - 20:13
    -1

    Kia stinger?

    • resisting the urge on 11/02/2019 - 00:49

      They don't do the manual in Oz, and the price is way above budget

      • Anonymous101 on 11/02/2019 - 14:22

        Didn’t know op was looking for manual.

        Searching on car sale I do see some cars around op’s budget. Some are over but I think op can negotiate it.

        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=((Service%3D%5BCARSALES%5D%26Year%3Drange%5B..%5D)%26(Make%3D%5BKia%5D%26(Model%3D%5BStinger%5D%26Badge%3D%5BGT%5D)))&sortby=~Price

        • This Guy on 12/02/2019 - 01:40

          All are over.

          The cheapest six is $45k + transfers

  • tomcat83 on 10/02/2019 - 21:00

    Actually if it's not a daily drive and you can afford it to spend some time getting an engine rebuild or two i'd consider an rx8

  • vinster55 on 10/02/2019 - 21:03

    Audi S5 V8 or V6 Supercharged
    Can get a 2010 model for around 30-35 k

  • letthiswork1 on 10/02/2019 - 21:05
    +1

    Focus rs

  • TightAssDude on 10/02/2019 - 21:52

    Stick to the basics. The fun wears off pretty quick. Fast cars equals fast dollars.

    With whatever spare change you have, go on a holiday and buy yourself an experience.

    • dcep on 11/02/2019 - 01:56

      there's no substitute for adrenaline junkie

      you can't ask the dude go roller coaster every weekend for a quick fix

    • tomleonhart on 11/02/2019 - 06:29

      Username checks out

  • OpayuOnam on 10/02/2019 - 22:50

    IS F
    V8 NA

  • casho on 11/02/2019 - 08:11
    -2

    Well done OP for actually considering a second hand fun car. So many ozb posts are "I have $40k to buy a sport car, must be new". Then we end up with i30N and some boring car with a sport badge on it.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/02/2019 - 08:29

    OP, if I was in your shoes I'd be buying something classic. Something 60's - 80's and fast. More likely to keep or increase in value over the following years.

  • taker on 11/02/2019 - 08:53
    +5

    Haven't noticed anyone mention Audi S3
    Ultimate combination of everything discussed.
    Luxury and comfort like the C63
    Sport back with folding seats, so space for the dog and bags.
    Turbo and very quick even when stock, competitor to the WRX and Evo. Heavier, but packed with features. Heaps of mods available for cheap. Exhaust, tune, intake etc wld all easily fit into the budget.
    AWD is an awesome experience with this kinda of power and sized vehicle. (not full time, but always there when needed)
    Have owned the same types of cars as OP also the c63 and relative has Elise I've driven few times. Nice car but tight and maybe not time yet, Def not with dog. C63 fun to drive, nice sound, but nowhere near the all round benefit and handling of a slightly modded S3.
    Drive S3 and then you'll see. Also comes in manual.

    • jno on 11/02/2019 - 15:07

      also maybe a little cheaper to maintain too compared to the 8cyl that eats rubber for breakfast

  • imurgod on 11/02/2019 - 09:09
    +5

    Used BMW M135i 6cyl twin turbo. 8 speed transmission, great handling and launches like a bat out of hell.

    • boostpak on 11/02/2019 - 10:14
      +1

      This!

    • boostpak on 11/02/2019 - 10:24
      +2

      240kW of power, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, 7.5 L/100km, great handling, 4 doors…
      better fuel economy than an 86/brz

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/BMW-M135i-2015/SSE-…

      • dcep on 11/02/2019 - 12:50

        Nono not the hatch, get the coupe

        • boostpak on 11/02/2019 - 12:55
          +2

          mm yeah, but he wants 4 doors… I'd get the coupe if it was for me too

          • imurgod on 11/02/2019 - 12:59
            +1

            @boostpak: I agree the hatch is an eyesore (why I bought a Mercedes instead), but man, driving that BMW is where it's at.

            I can't imagine anything that can beat it as an overall package at that price.

            • resisting the urge on 12/02/2019 - 19:13

              @imurgod: The hatch is nippiest and still parks where others can only dream to.

              There are not many good looking hatches around. But that said, the first 1 was not nice. Thankfully it was the worst, each subsequent model has improved. The real problem is that hatch designs (let alone SUVs) are all practicality with compromise, on top of practicality and compromise.

              Nice thing about the M hatches vs the competition, they drive as good as the coupes, are decent inside, and you can still move house in them much faster than you can if you have a coupe or a sedan (to keep that pro in terms of speed).

              • imurgod on 12/02/2019 - 19:28

                @resisting the urge: I concur. Mine is a coupe which leaves the BMW in the dust for looks, but I have 2 baby seats in the back. Getting kids in and out of a 2 door is a lot of work.

                Practicality vs looks…. Looks won

    • boostpak on 11/02/2019 - 10:15
      +1

      86 is slow and not fun on your everyday drive. Maybe around windy roads it would be, but how often are we on them?

      • boostpak on 11/02/2019 - 12:54

        winding

      • ridinkidonk on 11/02/2019 - 14:29

        is considered slow, but definitely fun for my every day drive.

      • Bid Sniper on 11/02/2019 - 15:30
        +1

        I had a 300kw WRX wagon and now a 300kw STI. Honestly in Sydney sports cars are a waste of money. Unless you track its a waste of money. Average speed on my STI is 24kph, speedo goes to 280kph.

        86 has the same acceleration and power to weight as a old STI pre 2001. They are still not considered slow for some reason. I had more fun in under-powered cars that Id thrash (EK Honda) than my WRXs that is jail time in less than a second.

        • resisting the urge on 19/02/2019 - 22:08

          My fastest car is low and harsh, a big buzz to drive. More power than it needs to go fast, more grip than it needs to corner and stop, it's literally glued and screwed in flight.

          But a little painful on the road, except for 'buzz factor'

          Over the years buzz factor is less important to me. It stays in the garage and only absorbs TLC. A newer version, designed with better tech, better know how and more effort is used daily. Everything a compromise, but nothing unreliable, everything efficient and very well built. Not as hard, not as low, less power, more comforts. No need to have a track spec car when on Sydney roads bent rims just one of the hazards

          Small compromises can bring huge boons in terms of practicality and liveability, and you can get so much else thrown in to sweeten the deal, like lower fuel consumption, less wear, cheaper parts, reduced insurance, theft, physical resilience to car-park abuse and comfort/relief long distance on our apalling highways, let alone the city roads.

      • smartazz104 on 11/02/2019 - 17:24
        +1

        No car is fun on a daily drive which consists of rolling slowly in bumper to bumper traffic. You'd want something that was comfortable instead.

        • boostpak on 13/02/2019 - 08:53
          +2

          yeah true you def need comfort and an inside that just feels nice to be in and use. The 86 can be fun on some drives, I just mean in general it wouldn't be as fun on your everyday drive as say a WRX sti would be. Shifting through those gears feeling the turbo and hearing that engine note would be more fun even on a daily drive than an 86. 86 Would be great around winding roads and cornering etc. They just feel a little uninspiring for the most part. They look good though, interior a bit cramped and not super comfortable of a ride in there. I feel they should have made the GTS version a turbo sports version with a better interior.

          • Bid Sniper on 13/02/2019 - 15:11

            @boostpak: They really missed an opportunity by not adding a turbo variant.

            I have a 6MT short shifter in my STI, its great but in traffic where 1st gear crawl speed is too fast it sucks.

            That said my daily is a pushbike and the STI is for weekends, so happy with it.

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