Which Secondhand Sport Car Is Worth It for The Money (for Weekend Drive)

Abang Tukang Bakso on 18/12/2019 - 23:27
Last edited 22/12/2019 - 17:30

my current situation
I have a mortgage of 250k left
Recently married
26 y/o
Geo engineer
I make 95k a year (with tax)

I got a 4x4 car/ute from work to drive to work and to site
I own a ford fiesta 2015

Misseus gave me permission to buy a sport(ish) car, nothing over 50k and have to be secondhand and it is going to be finance

I need advice which car to get, im not really good with cars but i know the basic, like type of engine

Im thinking maybe something like mustang, 370z or porsche cayman(2011ish)

I really wanna know what you guys think

*edit please keep the thread car related only..
thanks for the life advices everyone, but that isnt what i need it at the moment..
*edit i have deleted my comment regarding my life situation because i think that some people think that thats the reason why im buying a sport(ish) car.

*edit i have decided to get something for 20% of my annual income so around 20kish, a secondhand 370z or a miata. thanks for suggestion everyone..

Automotive

Comments

        • whooah1979 on 19/12/2019 - 14:50

          12x now, 20 to 30x

          Where are you getting these numbers from?

          • payless69 on 20/12/2019 - 09:39
            -5

            @whooah1979: If you are a good parent and send your kid(s) to private school, later motivate them to go to a good university and get perhaps a post graduate degree and take all the care to keep them out of trouble the cost can be astronomical. Most Asian parents invest very heavily into their kids. Just attend a graduation and see for yourself. Real rich Asians e.g. Taiwanese send their kids to Cambridge or Oxford in England for say 2 years and then get them into a top US university to get a degree of very high value. Sadly Australia has dropped off the radar for top education, Melbourne has probably still the best reputation because it has a cold period suitable to study hard. No coincidence Harvard University is in the suburb of Cambridge in Boston MA. It gets very cold there in winter and the students competition is tough but well worth in the long run.

        • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:22
          +1

          i open this thread for opinions on cars not life advices xD but thanks anyway, i was taught that when people give you advices they actually care about you.. so yeah thank you for sharing opinion :)

          • payless69 on 20/12/2019 - 09:42
            -1

            @Abang Tukang Bakso: Just to say my wife went through the same situation, and as an engineer you move a lot of brain cells it is hard for moderate pay compare to what people earn in the silly social industry. Look how cheap them used Teslas go. You got a 4WD why not play a greeny and show the world that you are an engineer?

          • seanj on 20/12/2019 - 23:38

            @Abang Tukang Bakso: "life advices xD"

            enough said lol

      • deme on 19/12/2019 - 16:44
        +5

        The value of your kid doesn't approach zero.

  • Oz8argain on 19/12/2019 - 09:37
    +4

    Get a 2nd hand 86/brz for now, us it for weekends and track days. Don't waste all your money now, you're still young. Upgrade your driver skills before upgrading to a powerful car. Stay safe.

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:24
      +3

      in my whole life ive been playing it way too safe, i actually wanna try the other side for awhile and see how it feels xD you regret the most on things you havent tried than the ones you have.. right? XD

      • ATangk on 19/12/2019 - 18:49
        +2

        With an 86, you can feel fun carving up the roads without busting the speed limit. Whilst going over the speed limit is illegal (issue for most 'fast cars', it isnt illegal to go the speed limit of maybe 90 when the recommended speed for that corner is 40. Thats where something like the 86 can shine.

        Bonus: turning off (and i really mean turning off) all forms of traction control is just 2 buttons away.

      • netjock on 19/12/2019 - 21:59
        +4

        You are 26? Not 46? You sound like you've taken the bait.

      • lazarski on 23/12/2019 - 18:53

        You might also regret hitting that tree :P

        Get a motorbike

  • brad1-8tsi on 19/12/2019 - 09:44
    +1

    If you are wanting something that looks sporty and you aren't too worried about power then that is a totally subjective opinion. They views of others in this forum count for nought.

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:26

      true, but opinion is still an opinion whether its sporty looks or power people will still have different opinion.. sorry if that doesnt make sense but lets put it this way, 86 and miata have almost the same spec but they dont actually have the same handling/power do they?

      • Soothsayer on 19/12/2019 - 23:01

        Unless you're going to track days they'll perform basically the same to you, especially relative to any other class of car like a Mustang, Falcodore, Civic, etc.

        In very general terms, 86/BRZ feels more like a serious boy racer car, and a MX5 feels more like a carefree weekender car. Not to say they both don't feel like the other though, just slightly different design philosophies.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2019 - 09:52
    +17

    Sorry for your loss OP :( we've been there too. While it is is something that is quite common, 1 in 5 confirmed pregnancies end in a miscarriage before 20 weeks, no one really talks about it.

    If I may, I would suggest you take some time to grieve before rushing into making any big purchases. Just because the missus is saying she's fine and doesn't want another child now , doesn't mean that she won't change her mind in the near future. We went on to have another child, a little boy, and are now going through the process of adopting a little girl. Add to that the twins we already had…so yeah, the Panamera had to go and it looks like the Macan might be next…

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:34
      +6

      yep youre right, when it happened she was 16 weeks preg.. and we didnt talk about it, the conversation werent there, we just know we both are heartbroken but me and her we've been on complicated relationship before so we kinda in a way understand and didnt really need to talk about it..
      i dont have the time to grieve nor does she, we let go of the things makes us sad and hold on to the things that can make us happy even if it means for a short period of time.. we were so happy knowing the fact that she was pregnant, so happy that even though it was very short period of time but the baby had actually taught us so much that we didnt know before and that is being a couple that contributes to the society. when she was pregnant i guess we were very kind to people, donate coins everytime we see homeless or any charities we were expecting the baby/child to become a great person that cares.. now that we lost him/her we still appreciate on what he/she made us into..

      • Tambani on 23/12/2019 - 13:54

        Nobody tends to have the time to grieve, it's a loss or a crisis that sets it off. You still need to deal with it or it will eat you up from the inside.

        Find a good therapist or counsellor and get into it. You'll enjoy the new car for a while, but probably find yourself right back where you started emotionally.

  • OzHunterNSW on 19/12/2019 - 09:55
    +1

    Buy new, and get yourself a V8 Mustang… everyone should experience the smells, sounds, and power of a V8 once in their lives.
    Secondhand, you are only going to get CRAP… those dreamy Sunday drives up to the vineyard are quickly wiped into a nightmare scenario of you beside a country road trying to get reception — you would be up Ship Creek.

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:37

      thanks for your input but at this stage we dont really wanna lose money too much.. if it comes down to that end, we most likely be buying a demo vehicle xD

      • ATangk on 19/12/2019 - 18:50

        You can also just book a weekend at Bathurst with a V8 or something. Adrenaline or something can get you cheaper discounts during sales too so thats always an option if you just want to try it but not commit.

  • Fredfloresjr on 19/12/2019 - 10:11
    +1

    sad to hear about your wife =(

  • Ryanek on 19/12/2019 - 10:52
    +1

    VW Arteon - 0 to 100 in 5.6s. Four doors and looks sporty.

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:38
      +1

      whatabout the vw scirocco? any good? is the arteon a new car? im looking for secondhand cars, so i wont cope with the depreciation too much

      • freakatronic on 20/12/2019 - 20:19

        Sirocco is automatic only, if that matters to you.

  • nasz on 19/12/2019 - 11:59
    +1

    A TVR Chimaera - two seater convertible V8 4.3 litre. Full leather interior… what more could you ask for!

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:38

      arent they like 80 grand?

      • freddofrog42 on 19/12/2019 - 22:17

        There's actually one on carsales for $66k right now.

        If you do go down the TVR route, then just stick to those with a Rover V8 engine like the Chimera or Griffith. You'd have to be brave mind and be prepared to order parts from the UK but that's what I do all the time with various cars we have.

        With the Rover V8 as developed for TVR it seems the 4.3L was the sweet spot.

        A longshot I know but so unique…

        Otherwise MX5/370Z/Boxster/Cayman etc.

        • nasz on 20/12/2019 - 11:34

          I have a 1993 - never any issues getting parts from the UK or from the TVR garage in Adelaide. Mind you I've not needed to buy that many - it's been pretty reliable in the 15 years I have had it

  • HardlyCharly on 19/12/2019 - 13:03
    -1

    This is easy, Lexus RC350.

  • Rockit22 on 19/12/2019 - 13:17
    +8

    Why has noone recommended a WRX, I've always wanted one.

    • Dreamcast on 19/12/2019 - 14:23
      +1

      2016 or wrx sti is a good choice. Nothing special, but I enjoy mine.

  • OpayuOnam on 19/12/2019 - 13:32
    -1

    Lexus IS F, actually a sport car
    Lexus IS/RC 350, very decent performance and fun
    Lexus IS/RC 250, sporty but still fun
    Lexus IS/RC 300h, sport-ish but saving fuel

    \end_thread

    • dogboy on 19/12/2019 - 15:24
      -2

      ewww Lexus :(

      • OpayuOnam on 20/12/2019 - 07:09

        Lol, just FYI I didn't neg you…
        But seriously have you seen / read about any of the cars I mentioned? Or just the thought of the brand makes you sick?
        At the end of the day, YOU are buying a car so it is important to find what suits YOU best :)

        • pegaxs on 20/12/2019 - 09:08
          +1

          While I don’t agree with dogboy, I hardly think rattling off half the Lexus range and claiming “end thread” is applicable either. Sure, they make some nice cars, but they are no the be all to end all.

          • OpayuOnam on 20/12/2019 - 14:22

            @pegaxs: It wasn't half the range, it was 2 models with different drivetrains categorised from to to bottom based on price and fun factor. The end thread is a joke indicating he cannot go really didn't with them in terms of reliability, OP is confused about what he really wants.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2019 - 20:48
      +2

      Lexus are not sportscars with the exception of the LFA. If you're recommending the RC as a sport car, you literally know nothing about cars. That car handles like a pig.

      • Tenet on 23/12/2019 - 13:51

        Mildly triggerred- Have you driven an RC lexus, or is this based on da internetz reviews/yootoob? :P

        • [Deactivated] on 23/12/2019 - 14:24

          Never driven one. Have seen many reviews, they all say the same thing. I've also seen it on a track and it's a joke. All over the place. No body control at all.

  • SerbSoulja on 19/12/2019 - 13:43
    +5

    You could look at older Japanese sports cars that would hold their value or appreciate over time Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 turbo or a manual ZZ30, Nissan 200sx/S15/S14/180sx, EVO 5-10, WRX, Skyline, Supra, etc
    I’ve heard the new civic type R is a great drivers car as well as the MX5, 86

    • Soothsayer on 19/12/2019 - 23:10
      +1

      Get yourself a sorted, non thrashed S2000, enjoy it for a few thousand k's and sell it in a few years for more than you paid. Most financially astute advice in this thread!

      Not an investment expert and my opinions probably shouldn't be followed

      • Handsoff on 20/12/2019 - 08:20
        +3

        4 years ago I bought an AP2, went from 40,000km to about 70,000km over the span of 2 years and sold it for the same amount I bought it for. If you want something really nimble, decently quick (feels faster than it is especially with top down), looks good, and financially a good decision your advice is spot on.

        I miss that car everyday

        • zuuutoootuuu on 20/12/2019 - 22:35

          I had a s2k for about a year, sold it to a friend for what I paid for it plus what it cost me in rego/insurance/fuel, he sold it 3 years later and made $10k on it. I recently saw the car for sale and the next owner made a decent profit on it too.

    • iSamurai on 20/12/2019 - 07:35
      +1

      Is this the elusive “high yield investment car”?

    • wtfnodeal on 20/12/2019 - 14:41

      New civic type r isn’t within $50k at the moment unless it is a beat up poor condition?

  • Takeohakuto on 19/12/2019 - 14:16
    +4

    I30 n performance.

    At least Hyundai won't negate your warranty for doing track days. Bit under $50k for a new one and possibly can get 7 years warranty on it.

    Renault RS 280/cup.

    Going for around $50k as well, all the fun of all wheel steering you would get on a Porsche, without the huge price tag for repairs.

    • spackbace on 19/12/2019 - 14:53
      -3

      At least Hyundai won't negate your warranty for doing track days

      Bullshit!

      https://www.hyundai.com/content/dam/hyundai/au/en/documents/…

      The warranty shall not apply to the following:
      11. Defects arising where the vehicle has been used for racing, rallying, competition or speed/endurance trials of any kind.

    • Soothsayer on 20/12/2019 - 12:38

      This cars twin (Veloster N) surprisingly won Road & Track's 2020 Performance Car of the Year award with a near unanimous vote, over much more expensive and focused cars. In large part because it's so fun on a track.

      Combined with a 7 year warranty that covers track days, practicality of 5 doors and a cheap enough price to get new for OPs budget, can't help but think this is the best total package for OPs needs.

      Only thing against it is that its not a real head turner (but then again it's not like Lexus or Commodores suggested elsewhere are either) and you'd have to put up with badge snobbery. Personally wouldn't give a damn driving away with those exhaust pops and crackles..

  • Obkay on 19/12/2019 - 14:20
    +1

    Second hand 370z are cheap and fun to drive! Id recommend 👌

  • Ultramup on 19/12/2019 - 14:27
    +4

    Life is too short for a slow car get something fast you can take it yo the track/drag strip. Being an engineer find a car you can modify yourself later down the line.

    Golf R, WRX STI, Type R, Focus RS, EVO, i30n

    Stretch a little and jump to GTR

    • whooah1979 on 19/12/2019 - 14:55

      Being an engineer

      Op is an geo engineer. Op may be more at home in a Tesla than a ICE vehicle.

      • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:54

        somewhat true ahahaha
        but with the current generation of electric car theres no guarantee it will last for awhile unfortunately.. please correct me if im wrong the tesla they use lithium ion correct? yeah those things are not as reliable as everyone thinks xD.. we should have a new thread just for that

        • ATangk on 19/12/2019 - 18:52

          Theres still 8 or 10 years on the warranty for the battery. Being in australia, this should be be good enough to exceed ones expected lifetime for a car.

      • centrelink on 20/12/2019 - 19:04
        +3

        Oh man, people who thinks engineers are mechanics…

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:51

      i think i can definitely afford a gtr but wont be able to keep up with the maintanance cost xD

    • wtfnodeal on 20/12/2019 - 14:43

      Yeah for $50k a GTR is not a dream anymore. Just keep in mind that car isn’t cheap on fuel.

  • dTer on 19/12/2019 - 14:33

    Hyundai i30 N. End thread.

    • Kapinny on 19/12/2019 - 17:56

      These things are pretty amazing, 225kw on a stage 2 tune on normal 98 pump gas

  • immellmann on 19/12/2019 - 14:42
    +8

    Kia Stinger

  • darkchoc on 19/12/2019 - 14:44
    +5

    hey OP - very sorry for your loss.

    we've been down a similar journey to you. it is heartbreaking.

    what we also found is that we needed some outlet to focus on whilst we were grieving. researching and buying a sporty car sounds like that is your outlet.

    we focused on fundraising and helping a children's hospital. Even when i look back, I still beleive that helped us heal.

    i would worry that once you have spent a large amount of money and the dopamine hit of purchasing wears off, you are back to grieving and have a large depricating asset as well. maybe look to buy something fun that has already depreciated significantly and you can sell on quite easily in a year or two without large financial loss. having a 30% loss on $50k vs a 30% loss on $20k is a huge difference.

    or maybe use some of the money saved to go to an unforgettable holiday doing something completely different.

    you are still very young at 26 - there is a long long time to rethink the idea of having kids and that might likely change over time.

    • freakatronic on 20/12/2019 - 20:33

      The NC MX5 is fully depreciated. It can be found with great options, in great condition, for all of $15k.

  • Velt on 19/12/2019 - 14:47
    +1

    Personally I would go:

    Kia stinger
    I30 N fastback
    Used Lexus IS or GS with the V6 (lexii are also quite reliable)

    • pegaxs on 20/12/2019 - 09:11

      Swap that Lexus list to RC series and you’re on a winner…

  • rave75 on 19/12/2019 - 14:51
    +1

    VW arteon, Kia Stinger, Lexus RC350, Merc CLA45

  • ruddiger7 on 19/12/2019 - 14:56
    +1

    Look into the stinger. Kia have come a long way - looking into a sportage myself.

    • dogboy on 19/12/2019 - 15:23

      Agree the Stinger is a cool car. Hate the sportages tho.

  • pformag on 19/12/2019 - 15:13

    SSV

  • mwahahaha on 19/12/2019 - 15:21
    +6

    Legitimate collectable in the future, slightly over budget, totally (profanity) ridiculous. Do it.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-…

    • nephilim on 19/12/2019 - 17:14
      +2

      Weird this got negged, 4C like a lotus wont ever really go down too far and they are hand built at maserati. A lot are tracked by owners.
      Yet people are naming mass made cars that will be P plater 20-30k loan cars in 5years.

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 17:55

      definitely look sporty, but being alfa romeo.. idk man those company doesnt have a good reputable selling somewhat reliable car

      • pegaxs on 20/12/2019 - 09:17

        I loooove Italian vehicles. Have owned more than my fair share… But even as a mechanic who can do most of my own work, there is one Italian brand I have never been game to own, and that is an Alfa.

        Alfa Romeo cars are best admired but never owned.

        And the 4C is just a poor mans Lotus Exige. I very much doubt that it will hold any value in the long term.

    • freakatronic on 20/12/2019 - 20:34

      4C is auto only.

  • dogboy on 19/12/2019 - 15:22
    +4

    Audi TT / S3. Has the looks, power and prestige.

    • bobbified on 19/12/2019 - 17:46
      +2

      Recently, I had to make a choice between the two and thought the S3 looked good, but a bit too "normal", so I picked the TT. Haven't regretted it yet!

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2019 - 21:08
      +2

      They are also a Golf wearing lipstick.

  • Marcsie on 19/12/2019 - 15:26
    +2

    Subaru, WRX, Turbo, AWD, Manual !

  • cusch94 on 19/12/2019 - 15:27
    +3

    Definitely look into a BMW M235i/M240i. Sleek 2 door coupe with twin turbo straight six engine. Can get a decent second hand model in your price range. 240kw makes them very quick and they sound awesome.

    • smpantsonfire on 20/12/2019 - 10:42

      Not to mention a tune and mods for less than 5k would make it a lot faster. 0-100 in close to 4. 5 seconds.

  • Wallyt99 on 19/12/2019 - 15:29
    +3

    I feel for you and your wife. Your wife obviously wants to keep you happy I'm just not sure that you buying a sports car is the answer here. In the very least don't associate one of these things with another.

  • giventofly on 19/12/2019 - 15:33
    +2

    Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Hope you're both coping.

    As for sports car, the Mustang is doing really well. Any hot-hatch would be fun (Type R, Focus, i30N)

  • Smol Cat on 19/12/2019 - 15:33
    -1

    For the love of God don't get a Mustang. Go for a test drive in one if you don't believe me. They're heavy and clunky and not as nimble as some other sports cars and they're not the easiest to just park anywhere either.

    • pegaxs on 20/12/2019 - 09:26

      Absolute rubbish. Friend owns one and I have driven it quite a bit. While they would not be the best track day car, they certainly don’t feel clunky.

      But parking it is super easy and would not be any harder to park than a Falcon or a Commodore

      But as far as a poser car or a comfortable cruiser, they are hard to beat in this price bracket.

  • CheepAsChips on 19/12/2019 - 15:50
    +2

    Sincerely sorry for your loss.

    "Which Secondhand Sport Car Is Worth It for The Money (for Weekend Drive)"
    NONE
    If it's got a mouth or motor it's going to be a problem.
    Forget about an 8 year old car, unless you do the maintenance.
    "lasolaso 15 hours 42 min ago
    Something that just look sporty
    I'm not really good with maintaining a car i'm a bit lazy
    I heard that its hard maintaining v8 engines"

    May be time to replace the 2015 ford fiesta, might consider basic Hyundai i30 turbo diesel with 5 to 7 yr warranty.

    Place the money you save not buying a toy car into a "Time Out Account" and go often to Whitsundays, Fiji, Solomon Is, Africa, you get my drift.

    • Soothsayer on 20/12/2019 - 12:42
      +2

      Q: recommend a fun sporty car for the weekends
      A: i30 diesel

      Can't argue with sensible advice, but can't help but laugh. Classic Ozbargain.

  • zeomega on 19/12/2019 - 15:58
    +3

    For 50K coupe without need for a full on sporty drive with decent boot space, I would recommend:

    Bmw 430/428
    C250/300
    Lexus RC250/350

    I would also recommend convertibles but it will eat into the boot space.

    Sorry about the miscarriage, we went through similar experience ourselves as with friends as well. It's part of the process unfortunately.

  • Bid Sniper on 19/12/2019 - 16:19
    +4

    Sorry to hear that.

    I'm a dad and own two sports cars.My advice, when mentally ready keep trying for a child. Miscarriage are common unfortunately, personally I think it takes a few goes before the body is primed to carry a child (dad POV).

    If still want a broom broom, test drive them all and see what you like. Ive driven a lot of cars and spoke to a lot of people. Everyone is different, lot of cars i driven I think are garbage and lot of cars that people think are garbage are great.

    Seen ex demo 5.0 stangs for $40K btw

    • Abang Tukang Bakso on 19/12/2019 - 18:23
      +1

      your comment is just what i need it, thanks for having the time to write this.

      • Bid Sniper on 19/12/2019 - 18:35
        +4

        No problem. In my experience miscarriage is a taboo subject. I get why but doesn't help couples at all. Think social media white washing makes this worse. Its a natural very common process and should be not be seen with shame.

        Took a bit but my daughter was born healthy, strong and smart. Love her like any father loves their daughter. Look forward to dropping her off soon to her first day of school in my current gen black modified WRX STI and getting stink eyes from all the mums.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/12/2019 - 21:12

      A 5.0 for $40k? The cheapest Stang built in the last two years on carsales is a 2018 5.0 with 50,000km on the clock. I really doubt you've seen a demo 5.0 for $40k. If you go 3 years back to 2017, there is a Eco boost for $40.6k.

      • Bid Sniper on 21/12/2019 - 11:29

        Looking in the wrong place. Can deal as well on these

        https://tinyurl.com/sqfo8ls

        • MITM on 21/12/2019 - 23:30
          +1

          ‘Stang 2044 would make a great weekender in the backyard

          • Bid Sniper on 22/12/2019 - 09:51

            @MITM: Probally still crash into a tree leaving cars and coffee trying to show off. Stang owners br0

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