So, your hypothetical budget is up to £27k for a new car (or dealer bought second hand with warranty), or £12k for a second hand car.

Other rules:
running costs less than an E46 M3, must be reliable (ie no Alfas in the 2nd hand section) and must be more exciting to drive than a BMW 120d. All drive and engine locations are permissable: FF FR MR 4WD and RR all allowed.

And finally usable and enjoyable on the ring and trackdays but not regularly

It will be a daily driver

What would you do?

 

Bung in an offer for MB's S2000

 

Wait till Cybergook punts his on

 

OK, will add another proviso. CAR MUST NOT BE MODIFIED OR REQUIRE MODIFICATION.

Mods = insurance nightmare and potential failures.

 

Edition30 Golf or an R32? Or is that a little too 'boring'

 

I did the £12K challenge at work today, some interesting cars out there for the money... I went for a £13K limit, as there will be haggling room in this climate.

Burble

Not reliable really, but...

Titty

Is it a van?

Aussie Muscle


There's so much more, that really is the tip of the iceberg. I must admit the Merc has an appeal as it would be an "interesting" track car. But alas, I think think it fails on the running costs side

 

Ford Focus RS nearly new, plenty out there

Ford Focus ST used, £12k will get you an 09 (possibly newer) £14k will get you a 60 plate

FN2 Civic Type R (you asked for options, plenty of cheap cars)

Nissan 350z

Plenty of used Evo's and Scooby's

 

EvoX, new.

135i

335i

FRS

Clio

 

Clio v6

 

FN2 = shit
I would consider a Golf GTI mk v.. Or New for that money. Scirrocco is nice too and a decent price.
No Seats, Audis, Skodas, Fords, Vauxs spring to mind
Scoobies too chav and notverygood
Mitsus see above
French cars only if you dispose of in warranty - the megane coupe 260 maybe
Elise/Exige?