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

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 17:04
    +3

    Used Elise?

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 17:07
      +1

      Bit small for me. Hoping for a mid to large size

      • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 17:13

        Funnest car I have driven was an early sports Audi TT, fun mainly because it belonged to my boss in the US, where used cars are cheap. He only paid US$20k, so it could be enjoyed driving around Northern California. About the same price were boxsters, pimp wagon convertible jags. Evo 7 new was US$35k back then from memory, Hummer H2 US$68K.

          • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:40
            +6

            @[Deactivated]: You are trying desperately hard to be an auto snob when I got to drive someone else's around Laguna Seca. Oh, I was miserable.

            • seedyrom on 12/02/2019 - 06:15
              +9

              @[Deactivated]: Yeah, people think fun = fast. It is not.
              I converted an LS1 V8 Calais Auto, to manual, forged motor and a big turbo.
              Threw about $100k over the years into it to build a fast (fun?) car.

              It was fun from time to time, but the reality is it couldn’t be driven in anger. So many cops, and so much traffic. When I was growing up you could have traffic light duels. Now, you take off at the lights and stop 50m up the road as the traffic is backed up.

              It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow.

              • cille745 on 12/02/2019 - 11:26

                @seedyrom: weren't the 1st gen Audi TT's known for flipping on their roofs?

              • ATTS on 07/12/2019 - 11:56

                @seedyrom: Just wondering how much was your yearly insurance premium for your 100k $ car?

                Also were you able to insure it for the whole amount you spent?

      • ozeebee on 11/02/2019 - 12:47

        BMW M5 with the V8 engine. Problem would probably be maintenance cost, unless you know a reliable mechanic that can do most of the work for you.

    • resisting the urge on 11/02/2019 - 00:43
      +2

      This.

      Nothing is more fun than an Elise, even if the size makes it a tight fit.

      Lotus chassis can't be beaten
      Lighter and lower than anything else w 4 wheels
      Track or street
      Room to enhance and a world of fun to own too

      And you can avoid bro-ing off with everyone: It looks great, but is all about the driving. So all most people can really say when they see one is really how much they really want to get in and drive it.

  • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 17:04
    +2

    For an out of the box option Renault Megane RS265 RB8 limited edition. Only 120 in Australia. $25k low km. Used and you still have cash to spare for mods and maintenance.

    https://imgur.com/a/uEK8k22

    

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 17:11
      +1

      I like it, but I kinda wanted a mid sized car, but I am drawn to a WRX sized car.

      • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 17:42

        At least test drive one before you make any decision.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 17:46
        +3

        I've driven both extensively. Non-STI vs the Megane, Megane everyday of the week.

      • abuch47 on 10/02/2019 - 11:06

        I'd be careful with the Megane red bull it started at $50k and as with anything euro it depreciated super fast while maintenance costs are high even if entry price is low 2nd hand.

        I love my vf ls3. Get a $30-35k one and spend $5k on exhaust, tune and OTr for 300rwkw. Or $10k for that plus cam and few other bits or $15k for top mount blower.

        • Melb69 on 12/02/2019 - 20:35

          The depreciation has already been done on a four year old Megs. There's also later model Trophys. Or a RS275. RS in 6speed stick shift.

      • alikazi on 10/02/2019 - 15:23
        +4

        Are you looking for a fun car or a car to show off? If you're purely looking for fun the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ is really fun to drive. Or Peugeot 308 GTi. Get manual shift. German cars can be expensive to maintain, especially if you buy used and issues come up.

        • tomcat83 on 10/02/2019 - 20:55
          +4

          I used to have a Toyota 86, that thing was a blast. It was pretty slow but I never got sick of being able to enter a controled drift around a roundabout at 30km/h! The good thing with an 86 is that it lets you have fun while staying controllable and is at fairly "safe" speeds. Any other car I've had is genuinely scary at the limits of adhesion, the 86 was just fun!

      • chartparker on 11/02/2019 - 13:10
        +1

        Block-quote I like it, but I kinda wanted a mid sized car, but I am drawn to a WRX sized car

        Why not just buy a WRX then?

    • pegaxs on 09/02/2019 - 21:23
      +10

      I hate French cars and I hate Renault the most (Or maybe Citreon)… but DAMN SON! the Megane RS series of cars makes me want to jump the fence and roll around a little with those dirty, dirty French cars.

      If I was going to pick a car to do track days in, these, as much as I hate to admit it, (filthy French shitboxes), these would be in my top 5 shopping list cars to look at. Lots of power, fairly cheap (Thanks Renault for being renowned as being French shitboxs!) good handling and lots of goodies found on much more expensive sports cars.

      So, with much disdain, I actually have to agree, the Megane RS would be a pretty fun car to own.

      • Iam12 on 10/02/2019 - 17:28
        +1

        I owned a clio rs 172 for years and can confirm, the most fun I've ever had outside of the bedroom. Tried the megane rs 265 too in the snow and its quite nippy and as much fun as the clio.

    • drprox on 10/02/2019 - 19:23

      Bugger that, if it's just for fun buy a 275 trophy-r

      • Melb69 on 10/02/2019 - 19:52

        Sure. Whatever is in the budget.

      • ozeebee on 11/02/2019 - 12:50

        Since the OP only wants a fun car, the Trophy R is the way to go. Porsche GT3 fun for $40k. I can't think of anything else built for purpose to compare it against.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2019 - 11:55

          Porsche GT3 fun for $40k.

          40k? Mate, I'll take 5.

          • ozeebee on 12/02/2019 - 12:56

            @[Deactivated]: Referring to the RS Megane Trophy R which can be had for less than $40k and gives the same amount of fun as a GT3…

            • [Deactivated] on 12/02/2019 - 13:00

              @ozeebee: Ahhhh. Okay. I don't feel ripped off anymore. :P

    • xuqi on 11/02/2019 - 01:36

      I owned one from new and only sold it a couple of years ago after moving interstate. Highly recommend trying one out.

  • SydStrand on 09/02/2019 - 17:09
    +47

    On that budget, I'd get an i30 N.

    • pegaxs on 09/02/2019 - 21:28
      +2

      Yep. This would be my top pick. Watched them race in the WTC races in Macau, just awesome cars.

      • Ghost47 on 10/02/2019 - 18:04

        Same here :D

    • Oz8argain on 12/02/2019 - 17:14

      I think the luxury pack has some pretty important stuff, that puts it's a little under 50K drive away. I'd be jumping on this car if they ever release the N option pack..

  • Nugs on 09/02/2019 - 17:16
    +2

    A first world problem I'd like to have.

    I'd be buying and selling all the older/cheaper cars I've wanted, 2-3 months each car and maybe circle back at the end with 'the right one'.

    .

    • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 17:47
      +8

      Transfer fees.

      • smpantsonfire on 11/02/2019 - 18:45

        Flip them.

      • Spam Service on 12/02/2019 - 07:45
        +1

        'Older/Cheaper' cars means very little in the way of transfer fees. It's $60 for a $2k car where I am.

    • tellhimhesdreaming on 12/02/2019 - 14:07
      +2

      God I've wanted to do this for so long. Had a mate who did this in about 2007-10 before all the Japanese import prices went bonkers. He owned Supras, GTRs, Silvia's etc for a few months each - generally broke even and or made some money on each one when he sold and then bought another.

      This is definitely what I'd do!

      • zuuutoootuuu on 13/02/2019 - 16:04

        ^^^ This.

        It still can be done but obviously need to spend a little more these days.

  • 87percent on 09/02/2019 - 17:35

    Evo Wagon

    • Nugs on 09/02/2019 - 18:25

      are there any in Aus.

      I thought they were not allowed.

      shame they didn't do 6 wagon
      .

      • dishlex on 10/02/2019 - 15:21

        Not eligble for import, but potentially will be with the new import laws coming in October. That said, there is an Evo 9 wagon in Adelaide that was a personal import.

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 20:57
      +3

      I'd go a nice RB26 Stagea if I was to do a wagon. Or C63 wagon

      • spackbace on 09/02/2019 - 21:08
        +2

        Was about to suggest a VF V8 wagon. Power plus room for the dog (plus the V8 growl)

      • Kangal on 11/02/2019 - 12:37

        Currently the list of recommendations is:
        - Nissan Skyline GTR R32, R33 (no R34's for that price sorry)
        - Toyota Supra (2jz engine?)
        - Toyota Celica AWD
        - Nissan Stagea RB26
        - Subaru Liberty GT Wagon
        - Subaru Liberty
        - Subaru WRX (2010-current)
        - Mitsubishi EVO 9
        - Ford Focus RS
        - Toyota 86 GTS/Subaru BRZ
        - Honda Civic TypeR (new model)
        - Honda Civic Type R (EK with mods)
        - Honda S2000
        - Mazda MX5
        _
        - Hyundai i30 N
        - Kia Stinger (outside budget?)
        _
        - Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo
        - Holden Commodore V8 (many variants)
        _
        - Renault Megane RS
        - VW Golf GTi
        - Audi TT
        - Audi S3
        - BMW M135i
        - BMW M3 (older V8)
        - BMW M5 (older V8 or V10)

      • foolsgold on 11/02/2019 - 16:42

        not dissing your budget, but C63 on 40k is asking for trouble.

        If you want to get a bargain C63, you should be looking at:
        150 new price
        used price 80-90k, 1 owner full service history, < 25,000k

        i'm not so knowledgable on MB, but the M156 engine, suffers some catastrophic failure, rod bearings and lesser extent, head bolt failure. all these failures could easily wipe out the value of the car.

        EDIT:

        just read this:

        https://www.caradvice.com.au/owner-reviews/2012-mercedes-ben…

  • elgrande on 09/02/2019 - 18:05
    +3

    What about a nice motorbike?

    • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 19:18
      +2

      That's just about the right amount for the last of the L-twin Panigale R.

    • payton on 09/02/2019 - 19:46

      You mean two nice motorbikes

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 20:56
      +1

      Nah, no bikes for me.

    • Spam Service on 12/02/2019 - 07:50

      You can get an H2. 0-200 in 7 seconds for sub $30k - bargain.

  • altomic on 09/02/2019 - 18:06
    +23

    Sounds like you need a medium yield invest car.

    But seriously, this is ozbargain so get a 2010 Magna

    • pegaxs on 09/02/2019 - 21:31
      +9

      But seriously, this is ozbargain so get a 2010 Magna 2013 Camry

      FTFY… :D

      • Oz8argain on 12/02/2019 - 17:17

        I have exactly that, plz dont. someone help me.

    • JIMB0 on 10/02/2019 - 12:44
      +8

      get a 2010 Magna

      Even the Magna's successor the 380 was well and truly dead by 2010.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 18:13
    +6

    R8
    .
    .
    .
    the commodore variety that is, and in manual.

    • Nugs on 09/02/2019 - 18:26

      wagon
      .

    • abuch47 on 10/02/2019 - 11:18
      +1

      This is a good idea nothing like a HSV but the previous gen E hsv had the same motor as the newer gen VF Commodore and the hsv gen F is out of the budget by a ways still.

      Older HSV or newer Ls3 Commodore easily had under $40k with next to no kms.

      • MrFrugalSpend on 11/02/2019 - 22:41

        Or for not much more get the GTS - top of the range will hold the most value long term… (e.g. look at the values of old GT vs GT-HO)

        Pick your preference…:
        Newer / Manual: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Holden-Special-Vehi… or
        Low KM / Auto: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Holden-Special-Vehi…

        [Other variants available]

        yeah they are a bit less refined then their German counterparts, but that's part of what makes them fun!
        Like what Clarkson once said… traction control off …. they should install windscreen wipers on the side windows!! (on track days, of course)

        • This Guy on 12/02/2019 - 01:22

          You might be thinking of a GTS R W1.

          There is not much mechanically different between a 2017 R8, GTS and a GTS R. All LSA's. 20 or 25kW's more in an ECU tune for $20k+.

          I believe a Motorsport or a Director with their GM Level 3 Track Capable label are a better collectables than a GTS or GTS R due to the far lower numbers.

          • abuch47 on 12/02/2019 - 18:38

            @This Guy: He's linked E series hsv which are around the same price as VF Commodores these days that are 10 years older but provide same/same performance level as the newer Commodore.

            I doubt any will hold price or increase soon but like you said the extremely rare examples are the more likely.

            VE HSV/Commodore and below are sliding but not drastically like euros.

            VF HSV/Commodore have lost ground from new but are holding decently at their current prices especially the very last models which had the most gear.

            Motorsport and director are a good bet but also the decals will turn many off. Magnum (special ed ute) had the lowest build number and as a ute tends to hold better due to perceived demand. GEN F hsv will likely drop more as they are not the latest and greatest and the extra performance gear of gen f2 will keep price/demand high but most are double OPs budget.

            Definitely don't think you will lose too much in 5 years with any of the choices and in 10 years/ridiculously low kms you may appreciate.

            I will flog mine off in a few years when I need more seats and hopefully not lose much if at all on such a depreciating asset.

            Definitely value for fun and balls to wall performance from a classic pushed v8 with size and comfort.

  • askme69 on 09/02/2019 - 19:24
    +2

    Audi TTRS.

    They can do 9's with mods.

    or a BMW 550i (M5 TT motor).

    • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 19:35
      +2

      They can do 9's with mods.

      So can a mk2 Golf

      https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/motorsport/watch-900kw-golf-m…

    • lachhelix on 10/02/2019 - 01:57

      Yep! F10 550i is a V8TT tooo

    • Mysterious Laptop on 10/02/2019 - 13:18
      +1

      good luck getting a TTRS for 40k

      • lachhelix on 10/02/2019 - 13:20

        I count 3 under 40 on carsales…

        • Commander Shepard on 13/02/2019 - 12:25

          Yep. They are great value for money! And low kms too! Was going to get one myself but got a used Cayman instead.

    • BNR34 on 10/02/2019 - 16:35
      +2

      I owned a bmw 550i. Worst car i ever owned. Used to go through injectors like candy. All 8 need to be changed at once which is a $15k proposition

      • foolsgold on 11/02/2019 - 16:45

        BMW has not made a reliable petrol v8 for a while, they always struggle with something major, oil burning, throttle body actuators, rod bearings, etc,
        their turbo inline 6s are a lot better off (and that's saying something)

        • BNR34 on 12/02/2019 - 09:51

          Agreed. The inline 6s arent great with injectors either (they use the same ones as the v8) but at least they dont sit in the hot valley and seen to last 4 or 5 times as long.

  • sir_bazz on 09/02/2019 - 19:58
    +2

    Depends how you define fun? Jeep Wrangler?

  • modgod on 09/02/2019 - 20:00
    +5

    32 or 33 GTR, Evo 9 or 10, any car with a Barra, e90 m3, c63 or a45 amg

  • HardlyCharly on 09/02/2019 - 20:29

    Looks like you want 4 doors, honestly you can't really go wrong with a C63, and if it's already a favourite just go for it, they hold their value and the majority of the depreciation is already done.

    Just whatever you do don't get a Commodore, you'll be a bogan Commodore driver, and don't get a BMW, you'll be a douchebag BMW driver.

    If it was me? Probably a Volvo S60 T6 R-Design, or Jaguar XF Supercharged 6. It's not that easy to come by V8's, much to my disappointment as I still haven't owned one.

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 20:56

      Yeah, pretty set on 4 doors. It won't be commodore. When I was young it was VK Brock and VL Turbo. Then 2jz Aristo.

      Only BMW I'd consider is the 135 or 335

    • BartholemewH on 10/02/2019 - 20:06

      XF over s60 imo. S60 doesn't feel sporty even in T6 R Design.

    • cushydeskjob on 10/02/2019 - 22:48

      Second the Volvo S60 however $40K will get you into the updated Polestar not just the R-Design. Very tasty.

    • UFO on 11/02/2019 - 18:21
      +3

      Completely disagree with the "bogan" Commodore perspective. They aren't making them anymore (I'm talking about a real Commodore, not the crap they are trying to flog atm). And every day that goes by there's less on the road.

      This is especially so for something like an VF Series 2 Redline, which is already pretty rare and is a hell of a car for the money.

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Holden-Commodore-20…

      • This Guy on 12/02/2019 - 01:28

        I second the Redline.

        Brembo's, V8, reliable, cheap spares and a huge aftermarket catalog.

        It's missing adaptive suspension and the ICE is very dated. But it's not your daily driver and who cares if you put an aftermarket head unit in a redline

  • brendanm on 09/02/2019 - 20:42
    +4

    Fd RX7. Have you factored in repair costs in your budget? C63 isn't exactly cheap when something goes wrong. Saw one with one wornout cam lobe the other day that was $10k+ to fix from memory.

    • 2jzzzz on 09/02/2019 - 20:55
      +1

      I'm aware of the head bolts, cam lobe wear and a few other things. I'll be looking for one hopefully outside the range of affected engines. But if not, everyone says to keep an eye on low coolant warning. But then up for expensive repairs.

      I'd take the C63 over a rotary.

      • brendanm on 09/02/2019 - 21:02

        All good then. That's sad about the rotary though, have you driven one?

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

      You say factor in repair costs but then go on to recommend a rotary. I love the FD RX7 (timeless looks) but that’s a poor choice in terms of reliability.

      • brendanm on 10/02/2019 - 09:18

        Hardly if you know anything about them. Entire engine rebuild is cheaper than doing cams in a C63. Gearbox is solid, diff is solid, electronics are solid.

    • JIMB0 on 10/02/2019 - 12:51
      -2

      Saw one with one wornout cam lobe the other day that was $10k+ to fix from memory.

      May as well drop in an LS rather than repairing the merc engine.

      • WhyAmICommenting on 10/02/2019 - 21:30

        The engine is the car for a C63 amg if you ask me (ps didn’t neg)

        • foolsgold on 11/02/2019 - 16:47

          agree, the W204 interior isn't that much more of a level higher than well specced c class, other than the seats and AMG kick plates you struggle to justify the extra 100k

  • swapsey on 09/02/2019 - 20:54
    +19

    Mazda mx5

    • Mikeer on 13/02/2019 - 00:13

      Miata is always the answer!

    • Leeroy Jenkins on 13/02/2019 - 09:37

      Amazing sports car..

  • pegaxs on 09/02/2019 - 21:14
    +30

    Used, low mileage 4cyl, turbo Mustang. It's got everything you need in a fun, mid sized sports car.

    It's a car you can bro off about (at a distance and just not to any of the V8 bros)
    It has a turbo, so you can bro off with the turbo guys.
    It has a Focus engine, so you can bro off with the RS bros.
    Comes with a stereotype already installed.
    Don’t have to worry about young girls wanting to get in and messing it up, although hairdressers may be attracted to it.
    Only runs if you get a numberplate containing PNY.
    Like all good "classic not plastic" muscle cars, it's a safety shitbox, but the 4cyl may not go fast enough or travel far enough between head gasket changes to worry about it.
    I think they have an offer at the moment, buy a mustang and get a free sleeve and neck tattoo…
    If you're over 45, you'll be in good company, because I think that's the minimum age limit to buy them.
    And lastly, resale value. Like all good modern remakes of 70's muscle cars, it will cost 4x as much as a dealer will give you as a trade in, and private sales will give you lots to talk about with endless "when I was a young bloke" tyre kickers.

    • zeomega on 10/02/2019 - 22:25

      The 2.3 ecoboost is a decent engine….. but miles behind the v8 in terms of driving pleasure. Top up a bit more to get the v8.

      • Inzo on 18/02/2019 - 00:00

        i love my v8 :D

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/02/2019 - 08:21
      +2

      Quality banter. I love it.

  • dcep on 09/02/2019 - 22:18
    +6

    Standby another $40k after owning C63 AMG.

    Other similar money pit for fun & status :

    Maserati Gransport (engine from Ferrari F430 V8 - NA revving pure soundgasm)
    Jaguar XKR 07' (V8 supercharged)
    996 911

    • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 23:18
      +1

      Beware the 996 non turbo and non-GT. They have the IMS bearing which makes a fantastic pop, and not the nice valvey exhaust pop, just one pop to end it all.

      $25k engine rebuild.

      Turbo and GT cars cost >$100k for anything half decent.

      • dcep on 09/02/2019 - 23:51
        +2

        Yeah, 1st thing after getting it is to spend $2k replacing it.

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