Mid life crisis car on a budget?

[rsgordini]

370z sounds good. 350z too but are getting a bit old now. Just not sure if you’ll find a 370z in your budget.

Alfa gt 3.2 v6 mmmm yummy. Or a 147 gta?!

c55 Amg sounds great modern looking interior even for today’s standards. V8 is awesome and goes like stink.

any m3 or m5 will need too much work for your budget so no.

mx5 maybe if you haven’t had high performance cars 200kw plus. If yes this is too slow regardless of driving feel unless you going to be on track days all the time. Same for the 86. More powerful but it doesn’t feel like that when you drive it.

bmw 125i manual msport. I had one and sold it to a friend so I still drive it every now and then. Awesome car with enough power to feel special. Still a head Turner but they are getting older now and even though engine is solid the ancillaries around it will start needing replacement. if you f a good example then yes if not then no.

Lexus no not special unless isf but not in budget
Volvo yes if you can find
Chevy lumina yes for shitsz and giggles why not. Go for the newest one you can afford

I’d also look at a hot hatch. nothing wrong with older man in younger man car
Megane rs must have lsd or any new clio rs you can afford. From 2010 onwards
Civic type r new one out of budget but old one ok.
Focus st the newer one with 4cyl good balanced car.
mazda 3mps. Very nice

rx8 too problematic engine

More options coming soon. I really like this thread.

 

[MR_Y]

S80 V8 - stuff of legends....
But, being a WBC car, extra cation required before signing...

Volvo S80 V8 for sale in Pretoria - ID: 26096448

Used 2007 Volvo S80 V8 For Sale - R 79 900 - ID: 26096448

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[///M Individual]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Lots of ideas. The market is indeed kinda crazy at the moment.

I have an SUV but the kids are all grown up now and family outings are a thing of the past. A 2-seater would work just fine.

As for E46 and E39, I have had both. Not M cars but the cabin architectures of these are imprinted in my brain. Still have the E39, long story. I will tell that later.

The other things is test drives are really not a good idea at the moment. Social distancing works best when you are at home.

The Nisan 350Z/370Z have been on my radar. It must have slipped my mind. Incidentally, the water pump on that V6 is inside the block and driven by the cam chain. Replacement is a big job. Genius cost cutting measure from Carlos Ghosn.

Seeing as you have/had a 530i manual already I think scrap the 125i/330i ideas completely.

You need a convertible RWD roadster.

I wonder how much these go for now....some 240k cashback option at Fiat when buying new:

Abarth 124 Spider (2017) Quick Drive

Compact, simple and hugely entertaining topless sportscars are a rarity these days, with Mazda owning the small segment through its highly acclaimed MX-5. So that's exactly where Fiat headed for help when it decided to revive its iconic 124 moniker for a stylish new sports machine. With the MX-5...

www.cars.co.za

Not sure how the maintenance costs will be on the 986 Boxster but I'm sure they will be more fun that the MX5/Abarth.

Porsche Boxster 986 for sale in Pretoria - ID: 25855700

Used 1999 Porsche Boxster 986 For Sale - R 169 900 - ID: 25855700

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[individj]

the man is having a mid-life crisis and you tell him to buy a white volvo!

S80 V8 - stuff of legends....
But, being a WBC car, extra cation required before signing...

Volvo S80 V8 for sale in Pretoria - ID: 26096448

Used 2007 Volvo S80 V8 For Sale - R 79 900 - ID: 26096448

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[MR_Y]

the man is having a mid-life crisis and you tell him to buy a white volvo!

The OP said "Volvo had this great Yamaha V8 in the S80, but I don't think there they sold very many in Africa. Quite cheap (and old) but running costs would be stellar"

 

[TurboLlew]

Seeing as you have/had a 530i manual already I think scrap the 125i/330i ideas completely.

You need a convertible RWD roadster.

I wonder how much these go for now....some 240k cashback option at Fiat when buying new:

Abarth 124 Spider (2017) Quick Drive

Compact, simple and hugely entertaining topless sportscars are a rarity these days, with Mazda owning the small segment through its highly acclaimed MX-5. So that's exactly where Fiat headed for help when it decided to revive its iconic 124 moniker for a stylish new sports machine. With the MX-5...

www.cars.co.za

Not sure how the maintenance costs will be on the 986 Boxster but I'm sure they will be more fun that the MX5/Abarth.

Porsche Boxster 986 for sale in Pretoria - ID: 25855700

Used 1999 Porsche Boxster 986 For Sale - R 169 900 - ID: 25855700

www.autotrader.co.za

Abarth will be over double the budget... but is quite a fun thing and also unique. the cashback was needed on a lot of FCA products since the 'list' prices were so out of whack. They did the same on Giulias, Stelvios etc. It didn't make them bargains...just more realistically priced IMHO. 400K for one of those isn't a bad deal IMHO.

 

[TBP88]

I'd scrap pretty much any M product instantly off your list. Just finding a half-decent E36/E46M3 for R200k is hard enough, and even then it'll need R30k+ worth of service items immediately. And those would be the only M products in your price range. A 350Z is probably worth a look. But the interior is really, really nasty (in fairness older (90s, early 00s) Alfas are also horrid, the plastics will all basically be gum by now)...

Have you considered something older? More project car-ey?

 

[individj]

The OP said "Volvo had this great Yamaha V8 in the S80, but I don't think there they sold very many in Africa. Quite cheap (and old) but running costs would be stellar"

but we are trying to help him..he is in crisis remember haha

 

[Kyle]

I really enjoyed driving my 3.2 GT, definitely a great weekend car to own.

 

[FILV]

This is a tough one, as it would help to know what are your key factors you are looking for, and dont mind not having.

Speed? looks? driving dynamic? premium quality?

If speed is not a factor then top of my list would be a MX5. At 200K you can get the more modern one, that at least has some modern luxeries like Bluetooth etc. The benefit of a retracting hard top should the mood arise.

2012 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster Coupe

Used Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster Coupe for sale in North West Province, car manufactured in 2012 (ID:7259846)

www.cars.co.za

Next on the list if power is not an issue, id loot an e92 Coupe or convertible. Stunning shape, safe, luxurious etc.
a 330i would probably more reliable and less maintenance to worry about compared to a 335i. Although a 335i would definitely excite the soul with that cold start burble, and the power.

2010 BMW 3 Series 330i Convertible Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 330i Convertible Auto for sale in Gauteng, car manufactured in 2010 (ID:7462777)

www.cars.co.za

Perhaps a Z4? old shape or newer.

2009 BMW Z4 sDrive23i Auto

Used BMW Z4 sDrive23i Auto for sale in Gauteng, car manufactured in 2009 (ID:7208800)

www.cars.co.za

2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster A/t (e85)

Used BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster A/t (e85) for sale in Gauteng, car manufactured in 2008 (ID:6175731)

www.cars.co.za

Just realized im posting convertibles, but normally that's top of the list for a mid life crises lol

next up, and quite affordable now are Audi TT's. nice balance of power and handling and build quality and that coupe look.

2011 Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI Auto

Used Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI Auto for sale in Kwazulu Natal, car manufactured in 2011 (ID:7372104)

www.cars.co.za

2011 Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro Auto

Used Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI quattro Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2011 (ID:7241972)

www.cars.co.za

V6 Howl?

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Auto

Used Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2008 (ID:7421445)

www.cars.co.za

2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe

Used Nissan 350Z Coupe for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2006 (ID:6996378)

www.cars.co.za

Cruiser with style:

2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 Cabriolet

Used Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 Cabriolet for sale in Gauteng, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7295100)

www.cars.co.za

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Coupe Auto

Used Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Coupe Auto for sale in Gauteng, car manufactured in 2008 (ID:7205144)

www.cars.co.za

Quite an exciting search with lots of different options.

suppose once you know exactly what will make you happy once you have that free time, on a random weekday and go grab those keys, it should make you excited and look forward to that drive. you just need to know what kind of drive you want it to be.

 

[individj]

lots and lots of test drives

 

[///M Individual]

Great options listed there @FILV ......makes me want to have a mid life crisis sometime soon too.😅

 

[individj]

what i like about the 350z is that its a good car than you can improve on with lots of nice parts available...they look good with the right wheel. They sound great and theyre japanese....i remember seeing 3 brand new motors in a guys garage and they were R10k each...so worst case you won't break the bank if something goes like an expensive S tronic box etc.

 

[FILV]

Great options listed there @FILV ......makes me want to have a mid life crisis sometime soon too.😅

haha i know, wish it was my list lol!

 

[shauwn]

Full disclosure: I am getting close to retirement age. However, retirement car conjures up visions of white Corolla diesels. Nope, I feel young enough to have a midlife crisis.

Let me set the criteria. Budget of R200k tops. I would rather look at a cottage in the platteland than fancy wheels. Also, something that will not totally break the bank with running costs.

Bear in mind that there is absolutely no rush. I work remotely and most of my current driving is about getting groceries. Even that is limited as I have a freshly licensed driver in the house that is all too happy to run errands or play chauffeur. So this is, for now, a thought exercise as invented by Einstein.

As for everybody's favorite brand I am leaving it to the best and brightest. I like the idea of a 125i and it is within budget. That sweet NA six really appeals. Also, the badge reminds me of my youth. Dad had a Fiat 125 in the early seventies. It was really cool with DOHC and discs all around, especially when compared to the Ford Cortinas and VW Variants that the neighbors had.

Next, the obvious answer. According to car websites, the answer is always Mazda MX5. In this case it really is. Plenty to choose from with the budget.

Or how about a Toyota 86? Everyone is singing its praises, except for a few nuts that want more power. They are missing the point. It is really a drifting machine with plenty of power for doing so. The base model even comes on low grip Prius tyres for hooning. Prices are kinda high but there are plenty to choose from. Hey, it is a Toyota. Depreciation does not apply.

Toyota MR2? Old, rare and extremely cramped inside. Nah.

Hot hatch? An old guy driving a Golf GTI or Focus ST would be deeply weird, so I will pass. There is one exception, the old Honda Civic Type R. I test drove one a few years ago. I expected nippy but got brutal. The roar at redline is quite special. I actually told the salesman to call me back so we can do a deal. He never did. Lucky escape.

A Chev Lumina SS would be great. I have never had a V8. The soundtrack would be great all the way to Spar and back, but they are dipsomaniacs and eat rear tyres. My running costs criteria would not be met.

Alfa Romeos within the budget range from nippy 1.4s to great big 3.2 V6s. The roar of the latter should be experienced by everyone. My twentysomething self once bagged a test drive in a GTV6. The glorious sound is a memory I still cherish. Reality check - according to Jezza there is no more stylish way to break down at the roadside. Perhaps not but I remain open-minded.

Volvo had this great Yamaha V8 in the S80, but I don't think there they sold very many in Africa. Quite cheap (and old) but running costs would be stellar. Other Volvos do not appeal. Nah.

One last idea remains - the Lexus IS 350. Yes it is fugly and the back seat is a joke. Car guys might mistake it for the IS 250 which is utterly pathetic. But in the 350 that great big Fortuner V6 really delivers. There are lots of videos on Youtube of guys doing burnouts in these bad boys. There are few of them in the market and prices are all over the place.

Over to you.

Platteland = Bakkie

 

[kingr]

what do anticipate you want to spend on maintenance and possibly "big ticket" repairs? all these options apart from the mx-5 are nice, but most of them can quickly become a big expense, especially the m-car suggestions.

 

[Demontec]

Well, if you don't go the ///M car route, why not have a look a C55 AMG? They look great, have a nice v8 soundtrack, nice interior and you can find one within budget.

This is definitely a winner.. It is said to be the most reliable V8 AMG out there as its NA (No extra stress on the motor, relatively low on maintenance due to the lack of air suspension, Looks & sounds the part and is classy enough for a middle aged someone 🙈 A decent low mileage one can be had for under 200k.

 

[Budleigh]

Drive an MX5. It's probably the best car for your budget, since a weekend toy should be fun and presumably not a 4 door boat. If you need more power, there are Z4s/SLKs in range, but they're more fussy than the Mazda. Or get a pampered Alfa GT 3.2 - also good fun.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[TBP88]

370z sounds good. 350z too but are getting a bit old now. Just not sure if you’ll find a 370z in your budget.

Alfa gt 3.2 v6 mmmm yummy. Or a 147 gta?!

c55 Amg sounds great modern looking interior even for today’s standards. V8 is awesome and goes like stink.

any m3 or m5 will need too much work for your budget so no.

mx5 maybe if you haven’t had high performance cars 200kw plus. If yes this is too slow regardless of driving feel unless you going to be on track days all the time. Same for the 86. More powerful but it doesn’t feel like that when you drive it.

bmw 125i manual msport. I had one and sold it to a friend so I still drive it every now and then. Awesome car with enough power to feel special. Still a head Turner but they are getting older now and even though engine is solid the ancillaries around it will start needing replacement. if you f a good example then yes if not then no.

Lexus no not special unless isf but not in budget
Volvo yes if you can find
Chevy lumina yes for shitsz and giggles why not. Go for the newest one you can afford

I’d also look at a hot hatch. nothing wrong with older man in younger man car
Megane rs must have lsd or any new clio rs you can afford. From 2010 onwards
Civic type r new one out of budget but old one ok.
Focus st the newer one with 4cyl good balanced car.
mazda 3mps. Very nice

rx8 too problematic engine

More options coming soon. I really like this thread.

Think a 147 GTA isn't an easy find for that money... Those are still trading hands for in the R250-300k region.

 

[individj]

thing is ...with a MX5 they'll know youre in crisis haha