Looking to buy a second car but it needs to be fun

[soc]

After moving closer to the city centre we've been a single car house (e90 msport 320d) for a couple of years but now our eldest will be starting school next Sept I'm looking to get a second car to allow some flexibility around drop off & pick ups. I was initially looking at a mk5 golf gti as a great allrounder but lately I've been thinking of taking the opportunity to get something a bit less practical -

Max budget is 12k and as it's a second car which I'll likely drive 99% of the time 4/5 seats are not essential (I could live with a 2 seater) and I'm open to considering larger engines (3.0+ & must be petrol) but would prefer to avoid highly specialized cars which require $$$ for maintenance (so currently M3, M5, S4 etc are out of scope).

So far, along with the GTI I've also looked at Z4 coupe, mk5 golf R32 but then my mind goes blank so I'm hoping for some divine inspiration here

[Gitzer]

Just buy an m3 and be done with it. Running costs aren't anywhere near what people think. Very reliable once taken care of etc

[FunkySeeFunkyDoo]

I think these are the savage and I can't imagine they need any specialised maintainence http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/7747328
Lotus Elise 1.8i K Series...complete En

[soc]

Just buy an m3 and be done with it. Running costs aren't anywhere near what people think. Very reliable once taken care of etc

There are 2 cars I've always wanted to own - E46 M3 convertible and B7 RS4 convertible. I'm afraid of both

[Gitzer]

Just buy an m3 and be done with it. Running costs aren't anywhere near what people think. Very reliable once taken care of etc

There are 2 cars I've always wanted to own - E46 M3 convertible and B7 RS4 convertible. I'm afraid of both

Iv owned 2 e36 m3 evo's, an e46 m3 and an e39 m5.

Best all rounder = m3 evo

Just happens that im selling my 4 door m3 evo

[soc]

Just happens that im selling my 4 door m3 evo

Heh, I've seen it and have thought about it My first model car was an E36 Evo - kids have since thrashed it

Realistically I probably won't buy anything before Feb until after bonus payouts in work.

Ultimately always loved the E46 M3 but have always been afraid of the running costs - I can live with fuel, tax and insurance as it would be a limited mileage car...., but it's the unknowns on an older car. Ken's car was too soon for me unfortunately.

This would be nice
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/m3/used-2003-bmw-m3-cabriolet-dublin-fpa-93914137980986110

[Peter-E36]

I think these are the savage and I can't imagine they need any specialised maintainence http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/7747328
Lotus Elise 1.8i K Series...complete En

I saw that too, I'm sure it would be fun to drive but lacking in fire power and a bit nerdy

@ soc: I'm in a similar situation to yours. I've settled on an e92 335i for the same reasons, although I would be all over a properly clean low mileage / late model s2000 if one popped up!

[FunkySeeFunkyDoo]

I think these are the savage and I can't imagine they need any specialised maintainence http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/7747328
Lotus Elise 1.8i K Series...complete En

I saw that too, I'm sure it would be fun to drive but lacking in fire power and a bit nerdy

@ soc: I'm in a similar situation to yours. I've settled on an e92 335i for the same reasons, although I would be all over a properly clean low mileage / late model s2000 if one popped up!

Do you think they are slow?

[soc]

@ soc: I'm in a similar situation to yours. I've settled on an e92 335i for the same reasons, although I would be all over a properly clean low mileage / late model s2000 if one popped up!

I thought about the 335 but power/noise aside it's too similar to the 320d I have - would really like something different.

[Peter-E36]

I think these are the savage and I can't imagine they need any specialised maintainence http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/7747328
Lotus Elise 1.8i K Series...complete En

I saw that too, I'm sure it would be fun to drive but lacking in fire power and a bit nerdy

@ soc: I'm in a similar situation to yours. I've settled on an e92 335i for the same reasons, although I would be all over a properly clean low mileage / late model s2000 if one popped up!

Do you think they are slow?

Definitely not, they weigh about the same as a can of coke but just wouldn't be for me, I wouldn't mind the lack of equipment on a car like that but it's the looks/shape/size and 4 pot under the bonnet that would put me off.

Edit: Technically not under the bonnet but you know what I mean