Best fun car with 4 seats for under $20K? | FerrariChat

Best fun car with 4 seats for under $20K?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by nathandarby67, Jan 2, 2015.

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  1. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    Feb 1, 2005
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    I am looking for input on selecting my next automotive tool. I've got two young sons who both love cars, ages 1 and 4 years old. We have an Audi Q7 for long distance and family hauling activities, and I've got an FJ Cruiser that is my usual daily driver and can carry all four of us if need be. So I'm looking for something that would be fun for me to drive but that could carry the whole family for ice cream runs, quick trips around town, etc. All of my current operable (key word) fun cars are pure two seaters, so I find this really tends to limit how much I use them. If we are running to the local Mexican restaurant, it's kind of ridiculous for us to take two vehicles just so I can drive the 355 or MG. All that said, I need a vehicle that checks all of the following boxes:

    1) Under $20K.
    2) Back seats that can fit small children.
    3) Fun/sporty to drive.
    4) Somewhat interesting, neat, rare, unique, etc (I realize this is relative in the under $20K category).
    5) Modern enough to have decent heat, AC, and be usable and reliable enough to be a semi-daily driver.
    6) Preferably be something that won't lose half its value in 12 months. So no brand new Subaru BRZ's.

    So far, my ideas have included the Porsche 996, Fiat Abarth, Audi TT (1st and second gen), Jaguar XKR. I would love to hear feedback from anyone that can compare any of these models, or also any other ideas on cars I have not thought of. I am open to any and all suggestions!

    ***I already have a Mondial that is awaiting some recommissioning work (probably be a year or so until I get to it), so don't want another of those right now even though it would meet most of my above criteria.

    Long term, I think I want to pick up a used DB9, 456, Bentley CGT, or Granturismo to use in this role. So ideally I will keep this cheap under $20K car for 6-12 months, then sell it and roll that into something in the $50-60K range.
     
  2. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Audi tt has 4 seats?
     
  3. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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  4. mtmilam

    mtmilam Formula Junior

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    #4 mtmilam, Jan 2, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I'll go off on a flyer here and say, Triumph Stag...you can buy a nice restored one for 12K....4 seats, AC, Rare, V8 engine ...very fun cars ....Make sure you get one that is all restored though, not worth putting money into one, although they have held their value at around 12K for years, if they are nice.
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  5. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    Maserati Coupe....do a little haggling ;)

    we all know they have gigantic rear seats, providing plenty of room for kids and their car seats.

    Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa | eBay
     
  6. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    e39 m5. I was very close to buying one myself, but ended up with a sport package e38 7 series instead as I wanted the extra room. But, that car should tick all the boxes and I may still get one at some point.
     
  7. V-TWELVE

    V-TWELVE Formula 3

    Jan 1, 2007
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  8. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

    Jan 24, 2005
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    Bingo.

    E39 M5 might even answer the question "Best sedan ever made?".

    I also have a e38 740i Sport. Amazing car.
     
  9. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
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    Porsche 928
    BMW 8 series
    Toyota Supra
     
  10. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Damn,I had no idea. That's cool.

    Coupes in general always look better than verts to me.

    When I was a claims adjuster I talked to lady that had two, her and her husbands. They absolutely loved them.
     
  11. rockminster

    rockminster Formula Junior
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    Lake Tahoe

    This.
     
  12. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    M3 E36 or M5 E39.
     
  13. Dolcevita

    Dolcevita Formula 3
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    #13 Dolcevita, Jan 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2015
    I know a guy with 9 kids who just got himself a TT coupe. I didn't realize they had back seats either. As long as the kiddies are small, no problem. He is 6'-4" and fits in the front. So lots of room for the pilot and co-pilot.
     
  14. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    Audi S5, V8 from 2008 - 2012, available with 6 speed manual, still the best looking coupe on the market. Early ones might be near $20K now.

    Mazda RX-8 if you want a bit lighter, smaller, more fun to drive - like a big Miata. Find a newer one, if it already has a replaced remanufactured engine even better. The back seat on an RX-8 will seat 6 foot adults.
     
  15. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 Wade, Jan 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2015
    A rag-top Wrangler? Great fun... just hop in and go. An awesome gopher truck as well and completely different than the FJ.

    The kids will love it!
    .
     
  16. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    I know of a great deal on an Abarth. :)
     
  17. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #17 nathandarby67, Jan 2, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2015

    :D

    It's on the list, for sure. I need to drive one to see how I like it.

    Lots of great ideas so far in this thread. I like the Stag, Maserati, and RX8 ideas for sure. I know the BMW's mentioned are very likely the best cars out of all the choices, but I can't make myself lust after one, try as I might. They just don't do much for me emotionally I guess. There is a local 996 I am going to look over closely this Sunday, but I'm just not sold on that option. 928 is intriguing idea too...those have aged really well and come full circle if you ask me.

    I'd love a cool old Jag Mk II, and would put up with no AC for it, but decent ones haven't been under $20K in a while.
     
  18. Isobel

    Isobel F1 World Champ

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    Since no one has mentioned it, a 2003 or newer XK8/XKR would fit the bill, particularly as the replacement will be a 456 or Continental and you mentioned an affinity towards Mark 11s. Goes without saying it offers a plethora of car due to the wonderful depreciation curve. IMS/RMS would keep me away from any non turbo 996, 928 electrical issues are annoying and a reliable Stag is someone's imagination..;).

    Love the Abarth option though. Great cars.
     
  19. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    I felt similarly about bmw's until I drove a couple of them...
     
  20. SamuliS

    SamuliS Formula Junior

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    Porsche 968?
     
  21. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #21 Wade, Jan 3, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I feel the same way about German cars, they just don't get my attention for some reason. However, an exception is the 944.
    .
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  22. Christian Sasfai

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    #22 Christian Sasfai, Jan 3, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I second the Jeep Wrangler. I just bought one for my son for Christmas (photo is Christmas day, pre modifications). However, after driving the thing for a few days, I told him he's out of luck as it looks like it'll be my new toy. I am amazed how the Wranglers hold their value. I was looking for a $5,000 project car and ended up spending way more than that because the only $5,000 projects are still at the bottom of a lake. In the end, for about $15,000, I'll have a super clean, modern (2004 model year) four seater that is fun and needed nothing but an oil change. It came with both hard and soft tops then we added new wheels, 33" tires, 4" lift kit, rock crawler bumpers, and a winch, so it looks as cool as it is fun.
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  23. mclaudio

    mclaudio Formula 3

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    W210 E55 or CLK55 - Euro muscle cars
    05-06 Cayenne TT with coolant pipe addressed. You may like it enough to sell TLC as well
    06 Audi S6 V8 Avant
     
  24. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Mini Cooper S JCW R53
     
  25. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

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    Jaguar XKR, but the seats are tiny with no legroom in either convertible or coupe form. 996 Porsche 911 should be around $20k, but has the same problem with the seats.

    How about a 6-series BMW? They have depreciated down to the $20k-ish level, and have more rear seat room. You can find them with a traditional manual as well, which is a plus in my book. Assuming of course you like the looks...

    M-B CLK63 convertible might be down to that price point these days.

    Other more masochistic choices would be Jaguar XJS, or an M-B CL55 or CL600 from 2003-06.
     

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