Been watching you tube clips, and been soul searching from cars I previously owned and think the porsche ticks the residual price an looks box and 3 years ago would have probably gone this path as a daily driver. But it don't tick the 'Fun' factor box enough - It's all about occasional fair weather weekend 'A' road blast or possible odd track day.

Think I've narrowed it down to a S2 111R - The Toyota engine with its 190bhp VVC which kicks in at 6300rpm till 8500rpm looks and sounds a hoot. Fun and special enough pootling around, and on the limit driving, given the right situation when on my own and in the mood. Servicing, maintenance, petrol all cheap, risiduals very good and might go up a little in value, and pretty much bullet proof.

Right then just need to find a perfect example for good money.. ironically again missed out on probably the best example I could get last week whilst I was trying to work out where my head was at. Always the way.... when your not looking a nice one comes along, then when you want one - Nothing.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252411776306

This may Tick most of your list! Not a cabriolet, and currently well under you budget!

That old mx5 turbo you had that would of been spot on lol I should of had that thing of you !!!!

Talking about mx5 i know one pushing 380bhp which might still be forsale if its not sold already .

I want the Dodge Charger in the background of one of the shots.

The black one, despite blowing a gasket down to le-man was still the best fun I have on 4 wheels, and was even more fun than the Stage2 Vx220 I had. Despite the hairdresser image, and forced induction Mk1 or Mk2 MX5 is an absolute hoot, yet still have creature comforts and really easy work on..

380 would be insane in a MX5, my Mk2 was running about 240 with a short ratio box and light rear end and RWD it would break traction in 1,2&3 in the dry and pretty much spin up in every gear in the wet if provoked.

If Its still for sale ? would be interest in knowing more, and price. But getting insurance on highly modified cars is a bit tricky for me these days.

I do know of a MINT Mk3 new shape with a turbo conversion running 270bhp for 11K. I've never really cared about what anyone else thinks, but the Mk3 Mx5 is a bit hairdresser which does put me off.

I won't be going it in it with you.
Last time we went out in a convertible sports car even your wife was concerned about the image it portrayed

got a v5 sti type r v-limilted your your name all over it:grin:

Nutley Classics have a lovely orange Caterham 1.6 Super Sport, no details on the website but has £17k in the windscreen.

Paragon have a nice GT3 RS
If you squint the price looks like £14,995.

B5 rs4...they will go up in value...look at the rs2's now(wish i'd kept mine)

Fantastic car with great tuning potential, and have looked but I seem to have missed the boat as prices are VERY strong on these now. 16-20K for a nice mileage one, which is the same territory as V8 RS4 which of course is another option, and for just that bit more again and circa 22K you can get an Audi TTrs tuned to 450+bhp.