Having some issues with the DC5 at the moment, basically the result of it being a 6 year old car and once sorted I will be getting rid for something newer.

So this summer I'd like to replace it but can't decide what the replacement will be. I can't even decide what kind of car I want

I've had 2 Honda VTECs over the last 4 years and I want to move away from them now, great fun they are but I want a change. Fun only and will spend most weekdays in the garage.

Must be

- Powerful/ fast
- Reliable
- Reasonable servicing costs
- No older than ~3 years (ideally about 2 years old)
- Can't justify any more than £20k for a car I don't 'need', ideally less
- Not French

I've been thinking about:

Golf R32 (newest shape), but I'm not sure what depreciation is like on them, or if it wouldn't feel special enough as a weekend car?
Lotus Elise, but they're a bit small (was thinking of a European trip at some point), reliability?
VX Turbo, as above
Boxster, heard about engine issues, expensive servicing?
350Z, meets most of the criteria, I'm just not a huge fan of the looks, thinking of a change from Japanese cars
Tamora, too many question marks for reliability/ cost
M3, sub-20k cars a bit long in the tooth, expensive to run?
Z4, I'd only be interested in the M model and they're still a bit expensive

Any other ideas?

Caterham, Westfield, any kit car?

You'd get something pretty special in that price bracket

One of these:

I do quite fancy a VX Turbo, how are they for boot space? I do like having a decent boot occassionally.

Caterham/ Westfield - too hardcore for me to be honest, needs an element of practicality to it!

Murtaya - any more info? With things like that I worry about servicing etc

Any more suggestions? Surely there must be more cars around that fit the bill?

20k? car for fun and possibly a euro trip?

Fast, fun, boot space, and extremely lairy

would sir like a monaro?:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/546261.htm

with the change from 20k you could even it lpg converted, and save on your fuel bills

VX220 Tubby. Your budget will get a very well looked after example, if not a VXR?

If you go for a tubby then get a car that already has at least a stage 2 (an extra 55bhp over standard) as at some point you WILL want to tune it. Stage 1 is a must as there is a horrible flat spot that can be eradicated.

Boot space is surprising. I can get a (squidgy) bag in the boot with enough crap to last me a week. If you take the better half then think again!!

It is also surprisingly comfy for a 'raw' 2 seater. Getting in and out is an art form learnt over time.

Get yourself a test drive but don't expect to be able to walk away from the car without taking a second glance over your shoulder.

www.vx220.org.uk/forums has loads of info.

Forgot to add...

it's a vauxhall engine so is reliable. Servicing is cheap (£200 for my last big service), insurance is cheaper than the equivalent Elise (£400 fully comp, 7yrs NCB, no accidents etc. 26 yrs old etc. etc.). There are a couple of things to look out for but nothing that will cost you a lot of money and hassle.

I think the VXT is worth a look but I suspect it will be too small for my needs.

I like M3s but cars under 3 years are over 20k I think.

I guess I'm hard to please - any opinions on the R32?

I had a VXT then a VXR and they were really great - boot space is a relative term, think something akin to a glove box really - did not really bother me and I used both as my only car, great cars, really good fun and I thoroughly enjoyed them...
then I drove the Murtaya... - you will not believe how good this car is, on a totally different level, some sort of bonus level!

So I have ordered one.

Christmas is coming in Aug /Sept this year... and I can't wait!
If you have looked at the Murtaya and thought it is a good idea then you really MUST have a test drive - do it - right now. Imagine that you can drive - I mean really drive - that you can make Sebastian Loeb look like some granny in a Micra - THAT is how the Murtaya makes you feel. Every corner feels like you could have done that 20mph corner - even if you are giving it some beans. It makes you feel SO capable.
Clearly I will let you all know how I get on with it and knowing my luck will tell you from the wrong side of a hedge!

In the mean time - VX220 - great car. Murtaya great car³!!

Hard to argue against the VX220 turbo, boot space is better than you may imagine but the entrance is awkward.

How about a Europa as a wild card choice, same engine, terrific value.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/415473.htm

Or Z3 M Coupe/Roadster maybe?

You'd be missing the point of the R32 (or S3) in my opinion, they make most sense when being used all the time in all conditions and a lot less so as a special car.