You've got £6k and want the fastest fun car, what ya buying

You mentioned a Merc C63 so I assume you're not fussed about it being Retro. Have you considered an SLK 350? 272 BHP out of the box and sub 6-seconds to 60. Generally well-specced - best to go for one with all the toys. And of course the roof comes off. Loads of them out there - should get a nice one for £6k. Note that the V6 cars though are £500+ tax between March 06 and March 08.

funnily enough when I was driving in a spirited manner one day a few weeks back some yoooof decided he wanted to Fast n Furious me, naturally I obliged but being dark I couldn't see what was easily staying with me, into suburban roads at traffic lights I was amazed to see an 03 plate S3, it absolutely shot off at the lights and left me quite easily, only issue I have with them is the older ones don't look all that do they ?

8P is the second gen so 2004 - 2013. Not exactly 2021 looks but less 90s hatchback than the original 8L

The issue is alot of the stuff which was very quick relatively speaking has now become quite expensive.

Years ago, I bought my E46 M3 for not much more than your budget. Bargains are still out there but they are very few and far between.

If I wanted something for that budget, I'd possibly be looking at lightness or speed. So, here come cars that probably aren't either!

-Porsche Boxster 986 S ; Again, getting one of these for £6k would be tricky now; they have been slowly rising
-Mercedes W210 E55 AMG ; You'd have that glorious engine note
-Nissan 350Zs ; are they still around this money?
-Focus ST225 ; A bit of a pudding up front, but quite a quick car with some key mods and stripping isnide
-Renault Clio 182 ; Trophies are now long gone from this price range unfortunately. An FF or Cup (even in 172 flavour) should still be possible however. Possibly one of the slower cars here but quicker on track thanks to a superb chassis. Bini MCS R53 may be worth considering. Alot of folks find these fun.
-BMW E61 535d Touring. I know, but bear with me. These are effortless in their pace, and very undiesel like. They have such a grace in getting down the road. A remap on one of these will trouble alot of things on the road. They are not necessarily the best things around corners thanks to their kerbweight, but decent tyres help massively. I almost bought my dad's off him (but the timing was completely wrong) and I'm aware Darragh Doyle from Everything M3s adores his. Most guys I know have. £6k should get a very nice example. A friend of mine whose owned some quick cars has said he felt they were silly quick with just a remap. For me, the pace is enough for a daily. They may lack the special feeling however. The majesty in how that pace comes up is something else however.

Like you, there are cars I still want, but the budget, especially now is saying otherwise. Those cars include an S1 Elise, an Elan 2+2, and a BMW E61 M5 Touring. An R8 V10 would be a better bet and probably more reliable and enjoyable than the latter, but there is soemthing about subtlety.

Joe - I have a Saxo VTS to fool about with so want something a bit different to the little hot hatch thing

Chas - Porsche hmmm
E55, i like them!
Clio as above with the Saxo, similar ish so not fussed
No to the Focus, faffing with a St200 Ltd so thats enough Ford for me haha
350Z 2 seater?

A mate has just bagged a 535 twin turbo, says its stupid fast but all the comforts of a modern lovely car, and imo they look really stylish! i'm off to look at them too

RS6 - absolutely love them but soooooo nickable round where we live sadly

M3 - would love one of these too, but I guess mental prices now

955 Cayenne. They won't get any cheaper, last forever with proper maintenance, and are ridiculously capable given their heft.
A mate just bought one for 2k, and has spent a bit on a good service, newer 958 (I think) wheels, extended leather, and a more modern double DIN head unit with Bluetooth and all that nonsense. He's still well under the 3k and if it breaks terminally he can break it and recoup most of his outlay. 6k will get you much more for your money. Or 5k with a bit held back for rainy days.

I'd be buying a Jaguar S type R, crying about how rusty or broken it is in between leering round like timothy dalton in Hot Fuzz at who my next victim on the road would be and laughing like Mr Toad. Went to the nurburgring a good 10 years ago in one. ooo yes.

EDIT - I'm sure you could find a turbo honda civic for this price if you look hard enough.

Sounds like you've got others cars for Dad type duties. But throwing my hat into the ring might I suggest a XK8. Pretty good to drive, plenty of power, and four seats... Ish. Although your kids won't thank you if they have to sit in the back.

BMW E91 (Touring) 335i - a little tune or a race chip and you are knocking on 400hp