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Wondering if it would be worth a look (given the OP has a well-regarded indie Mini / BMW garage nearby) at a lower-spec model BMW 1 series (118i 1.5T previous or current model), 2 series coupe or convertible (as 1-series or 2L non turbo), previous gen 4-Series coupe or convertible (420i 2T) in SE or Sport guise, though preferably with the step (TC?) auto rather than the DCT (which admittedly doesn't attract the same bad [reliability] publicity as other makes)?
None are by any means 'slow' (the older design 2L non-turbo being the least powerful / slowest). A bit of a compromise (as most decent handling / performing cars are) on the ride quality, though not that bad, given many are shod on 17in rims, one or two (older / lowest SE spec) on sensible 16in tyres, and the lowest SE trim often came with manual A/C rather than climate control (standard on later ones and Sport models).
Shame about the auto spec requirement, as in my view that rules out many otherwise decent cars that tick the boxes, such as the Seat Leon SC (3dr) 1.4TSI (better interior spec than the following as it had climate control rather than manual A/C) and rarer Golf equivalent (3dr GT). Not easy to come by as a popular car with owners (5dr essentially as good to drive, just not quite as nice looking in my view) and far rarer (especially the Golf) than their 5dr sisters.
As I was looking for something like this (though with a bit more practicality than MX-5s and Minis, hence my other suggestions), it might be worth a look at a current (4th) gen Mazda3 2L e-Skyactiv-X auto (0-60 in ~8.5sec), noting the 'e' to denote the updated engine version from 2021/2 which appears to be better received as it performs better than the original, and probably ironed out any issues on the engine front.
I would vote for the SE-L variants (including Lux sub-version) shod on sensible 205/60 R16 tyres rather than 18in rims to get the better ride quality, which barely detracts from the excellent handling ability. Not many available for sale as original buyers like and keep them, and far more Sport type versions (just more gadgets, not faster) with firmer-riding 18in tyres available.
The auto is a smooth (prove) TC unit and is far better in terms of performance and mpg penalties than it was on the 1st and 2nd gen cars. The 'downsides' with Mazdas (as I've found myself as a long-term owner) is that main dealers can be very hit and miss on the post-sales experience, and whilst the reliability problems with diesels on the latest cars are going away (partly because far fewer models now have diesel options), some 'new' ones appear to be taking their place on the electronics front. The 3 and sister car the CX-30 appear to have been affected.
I would only buy one if it had the remainder of the manufacturers' warranty intact or had a 1 year main dealer warranty. I'd also be wary of cars under 5 years old that had 2 owners or (especially) more, given that might indicate the car had issues and was being regularly offloaded.
The electronics issues - being fair - is something that appears to affect quite a lot of modern cars, especially higher spec ones, hence partly why I've recommended low to mid-spec models, which have less electronics / gadgets to go wrong (often via unwanted system interaction [that rarely get tested before release to market] with other bits of kit).
Edited by Engineer Andy on 25/05/2024 at 13:23
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