What convertible? £5k or less
Discussion
I've been looking at Mk 2.5 Mazda MX-5s. Plenty about but finding one that's been rustproofed consistently and isn't rotting is a worry. Someone suggested I look at Honda S2000s but may possibly be a little outside my price range. Also thinking now about BMW Z4s.
What would you choose? And anything else worth considering? It'll be a weekend/fun car mainly. Would be nice for trips away too (another reason I'm starting to look away from the MX-5 - barely enough room for an overnight bag).
I'd go for anything up to about 10 or 11 years old. And a few hundred on top of the 5k might be possible.
What would you choose? And anything else worth considering? It'll be a weekend/fun car mainly. Would be nice for trips away too (another reason I'm starting to look away from the MX-5 - barely enough room for an overnight bag).
I'd go for anything up to about 10 or 11 years old. And a few hundred on top of the 5k might be possible.
Gochaz said:
Can't speak from experience unfortunately. Always loved the looks though. For what it's worth, Honest John Classics says "Today, rust-free bodies and tough mechanicals make these an interesting alternative to an MX-5 or MGF. Assuming you can put up with left-hand drive."
http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/fiat/barc...
LHD is no problem - had a Camaro before now http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/fiat/barc...
billzeebub said:
Early Boxster 2.5. Arguably the purest example and a good one easily within budget. They have two good size boots as well as plenty of cabin storage for touring. There are plenty of really good well maintained examples out there well within this budget, just beware of the neglected/tarted up crap. They are an old cars now so maintenance and type of owner much more important than mileage covered. However, they are also beautifully constructed and wear their age well. I would definitely stretch your age criteria and have a drive of a few examples. Boxsters don't rust so any with tin worm will be from poor crash repairs.
Thanks will take a look - what's servicing/parts costs like?Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 30th November 12:18
feef said:
At £5k, you're into early MX5 Mk III territory and also, therefore, avoiding many of the rust issues that the 2.5 suffered from.
True. Most say they're not as much fun though?That might (might not) rule out a TT too. Needs to be something fun to drive, not just a "daily with the roof off".
johnfm said:
I'm sure they are - but Z4s and boxsters are too. You've a lot of choices at £5k. Enjoy the spring and summer.
Cheers I knew posting in here would give me a few alternatives I hadn't considered. And even just opinions on choices. I was surprised Z4s and Boxsters were in that price range now to be honest.Edited by Flip Martian on Sunday 30th November 17:08
budfox said:
I've had a Z4 (3.0si 265bhp) and an MR2 Roadster. Half the power of the Zed. Both cost £9500.
I adored the Zed but just didn't drive it enough, it was too much of a pride and joy car. I also adored the Roadster, it was also my pride and joy, but I drove it loads.
The Zed brought a massive smile to my face at times, but the MR2 gave me far more overall enjoyment.
I'd buy another MR2 in a heartbeat, doubt I'll ever own another Z4.
Very interesting, ta. I adored the Zed but just didn't drive it enough, it was too much of a pride and joy car. I also adored the Roadster, it was also my pride and joy, but I drove it loads.
The Zed brought a massive smile to my face at times, but the MR2 gave me far more overall enjoyment.
I'd buy another MR2 in a heartbeat, doubt I'll ever own another Z4.
Dalto123 said:
There is enough room. Two of us managed a weekend trip away, admittedly packing quite lightly and in soft bags, but it is do-able in an MX5
Packing quite lightly...yeah, we might have to learn how to do that. - edit. £3k-£4k should get you an excellent MK2.5 1.8 with decent miles and probably a leather interior.
I actually saw what looked a very decent 1.8 Sport with all that only last week - for less than 3k. But someone had stuck a deposit on it that very morning.
feef said:
I've got a 1.8 sport, and managed to drive myself and my son to Scotland for a week last Xmas including all the pressies AND drive home with even more pressies, as being the first Grandchild, he gets shedloads.
I've now got a boot-rack on too and I've never had an issue with luggage space. If you have to pack "light" to fit your luggage in the boot of an MX5, I'd say you're packing too much in the first place.
I'd get 1 of our usual bags in the boot. But to be honest, its not the main deal breaking concern at all. There are always luggage racks, at a push, as someone posted earlier. I've now got a boot-rack on too and I've never had an issue with luggage space. If you have to pack "light" to fit your luggage in the boot of an MX5, I'd say you're packing too much in the first place.
IanMorewood said:
Mercedes SL? R129 versions hewn from stone and inside your budget, running costs could be heavy but you didn't specify that was a concern.
Running costs - well, the lower the better really. I'm not minted. But I guess a well looked after high mileage SL would be a possible. danp said:
Interesting as had 231bhp Z4 3.0i and mr2 roadster.
Loved the Z4 design and solidity but terrible ride (even on small wheels and non runflats), poor steering and lazy (if smooth) engine. Need to try a 265bhp coupe to see if it's much better.
mr2 was brilliant fun for the money, engine nothing special and did feel a little wobbly (even with additional bracing). If had another would possibly look out for a 2ZZ conversion or turbo.
Ta. I have read Z4s are a bit of a stiff ride for some. Loved the Z4 design and solidity but terrible ride (even on small wheels and non runflats), poor steering and lazy (if smooth) engine. Need to try a 265bhp coupe to see if it's much better.
mr2 was brilliant fun for the money, engine nothing special and did feel a little wobbly (even with additional bracing). If had another would possibly look out for a 2ZZ conversion or turbo.
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