What convertible? £5k or less
Discussion
NiceCupOfTea said:
5k will get you a properly sorted S. If looked after and driven regularly they are very reliable in my experience.
Re: MX5 boots - managed a week away for 2 of us without too much drama. Rear shelf holds a lot!
Also, how about en e36 m3 cabrio?
First thought - bit big? My idea was to have a little runabout sports car-that-looks-like-a-sportscar for weekends (albeit one that can hold more than a pair of shoes as luggage). Nice cars yes but a bit "full size" (as is the Boxster I guess)Re: MX5 boots - managed a week away for 2 of us without too much drama. Rear shelf holds a lot!
Also, how about en e36 m3 cabrio?
RowntreesCabana said:
Have you had a look at the Elans for sale yet? There are several nice examples on Autotrader from £3k upwards, well within your budget. They're an ideal weekend toy and something you're not likely to see when you're out and about. They look different, will stand out from the crowd (especially from the Boxster brigade) and they have a superb chassis, great fun to drive and won't cost a lot to maintain.
Must admit I know nothing about Elans and hadn't had a look yet. Will take a look at lunchtime, ta.
I'm 6 ft 2 and know I can fit in the MX5 now - not sat in an S2000; I guess they must be a bit smaller in the cabin then.That SL is tempting. There is something about them but having just sold my Camaro I don't think I want another auto box. Would be a sound investment though.
And thanks, Craikeybaby - I think I can also now discount the Boxster on cost grounds. Undoubtedly a great car by almost all reports; I can't justify the running costs/any repair costs which would be far higher than anything else being considered, by the sounds of it. So something slightly more budget friendly for me.
And thanks, Craikeybaby - I think I can also now discount the Boxster on cost grounds. Undoubtedly a great car by almost all reports; I can't justify the running costs/any repair costs which would be far higher than anything else being considered, by the sounds of it. So something slightly more budget friendly for me.
350Z I did look at but discounted on the basis of thirst really. Elans discounted on age grounds - the ones I saw were mid 90s or older and I was really after something a bit more recent.
I asked a similar Q about MX5s recently - ie should I get one cheap and budget for rust sorting/proofing, or go top dollar for a sorted one? And those who replied all said "go top dollar". But I can see the sense in getting a "bargain" and doing it up.
Been really useful getting all the opinions and suggestions, cheers all. I have 4 or 5 different things to consider now. Nice position to be in, I know.
I asked a similar Q about MX5s recently - ie should I get one cheap and budget for rust sorting/proofing, or go top dollar for a sorted one? And those who replied all said "go top dollar". But I can see the sense in getting a "bargain" and doing it up.
Been really useful getting all the opinions and suggestions, cheers all. I have 4 or 5 different things to consider now. Nice position to be in, I know.
Craikeybaby said:
Personally I wouldn't bother with the earlier MX-5s, the mk2/mk2.5 are even more prone to rust than the mk1s. The mk3/3.5 is also a much better car overall. I has the handling and character of the earlier cars, but with more refinement.
Oddly enough I've heard people say the opposite about Mk 3s - but I guess its all opinions. All are valid and welcome. Just have to weigh up what the majority view is, then check out for myself. 
I am having my head turned a bit by the Merc SLs. Not quite what I was thinking about (never really thought about affording a Merc, if I'm honest) and its an auto...but ultimately its a 50k or upwards car for silly money. No doubt there's a downside so more research... I think a 500 would be a bit overkill though. Perhaps servicing costs would be an issue - but then, its hardly a cheap every day car.
BMW Z4 is a nice car to look at and again, better than I expected to be able to afford.
Mazda MX-5 - less powerful I know but I've had a V8 Camaro for 7 years (and had a lot of fun driving it); do I still need that power fix? Its more about the feel good factor and fun, I think. Considering the Mk 3 now alongside a decent and sorted Mk 2.5.
Audi TT - seems like a better, more fun car than I thought. Hadn't really thought about them before but some fun to be had there I'm sure.
Honda S2000 - not so common, may be a problem fitting in it, but worth checking out.
Discounting the MR2s ultimately - the looks really don't appeal. Elans...dont know why, they just don't grab me.
BMW Z4 is a nice car to look at and again, better than I expected to be able to afford.
Mazda MX-5 - less powerful I know but I've had a V8 Camaro for 7 years (and had a lot of fun driving it); do I still need that power fix? Its more about the feel good factor and fun, I think. Considering the Mk 3 now alongside a decent and sorted Mk 2.5.
Audi TT - seems like a better, more fun car than I thought. Hadn't really thought about them before but some fun to be had there I'm sure.
Honda S2000 - not so common, may be a problem fitting in it, but worth checking out.
Discounting the MR2s ultimately - the looks really don't appeal. Elans...dont know why, they just don't grab me.
Prof Prolapse said:
They're great cars, my favourite of this short list, that step up in performance doesn't come cheap and there's no sense buying a car just to never drive it because you're stressing about bills.
Ultimately while I was getting quite excited about looking at Boxsters - I know that would be me. So its out of the equation.IanMorewood said:
Better part of £90k new for the sl500. An autobox is a good thing when it works like the 5speed unit in the SL. Servicing £300 a time at an independent, fuel 20ish mpg, tyres £200 per corner, nothing should go wrong but if it does things can get pricey. V6 options may save you 25%-40% on fuel but it will still like a drink and you will think what if.
I've run a V8 for the last few years, so I've had the V8 experience if you like. I actually think my Camaro was less thirsty than a 500 would be. Everything else sounds a similar-ish price, although parts were relatively cheap for the Yank.TTwiggy said:
It's a moot point though, as the OP clearly believes the horror stories.
Not a question of believing horror stories - more of taking into account possible running costs going forward. If I was more comfortable financially, I'd include it in my shortlist - as a driver's car, everyone raves about them. Ultimately though I don't want anything that might well cost more than the Camaro to keep on the road.Duly noted on MX-5s, ta. Not sure the wife's heart will take a supercharged MX-5 but its a nice thought... Main reason for selling the camaro is high speed scares her (especially in a LHD, as she's sat "on the driver's side" as a powerless passenger). Wouldn't bother me but does limit days out in the car if she won't come with me.
Main reason for selling the camaro is high speed scares her (especially in a LHD, as she's sat "on the driver's side" as a powerless passenger). Wouldn't bother me but does limit days out in the car if she won't come with me. 
Certainly getting head swayed by the idea of a W129 SL - but the thought of anything major and costly going wrong is holding me back a bit. In the meantime, I have a 2007 MX-5 2 litre Sport to go and see tomorrow. 77k on the clock and priced at just under £5k. If its not for me, the search resumes!
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