What convertible? £5k or less

[Flip Martian]

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.

[Flip Martian]

R1 Indy said:

I recently had this predicament.

I went for the S2000 with change for fuel

Its not a bad predicament, I know... How's the boot space?

[bencollins]

Gochaz said:

Flip Martian said:

They're lovely looking cars. Always been wary of Fiat on the reliability front though.

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...

Had one ten years very reliable and non rusty.
Needs lowered springs and geo.
Replaced rear subframes though which didnt like lowered springs and roof got tatty so got a mohair one.
Bit nose heavy.
Kylie bottom, decent boot.
Seats lack enough lumbar support.
Drinks fuel on VTEC yo mode, otherwise 35mpg.

[RowntreesCabana]

Lotus Elan?

[Flip Martian]

Barchetta seem pretty hard to come by too - but a bad back prob means poor lumbar support is a no no then.

Hadn't thought about an Elan or VX220. Will take a look. Looking at Boxsters at the mo, and everyone seems to love them.

[FlipFlopGriff]

350i Wedge (TVR) or an "S"?
FFG

Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Sunday 30th November 21:35

[iva cosworth]

Flip Martian said:

Gochaz said:

Fiat Barchetta? FWD though.

They're lovely looking cars. Always been wary of Fiat on the reliability front though.

Buy a good one,as I seem to have lucked in with and there'll be no problems.

Just got back from driving to Italy....there and back in 2 days.

[Dalto123]

Flip Martian said:

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).

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

• edit. £3k-£4k should get you an excellent MK2.5 1.8 with decent miles and probably a leather interior.

[iva cosworth]

Flip Martian said:

Barchetta seem pretty hard to come by too - but a bad back prob means poor lumbar support is a no no then.

You shouldn't get a bad back in a Barchetta, as long as you don't drive it stupidly long distances.

[like what I do]

[danp]

daemon said:

In a mk3??? Theres no space at all behind the seats.

mk2, yes. mk3 no.

Yes mk3 roadster, unscrewing the flaps/doors makes it much more usable.

[Flip Martian]

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

• edit. £3k-£4k should get you an excellent MK2.5 1.8 with decent miles and probably a leather interior.

Packing quite lightly...yeah, we might have to learn how to do that.

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.

[Flip Martian]

FlipFlopGriff said:

350i Wedge (TVR) or an "S"?
FFG

Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Sunday 30th November 21:35

Again, reliability would be a worry for me with TVRs. Only from friends' experiences.

[feef]

Flip Martian said:

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

• edit. £3k-£4k should get you an excellent MK2.5 1.8 with decent miles and probably a leather interior.

Packing quite lightly...yeah, we might have to learn how to do that.

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.

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.

[IanMorewood]

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.

[danp]

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.

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.

[Flip Martian]

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.

[Flip Martian]

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.

[Flip Martian]

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.

[el romeral]

I go along with the Boxster idea. I bought this one last weekend in the UK for 5200 GBP. 2000 model 3.2S with all the toys, immaculate with only 2 owners. The fact it is LHD was a winner for me. Normally they are priced higher. Had a great 9 hour 1000km drive through the night last Saturday, Santander to Malaga and it was faultless and fabulous.

[Flip Martian]

Seeing lots of good things written about Boxsters I must admit. Certainly risen up my shortlist to check out.