What convertible? £5k or less

[Flip Martian]

IanMorewood said:

If you are worried about it going bang you could always get a warranty, budget on a grand a year for warranty though.

Hmmm...probably more than I can really budget for, as a second car. Reckon that one might just have to stay as a dream. Although I guess if it all got too much, decent ones are always sellable.

[Flip Martian]

The MX5 was interesting - I'm 6ft 2 and had no problem getting a good driving position. The 6 speed gearbox/clutch combo I found hard work - biting point very low and it was a bit notchy. But I've had a google and this is not uncommon with the 6 speed Mk3. Apparently the clutch pedal can be adjusted and changing the gearbox oil can work wonders for the notchiness. Although Mazda dealers will tell you its a feature of the box...!

Going back to see it in daylight today but apart from a couple of scratches on a front wing, it looked in good condition - and nice in black. Much quieter and noise/draught free than I expected with the mohair hood up. Bloody freezing out last night and it warmed up quicker than my Mazda 3 daily.

Priced at under 5k it seems a good deal. Going back today and if its as nice as it looked last night I'll see what deal he can do. Compared to (loads of) others on autotrader though it does seem a keen price already.

Edited by Flip Martian on Tuesday 9th December 07:39

[Flip Martian]

Drove again this morning. Once I took into account the narrow travel on the clutch I enjoyed it far more.

And bought it. Only leeway was really getting some petrol and car tax on it but still a decent price, so very happy. The archetypal 1 lady owner, lots of options included, so I'm happy I got a decent one.

Thanks again for all the input!

[Flip Martian]

Thanks. Must admit its a great driving position and a cosy cabin, without being cramped. Hoping the weather holds and I get some hooning about time on the weekend! Picking her up on Friday evening.

[Flip Martian]

bencollins said:

Nice car. FYI this could be inet myth, but ill spread anyway........apparently to get around space demanded by the EU rules on snow chains they have raised dampers like that, so easy to lower it and get better handling.

Well I hadn't heard the snowchain bit but I had heard that getting an expert to check the tracking and lower the suspension a little is the first thing to do to get it optimised.

Must say I took a trip down to near High Wycombe from where I live near Milton Keynes yesterday - and the satnav helpfully included lots of windy, twisty minor roads. What a hoot.