Z3/MX-5/MR2/TT

[jimmyhoss]

Hello folks,

I'm in position where I have £2200 lying around and wanted to treat myself to a sport's car ready for the up coming summer. I drive a Audi A3 diesel which is a company car but this is going in a couple of months, so wanted something which could be driven on a daily basis. As you can tell from the title I've been eyeing up:

BMW Z3/Z4
MX-5 MK1/MK2
MK3 MR2
Audi TT MK1

If any owners can come forward and give pros and cons for the above vehicles/which engine is best to get balancing out speed,thrill,handling etc... I have read up a little bit about each mentioned cars.

thanks for the help and advice.

[TameRacingDriver]

In the past I've owned a Z4 Coupe 3.0, 2x Mk1 MX5s, a Mk2 MR2 Turbo, have driven a TT Mk1 V6 and currently driving an MR2 Roadster.

It all depends what you want out of the car / driving experience.

For me, the TT was only really any good for posing. It didn't handle well, it didn't feel all that fast, but it did look good and was alright to cruise around in.

The Z4 was a good car, and if I were you I'd definitely look for at least a 6-pot engine. The handling was OK, but nothing more, I'd say an E46 probably handled better, but it was fast with the 3.0 engine and was certainly a nice car to cruise about in at no more than about 7/10ths.

The MX5 is more of a hooning vehicle. It's happiest when grabbed by the scruff of the neck and thrashed, and is more fun to do it than in the bigger heavier cars discussed above. However, its not as nice to use day to day for the more mundane stuff.

The MR2s are huge fun. The Turbo Mk2 feels brutal with its turbo power delivery although the handling ain't the best, plenty of grip certainly but you were never quite sure when/if it would bite - saying that I never had a problem, but then I respected it and didn't drive it like a hot hatch. The Mk3 is a different car altogether. Its slower, obviously, but it doesn't feel slow, but the handling is much better than the Mk2 and is happier to be driven flat out.

I think the MX5, and MR2 of either guise are more fun. The Z4 is the best all rounder, and the TT just doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

[schmalex]

Many years ago, I had a Z3 2.8 wide body. It was a great car. Sure, it didn't have the tightest chassis in the world, but I'm not a good enough driver to notice that. It had plenty of power, a lovely soundtrack and it felt epic to be looking over that long bonnet with the roof down on a summer's day!

[sicasey]

Currently pining for a Z3, hence that is my pick.

[schmalex]

There was a model change in 1999 if I remember correctly, whereby V or W plated cars got a lined roof. Then the 3.0 was introduced.

If you're going to get one, you can only really opt for the 2.8 or 3.0 (other than the Z3M)

[akirk]

You need to think about what condition car you can get for £2.2k I would be wary about a z3/z4 for that budget...My z3 was more 5 years ago, and if anything they are gradually going up in value, esp with th M cars having really increased in cost

if going for a Z3, there is a big difference between 2.8 & 3.0

of the choice for that budget I would go for an MX5