Motorway ability and fun?
Discussion
Said goodbye to the 924 earlier this week and I'm going to be on the lookout for a new daily driver in the not too distant future. And that means it's time for a what car thread. 
Budget is £2k or thereabouts. It has to be fun, but also tolerably economical and unlikely to criple or deafen me on the motorway.
It needs to be big enough to fit a full size suitcase in, although the number of seats is not important. I suspect a mk3 MR2 would fail on these grounds! Dunno if I could get away with an MX-5 and it might be a little wearing on the motorway. It's a definite option, though.
I'm not too worried about straight line performance and I'm not a barge fan. I'm thinking of something light and chuckable with a modicum of practicality and refinement rather than the other way round.
With my sensible(ish) hat on the principle candidate is probably an E36 328 Sport. Slightly apprehensive about the running costs of a big six, though.
Budget is £2k or thereabouts. It has to be fun, but also tolerably economical and unlikely to criple or deafen me on the motorway.
It needs to be big enough to fit a full size suitcase in, although the number of seats is not important. I suspect a mk3 MR2 would fail on these grounds! Dunno if I could get away with an MX-5 and it might be a little wearing on the motorway. It's a definite option, though.
I'm not too worried about straight line performance and I'm not a barge fan. I'm thinking of something light and chuckable with a modicum of practicality and refinement rather than the other way round.
With my sensible(ish) hat on the principle candidate is probably an E36 328 Sport. Slightly apprehensive about the running costs of a big six, though.
2.8l isn't that big. They are good cars, and you'd easily do over 30mph in a 328 on a motorway run.
You can get a E46 330 for around that budget now, http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
I've had them before and they do handle well - a lot of car for the money. Same with the Jag X Types, although they're a bit more bargey than the 3 series.
You can get a E46 330 for around that budget now, http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
I've had them before and they do handle well - a lot of car for the money. Same with the Jag X Types, although they're a bit more bargey than the 3 series.
samdale said:
You mention a MK3 MR2 and an MX5. I don't really like suggesting my own car but what about a MK2 MR2? Bit more practicality and a bit more "GT-esque" than those two for the motorway runs?
The thought had occurred. A housemate had one aeons ago that drove well, but I can't remember what the boot space was like. Any idea if a bike rack can be persuaded to fit? Need a half decent boot either way for work stuff.Other thoughts: Clio 172 (motorway ability?), 306 GTi-6 (bit thirsty from memory and good ones are getting pricey), up the budget a bit for an Integra (running costs and cruising ability a concern), Corrado VR6 (possibly a bit out of budget to buy and run these days?), already had an MG ZS but would vaguely consider a return, not sure about an Impreza for running costs or motorway work, dunno if a Toyota Celica (recent shape) would feel special enough to justify it over one of the hot hatches, you get the idea...
Chris71 said:
The thought had occurred. A housemate had one aeons ago that drove well, but I can't remember what the boot space was like. Any idea if a bike rack can be persuaded to fit? Need a half decent boot either way for work stuff.
Mk2 MR2 boot is very big considering the car type. Golf bag would fit in there with ease. I also take my bike on the back of mine, though I cheated. I bought a 2nd hand boot lid rattle canned it the same colour as my car then bolted the carrier direct to the lid. As I find it easier to change the boot lid than fannying around adjusting all the straps on a conventional carrier so the bike doesn't contact the car.
Ug_lee said:
I bought a 2nd hand boot lid rattle canned it the same colour as my car then bolted the carrier direct to the lid. As I find it easier to change the boot lid than fannying around adjusting all the straps on a conventional carrier so the bike doesn't contact the car.
Pics?Mines a T-bar so worried about putting stuff on the roof. I love to be able to transport a bike, or even my surfboard, though that my be overstretching it a bit.
We must have similar taste in cars.
I've had a lot of 924s over the years as well as other Porsches and a wide range of other cars (I get bored).
The mx5 is a lot of fun, I've had 3 now, latest one bought a few days ago. Be aware rot is a big issue, if you buy one unless it bit the previous owner hard it will bite you at some point. Mk1s rot everywhere around the sill/rear wing/bulkhead area, and they rot from the inside out and outside in and rot deep fast. Mk2 carries on this theme but throws front chassis legs in to the deal. Couple that to rear wishbones which the shock bolts captive nut rusts and spins, rear upright bolts that seize in to the rear wishbones due to a design fault, seats with worn drivers bolsters and you have a few issues to be aware of.
But they are cheap, rorty engine, good fun to drive, very easy to drive to it's limit and safe as well as they just scrub speed if you get it wrong, they are rewarding, couple that to quite simply the best soft top design ever, no electrics to go wrong, not many moving parts, can be raised and lowered from the drivers seat even when moving along slowly. Good car, just have your eyes open.
944 will fit your budget, a 944 is obviously a dressed up 924, but to be honest other than a family feel they are totally different cars, and the later the 944 the better they get. If you could get in to a ropey 944S2 for your money and be prepared to throw another grand at it in maintenance and getting it up to scratch (again being prepared for a bit of rust in the sills) then you would have a special car for not much money, very quick and accomplished, I also own a 944S2.
An e36 coupe makes an interesting mix, I've recently bought a 323I coupe as a shed, leather interior, lots of toys, and surprisingly rapid for the 170bhp, it pulls like a train and is really a bit of revelation, the 328 is the same but with a bit more grunt still. What I like is it's genuinely fun to drive, will seat 4 in comfort, is quiet and calm to drive when your tired (we recently did a thousand miles in it over a few days and it was a pleasure) returns 35mpg on a run and around 32 being sensible knocking round, dropping to a fairly acceptable level when thrashing it. I've fitted a genuine towbar which hides away when not in use so can use it for towing, the boot is ok and the seats fold down, but it does lack the practicality of the 924/44 boot. But these can be picked up sub 1k.
I've had a lot of 924s over the years as well as other Porsches and a wide range of other cars (I get bored).
The mx5 is a lot of fun, I've had 3 now, latest one bought a few days ago. Be aware rot is a big issue, if you buy one unless it bit the previous owner hard it will bite you at some point. Mk1s rot everywhere around the sill/rear wing/bulkhead area, and they rot from the inside out and outside in and rot deep fast. Mk2 carries on this theme but throws front chassis legs in to the deal. Couple that to rear wishbones which the shock bolts captive nut rusts and spins, rear upright bolts that seize in to the rear wishbones due to a design fault, seats with worn drivers bolsters and you have a few issues to be aware of.
But they are cheap, rorty engine, good fun to drive, very easy to drive to it's limit and safe as well as they just scrub speed if you get it wrong, they are rewarding, couple that to quite simply the best soft top design ever, no electrics to go wrong, not many moving parts, can be raised and lowered from the drivers seat even when moving along slowly. Good car, just have your eyes open.
944 will fit your budget, a 944 is obviously a dressed up 924, but to be honest other than a family feel they are totally different cars, and the later the 944 the better they get. If you could get in to a ropey 944S2 for your money and be prepared to throw another grand at it in maintenance and getting it up to scratch (again being prepared for a bit of rust in the sills) then you would have a special car for not much money, very quick and accomplished, I also own a 944S2.
An e36 coupe makes an interesting mix, I've recently bought a 323I coupe as a shed, leather interior, lots of toys, and surprisingly rapid for the 170bhp, it pulls like a train and is really a bit of revelation, the 328 is the same but with a bit more grunt still. What I like is it's genuinely fun to drive, will seat 4 in comfort, is quiet and calm to drive when your tired (we recently did a thousand miles in it over a few days and it was a pleasure) returns 35mpg on a run and around 32 being sensible knocking round, dropping to a fairly acceptable level when thrashing it. I've fitted a genuine towbar which hides away when not in use so can use it for towing, the boot is ok and the seats fold down, but it does lack the practicality of the 924/44 boot. But these can be picked up sub 1k.
Chris71 said:
(non OE alloys/mirrors)328i is worth a look if thinking about a decent motorway mobile. The 2.8 six sits at about 2600 revs at 70 and will deliver >34mpg (actual) easily at this speed. Quiet and refined. Juts be wary that decent (unbarried) examples are hard to find.
A nice E36 is better than a ropey E46 imo.
wildoliver said:
We must have similar taste in cars.
I've had a lot of 924s over the years as well as other Porsches and a wide range of other cars (I get bored).
The mx5 is a lot of fun, I've had 3 now, latest one bought a few days ago. Be aware rot is a big issue, if you buy one unless it bit the previous owner hard it will bite you at some point. Mk1s rot everywhere around the sill/rear wing/bulkhead area, and they rot from the inside out and outside in and rot deep fast. Mk2 carries on this theme but throws front chassis legs in to the deal. Couple that to rear wishbones which the shock bolts captive nut rusts and spins, rear upright bolts that seize in to the rear wishbones due to a design fault, seats with worn drivers bolsters and you have a few issues to be aware of.
But they are cheap, rorty engine, good fun to drive, very easy to drive to it's limit and safe as well as they just scrub speed if you get it wrong, they are rewarding, couple that to quite simply the best soft top design ever, no electrics to go wrong, not many moving parts, can be raised and lowered from the drivers seat even when moving along slowly. Good car, just have your eyes open.
944 will fit your budget, a 944 is obviously a dressed up 924, but to be honest other than a family feel they are totally different cars, and the later the 944 the better they get. If you could get in to a ropey 944S2 for your money and be prepared to throw another grand at it in maintenance and getting it up to scratch (again being prepared for a bit of rust in the sills) then you would have a special car for not much money, very quick and accomplished, I also own a 944S2.
An e36 coupe makes an interesting mix, I've recently bought a 323I coupe as a shed, leather interior, lots of toys, and surprisingly rapid for the 170bhp, it pulls like a train and is really a bit of revelation, the 328 is the same but with a bit more grunt still. What I like is it's genuinely fun to drive, will seat 4 in comfort, is quiet and calm to drive when your tired (we recently did a thousand miles in it over a few days and it was a pleasure) returns 35mpg on a run and around 32 being sensible knocking round, dropping to a fairly acceptable level when thrashing it. I've fitted a genuine towbar which hides away when not in use so can use it for towing, the boot is ok and the seats fold down, but it does lack the practicality of the 924/44 boot. But these can be picked up sub 1k.
Very similar tastes it would seem! I've had an MX-5 before too and I've driven various 944s as well as owning a 924S prior to the 2.0 Lux.I've had a lot of 924s over the years as well as other Porsches and a wide range of other cars (I get bored).
The mx5 is a lot of fun, I've had 3 now, latest one bought a few days ago. Be aware rot is a big issue, if you buy one unless it bit the previous owner hard it will bite you at some point. Mk1s rot everywhere around the sill/rear wing/bulkhead area, and they rot from the inside out and outside in and rot deep fast. Mk2 carries on this theme but throws front chassis legs in to the deal. Couple that to rear wishbones which the shock bolts captive nut rusts and spins, rear upright bolts that seize in to the rear wishbones due to a design fault, seats with worn drivers bolsters and you have a few issues to be aware of.
But they are cheap, rorty engine, good fun to drive, very easy to drive to it's limit and safe as well as they just scrub speed if you get it wrong, they are rewarding, couple that to quite simply the best soft top design ever, no electrics to go wrong, not many moving parts, can be raised and lowered from the drivers seat even when moving along slowly. Good car, just have your eyes open.
944 will fit your budget, a 944 is obviously a dressed up 924, but to be honest other than a family feel they are totally different cars, and the later the 944 the better they get. If you could get in to a ropey 944S2 for your money and be prepared to throw another grand at it in maintenance and getting it up to scratch (again being prepared for a bit of rust in the sills) then you would have a special car for not much money, very quick and accomplished, I also own a 944S2.
An e36 coupe makes an interesting mix, I've recently bought a 323I coupe as a shed, leather interior, lots of toys, and surprisingly rapid for the 170bhp, it pulls like a train and is really a bit of revelation, the 328 is the same but with a bit more grunt still. What I like is it's genuinely fun to drive, will seat 4 in comfort, is quiet and calm to drive when your tired (we recently did a thousand miles in it over a few days and it was a pleasure) returns 35mpg on a run and around 32 being sensible knocking round, dropping to a fairly acceptable level when thrashing it. I've fitted a genuine towbar which hides away when not in use so can use it for towing, the boot is ok and the seats fold down, but it does lack the practicality of the 924/44 boot. But these can be picked up sub 1k.
Didn't really 'get' my MX-5 at the time to be honest, but nowadays I'd have a bit more appreciation for accessible limits and everyday usability. It's just a question of whether it would be good enough at the sensible stuff. I've yet to decide whether I can afford to keep it, but I do also have a TVR that ticks the box for a weekend car! The thing is, I do most of my mileage during the week and a recent house move means I now have some acceptable roads to commute on again.
A 944 is probably out. My fiancee bitterly objected to the 924 driving position (which is identical to the standard 944 from memory?) If I could persuade her I'd probably have better luck with another 924S at this budget too.
Yes it's one of the few things that does feel identical.
What I always find surprising is how different a 944 feels to a 924S (same car underneath) a lot smoother for some reason. But the seating position and cockpit are identical, although the oval dash does change the ambience substantially.
I'd really look at an E36, from what you say it seems like the obvious choice.
What I always find surprising is how different a 944 feels to a 924S (same car underneath) a lot smoother for some reason. But the seating position and cockpit are identical, although the oval dash does change the ambience substantially.
I'd really look at an E36, from what you say it seems like the obvious choice.
g3org3y said:
Chris71 said:
(non OE alloys/mirrors)328i is worth a look if thinking about a decent motorway mobile. The 2.8 six sits at about 2600 revs at 70 and will deliver >34mpg (actual) easily at this speed. Quiet and refined. Juts be wary that decent (unbarried) examples are hard to find.
A nice E36 is better than a ropey E46 imo.
All this is true.Except do not presume that £2k means a ropey E46 328i, because mine is very well specced, near-on immaculate and was well within your budget! If you're aiming more for a cruiser, I would say an E46 is a far better car, it lacks the absolute tactility of the '36 on a fast drive (but is still brilliant fun and well balanced, I've never felt the need for more), but the refinement and cabin quality is in a different league.
There is a very well priced bike rack on amazon for the mk2 mr2 that i use. It clamps into the tow ball. Amazing value and does as it should.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003QI4Q4E/ref=mp_...
Also good morning everyone! Its a stunner.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003QI4Q4E/ref=mp_...
Also good morning everyone! Its a stunner.
McSam said:
g3org3y said:
Chris71 said:
(non OE alloys/mirrors)328i is worth a look if thinking about a decent motorway mobile. The 2.8 six sits at about 2600 revs at 70 and will deliver >34mpg (actual) easily at this speed. Quiet and refined. Juts be wary that decent (unbarried) examples are hard to find.
A nice E36 is better than a ropey E46 imo.
All this is true.Except do not presume that £2k means a ropey E46 328i, because mine is very well specced, near-on immaculate and was well within your budget! If you're aiming more for a cruiser, I would say an E46 is a far better car, it lacks the absolute tactility of the '36 on a fast drive (but is still brilliant fun and well balanced, I've never felt the need for more), but the refinement and cabin quality is in a different league.
The only thing is, I've always been a tiny bit cynical about saloon-derived coupes. What they gain in practicality they seem to loose in sense of occasion compared to a more rakish 2+2. Maybe a nice deep transmission tunnel and a suitably vocal straight six would sort that, though.
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