Classic car equivalent of MX-5?

[billzeebub]

100% Lotus Élan, good luck finding one for MX5 money though!

[ambuletz]

^ that. 5k is plenty to get a mk3 MR2.

[samdale]

ambuletz said:

^ that. 5k is plenty to get a mk3 MR2.

MK1 is surely closer to the OPs description? Early MK1s will be 30 years old now, even the earliest MK3s aren't very "classic car" are they?

[Fantuzzi]

samdale said:

ambuletz said:

^ that. 5k is plenty to get a mk3 MR2.

MK1 is surely closer to the OPs description? Early MK1s will be 30 years old now, even the earliest MK3s aren't very "classic car" are they?

Depends on what you aspects of the classic car you prize though - simple, light, great feel then - then yes. But your right, even an early one like mine aren't exactly old at 13 - so if you want that old car smell, carbs and lack of ecu, then not what your looking for.

Not driven a mk1, but they are meant to be cracking fun, plus I even like the late 80s styling (that's because I am stuck in 1988).

Just to be a pain in the ass OP, 240zs aren't much heavier than a late mk1, about 50kg I think - although that wet it might be about 100kg heavier , and they might be in budget for one that isn't perfect.

[Road2Ruin]

Tvr s would fit budget and style. Good solid ford v6 engine. Easy to maintain yourself and plenty loud enough.

[Axionknight]

Johnnytheboy said:

Obvious answer is the original Lotus Elan.

This man knows.

[Bonefish Blues]

Axionknight said:

Johnnytheboy said:

Obvious answer is the original Lotus Elan.

This man knows.

..and then there was the "For £5K" kicker

[balls-out]

veevee said:

Quite like the idea of an MX-5, but I don't think I could actually drive one. I wouldn't mind a classic roadster along the same lines though. Good handling, reliable(ish). Does that exist?

Sorry why couldn't you drive one? Not Man enough?

[elephantstone]

Ive just picked up a spotless MGB GT for £4000. Ive had a mk2 and mk3 mx5 and i reckon once ive put some new tyres that i feel confident with i will have alot of fun on the lanes! Ive got 150miles in it since wednesday and it has ran faultlessly, apart from a headlight and indicator not working. Oh and the engine gets a little hot in traffic.

The MGB seems to get abit of stick on here, just like the mx5 BUT that feeling of going for a drive in the country and pulling up to a nice pub in the sun in a classic car certainly beats turning up in a modern jap roadster.

[zed4]

Might get a TVR Chimaera for that money, possibly. It would need work though.

You should get a Tasmin, Wedge or an S1

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

[Hasbeen]

Mercury00 said:

Dr Jekyll said:

Reliable?

Yes, I'm sure it's perfectly acceptable if you know how to look after it etc etc. But it is fair to say it's more fragile than an MGB or TRn.

Are any classic cars reliable though?

I bought my current TR7 on Christmas eve 2001. It was my Christmas present to myself. It had not run for 3 years, with a failed clutch. After a new clutch, some suspension bushes, a battery & a backyard paint job, it then did 66,000 kilometers in 8 years with just normal servicing.

It is without the best long distance cruiser I have ever owned, & has often done a comfortable 1100 Kilometer run in a day, even with our ridiculous speed limits.

I tried most things available before I bought my first 7, & then the 8. I tried everything else soft top & 2 seat, before I bought the S2000 to drive while the 7 had a proper restoration. I've still to find a nicer, or more reliable touring convertible.