What convertible? £5k or less

[Flip Martian]

I've been looking at Mk 2.5 Mazda MX-5s. Plenty about but finding one that's been rustproofed consistently and isn't rotting is a worry. Someone suggested I look at Honda S2000s but may possibly be a little outside my price range. Also thinking now about BMW Z4s.

What would you choose? And anything else worth considering? It'll be a weekend/fun car mainly. 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).

I'd go for anything up to about 10 or 11 years old. And a few hundred on top of the 5k might be possible.

[mattman]

Early boxster or a mr2 perhaps?

[Flip Martian]

MR2! Ta, I'd forgotten that one. Thinking about cost of maintenance so I'd ruled out a Boxster (unless I'm wrong about servicing costs).

[Blayney]

MK3 MR2

I wish it would stop being suggested as I really want one, but it just seems a great car for the money.

[Flip Martian]

Blayney said:

MK3 MR2

I wish it would stop being suggested as I really want one, but it just seems a great car for the money.

Must admit I always liked the old Mk1 MR2 and was a bit disappointed with the Mk2 when that came out (looks wise).

[simoid]

MR-2 have enough room for a trip away?

[mattman]

Can't post the link but how about a TT Roadster? 02 piste, 85k for £4995

Item no 381059647757 finishing in 2 hrs

[mattman]

Can't post the link but how about a TT Roadster? 02 piste, 85k for £4995

Item no 381059647757 finishing in 2 hrs

[johnfm]

BMW Z3 or Z4

Quite a few on PH classifieds.

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

Edited by johnfm on Sunday 30th November 11:44

[Killer2005]

You still could get a reasonable S2000 in that price bracket, budget a little more for insurance though

[Flip Martian]

simoid said:

MR-2 have enough room for a trip away?

Boot size isn't a deal breaker. But I'm starting to think some practicality might be preferable.

Hadn't considered a TT - will take a look, ta.

[Gochaz]

Fiat Barchetta? FWD though.

[Flip Martian]

Gochaz said:

Fiat Barchetta? FWD though.

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

[Gochaz]

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...

[Flip Martian]

Gochaz said:

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...

LHD is no problem - had a Camaro before now

[billzeebub]

Early Boxster 2.5. Arguably the purest example and a good one easily within budget. They have two good size boots as well as plenty of cabin storage for touring. There are plenty of really good well maintained examples out there well within this budget, just beware of the neglected/tarted up crap. They are an old cars now so maintenance and type of owner much more important than mileage covered. However, they are also beautifully constructed and wear their age well. I would definitely stretch your age criteria and have a drive of a few examples. Boxsters don't rust so any with tin worm will be from poor crash repairs.

Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 30th November 12:18

[jep]

Flip Martian said:

Boot size isn't a deal breaker. But I'm starting to think some practicality might be preferable.

Hadn't considered a TT - will take a look, ta.

Had both, there are cubby holes in the MR2 behind the seats that can fit a squashy bag or 2, which combined with the small space under the bonnet, can mean 2 can go away for the weekend. The TTR is far more commodious, and with a bit of juggling you can fit 2 sets of clubs, 2 suit carriers and 2 blokes in it! Get the 225 and it will have all the toys you need, (Bose, leather etc) and can be chipped up to 280 quite happily. It's not as much of a drivers car as the MR2 though, being very safe thanks to the weight and Haldex 4x4 system, but it can still be huge fun with the roof down and a clear road.

[feef]

At £5k, you're into early MX5 Mk III territory and also, therefore, avoiding many of the rust issues that the 2.5 suffered from.

[Flip Martian]

billzeebub said:

Early Boxster 2.5. Arguably the purest example and a good one easily within budget. They have two good size boots as well as plenty of cabin storage for touring. There are plenty of really good well maintained examples out there well within this budget, just beware of the neglected/tarted up crap. They are an old cars now so maintenance and type of owner much more important than mileage covered. However, they are also beautifully constructed and wear their age well. I would definitely stretch your age criteria and have a drive of a few examples. Boxsters don't rust so any with tin worm will be from poor crash repairs.

Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 30th November 12:18

Thanks will take a look - what's servicing/parts costs like?

[Flip Martian]

feef said:

At £5k, you're into early MX5 Mk III territory and also, therefore, avoiding many of the rust issues that the 2.5 suffered from.

True. Most say they're not as much fun though?

That might (might not) rule out a TT too. Needs to be something fun to drive, not just a "daily with the roof off".