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.

[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).

[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).

[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.

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Gochaz said:

Fiat Barchetta? FWD though.

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

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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

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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?

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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".

[Flip Martian]

Not QUITE so keen on luggage racks. I prefer stuff being locked away.

daemon said:

MR2 mk3 has no bootspace worth talking about. We'd one for three years. The space makes it quite restrictive.

mk3 mx5 must be coming close to that price point?

Yep, starting to see Mk3s for 4-5k now.

[Flip Martian]

They are, but MX5s are generally seen as a good hoot to drive. That's what the car will be for, really.

[Flip Martian]

Ta for the tips. Never been a big Porsche fan (just based on the looks and there being so many around) but I won't rule it out.

[Flip Martian]

johnfm said:

I'm sure they are - but Z4s and boxsters are too. You've a lot of choices at £5k. Enjoy the spring and summer.

Cheers I knew posting in here would give me a few alternatives I hadn't considered. And even just opinions on choices. I was surprised Z4s and Boxsters were in that price range now to be honest.

Edited by Flip Martian on Sunday 30th November 17:08

[Flip Martian]

budfox said:

I've had a Z4 (3.0si 265bhp) and an MR2 Roadster. Half the power of the Zed. Both cost £9500.

I adored the Zed but just didn't drive it enough, it was too much of a pride and joy car. I also adored the Roadster, it was also my pride and joy, but I drove it loads.

The Zed brought a massive smile to my face at times, but the MR2 gave me far more overall enjoyment.

I'd buy another MR2 in a heartbeat, doubt I'll ever own another Z4.

Very interesting, ta.

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R1 Indy said:

I recently had this predicament.

I went for the S2000 with change for fuel

Its not a bad predicament, I know... How's the boot space?

[Flip Martian]

Barchetta seem pretty hard to come by too - but a bad back prob means poor lumbar support is a no no then.

Hadn't thought about an Elan or VX220. Will take a look. Looking at Boxsters at the mo, and everyone seems to love them.

[Flip Martian]

Dalto123 said:

There is enough room. Two of us managed a weekend trip away, admittedly packing quite lightly and in soft bags, but it is do-able in an MX5

• edit. £3k-£4k should get you an excellent MK2.5 1.8 with decent miles and probably a leather interior.

Packing quite lightly...yeah, we might have to learn how to do that.

I actually saw what looked a very decent 1.8 Sport with all that only last week - for less than 3k. But someone had stuck a deposit on it that very morning.

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FlipFlopGriff said:

350i Wedge (TVR) or an "S"?
FFG

Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Sunday 30th November 21:35

Again, reliability would be a worry for me with TVRs. Only from friends' experiences.

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feef said:

I've got a 1.8 sport, and managed to drive myself and my son to Scotland for a week last Xmas including all the pressies AND drive home with even more pressies, as being the first Grandchild, he gets shedloads.

I've now got a boot-rack on too and I've never had an issue with luggage space. If you have to pack "light" to fit your luggage in the boot of an MX5, I'd say you're packing too much in the first place.

I'd get 1 of our usual bags in the boot. But to be honest, its not the main deal breaking concern at all. There are always luggage racks, at a push, as someone posted earlier.

[Flip Martian]

IanMorewood said:

Mercedes SL? R129 versions hewn from stone and inside your budget, running costs could be heavy but you didn't specify that was a concern.

Running costs - well, the lower the better really. I'm not minted. But I guess a well looked after high mileage SL would be a possible.

[Flip Martian]

danp said:

Interesting as had 231bhp Z4 3.0i and mr2 roadster.

Loved the Z4 design and solidity but terrible ride (even on small wheels and non runflats), poor steering and lazy (if smooth) engine. Need to try a 265bhp coupe to see if it's much better.

mr2 was brilliant fun for the money, engine nothing special and did feel a little wobbly (even with additional bracing). If had another would possibly look out for a 2ZZ conversion or turbo.

Ta. I have read Z4s are a bit of a stiff ride for some.