Mid life crisis what car

[robemcdonald]

I've always wondered a bit about what car threads as in the past I have always been fairly clear about what I have wanted. My current dilemma has given me a little more understanding though.

I'm looking for a coupe or roadster/convertible for weekend use. I'll be lucky to do 3000 miles a year or so, wont need it for very long trips. I'm looking for something fun, with a focus on handling and not necessarily straight line performance.

I'd like something that will maintain its value and have around £5000 to spend.

So far I'm considering a 986 Boxster, a BMW Z4, an Alfa 916 GTV V6, an MX5 (of course) and even a MK3 MR2.

The defining factor is whatever I choose it cant be longer than 4400mm (to fit in the garage)

Have I missed anything obvious or out of my selections would be a good choice?

[robemcdonald]

TJC46 said:

robemcdonald said:

I'd like something that will maintain its value and have around £5000 to spend.............
Have I missed anything obvious or out of my selections would be a good choice?

TVR S3 Ford 3.0ltr V6 fiberglass body, quick and nimble with a very good following and a great social scene, runs out, weekend meet ups etc.
Have a look in the TVR section under S Series.

I don't think these are as cheap as you think. The lowest price one in the classifieds is £8K

[robemcdonald]

MorganP104 said:

If I had £5k to spend on a coupe/convertible, this is how it would go down.

Head would say "buy a Z4". Heart would say "Buy a Porsche".

The winner between head and heart would be the car with the shiniest paintwork and the best service history.

Both good motors, to be fair, if looked after properly.

Basically my thought process so far. What worries me about the Porsche is a potential ruinous bill around the next corner. Less so with the BMW, but I'm slightly concerned about it lacking a certain something....
To be honest the MR2 made the list due to it being very reliable (obviously id be going for a 6 speeder to avoid the pre cat issues) but again its not exactly special is it.

I keep coming back to the Porsche. I seem to be obsessed with an early 2.5 in silver with the red interior. In my mind this is a definite future classic. Just finding the right one...

[robemcdonald]

Frankthered said:

Honda S2000? Might stretch your budget a bit.

Would you consider a kit car? You could probably get a decent 7 style car or a Sylva/Fisher Fury for around your budget.

Minimal depreciation with these options.

I did look at one, but found it difficult to get in and out of (im a fat git)

[robemcdonald]

ZX10R NIN said:

To be honest try not to view whatever you buy as a future classic & buy it because it's the one that you feel is the most special.

The 350z's are worth a look

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

3.2 TT

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

SLK350

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

SLK280

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

I hadn't really considered an SLK, but they look good value. A lot of car for the money.

[robemcdonald]

SWoll said:

I thought you were having a mid life crisis, not a sex change?

Ok you've confirmed my initial reaction. It's off the list.

I have been looking at S2000s again tonight. There is something about them....

[robemcdonald]

lucido grigio said:

Buy a Fiat Barchetta ,in yellow or orange.

I always loved those. I don't think there are any for sale though. I also bet they're expensive now.

[robemcdonald]

wemorgan said:

SWoll said:

Gunk said:

wemorgan said:

A proper mid-life crisis is a motorbike. Cars are too safe.

Too true, I owned air cooled 911's in my 30's and thought they were the holy grail, now in my 50's after an expensive divorce I now own a nice old Honda Fireblade I can't ever see myself buying another sports car, IMO they're poor value for money and far too predictable!

£5000 will buy you proper 180 mph sports bike

Let's be honest though, it really isn't for everyone and with the state of the roads and driving in the UK constantly diminishing it's not hard to see why.

OK, maybe a BMW 1200GS then

Pretty sure I'd either be too scared to go over twenty on a bike. Either that or kill myself. Plus the entertainment director wouldn't allow it.

[robemcdonald]

Frankthered said:

robemcdonald said:

SWoll said:

I thought you were having a mid life crisis, not a sex change?

Ok you've confirmed my initial reaction. It's off the list.

I have been looking at S2000s again tonight. There is something about them....

If you want something really left-field, you could always try a Crossfire!

Some people say thinking outside the box is a good thing. I say the box is there for a reason.