Can an Alpine be a daily driver?
Discussion
Hello all,
Thanks to some knob head in a Polo, my beautiful MX5 has been written off. I had it specced to exactly what I wanted and it has broken my heart that some plonker speeding up behind me on a slip road has destroyed my pride and joy. The main thing is the car looked after me and no injuries which was amazing given the amount of damage.
Anyway onto more cheerful things (hopefully!)
I’m looking to move on to Alpine as I have secretly been in love with them since I saw them at launch at the Festival Of Speed and I’m thinking now maybe the time. I will be at the bottom end of the market if I do go ahead (used at about £45k.) but surprisingly the servicing costs do seem to be in the same ball park as main dealer Mazda showrooms.
So the million dollar question…. Can it be used as a daily driver?
Here are my circumstances.
1.) It will be just me, the Toad is extremely single and there are no relatives to be moved around.
2.) I do about 11000 miles a year.
3.) I have two dealerships within reasonable distance of myself plus a Renault showroom reasonably close.
4.) if I don’t take the piss, I do have access to other cars a few times in a year if needed.
5.) it would be parked in a private car park.
I am a big fan of the dark blue but not black wheels. Having had a look though this bit of the forum it seems like parking sensors, sports exhaust, mirror pack and the upgraded media unit are extras to have and it seems that any used one I buy needs to have the fuel pump recall done
As you can tell, which ever one in the range comes my way will be a significant upgrade in power so I’m not looking for the all singing, all dancing variants, I have just loved the look and concept of the car right from day one.
I have had 3 MX-5s now and my last one was so good, it’s like I’ve peaked with that car. I still want something rapid and I’m just not a Porsche kinda guy.
Basically any help and/or advice gratefully received!
Thanks to some knob head in a Polo, my beautiful MX5 has been written off. I had it specced to exactly what I wanted and it has broken my heart that some plonker speeding up behind me on a slip road has destroyed my pride and joy. The main thing is the car looked after me and no injuries which was amazing given the amount of damage.
Anyway onto more cheerful things (hopefully!)
I’m looking to move on to Alpine as I have secretly been in love with them since I saw them at launch at the Festival Of Speed and I’m thinking now maybe the time. I will be at the bottom end of the market if I do go ahead (used at about £45k.) but surprisingly the servicing costs do seem to be in the same ball park as main dealer Mazda showrooms.
So the million dollar question…. Can it be used as a daily driver?
Here are my circumstances.
1.) It will be just me, the Toad is extremely single and there are no relatives to be moved around.
2.) I do about 11000 miles a year.
3.) I have two dealerships within reasonable distance of myself plus a Renault showroom reasonably close.
4.) if I don’t take the piss, I do have access to other cars a few times in a year if needed.
5.) it would be parked in a private car park.
I am a big fan of the dark blue but not black wheels. Having had a look though this bit of the forum it seems like parking sensors, sports exhaust, mirror pack and the upgraded media unit are extras to have and it seems that any used one I buy needs to have the fuel pump recall done
As you can tell, which ever one in the range comes my way will be a significant upgrade in power so I’m not looking for the all singing, all dancing variants, I have just loved the look and concept of the car right from day one.
I have had 3 MX-5s now and my last one was so good, it’s like I’ve peaked with that car. I still want something rapid and I’m just not a Porsche kinda guy.
Basically any help and/or advice gratefully received!
Edited by The Hypno-Toad on Thursday 2nd May 21:52
I would very much have hoped that this would have been true for me, but for my circumstances I couldn't reconcile the A110 as a daily. Took one for a test drive a month ago, fully expecting to sign on the dotted line, but it wasn't to be... For me though, lacking things like an armrest, cupholders, and decent infotainment meant that I couldn't see me living with it for my commute. Likewise, the sports exhaust on a cold start up was pretty loud and had the neighbours in mind when it was fired up!
That said, and maybe unexpectedly, I could see no issue with the luggage space, the fact that it's an auto, seating and general comfort levels were all (for me) perfectly acceptable as a daily. My disposition is probably warped by my current car being a m340i which is a perfect daily, tho limited in the excitement/fun front.
I think it very much depends what you're used to and I'm sure as a comparison to an MX5, the Alpine will feel perfectly liveable! My advice would be to take one for a decent test drive...
Edit to add, agree the Abyss Blue is the best colour, and like you, the thought of a Cayster/Boxman leaves me cold!
That said, and maybe unexpectedly, I could see no issue with the luggage space, the fact that it's an auto, seating and general comfort levels were all (for me) perfectly acceptable as a daily. My disposition is probably warped by my current car being a m340i which is a perfect daily, tho limited in the excitement/fun front.
I think it very much depends what you're used to and I'm sure as a comparison to an MX5, the Alpine will feel perfectly liveable! My advice would be to take one for a decent test drive...
Edit to add, agree the Abyss Blue is the best colour, and like you, the thought of a Cayster/Boxman leaves me cold!
Edited by rix on Thursday 2nd May 22:16
Mine is a daily driver and cover about 10k per year. There are some compromises inside the car as mentioned above but they be overcome with things like panniers alongside the seats and cup holder attachments from eBay.
I’m on my second A110 now and 5th year of ownership, previously owning a NC MX5 and various Lotus models. In short the Alpine is the best all rounder of all of them - fast, comfortable, economical and very useable.
I’m on my second A110 now and 5th year of ownership, previously owning a NC MX5 and various Lotus models. In short the Alpine is the best all rounder of all of them - fast, comfortable, economical and very useable.
My A110 is my only car but I don’t commute. If your daily drive involves driving rather than just sitting in traffic then absolutely yes. It’ll sit in traffic just as well as any other car too, but that just seems such a waste of its abilities…
After 26,000+ miles I’m still absolutely loving mine and wouldn’t swap it for anything. I would imagine that coming from an MX-5 you would really enjoy it, and find it quite refined and comfortable, whilst delivering a similarly engaging driving experience. Best of both worlds quite possibly?
Book yourself a test drive!
After 26,000+ miles I’m still absolutely loving mine and wouldn’t swap it for anything. I would imagine that coming from an MX-5 you would really enjoy it, and find it quite refined and comfortable, whilst delivering a similarly engaging driving experience. Best of both worlds quite possibly?
Book yourself a test drive!
if you daily drove an mx5 it will be easier.
Auto, for traffic convenience.
more comfortable suspension.
more spacious in the interior excepting lacking a glove box.
equally or slightly more silly boot, but a frunk for extra stuff.
more quiet on the freeway because no soft top.
equally economical give or take.
Auto, for traffic convenience.
more comfortable suspension.
more spacious in the interior excepting lacking a glove box.
equally or slightly more silly boot, but a frunk for extra stuff.
more quiet on the freeway because no soft top.
equally economical give or take.
Simple answer = Resounding Yes.
Or at least it is provided your daily activities don't rely heavily on infotainment or cupholders (which is a valid angle I'd not considered). If you can tolerate those, it is otherwise almost absurdly useable - comfortable, manoeuvrable, refined, economical and, er, quick. It's as easy to drive slowly as it is quickly, quiet enough for when you CBA, and a riot when the mood takes you. The trick of asking so little of you while you get to 'the good roads', and rewarding so handsomely once there, is yet to get old.
33k in 3 years btw. Only just retired from daily-daily duties as I want it to last forever.
Or at least it is provided your daily activities don't rely heavily on infotainment or cupholders (which is a valid angle I'd not considered). If you can tolerate those, it is otherwise almost absurdly useable - comfortable, manoeuvrable, refined, economical and, er, quick. It's as easy to drive slowly as it is quickly, quiet enough for when you CBA, and a riot when the mood takes you. The trick of asking so little of you while you get to 'the good roads', and rewarding so handsomely once there, is yet to get old.
33k in 3 years btw. Only just retired from daily-daily duties as I want it to last forever.
Hi,
I bought my A110 a year ago.
It was meant to be a weekend car that I could use for the odd work trip, however 8200 miles in the first year has seen me use it much more than I thought.
I went A110 Pure with the 17" wheels, it has the mirror pack, sensors, but I did not go with the upgraded audio or sports exhaust. Being a new car it does have Apple Play which is a definite plus and the standard exhaust is perfectly fun enough.
Cup holders I don't miss as the storage hole in between the seats adequately takes a water bottle, and the front/back boot/bonnet accommodate my work stuff. I only tend to be on my own in the car so have used the passenger seat for storage if items won't fit in the boot/bonnet.
I think if you daily drove your MX5 an A110 would be a great upgrade.
This is mine
Regards
Tim
I bought my A110 a year ago.
It was meant to be a weekend car that I could use for the odd work trip, however 8200 miles in the first year has seen me use it much more than I thought.
I went A110 Pure with the 17" wheels, it has the mirror pack, sensors, but I did not go with the upgraded audio or sports exhaust. Being a new car it does have Apple Play which is a definite plus and the standard exhaust is perfectly fun enough.
Cup holders I don't miss as the storage hole in between the seats adequately takes a water bottle, and the front/back boot/bonnet accommodate my work stuff. I only tend to be on my own in the car so have used the passenger seat for storage if items won't fit in the boot/bonnet.
I think if you daily drove your MX5 an A110 would be a great upgrade.
This is mine
Regards
Tim
Yes, it’s my main car.
Having lived with mx5s over several years I would suggest an Alpine is easier/ a massive upgrade. Not knocking mx5s at all, they’re absolutely amazing things, particularly when tweaked and for the money.
The Alpine is better but more expensive, that’s all. Faster, more comfortable, more usable IMHO etc..
Having lived with mx5s over several years I would suggest an Alpine is easier/ a massive upgrade. Not knocking mx5s at all, they’re absolutely amazing things, particularly when tweaked and for the money.
The Alpine is better but more expensive, that’s all. Faster, more comfortable, more usable IMHO etc..
Agree with all points raised above.
If you've successfully lived with a MX-5 as a daily for many years then you most certainly can with the A110. It is however a totally different experience, similar in some ways I guess but with more performance and comfort. However, if you appreciate a bit of wind in the hair now and again be aware that you cannot enjoyably wind down the windows at any speeds above 40KM - you're hammered by the effects of Helmholtz Resonance. There is very high wind buffeting, and lowering the passenger window a touch makes no discernable difference. For me, it's my main annoyance with the car and something I wish I'd checked in advance.
Good luck with your test drives!
If you've successfully lived with a MX-5 as a daily for many years then you most certainly can with the A110. It is however a totally different experience, similar in some ways I guess but with more performance and comfort. However, if you appreciate a bit of wind in the hair now and again be aware that you cannot enjoyably wind down the windows at any speeds above 40KM - you're hammered by the effects of Helmholtz Resonance. There is very high wind buffeting, and lowering the passenger window a touch makes no discernable difference. For me, it's my main annoyance with the car and something I wish I'd checked in advance.
Good luck with your test drives!
I agree, if you have used an MX5 as a daily the Alpine will do at least as good a job. They don't however like being driven with the windows down at more than about 40mph as the air "drums", so don't expect wind in your hair driving.
Infotainment wise, £45K these days may just get you into a facelifted car and the infotainment in them is more than adequate and with car play, so I'd recommend that for a daily.
It is an incredibly easy car to drive if you are just pootling about.
The only reservation I'd voice is the virtually complete lack of internal storage. If you only need sunglasses and a few bits and bobs no problem, but if you really must drink a coffee whilst driving or keep loads of stuff inside the car then you may have an issue.
Infotainment wise, £45K these days may just get you into a facelifted car and the infotainment in them is more than adequate and with car play, so I'd recommend that for a daily.
It is an incredibly easy car to drive if you are just pootling about.
The only reservation I'd voice is the virtually complete lack of internal storage. If you only need sunglasses and a few bits and bobs no problem, but if you really must drink a coffee whilst driving or keep loads of stuff inside the car then you may have an issue.
little thing - the buffeting with the window down is a thing - but if you open the passenger window a tiny bit it goes away... sorry if stating the bleeding obvious.
Car fine as a daily driver except in really bad weather when the small size can make you feel a bit vulnerable. Mind you better than the Elise back in the day when i can remember having a close up view of lorry wheel nuts in traffic which was disconcerting to say the least.
Car fine as a daily driver except in really bad weather when the small size can make you feel a bit vulnerable. Mind you better than the Elise back in the day when i can remember having a close up view of lorry wheel nuts in traffic which was disconcerting to say the least.
Thank you very much for all your help so far everyone, lots of very useful comments.
I was aware the infotainment system was a bit rubbish in the early ones but can Apple Car play be retro-fitted? Got to say I'm impressed with the service costs quoted as they work out about the same as main dealer Mazda prices, which is good news so actual running costs might not be that different.
Next up, the battle with the insurance company for payout. I will keep you all informed on how it goes.
I was aware the infotainment system was a bit rubbish in the early ones but can Apple Car play be retro-fitted? Got to say I'm impressed with the service costs quoted as they work out about the same as main dealer Mazda prices, which is good news so actual running costs might not be that different.
Next up, the battle with the insurance company for payout. I will keep you all informed on how it goes.
OscarP said:
little thing - the buffeting with the window down is a thing - but if you open the passenger window a tiny bit it goes away... sorry if stating the bleeding obvious.
It helps, but it's still pretty bad. What I have found is that by holding something up just in front of the window, behind the wing mirror the buffeting is pretty much eliminated. I've been meaning to knock something up to try out. It's almost like 5 inch piece of 1 inch concave moulding would solve the issue. J321 ALP said:
I don’t think that anyone has successfully retro fitted CarPlay yet. I would definitely look for a later model with the factory upgrade.
That's my understanding too. Car play is the killer question for me as once it's set up I rarely change anything but the volume, but it's also the user interface. Neither is fantastic, but the old one must be the worst I have ever seen. It is all counter intuitive. Colin P said:
It helps, but it's still pretty bad. What I have found is that by holding something up just in front of the window, behind the wing mirror the buffeting is pretty much eliminated. I've been meaning to knock something up to try out. It's almost like 5 inch piece of 1 inch concave moulding would solve the issue.
Let us know if you ever find a solution - for me, it's a bit of a pain. The Supra suffers from the same issue and from what I've read, it's really bad too. However, there are now several neat aftermarket solutions for the Supra which work extremely well and which look almost standard when applied to the A pillar near the door mirror. Unfortunately our A110 is designed differently, so I don't see an obvious external fix. But if one is developed it'll be the first tweak I'll apply to the car!Colin P said:
That's my understanding too. Car play is the killer question for me as once it's set up I rarely change anything but the volume, but it's also the user interface. Neither is fantastic, but the old one must be the worst I have ever seen. It is all counter intuitive.
I reckon it's only a matter of time before a solution is developed and one where you can retain the OEM display. It's only software, and if the HP and torque figures on the Infotainment screen (not the driver's dashboard) can be modified, then it can only be a matter of time before CarPlay / AutoAndroid can be applied to the infotainment system. In theory, the pre-facelift cars already have the perfect quadrant / location for it i.e. the lower RHS quadrant which enables MySpin...Tweak the software, remove MySpin and replace it with an CarPlay or Auto Android option - would be perfect!If you're willing to replace the display unit, there's already a solution developed which makes use of an Alpine (audio company) display - which is a nice coincidental touch perhaps.
The Hypno-Toad said:
So the million dollar question…. Can it be used as a daily driver?
Yes, in fact I think it stands out as one of the most fun daily-drivable cars you can buy. I have a GT and it's my only car. You'll find yourself leaving earlier for work and taking a longer route just to get clearer roads and have a bit more fun - it's great.Just don't buy a coffee as you will have nowhere to put it except the passenger seat and you'll have to do an extremely careful and nerve-racking drive (I did it once for a very short drive and didn't spill anything, but never again).
Although I ended up buying the GT, if I wanted to save a bit of money I would get the base car without hesitation, it's a great starting platform and you can add more power with a remap if you feel the urge. The only thing I would really want/recommend is the newer infotainment as it gives you Android Auto (which is brilliant) and Carplay as well as having many other small quality of life improvements. So that would be a facelift car, which are the ones with the "A110" badging on the back.
Try to get one with a reversing camera - although I don't think it's absolutely necessary, it sure gives you more confidence when parking etc. And you'll want a sports exhaust because that comes with the all-important sound tube. That's easy to verify by looking for twin pipes inside the exhaust trim, or just drive the car and listen for the throaty induction noise. None of the other options are worth worrying about too much imo, although I am partial to the forged wheels I would be happy with the 17s too as they are slightly lighter and supposedly ride even better.
Have you driven one yet? I'm sure it will feel quick compared to your MX-5 and is obviously fundamentally different with the rear-mid engined layout. The dual clutch transmission is very good, leave it in normal or sport when you're just pootling around, once the engine's warmed up and you're away from other traffic put it in track mode/full manual and it becomes engaging on a whole new level, especially if you fit some larger paddles such as the Life110 versions.
It's a bit boring on the motorway and sometimes on long trips I wish I was in my last car (RCF), so keep that in mind depending on your commute. Don't get me wrong it's fine on the motorway, it's just nowhere near as fun as taking it on some A and B roads that you know well.
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