What have i just done ?
Discussion
Ok so i've just sold my lovely VR ltd Comb A -trailored away down to Ingerlund this morning
Reason is that SWMBO didnt like driving -i did though -she wants something more effete with safety stuff like ABS ,air bags etc ,something more modern .As i watched it leave it was a bit like seeing an old girlfriend with someone else -and using the same analogy my VR looked even hotter than it did before
Its a weekend summy toy < 1k pa ,so needs to be reliable ,cheap to run ,easy to sell on with good residual , not necessarily bonkers quick ,but excellent handling ,decent chassis ,safety stuff ,im on lod man so insurance is no problem and fuel consumption not an issue die the low mileage , not a TVR or Lotus
So i'm now on the prowl to fill the space in my empty garage -budget up to 7k
My short list is as follows :
S2K -amazing engine and gear box,bombproof mechanicals ,handling average and even uninspiring ,basic cabin ,v tempted -this is what my head is telling me go for but not what my little boy inside is telling me to do -its the logical step from a mk1 mx5 -if only it handled like one .
MX5 mk 2 -wont be as good as my mk1 and most are full of rot -not sure i really fancy a mk3
Audi TT 225 - nice detailing ,robust engine , reliable ,average handling ,not much else to say really
Boxter -great handling ,flawed engine ,scary maintenance costs , my little boy inside tells to me to do this ,always wanted a Porsche but prob cant afford to run one ,no local indie or dealer for when it goes wrong ,image problem as i dont want to look like a loser and selling on likely to be a problem where i am .
MR2 mk 3 - great handling , sound engine if a tad anaemic , reliable , basic cabin ,poor man's Boxter [prob applies to me on reflection ] ? boy racer image problem -similar to a mk2 MX5 without the rot problems ,cheap as chips -quite a sensible option all round i suppose .
Z4 -hmm -great handling ,2.5 quick enough for me ,solid engine ,reliable , expensive to maintain ,shoddy cabin ,too many about ,loser image problem again and dare i say it a bot boring but my wife would like it a lot [she even liked my Z3m ]
Nissan 350 -dont like looks ,cabin , but v solid car ,quick enough ,ok handling ,nah not for me
SLK -flabby handling , strong engine ,great cabin ,great roof , expensive to run -my wife would choose this one to be honest
Hmm .................
Reason is that SWMBO didnt like driving -i did though -she wants something more effete with safety stuff like ABS ,air bags etc ,something more modern .As i watched it leave it was a bit like seeing an old girlfriend with someone else -and using the same analogy my VR looked even hotter than it did before
Its a weekend summy toy < 1k pa ,so needs to be reliable ,cheap to run ,easy to sell on with good residual , not necessarily bonkers quick ,but excellent handling ,decent chassis ,safety stuff ,im on lod man so insurance is no problem and fuel consumption not an issue die the low mileage , not a TVR or Lotus
So i'm now on the prowl to fill the space in my empty garage -budget up to 7k
My short list is as follows :
S2K -amazing engine and gear box,bombproof mechanicals ,handling average and even uninspiring ,basic cabin ,v tempted -this is what my head is telling me go for but not what my little boy inside is telling me to do -its the logical step from a mk1 mx5 -if only it handled like one .
MX5 mk 2 -wont be as good as my mk1 and most are full of rot -not sure i really fancy a mk3
Audi TT 225 - nice detailing ,robust engine , reliable ,average handling ,not much else to say really
Boxter -great handling ,flawed engine ,scary maintenance costs , my little boy inside tells to me to do this ,always wanted a Porsche but prob cant afford to run one ,no local indie or dealer for when it goes wrong ,image problem as i dont want to look like a loser and selling on likely to be a problem where i am .
MR2 mk 3 - great handling , sound engine if a tad anaemic , reliable , basic cabin ,poor man's Boxter [prob applies to me on reflection ] ? boy racer image problem -similar to a mk2 MX5 without the rot problems ,cheap as chips -quite a sensible option all round i suppose .
Z4 -hmm -great handling ,2.5 quick enough for me ,solid engine ,reliable , expensive to maintain ,shoddy cabin ,too many about ,loser image problem again and dare i say it a bot boring but my wife would like it a lot [she even liked my Z3m ]
Nissan 350 -dont like looks ,cabin , but v solid car ,quick enough ,ok handling ,nah not for me
SLK -flabby handling , strong engine ,great cabin ,great roof , expensive to run -my wife would choose this one to be honest
Hmm .................
Boxsters are really good value and well within your price range. Most of them don't suffer engine failures 
When I was considering one, I was considering going for a bright colour as I reckon it would alleviate the image problem - bright yellow says 'I'm just having fun, not trying to imply that I'm superior to you'. If it's what you really want, I'd suggest getting one. As far as resale goes there are so many around, it must be a liquid market - someone always wants a Porsche, at the right price, surely?
Do you require a convertible? Otherwise, could just about consider an RX-7 - it was designed at the same time by the same people as the Mk1 MX-5, so in a sense is a 'big brother' to the 5. £7.5k would get one of the rare '99 cars with one airbag and reasonable reliability (later cars are more reliable). However it suffers from being hard to sell on and there aren't really specialists in Scotland.
RX-8 is another possibility.
Integra Type-R DC2 or newer DC5 ?
Supra ?
When I was considering one, I was considering going for a bright colour as I reckon it would alleviate the image problem - bright yellow says 'I'm just having fun, not trying to imply that I'm superior to you'. If it's what you really want, I'd suggest getting one. As far as resale goes there are so many around, it must be a liquid market - someone always wants a Porsche, at the right price, surely?Do you require a convertible? Otherwise, could just about consider an RX-7 - it was designed at the same time by the same people as the Mk1 MX-5, so in a sense is a 'big brother' to the 5. £7.5k would get one of the rare '99 cars with one airbag and reasonable reliability (later cars are more reliable). However it suffers from being hard to sell on and there aren't really specialists in Scotland.
RX-8 is another possibility.
Integra Type-R DC2 or newer DC5 ?
Supra ?
Thanks -really has to be convertible as fun day as i have a boring diesel tin top as my daily runner, and its nice to have the rag top facility on those rare warm days here in Scotland .
You're right i should just man up and take the brave pills and get a Boxter ,but the flawed engine issue aside ,there seem to be a lot of constant expensive pitfalls with the Porsche ,which would properly do my head in and imaoir my enjoyment -I dont do spanners or oily stuff -i mean you shouldn't expect that sort of shoddy reliability with what is after a so called exclusive marque .Porsche seem to rely on their heritage but dont back their reputation up with German reliability-maybe they dont need to if there is a strong demand for their cars -ill bet you Honda or Mazda wouldn't let that sort of reputation go on unchecked but then they dont have the heritage . I just get the feeling that the Honda is going to be easier to live with but not as much fun as a well sorted Porsche and probably wont give the same tingle factor . OK so i know there are probably a lot of happy boxter owners who think i am saddo ,but then i suspect they merely end up justifying the recurring expense -in same way i used to when fettling my Caterams . Thats human nature isn't it . I guess i shouldn't exclude a more modern MX5 -i suppose it's because they are so much more common than the S2K that kind of appeals wrt latter -daft really i must admit . At least with a Jap car it prob wont get keyed , especially if there is a Porsche parked up near by .
You're right i should just man up and take the brave pills and get a Boxter ,but the flawed engine issue aside ,there seem to be a lot of constant expensive pitfalls with the Porsche ,which would properly do my head in and imaoir my enjoyment -I dont do spanners or oily stuff -i mean you shouldn't expect that sort of shoddy reliability with what is after a so called exclusive marque .Porsche seem to rely on their heritage but dont back their reputation up with German reliability-maybe they dont need to if there is a strong demand for their cars -ill bet you Honda or Mazda wouldn't let that sort of reputation go on unchecked but then they dont have the heritage . I just get the feeling that the Honda is going to be easier to live with but not as much fun as a well sorted Porsche and probably wont give the same tingle factor . OK so i know there are probably a lot of happy boxter owners who think i am saddo ,but then i suspect they merely end up justifying the recurring expense -in same way i used to when fettling my Caterams . Thats human nature isn't it . I guess i shouldn't exclude a more modern MX5 -i suppose it's because they are so much more common than the S2K that kind of appeals wrt latter -daft really i must admit . At least with a Jap car it prob wont get keyed , especially if there is a Porsche parked up near by .
PH article about S2000 (complete with voiciferous debate in the comments on the merits or otherwise of its chassis):
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...
If you can find one at a dealer and get a proper test drive, you might be able to decide whether you personally 'click' with the S2k chassis, or not?
Overall I still reckon Boxster - if it's what you really want then I doubt you will regret it. Yes they have engine problems, but all cars have some issues (S2000 suspension corrodes and then can't be adjusted; MR2 Mk3 pre-cats break up and kill the engine). However the lack of an independent Porsche specialist is a slight problem.
Otherwise if you want something cheaper, MR2 Mk3 (wonder if you can find one with the 190hp engine swapped in for £7k?)
(or Mk3 MX-5 with some suspension tweaks if you want to stick with FR layout rather than MR).
It may be worth trying to buy in the next few weeks while the unseasonably cold weather continues, as you may get some benefit from pre-spring pricing on an open car.
Anyways, good luck hunting and have lots of fun with whatever you get - I envy you your roads!
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...
If you can find one at a dealer and get a proper test drive, you might be able to decide whether you personally 'click' with the S2k chassis, or not?
Overall I still reckon Boxster - if it's what you really want then I doubt you will regret it. Yes they have engine problems, but all cars have some issues (S2000 suspension corrodes and then can't be adjusted; MR2 Mk3 pre-cats break up and kill the engine). However the lack of an independent Porsche specialist is a slight problem.
Otherwise if you want something cheaper, MR2 Mk3 (wonder if you can find one with the 190hp engine swapped in for £7k?)
(or Mk3 MX-5 with some suspension tweaks if you want to stick with FR layout rather than MR).
It may be worth trying to buy in the next few weeks while the unseasonably cold weather continues, as you may get some benefit from pre-spring pricing on an open car.
Anyways, good luck hunting and have lots of fun with whatever you get - I envy you your roads!
Your short list of cars is very similar to mine, so I'll add my thoughts:
S2K - Front runner for me at the moment
MX5 mk 2 - Its still a possibility, but only if I can find a mint mk2.5 sport, although I've had MX5s for the last 8 years, so I fancy a change even though it is probably the most suitable car.
Audi TT 225 - I like the style, but less fussed about the handling, if a Quattro Sport was in my budget I'd probably be a bit keener.
Boxster - Great cars, my folks had one for 60k miles, including a few years where it was my Mum's daily driver. Engine was fine, but was about to need suspension/brakes/new tyres so they traded it in for a newer one.
MR2 mk 3 - This was my first choice until I decided that next year I'm going on a 2 week European road trip, as a car to enjoy locally this would be my first choice.
Z4 - Two of my mates have these, so I'm not going to get one. One friend is selling his as his old MX-5 was much more fun to drive. Straight 6 sounds awesome though, especially the 3.0.
Nissan 350 - I like these, but I'd only be able to afford an import, so maybe the car after what I get next.
SLK - I bet the missus likes this option, but I wouldn't really class it as a fun car, more a poseurs car.
S2K - Front runner for me at the moment
MX5 mk 2 - Its still a possibility, but only if I can find a mint mk2.5 sport, although I've had MX5s for the last 8 years, so I fancy a change even though it is probably the most suitable car.
Audi TT 225 - I like the style, but less fussed about the handling, if a Quattro Sport was in my budget I'd probably be a bit keener.
Boxster - Great cars, my folks had one for 60k miles, including a few years where it was my Mum's daily driver. Engine was fine, but was about to need suspension/brakes/new tyres so they traded it in for a newer one.
MR2 mk 3 - This was my first choice until I decided that next year I'm going on a 2 week European road trip, as a car to enjoy locally this would be my first choice.
Z4 - Two of my mates have these, so I'm not going to get one. One friend is selling his as his old MX-5 was much more fun to drive. Straight 6 sounds awesome though, especially the 3.0.
Nissan 350 - I like these, but I'd only be able to afford an import, so maybe the car after what I get next.
SLK - I bet the missus likes this option, but I wouldn't really class it as a fun car, more a poseurs car.
Thanks Craikey -that kind of summarises where i am -mines not a daily driver though
At the moment i'm trying to talk myself out of the Boxter and into the S2K
Problem in Scotland is finding decent local cars -so i reckon i could be in for rather a long wait
At least the weather is crap at the moment so its not like i'm missing anything
Cheers ,
At the moment i'm trying to talk myself out of the Boxter and into the S2K
Problem in Scotland is finding decent local cars -so i reckon i could be in for rather a long wait
At least the weather is crap at the moment so its not like i'm missing anything
Cheers ,
Ok so i've just driven a Boxter -2.7 2003 39k miles £8k ,2 owners full Porsche SH ,from a dealer ,immaculate car on Michelins front and Pirellis on rear with lots of tread .
It was raining with a slippery road surface and the owner was in the pax seat so i didn't want to drive too quick out of respect and fear .
I drove over the same roads to make the comparison fair -its about a week since i drove the S2K [albeit in the dry ] so still fresh in my mind
Impressions were -felt much heavier on its feet and less pointy than S2k or MX5 which i've driven
Gear shift throw felt much longer and less precise than S2K or Mx5
Clutch pedal felt a wee bit heavy but i gather than par for the course on Boxter -i can live with that
The brakes felt curiously spongy ,didn't instill me with any confidence yet i'm told by other Porsche owners this is normal [the discs and pads have recently been done] that you have to stamp on the anchors in Boxter -hmm nopt convinced on that one
Engine is real nice ,creamy smooth ,pulls hard and smooth low down -the 2.7 is plenty quick enough for my driving skills
Cabin and seats v comfy for me as i'm not a big unit .
Has feel of a proper quality car and was v tight with no rattles although I thought there was perhaps more scuttle shake over rough ground than i recall on the Honda .
Hard to discern the relative handling in the wet but steering feels heavier than S2k ,but nicely weighted
I told him I really need to come back on a dry sunny day with roof down and drive it hard to get a better feel
The Boxter feels like a blunt instrument cf S2k or MX5 ,not as agile -not a sharp or pointy -ie perhaps like comparing a Daks to a Hugo Boss ?
It was raining with a slippery road surface and the owner was in the pax seat so i didn't want to drive too quick out of respect and fear .
I drove over the same roads to make the comparison fair -its about a week since i drove the S2K [albeit in the dry ] so still fresh in my mind
Impressions were -felt much heavier on its feet and less pointy than S2k or MX5 which i've driven
Gear shift throw felt much longer and less precise than S2K or Mx5
Clutch pedal felt a wee bit heavy but i gather than par for the course on Boxter -i can live with that
The brakes felt curiously spongy ,didn't instill me with any confidence yet i'm told by other Porsche owners this is normal [the discs and pads have recently been done] that you have to stamp on the anchors in Boxter -hmm nopt convinced on that one
Engine is real nice ,creamy smooth ,pulls hard and smooth low down -the 2.7 is plenty quick enough for my driving skills
Cabin and seats v comfy for me as i'm not a big unit .
Has feel of a proper quality car and was v tight with no rattles although I thought there was perhaps more scuttle shake over rough ground than i recall on the Honda .
Hard to discern the relative handling in the wet but steering feels heavier than S2k ,but nicely weighted
I told him I really need to come back on a dry sunny day with roof down and drive it hard to get a better feel
The Boxter feels like a blunt instrument cf S2k or MX5 ,not as agile -not a sharp or pointy -ie perhaps like comparing a Daks to a Hugo Boss ?
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