MX5 - Budget of 5000 - what to choose...

[ponchosanchez]

Hi all,

I have 5000 to spend on a 5 for my girlfriend's birthday, but I'm not sure which one the following cars would be the best option.

An 07 plate 1.8i that's standard spec with just over 50,000 on the clock.

OR

An 04 euphonic 1.8 that's just ticked over 56,000.

Obviously I'm aware that in terms of kit (leather etc) the Mk2 would be the better choice but I'm leaning towards the Mk3 as I'm assuming it'll be more reliable and running costs will be lower. Also she's not a driving enthusiast like me so performance isn't much of a priority - more reliability, ease of use and value for money. Although if it's sitting neglected on the drive on a Sunday morning a trip to the Black Mountains would certainly be on the cards.

Any advice gratefully received.

Edited by ponchosanchez on Friday 7th June 00:36

[Deerfoot]

You'll be able to pick up a mk3 2.0 for your budget if you search hard enough.

Ebay item 171049169713 (sorry, I can't work out how to link from my phone) looks decent value against the mk3 you mentioned.

A little over budget but with a bit of negotiation should be within reach.

Edited by Deerfoot on Friday 7th June 07:22

[snotrag]

Definitely a Mk3 - no point spending £5k on a Mk2 in my opinion, if you were going to do that you may aswell keep about £2k in your back pocket.

[renaultgeek]

Until I read that it was for your girlfriend all I could think was turboturboturboturboturboturboturboturboturbo

would you get a folding hardtop for 5k? I wouldn't recommend it but for the fact its for herself.


Now lets hope my missus doesn't get any ideas.

[Munter]

MK2 owners will probably line up to shoot me.....But the front chassis rail rust situation that appears to be getting more common would see me avoid them. MK3 all the way for me.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Munter said:

MK2 owners will probably line up to shoot me.....But the front chassis rail rust situation that appears to be getting more common would see me avoid them. MK3 all the way for me.

I wouldn't shoot you... maybe just slap the back of your hand with a ruler

Seriously though, I agree with you. Reliability on any MX5 isn't going to be a problem but the possibility of rust on Mk2.5 or earlier cars is a real problem so if you have a £5k budget it has to be a Mk3+.

[Don Phil]

Jon is selling his Mk3 2.0, really nice cared for car:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Only thing is it might be a bit "boyish" if it's for your girlfriend...?

Edited by Don Phil on Friday 7th June 19:14

[g40steve]

^^ good call, Jon's a detailer so will be be spotless.

Roddo supplied & setup this car so should be perfect.

[ponchosanchez]

Don Phil said:

Jon is selling his Mk3 2.0, really nice cared for car:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Only thing is it might be a bit "boyish" if it's for your girlfriend...?

Edited by Don Phil on Friday 7th June 19:14

Looks lovely, but I'd agree with your second comment. If I was buying for myself that'd be worth considering.

[ponchosanchez]

Deerfoot said:

You'll be able to pick up a mk3 2.0 for your budget if you search hard enough.

Ebay item 171049169713 (sorry, I can't work out how to link from my phone) looks decent value against the mk3 you mentioned.

A little over budget but with a bit of negotiation should be within reach.

Edited by Deerfoot on Friday 7th June 07:22

Very attractive car - although there's something ungainly looking about the wheels...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171049169713;jsessionid=...

[ponchosanchez]

renaultgeek said:

Until I read that it was for your girlfriend all I could think was turboturboturboturboturboturboturboturboturbo

would you get a folding hardtop for 5k? I wouldn't recommend it but for the fact its for herself.


Now lets hope my missus doesn't get any ideas.

BBR FTW :-)

Just after a smart, tidy example really.

[Gilhooligan]

renaultgeek said:

Until I read that it was for your girlfriend all I could think was turboturboturboturboturboturboturboturboturbo

would you get a folding hardtop for 5k? I wouldn't recommend it but for the fact its for herself.


Now lets hope my missus doesn't get any ideas.

Me too lol. I was thinking mega spec turbo, caged mk1.