Cheap(ish) thrills
Discussion
OK. I need to buy a fun in the sun motor to keep in Malta where I'm hopefully going to have a pad soon.
I can afford around 5-6K. Rust is not an issue since it's mostly sunny/dry. Top end is also not an issue since there are no long open stretches of road. Mileage will be low since I'll only be over there a few weeks a year. Handling and acceleration are important since lots of small windy island roads. Looks and sound are a consideration (for a bit of posing during the summer - sorry I of course meant driving enjoyment). So far my short list is:
Mid-Late 80's Porker 944
Early 80's Lotus Esprit S1/S2 (or maybe a later Elan?)
Early model TVR S1
Any other ideas? Since Lambo, Aston and Ferrari are out of the question these are the only other “pedigree” sports cars that spring to mind. A couple of my worries are ground clearance since the quality of the roads there is crap and also servicing. Has anyone else tried to run a British sports car in Southern Europe, Spain or Portugal maybe? What’s the score on this ?
I can afford around 5-6K. Rust is not an issue since it's mostly sunny/dry. Top end is also not an issue since there are no long open stretches of road. Mileage will be low since I'll only be over there a few weeks a year. Handling and acceleration are important since lots of small windy island roads. Looks and sound are a consideration (for a bit of posing during the summer - sorry I of course meant driving enjoyment). So far my short list is:
Mid-Late 80's Porker 944
Early 80's Lotus Esprit S1/S2 (or maybe a later Elan?)
Early model TVR S1
Any other ideas? Since Lambo, Aston and Ferrari are out of the question these are the only other “pedigree” sports cars that spring to mind. A couple of my worries are ground clearance since the quality of the roads there is crap and also servicing. Has anyone else tried to run a British sports car in Southern Europe, Spain or Portugal maybe? What’s the score on this ?
You have to get a convertible so that rules out the 944 and for that money you won't get a nice Esprit. Esprits also need lots of care which you might not be able to get on the Island.
The TVR S is a great choice. Ford parts, convertible and they are available for that money.
Other than that, I guess you're looking at Caterhams, MGs etc. (can't think what the etc is though!)
The TVR S is a great choice. Ford parts, convertible and they are available for that money.
Other than that, I guess you're looking at Caterhams, MGs etc. (can't think what the etc is though!)
Forget the 944 if sound is a consideration!! the 4 cyl lump is not very tuneful, although you can get a 944 cabrio you will struggle to get a good un for that dosh. (was a '90 S2 in the PH classifieds for £6,995) TVR S would be my choice for that budget, they sound ace! or perhaps anyone of a number of kit cars that use a V8 or V6.
>> Edited by iguana on Thursday 7th November 16:54
>> Edited by iguana on Thursday 7th November 16:54
Thinking of the crap roads what about something like a landrover V8 swb or the many hybrid type land/range rovers that all feature big V8s huge wheels and will scale everest?
ok its not gunna handle like a sports cat but my mate had a V8 landie with a serious ie 280-300bhp engine from a TVR wedge and it was bloody fast in a streight line and umm 'interesting' in the twisty bits but it always sounded bloody evil!! nice....
ok its not gunna handle like a sports cat but my mate had a V8 landie with a serious ie 280-300bhp engine from a TVR wedge and it was bloody fast in a streight line and umm 'interesting' in the twisty bits but it always sounded bloody evil!! nice....
At the risk of turning you into a hairdresser an MX5 might be the 'sensible' choice. Doesn't need attention and will cope with rough roads reasonably ok..
Not exactly going to set your hair on fire though..
Agree with Ted, if you're in Malta then you surely have to get a convertible!
Not exactly going to set your hair on fire though..
Agree with Ted, if you're in Malta then you surely have to get a convertible!
ok random thoughts:
I would avoid a soft top (sorry Ted). You'll just melt in the heat. I live in the south de france and having a convertable is NOT what you want unless you driving in autume/winter/spring - the last thing you'll want in the summer daytime is a open top - you'll die!!! If however it's for nighttime then they're great.
I would get something you are quite happy to reck, if not the locals will do it for you when they park (or drive by). Get something very mechanically simple, as getting parts will be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg. Servicing will be crap (unless you very lucky and find a good mechanic -talk to locals).
How about a spitfire? very cheap, very easy to mend if you break them, nice cruising car.
or for just plain fun and easy of use - 205 gti.
I would not get anything too 'exotic' unless you find a really reliable example.
Get A/C (you'll be glad you did).
I would avoid a soft top (sorry Ted). You'll just melt in the heat. I live in the south de france and having a convertable is NOT what you want unless you driving in autume/winter/spring - the last thing you'll want in the summer daytime is a open top - you'll die!!! If however it's for nighttime then they're great.
I would get something you are quite happy to reck, if not the locals will do it for you when they park (or drive by). Get something very mechanically simple, as getting parts will be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg. Servicing will be crap (unless you very lucky and find a good mechanic -talk to locals).
How about a spitfire? very cheap, very easy to mend if you break them, nice cruising car.
or for just plain fun and easy of use - 205 gti.
I would not get anything too 'exotic' unless you find a really reliable example.
Get A/C (you'll be glad you did).
Having driven in Malta only this summer may I recommend a car with soft suspension, the roads there are utter shite.
I fear a 'real' sportscar would be shaken into a million pieces as Carzee has already said.
If it was me I'd be looking for a full ragtop Landie if you are used to the sun/heat, or something covered if you ain't.
BTW if you are getting a pad there you must have been and so must remember the locals driving may I suggest a
I fear a 'real' sportscar would be shaken into a million pieces as Carzee has already said.
If it was me I'd be looking for a full ragtop Landie if you are used to the sun/heat, or something covered if you ain't.
BTW if you are getting a pad there you must have been and so must remember the locals driving may I suggest a
We had a Corsa rental car on Malta - perfect for the rough roads - those roads are really bumpy. BTW M@H, they drive on the left - it's (another) ex-British colony (and just about every elses). IMO They drive quite well on Malta compared to the other med islands.
Very nice place though. Lot's of classic 70s British cars still on the roads if you're into that sort of thing too.
Is there an import tax bringing cars onto the Island?
Very nice place though. Lot's of classic 70s British cars still on the roads if you're into that sort of thing too.
Is there an import tax bringing cars onto the Island?
Thanks for the feedback. Sort of confirms my fears really:
Esprit: Too exotic - servicing problems.
TVR S1 (my personal fave): S**t roads will tear the underside to bit's.
Porker 944: A bit boring but possibly the most practical.
To answer a few other points here:
They drive on the right (ex Brit colony)
I have driven over there and do know how crap the roads are (but they are not so bad on the north of the island around Valetta and Sliema which is where I'll be).
Also the standard of driving IMHO is better than in Brussels where I am now.
Needs a roof cos as someone said you will melt
during the summer otherwise (That's not to say I can't have a rag top and keep it up during the summer days and down in the evenings and during the rest of the year - how arse about face does that sound? 
).
MX5 – Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!
Land Rover - interesting idea but not quite what I had in mind.
Esprit: Too exotic - servicing problems.
TVR S1 (my personal fave): S**t roads will tear the underside to bit's.
Porker 944: A bit boring but possibly the most practical.
To answer a few other points here:
They drive on the right (ex Brit colony)
I have driven over there and do know how crap the roads are (but they are not so bad on the north of the island around Valetta and Sliema which is where I'll be).
Also the standard of driving IMHO is better than in Brussels where I am now.
Needs a roof cos as someone said you will melt
during the summer otherwise (That's not to say I can't have a rag top and keep it up during the summer days and down in the evenings and during the rest of the year - how arse about face does that sound? ). MX5 – Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!
Land Rover - interesting idea but not quite what I had in mind.
CarZee. S**t sorry yes. The cars are RHD and they drive on the left. Six months on the continent has got me confused.
Also I just thought... what about cooling mods ? Don't cars sold to these regions have modified cooling systems for hot climates or something ? I suppose I'll need to get this done as well.
Also I just thought... what about cooling mods ? Don't cars sold to these regions have modified cooling systems for hot climates or something ? I suppose I'll need to get this done as well.
How about a:
MK5 Escort Cabriolet,
Vauxhall Astra MK3 Cabriolet,
Peugeot 306 cabriolet,
Peugeot 205 Cabriolet,
VW Golf cabriolet or a
Renault 19 Cabriolet.
Plenty to choose from.
Not really sportscars, but cheap enough to buy, run, repair and maintain. with fairly soft suspension, reasonable boot for golf clubs etc and back seats, which might come in useful if you have guests with you
Various engine sizes from 1.6 to 2.0,
Maybe not the most exiting choice, but probably the most practical rag tops available for the money!.
MK5 Escort Cabriolet,
Vauxhall Astra MK3 Cabriolet,
Peugeot 306 cabriolet,
Peugeot 205 Cabriolet,
VW Golf cabriolet or a
Renault 19 Cabriolet.
Plenty to choose from.
Not really sportscars, but cheap enough to buy, run, repair and maintain. with fairly soft suspension, reasonable boot for golf clubs etc and back seats, which might come in useful if you have guests with you
Various engine sizes from 1.6 to 2.0,
Maybe not the most exiting choice, but probably the most practical rag tops available for the money!.
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