£10k, what interesting car for an old boy....
Discussion
My dad has just sold his 996 cab and has now got a sad face on. Wouldn't have been my first choice but he wanted it and had lots of fun and enjoyment with it so there you go. One of the best things about owning it was that it was very reliable, in the 2+yrs of ownership it had no mechanical issues at all and only needed tyres and servicing. This was a good thing as my dad isn't the most hands on when it comes to cars, I have to constantly remind him to check his oil level etc.
So now, the replacement.
Looking at a budget of approx £10k, there is a little bit of movement in this but he's looking to save a bit of money in the short term so it would be nice to be close to this figure if possible.
Looking for something fun, something that would slot in perfectly at a PH meet, something fast and preferably topless. He has a nice short commute from Winchester to Romsey every day, which is approximately a 20 mile round trip. He also has a 330d Touring (Not yet mapped) for dog carrying, people moving and load lugging.
We are tentatively talking TVR's at the moment of the Griffith/Chimaera flavour, but I don't want to be the driving force behind him getting one and then for it to be a pain in the ass. At this sort of budget am I right to be concerned about buying into a rusty chassis, woeful reliability and hideous running costs? I really want this not to be the case. We took a Chim 400 out for a spin through the New Forest the other day and I must admit I wasn't blown away. Performance was strong but less than expected, it was quite cramped inside, and this particular one wasn't vocal enough for my liking.
S2000's are also a possibility at this stage, he had an EP3 Type R on lease for 18mths which we all loved dearly, and having never driven an S2000 I would like to think it would be a pretty good recipe, convertible, well balanced 2 seater with a lovely VTEC up front. Its certainly no TVR though, both in a good and bad way.
E46 M3 Cab a possibilty?
Any other suggestions?
Please advise...
PS - He's not actually that old yet...
So now, the replacement.
Looking at a budget of approx £10k, there is a little bit of movement in this but he's looking to save a bit of money in the short term so it would be nice to be close to this figure if possible.
Looking for something fun, something that would slot in perfectly at a PH meet, something fast and preferably topless. He has a nice short commute from Winchester to Romsey every day, which is approximately a 20 mile round trip. He also has a 330d Touring (Not yet mapped) for dog carrying, people moving and load lugging.
We are tentatively talking TVR's at the moment of the Griffith/Chimaera flavour, but I don't want to be the driving force behind him getting one and then for it to be a pain in the ass. At this sort of budget am I right to be concerned about buying into a rusty chassis, woeful reliability and hideous running costs? I really want this not to be the case. We took a Chim 400 out for a spin through the New Forest the other day and I must admit I wasn't blown away. Performance was strong but less than expected, it was quite cramped inside, and this particular one wasn't vocal enough for my liking.
S2000's are also a possibility at this stage, he had an EP3 Type R on lease for 18mths which we all loved dearly, and having never driven an S2000 I would like to think it would be a pretty good recipe, convertible, well balanced 2 seater with a lovely VTEC up front. Its certainly no TVR though, both in a good and bad way.
E46 M3 Cab a possibilty?
Any other suggestions?
Please advise...
PS - He's not actually that old yet...
There's a "mint" Camaro Z28 convertible on ebay for half that budget though I'd recommend ditching the Optispark and fitting a coil conversion kit on the LT1. Plenty of V8 Mustang convertibles (last model) for that budget too. Generally bulletproof and anyone can service them.
Though there are TVRS that are doubtless reliable, it's not something i would ever advise someone to buy without them desperately wanting one and going in with eyes wide open so to speak.
I suppose a supercharged MX5 might be more practical.
Though there are TVRS that are doubtless reliable, it's not something i would ever advise someone to buy without them desperately wanting one and going in with eyes wide open so to speak.
I suppose a supercharged MX5 might be more practical.
I'd love him to have an M5, unfortunately they are too 'boring' in his eyes, and yes he has driven one. I think the fact that to the uninitiated they look like your average saloon is what makes them less special in his eyes, he doesn't seem to really appreciate the whole 'sleeper' thing.
He won't have any American metal, especially not an ageing Mustang or Camaro. There is no point in even trying to broach this with him.
I've got an MX5, I'm not sure a Mk1 MX5 would really suit a businessman in his 50's.
The TVR's aren't really that bad are they?
I've spent a lot of time telling how they are really very simple, horse and cart engineering, all the niggles would have ben ironed out by now by a conscientious owner, its only the later ones with their troublesome hand built engines that cause trouble etc etc.
He will be reading this thread, don't let all that effort go to waste...
He won't have any American metal, especially not an ageing Mustang or Camaro. There is no point in even trying to broach this with him.
I've got an MX5, I'm not sure a Mk1 MX5 would really suit a businessman in his 50's.
The TVR's aren't really that bad are they?
I've spent a lot of time telling how they are really very simple, horse and cart engineering, all the niggles would have ben ironed out by now by a conscientious owner, its only the later ones with their troublesome hand built engines that cause trouble etc etc.
He will be reading this thread, don't let all that effort go to waste...
For £10-12k open topped and loads of fun combined with bullet proof reliability and residuals, there is only one choice.
Honda S2000 go for 2003 onwards and you get the glass rear window and more forgiving geometry. Buy from someone on the S2000 UK Forum and it will have been loved.
2004 on got 17" wheels and better looking exhausts. I had a new one in 2003 and was 45 then.
Allan
Honda S2000 go for 2003 onwards and you get the glass rear window and more forgiving geometry. Buy from someone on the S2000 UK Forum and it will have been loved.
2004 on got 17" wheels and better looking exhausts. I had a new one in 2003 and was 45 then.
Allan
OllieWinchester said:
911 was something he had to do, now he has that out of his sytem I think we should avoid any more Pork. I learned to respect and actually quite enjoy the 996 after my initial derision, but I'm not particularly a fan of the marque, so I think it is time for a change.
ah ok. sorry.ive had an S2000 (and an EP3 type r). The S2000 is undoubtedly more of an event to drive, and takes time to really master it, which is always good. Its not that much quicker than the civic, but is an altogether different beast - you will find that the non i-vtec doesnt give as much pull lower down, but it has a better top end. Maintenance and reliability are top notch too. One in black or moonrock would be subtle enough for your old fella to rock about in
£10k would also get you into a z3m roadster which i believe are more "old school" in their approach, but have heard they are great in their own right. belting engine too
A 350z convertible would be a good GT, but they arent as much of an event as an S2000, nor as much of a sports car (i had a 350z GT, also). Make a lovely noise though!
i have no knowledge of TVRs im afraid but if your budget was to rise to, say, £15k then id be looking at E46 M3s, an alpina Z4 or maybe even an old skool targa NSX (wouldnt depreciate much, either)
Nothing is going to depreciate like his Pork did, could have bought a lovely Chim with just the depreciation.
Should have listened to me when I insisted that a 993 would be a safer place to park his money eh?
Part of my thinking with the TVR's is that if he buys a nice one and does his best to look after it then I very much doubt it would lose any money, and may even go the right way!
Should have listened to me when I insisted that a 993 would be a safer place to park his money eh?
Part of my thinking with the TVR's is that if he buys a nice one and does his best to look after it then I very much doubt it would lose any money, and may even go the right way!
Here you go. The red one is sold now but this is still good. Rare car with a classic engine.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
ITP said:
Here you go. The red one is sold now but this is still good. Rare car with a classic engine.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
the value of that will sink like an unwanted kitten in a bin bag with a rock tied to it...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
I know I always suggest the same car (well nearly always) but 350BHP and sub 5 seconds to 60 this cannot be ignored
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1767692.htm
Hard top coupe when it is raining and full open top at all other times. Auto for the commute and tip tronic when not.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1767692.htm
Hard top coupe when it is raining and full open top at all other times. Auto for the commute and tip tronic when not.
Edited by SLacKer on Wednesday 16th June 15:58
snorkel sucker said:
ITP said:
Here you go. The red one is sold now but this is still good. Rare car with a classic engine.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
the value of that will sink like an unwanted kitten in a bin bag with a rock tied to it...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1441552.htm
OllieWinchester said:
PS - He's not actually that old yet...
Must admit, I saw the title and thought MBH was going to chop in his Mondeo.I was ready to suggest a 'Jazz', as Bill from the bridge club says that his is very good and far more interesting than his old Fiesta. They even come in bright colours!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1690720.htm
Hmmm. I like, not quite as rough and ready as a Chim or a Griff, but possible future classic?
Hmmm. I like, not quite as rough and ready as a Chim or a Griff, but possible future classic?
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