What car? MR2 or MX5 or ?.... £3k Budget
Discussion
Help please, I am giving up my company car as I've decided I don't need to be so practical.
My wife has a diesel estate X-Type so that does all the sensible/smart/practical we need.
Anyway, budget is £3k (£3.5k absolute max), we fancy wind in the hair, fun motoring.
But the car needs to be used everyday year round for one of us to drive to work in.
We also want something that will be reasonable to run, mid 30's MPG, and fair service costs etc.
I am thinking MX5 or MR2, at present MR2 is winning based on looks; we fancy a red one with AC, hardtop and full leather.
But is there another option we are overlooking?
Help please!
My wife has a diesel estate X-Type so that does all the sensible/smart/practical we need.
Anyway, budget is £3k (£3.5k absolute max), we fancy wind in the hair, fun motoring.
But the car needs to be used everyday year round for one of us to drive to work in.
We also want something that will be reasonable to run, mid 30's MPG, and fair service costs etc.
I am thinking MX5 or MR2, at present MR2 is winning based on looks; we fancy a red one with AC, hardtop and full leather.
But is there another option we are overlooking?
Help please!
MR2
I've had both mk1 and turbo mr2's and my mrs had a 2000my mx5 for a good while.
I found the mx5 very cramped whith the roof up and it was also poor on fuel, low 20's.
The mr2 fitted me better and was nearer 30mpg. It was also rocketship quick.
They both have their pros and cons though. You need to try them for yourself.
I've had both mk1 and turbo mr2's and my mrs had a 2000my mx5 for a good while.
I found the mx5 very cramped whith the roof up and it was also poor on fuel, low 20's.
The mr2 fitted me better and was nearer 30mpg. It was also rocketship quick.
They both have their pros and cons though. You need to try them for yourself.
Can't think of anything off the top of my head, unless you wanted to go classic (I assume not). Although it's fair enough to pick a car based on looks it'd be worth driving both, just in case one suits you better. My first thought when reading the title was 'well, it won't be a very good MR2 for that money, I'd rather have a nice MX-5 then a ropey MR2' or have they come down since I last checked?
dave_s13 said:
MR2
I've had both mk1 and turbo mr2's and my mrs had a 2000my mx5 for a good while.
I found the mx5 very cramped whith the roof up and it was also poor on fuel, low 20's.
Then that MX-5 was broken. They'll all do well over 30mpg even when thrashed.I've had both mk1 and turbo mr2's and my mrs had a 2000my mx5 for a good while.
I found the mx5 very cramped whith the roof up and it was also poor on fuel, low 20's.
The mk3 MR2 is a great drivers car and I really wanted one a few years back but somehow Toyota seemed to forget to include any semblence of practicality. If you're on your own you can use the passenger seat for chucking bags on, otherwise you're stuffed.
Both are good cars, the MX5 is more practical when it comes to luggage space etc. Not sure how dave_s13 could only get low-20s mpg from his MX5, perhaps the handbrake was on? I have seen 16mpg from a Mk1 MX5, but that was on track so doesn't really count!
Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 8th August 11:34
D1bram said:
But is there another option we are overlooking?
3-series convertible?http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1859402.htm
A smaller engined one might get 30mpg, but it won't be as sports-car like as an MX5/MR2.
varsas said:
Can't think of anything off the top of my head, unless you wanted to go classic (I assume not). Although it's fair enough to pick a car based on looks it'd be worth driving both, just in case one suits you better. My first thought when reading the title was 'well, it won't be a very good MR2 for that money, I'd rather have a nice MX-5 then a ropey MR2' or have they come down since I last checked?
Admittedly I would be looking top end of my budget (or maybe strecthing it slightly) but there are plenty of MR2's about for under £3k. Nice ones in the spec I want are more like £3.5-4k.Only issue with them seems to be precat failure in pre facelift cars, but that seems to be fairly easily overcome.
That Beemer does look nice, and it is appealing, but we discounted one on the ground you state - not as sporty as a MX5 or MR2.
Thanks for the help, please keep it coming.
EDLT said:
D1bram said:
But is there another option we are overlooking?
3-series convertible?http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1859402.htm
A smaller engined one might get 30mpg, but it won't be as sports-car like as an MX5/MR2.
323i may be a good bet. Most of the power of the 328i... bit more economical if that sort of thing concerns you.
I'm reasonably sure I calculated our MX5 was doing just less than 25mpg, memory has faded though.
Oh and ours cost a fortune to fix a misdiagnosed coil pack failure, the MX5 is one of only 2 cars that has left us stranded (very rare that though). Maybe the dodgy coil pack on ours was causing the poor MPG? It also seized a calliper once and nearly set fire to the nearside front wheel.
Just to be clear my MR2 Turbo was a Rev 3 (L reg) and was utterly brilliant. It felt a lot more special/dangerous than the MX5. I also found the MX5 unbelievably cramped, I'm 6'4" and the steering wheel touched the top of my thighs which made oppo a bit tricky. My head also touched the roof when it was up.
Basically you need to try each and see which floats yer boat, they are both excellent.
I wouldn't fancy the newer shape MR2 though, the lack of storage is criminal really (can you get them for 3k?)
Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Oh and ours cost a fortune to fix a misdiagnosed coil pack failure, the MX5 is one of only 2 cars that has left us stranded (very rare that though). Maybe the dodgy coil pack on ours was causing the poor MPG? It also seized a calliper once and nearly set fire to the nearside front wheel.
Just to be clear my MR2 Turbo was a Rev 3 (L reg) and was utterly brilliant. It felt a lot more special/dangerous than the MX5. I also found the MX5 unbelievably cramped, I'm 6'4" and the steering wheel touched the top of my thighs which made oppo a bit tricky. My head also touched the roof when it was up.
Basically you need to try each and see which floats yer boat, they are both excellent.
I wouldn't fancy the newer shape MR2 though, the lack of storage is criminal really (can you get them for 3k?)
Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Edited by dave_s13 on Sunday 8th August 12:37
Did an insurance quote on the BMW, it is £100 a year more than a MR2 and £170 more than the MX5, but then you also need to consider it will be heavier on tyres, brakes, fuel etc... And correct me if I'm wrong but the 6cylinder engine will be dearer to service?
Speaking of costs, I am budgetting for the running of a MR2 or MX5:
Tax - £200
MOT/Servicing - £500
Tyres/Brakes et al - £500
All annually.
Is that about right? Or too optimistic? The golf I am giving up costs much less, as does the X-type.
Speaking of costs, I am budgetting for the running of a MR2 or MX5:
Tax - £200
MOT/Servicing - £500
Tyres/Brakes et al - £500
All annually.
Is that about right? Or too optimistic? The golf I am giving up costs much less, as does the X-type.
If it was still for sale I'd be looking at this one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1910651.htm
If you can get a turbo version of that for 3.5k you will be laughing. Seems difficult to get a standard car nowadays though. What about importing one?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1910651.htm
If you can get a turbo version of that for 3.5k you will be laughing. Seems difficult to get a standard car nowadays though. What about importing one?
dave_s13 said:
I wouldn't fancy the newer shape MR2 though, the lack of storage is criminal really (can you get them for 3k?)
Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Storage space is not really an issue, when driving to work it will be one person with a laptop and lunchbox, when there is two of us it will be just us (or maybe sandwiches and drinks etc). Most it will ever carry is a carrier bag full of shopping. Otherwise the Jag will be used and that has more than enough space.Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Edited by dave_s13 on Sunday 8th August 12:37
D1bram said:
dave_s13 said:
I wouldn't fancy the newer shape MR2 though, the lack of storage is criminal really (can you get them for 3k?)
Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Storage space is not really an issue, when driving to work it will be one person with a laptop and lunchbox, when there is two of us it will be just us (or maybe sandwiches and drinks etc). Most it will ever carry is a carrier bag full of shopping. Otherwise the Jag will be used and that has more than enough space.Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Edited by dave_s13 on Sunday 8th August 12:37
What about when you're out for the day and decide it would be handy to go shopping on the way back?
What if you fancy a round of golf and the Mrs is out in the big car?
What if your out and about and suddenly remember you need to get a few bags of cement from B&Q?
The Mk2 MR2 and the MX5 have remarkably big boots and can fit a weeks shopping/golf clubs/cement bags in them no bother.
Last of the Mk1's. Great mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
1997 MAZDA MX-5 1.8i 2dr Convertible
Private Seller
29,606 miles, 2 Door Convertible, Petrol, Manual. Tax oct 2010. Mot aug 2010. Service History. Black Leather, elec wins, PAS, Stero CD. Immob. Rollbars windbreaker, Mesh grill. Really low genuine mileage. £3,750.
or
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
1998 MAZDA MX-5 1.8i 2dr Convertible
Private Seller
27,000 miles, 2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual. Immaculate condition. FSH,Original bill of sale,all MOT's,Tax discs, service bills,everything down to the bill for the alpine radio (£319),all in A4 ring binder folder.Stamped service manual plus driver's manual in leather case.New battery fitted this year.Rear chrome rack.Alloy wheels in unmarked condition.No rust. Very clean example.Unused tourneo cover.Very small repair to roof where some idiot damaged but roof watertight and sound.This drives like new.Spare wheel never been out of boot.Original rear perspex zipped screen,have it open or closed.This is a beautiful example of these great cars.Brand new MOT on car today. First to see will buy.Guaranteed you will not find a better example of Mk 1 genuine MX5, this is not a eunos, or import. £3,950.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
1997 MAZDA MX-5 1.8i 2dr Convertible
Private Seller
29,606 miles, 2 Door Convertible, Petrol, Manual. Tax oct 2010. Mot aug 2010. Service History. Black Leather, elec wins, PAS, Stero CD. Immob. Rollbars windbreaker, Mesh grill. Really low genuine mileage. £3,750.
or
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...
1998 MAZDA MX-5 1.8i 2dr Convertible
Private Seller
27,000 miles, 2 Door Convertible, Silver, Petrol, Manual. Immaculate condition. FSH,Original bill of sale,all MOT's,Tax discs, service bills,everything down to the bill for the alpine radio (£319),all in A4 ring binder folder.Stamped service manual plus driver's manual in leather case.New battery fitted this year.Rear chrome rack.Alloy wheels in unmarked condition.No rust. Very clean example.Unused tourneo cover.Very small repair to roof where some idiot damaged but roof watertight and sound.This drives like new.Spare wheel never been out of boot.Original rear perspex zipped screen,have it open or closed.This is a beautiful example of these great cars.Brand new MOT on car today. First to see will buy.Guaranteed you will not find a better example of Mk 1 genuine MX5, this is not a eunos, or import. £3,950.
dave_s13 said:
D1bram said:
dave_s13 said:
I wouldn't fancy the newer shape MR2 though, the lack of storage is criminal really (can you get them for 3k?)
Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Storage space is not really an issue, when driving to work it will be one person with a laptop and lunchbox, when there is two of us it will be just us (or maybe sandwiches and drinks etc). Most it will ever carry is a carrier bag full of shopping. Otherwise the Jag will be used and that has more than enough space.Oh and that precat thing is more internet scaremongery at work, much like the beemer nikasil thing. I wouldn't worry about it.
Edited by dave_s13 on Sunday 8th August 12:37
What about when you're out for the day and decide it would be handy to go shopping on the way back?
What if you fancy a round of golf and the Mrs is out in the big car?
What if your out and about and suddenly remember you need to get a few bags of cement from B&Q?
The Mk2 MR2 and the MX5 have remarkably big boots and can fit a weeks shopping/golf clubs/cement bags in them no bother.
No, I do know what you mean, but I really don't think it will be too much issue, we both already ride bikes too, so used to not having any luggage capacity for days out etc.. and I bet you can fit more in the cubby holes in a MR2 than you can under the seat of my firestorm lol
I like the early MX5, but the wife is leaning on me to go MR2 now...
I can see me spending all day everyday in a X-type estate lol
Just traded my mx5 for another newer mx5. I mainly did this because I didn't want to spend the money getting the rusty rear arches fixed. I considered the mk3 mr2 but the total lack of space made it a no go, it meant a weekend away was no longer an option and made the car even more pointless.
We have a practical(ish) car as well for anything that won't fit in the mx5 but having some useable space means you will be more inclined to take the fun car shopping or on slightly longer trips.
Those examples posted above look great! Your costs look perfectly fine, perhaps a little high even as I don't think mine costs £500 a year in servicing and mot with roughly 12,000 miles a year. Don't fret about imports either, they have less rusting issues (if they are recently imported) and normally slightly better equipped with the only slight extra cost being some insurance companies not liking them.
If you get one, join an owners club and hide your wallet - far too many nice things you can buy for them
We have a practical(ish) car as well for anything that won't fit in the mx5 but having some useable space means you will be more inclined to take the fun car shopping or on slightly longer trips.
Those examples posted above look great! Your costs look perfectly fine, perhaps a little high even as I don't think mine costs £500 a year in servicing and mot with roughly 12,000 miles a year. Don't fret about imports either, they have less rusting issues (if they are recently imported) and normally slightly better equipped with the only slight extra cost being some insurance companies not liking them.
If you get one, join an owners club and hide your wallet - far too many nice things you can buy for them
If you look around you could pick up a 10AE mx-5 , 6 speed box and torsen rear diff , huge fun , the mk2 feels a little more "grown up" than a mk1 but still a cracking drive , its what i will be going for when ive got the cash saved up.
here you go 3rd down , look after it and it wont drop in value .
http://www.barryhathawaycars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?di...
here you go 3rd down , look after it and it wont drop in value .
http://www.barryhathawaycars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?di...
Edited by DennisTheMenace on Sunday 8th August 13:36
[quote=poing]
Those examples posted above look great! Your costs look perfectly fine, perhaps a little high even as I don't think mine costs £500 a year in servicing and mot with roughly 12,000 miles a year.
quote]
Thanks, I do agree they are on the high side, but I went in deliberately like that as I need to be sure I will be financially better off giving up the company car.
That MR2 looks good, and the front boot is HUGE lol.
I am really not sure which I will go for, I do prefer the looks of the MR2, but there are some fantastic low mileage MX5's in my budget. If I had twice as much the MR2 would be a no brainer, but then I would have other options to be tempted by!
It's going to take a couple of weeks to sort the money, and details of when the golf will go, so I think I will just see what the best car avaialable for my money is at the time - be it MR2 or MX5.
A couple of other question; how readily available and expensive is a retro fit hardtop if I get a car without one? And how often are replacement soft tops needed (and how much?).
Thanks.
Those examples posted above look great! Your costs look perfectly fine, perhaps a little high even as I don't think mine costs £500 a year in servicing and mot with roughly 12,000 miles a year.
quote]
Thanks, I do agree they are on the high side, but I went in deliberately like that as I need to be sure I will be financially better off giving up the company car.
That MR2 looks good, and the front boot is HUGE lol.
I am really not sure which I will go for, I do prefer the looks of the MR2, but there are some fantastic low mileage MX5's in my budget. If I had twice as much the MR2 would be a no brainer, but then I would have other options to be tempted by!
It's going to take a couple of weeks to sort the money, and details of when the golf will go, so I think I will just see what the best car avaialable for my money is at the time - be it MR2 or MX5.
A couple of other question; how readily available and expensive is a retro fit hardtop if I get a car without one? And how often are replacement soft tops needed (and how much?).
Thanks.
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