Replacement for an MX5

[chopper602]

I've read loads of these 'Recommend me a car' threads over the year, but now it's my turn to ask. I currently have a two year old MX5 and to be honest, it's brill. But no.1 son starts secondary school next month and although we have another family car, I expect to need more than one extra seat as I ferry him (and maybe his mates) from or back from school (it's not walking distance and on my way to and from work). So I'm in the market for something small and sporty . . .
I'm thinking Alfa Mito, Renaultsport Twingo / Clio, Sporty DS3.

I don't like mini or Fiat 500 (bit girlie).

Any ideas ?

[freenote]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1386676.htm

[v8will]

The Suzuki Swift Sport is a giggle, sister in law owns one and I've had a couple of drives in it. I don't think they are overly expensive to buy or run. Certainly not quick but very chuckable

[LukeBird]

RenaultSport Clio sounds like a good call.

Cracking little hatch!

[chopper602]

bump

[Munter]

Nissan 200SX.

Rear seats for small ones. More power. Still RWD and still pretty reliable. IF you can find a standard one.

You could always switch to a WRX/EVO for a total change of character.

Otherwise I'd go with the Clio 182.

[chopper602]

Munter said:

Nissan 200SX.

Rear seats for small ones. More power. Still RWD and still pretty reliable. IF you can find a standard one.

You could always switch to a WRX/EVO for a total change of character.

Otherwise I'd go with the Clio 182.

I should have added, looking to buy new or nearly new

[Munter]

How do you feel about low mpg? And are Mazda still flogging the RX8? Depreciation is big so nearly new would be best...

[chopper602]

Munter said:

How do you feel about low mpg? And are Mazda still flogging the RX8? Depreciation is big so nearly new would be best...

I had a good hard look at the RX8 before getting the MX5, it was mainly the MPG that put me off it (and the MASSIVE depreciation)

[Alfa numeric]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1877770.htm

[Chris71]

Current-shape Golf GTi?

Sporty BMW 1 Series of some description?

Alfa 147 GTA if you can stand the running costs?

Renaultsport Megane?

What do you like about the MX5? It depends whether you're a white knuckle opposite lock type driver or a cruising round with the hood down type driver! Tyring to think of a decent four seat convertible...

For a more affordable option, what about a Ford Puma?

[andye30m3]

I'd be tempted to go down the renaultsport route.

The megane 225's seam very good value at the moment compared to the golf GTI's

or the clio 182's especially the trophy are great fun, I think the Twingo is basically a clio 182 chassis with less power and new styling.

[plg]

chopper602 said:

Munter said:

How do you feel about low mpg? And are Mazda still flogging the RX8? Depreciation is big so nearly new would be best...

I had a good hard look at the RX8 before getting the MX5, it was mainly the MPG that put me off it (and the MASSIVE depreciation)

You want to buy a car new or nearly new and you are worried about depreciation??

Agree with you about the RX8 fuel consumption though...

How about a 2yr old one, will have warranty remaining, and spend the difference on fuel (which unless you do mega miles isn't that much different)?

[Jonny671]

plg said:

chopper602 said:

Munter said:

How do you feel about low mpg? And are Mazda still flogging the RX8? Depreciation is big so nearly new would be best...

I had a good hard look at the RX8 before getting the MX5, it was mainly the MPG that put me off it (and the MASSIVE depreciation)

You want to buy a car new or nearly new and you are worried about depreciation??

Agree with you about the RX8 fuel consumption though...

How about a 2yr old one, will have warranty remaining, and spend the difference on fuel (which unless you do mega miles isn't that much different)?

Depreciation has already happened on said RX8s, so you needn't worry about that.. And you get 4 seats, and the kids will ALWAYS want to be picked up in your car rather than the other boring family vehicles.

[HereBeMonsters]

If you're going to have to ferry lots of kids around, I'd look at something like a VXR8.

[B0LLIKS]

Mazda 3 MPS

[Jonny671]

B0LLIKS said:

Mazda 3 MPS

Or this.

Excellent suggestion.. 0-60mph 6.0 Seconds. 2.3l Turbo and around £10-£12k with not many miles on them.

[nsmith1180]

v8will said:

The Suzuki Swift Sport is a giggle, sister in law owns one and I've had a couple of drives in it. I don't think they are overly expensive to buy or run. Certainly not quick but very chuckable

Owned one and sold many!

Not a bad ride, spec was ok back in 2007 but its a bit basic now. Economy was around the 30 - 35 driving carefully. Only ran on the good stuff 98 or over else the warranty is void if they can prove its lower grade.

Absolutely excellent in a crash tho, I know, I tried it.

Chris 71 there is a decent 4 seater cabrio - Maserati GranCabrio!



Pure porn and a snip at just £96k

[chopper602]

Chris71 said:

Current-shape Golf GTi?

Sporty BMW 1 Series of some description?

Alfa 147 GTA if you can stand the running costs?

Renaultsport Megane?

What do you like about the MX5? It depends whether you're a white knuckle opposite lock type driver or a cruising round with the hood down type driver! Tyring to think of a decent four seat convertible...

For a more affordable option, what about a Ford Puma?

No Fords or Vauxhall please!

Not looking at anything VAG either - already have an Audi A6 as the family car. Just been to have a look at a Mito Cloverleaf . . . and the price of a new Twingo Cup 133 is looking very promising

Edited by chopper602 on Tuesday 24th August 13:28

[Munter]

Civic Type-R? Bit too...err...you know....not as pretty as the Alfa