What next after MX5?
Discussion
Currently running around a Mk3 MX5, I've covered 22000 miles in 18months and I'm still mostly enjoying it 
Erm....writing down the mileage I've covered is a bit of an eye opener..
Anyway, I've got the provisional go ahead to start looking at a potential next car, budget of approx 16-17k, so far I've been looking at a Boxster S, Z4M and an Elise, the latter being my dream car but I'm not sure it would withstand the mileage I'm doing.
I should imagine none would leave disappointed although I would have my concern about the Z4M on a typical British roads, my priority is driving enjoyment, not the 'pose' factor.
Are there any other cars to consider? Always loved the idea of an S2000 but I don't think it would be that much of a step up from the MX5.
Would the running costs of a Boxster kill me?
And yes, it does have to be a soft top!
Erm....writing down the mileage I've covered is a bit of an eye opener..Anyway, I've got the provisional go ahead to start looking at a potential next car, budget of approx 16-17k, so far I've been looking at a Boxster S, Z4M and an Elise, the latter being my dream car but I'm not sure it would withstand the mileage I'm doing.
I should imagine none would leave disappointed although I would have my concern about the Z4M on a typical British roads, my priority is driving enjoyment, not the 'pose' factor.
Are there any other cars to consider? Always loved the idea of an S2000 but I don't think it would be that much of a step up from the MX5.
Would the running costs of a Boxster kill me?
And yes, it does have to be a soft top!
Why wouldn't an Elise cope with high miles? It'll cost more to maintain than your MX5 but would probably be slightly better on fuel and realistically what's wrong with a Toyota engine? Even a K-series should last with a decent HG! They also seem depreciation proof, and will be more raw to drive so more fun if a toy (which is why I prefer the mk1 MX5 over latter ones)...
Speaking of which, a seriously good Mk1 MX5 with a GOOD supercharger or Turbo setup (which, if it had those, the rest of the car would be just as sorted) would be far less than half your money, which would leave you a LOT for petrol, as well as a seriously quick and fun little car
ETA: 250 bhp in an MX5 @ a tonne - should be PLENTY fun to drive. Just make sure it isn't too lowered as it ruins the drive.
Speaking of which, a seriously good Mk1 MX5 with a GOOD supercharger or Turbo setup (which, if it had those, the rest of the car would be just as sorted) would be far less than half your money, which would leave you a LOT for petrol, as well as a seriously quick and fun little car
ETA: 250 bhp in an MX5 @ a tonne - should be PLENTY fun to drive. Just make sure it isn't too lowered as it ruins the drive.
TameRacingDriver said:
Why wouldn't an Elise cope with high miles? It'll cost more to maintain than your MX5 but would probably be slightly better on fuel and realistically what's wrong with a Toyota engine? Even a K-series should last with a decent HG! They also seem depreciation proof, and will be more raw to drive so more fun if a toy (which is why I prefer the mk1 MX5 over latter ones)...
Speaking of which, a seriously good Mk1 MX5 with a GOOD supercharger or Turbo setup (which, if it had those, the rest of the car would be just as sorted) would be far less than half your money, which would leave you a LOT for petrol, as well as a seriously quick and fun little car
ETA: 250 bhp in an MX5 @ a tonne - should be PLENTY fun to drive. Just make sure it isn't too lowered as it ruins the drive.
There has to be an element of practicality, I'm not sure the Elise offers that, when all I need to do is drive 15 miles into town to pick up a spot of shopping the Mazda (and I'm sure the Boxster/Z4 also) excels at that. Speaking of which, a seriously good Mk1 MX5 with a GOOD supercharger or Turbo setup (which, if it had those, the rest of the car would be just as sorted) would be far less than half your money, which would leave you a LOT for petrol, as well as a seriously quick and fun little car
ETA: 250 bhp in an MX5 @ a tonne - should be PLENTY fun to drive. Just make sure it isn't too lowered as it ruins the drive.
Z4.
If I was doing that mileage I'd have to choose between that and the Boxster, but the Z4 just wins for me as I think I prefer the F/R layout.
An Elise will go on for ages, provided it is looked after (mine is on 82k at the moment!) but I wouldn't want to do epic miles in it, or even in an S2 Touring.
If I was doing that mileage I'd have to choose between that and the Boxster, but the Z4 just wins for me as I think I prefer the F/R layout.
An Elise will go on for ages, provided it is looked after (mine is on 82k at the moment!) but I wouldn't want to do epic miles in it, or even in an S2 Touring.
I'd chose the Boxster, that budget will get you a very good 987 S.
But the Boxster is very clinical, possibly too good and even though a MK3 MX is a bit more refined than the old ones it is still a very playful car.
If you want exciting and can live with running costs then a Z4M would be good, they're madder than mad jack mcmad.
But the Boxster is very clinical, possibly too good and even though a MK3 MX is a bit more refined than the old ones it is still a very playful car.
If you want exciting and can live with running costs then a Z4M would be good, they're madder than mad jack mcmad.
My personal experiences...
Had a 911 for four years. Despite not suffering the dreaded 'IMS shaft bearing failure' or 'cylinder head deck ovaling' issues, it must be said that whatever we may like to think, and what the Porsche propoganda machine pumps out, the M96 / M97 Porsche (pre direct-injection) engine as found in 911's and Boxsters, is fundamentally flawed, and has the possibile ability to render owners with a huge bill at some point.
Every time I went out in mine and had some speed fun, it was never far from my mind...and anyway, despite not suffering terminal engine damage, a whole bunch of other stuff went tits up on my 911 causing me huge bills, so to be honest, my Porsche experience has been tainted for ever. I don't think they're as well screwed together as they would like you to think, especially Boxsters....
I am led to believe that 'K' series powered Elises suffer from engine head gasket maladies too - and even non Rover powered cars are awkward to get in and out of and not really a realistic proposition as a daily drive. I have clambered in and out of and driven a friend's, and there's no way I would put up with that in the mornings going to work!
Having driven a 'K' series Elise, and done some repairs on it for my mate, and also been a willing passenger in another mate's Honda S2000, I would draw the following parallels:
Lotus - noisy, sparse and uncomfortable - Honda - quiet, refined and comfortable / well equipped
Lotus - not that quick, but reasonably sprightly - Honda - revs like a basterd and sounds wonderful / is quick
Lotus - not terribly reliable / consumables wear out rapidly - Honda - ultra reliable / nothing breaks or goes wrong
Hope this helps you
Had a 911 for four years. Despite not suffering the dreaded 'IMS shaft bearing failure' or 'cylinder head deck ovaling' issues, it must be said that whatever we may like to think, and what the Porsche propoganda machine pumps out, the M96 / M97 Porsche (pre direct-injection) engine as found in 911's and Boxsters, is fundamentally flawed, and has the possibile ability to render owners with a huge bill at some point.
Every time I went out in mine and had some speed fun, it was never far from my mind...and anyway, despite not suffering terminal engine damage, a whole bunch of other stuff went tits up on my 911 causing me huge bills, so to be honest, my Porsche experience has been tainted for ever. I don't think they're as well screwed together as they would like you to think, especially Boxsters....
I am led to believe that 'K' series powered Elises suffer from engine head gasket maladies too - and even non Rover powered cars are awkward to get in and out of and not really a realistic proposition as a daily drive. I have clambered in and out of and driven a friend's, and there's no way I would put up with that in the mornings going to work!
Having driven a 'K' series Elise, and done some repairs on it for my mate, and also been a willing passenger in another mate's Honda S2000, I would draw the following parallels:
Lotus - noisy, sparse and uncomfortable - Honda - quiet, refined and comfortable / well equipped
Lotus - not that quick, but reasonably sprightly - Honda - revs like a basterd and sounds wonderful / is quick
Lotus - not terribly reliable / consumables wear out rapidly - Honda - ultra reliable / nothing breaks or goes wrong
Hope this helps you
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
I am led to believe that 'K' series powered Elises suffer from engine head gasket maladies too - and even non Rover powered cars are awkward to get in and out of and not really a realistic proposition as a daily drive. I have clambered in and out of and driven a friend's, and there's no way I would put up with that in the mornings going to work!
Having driven a 'K' series Elise, and done some repairs on it for my mate, and also been a willing passenger in another mate's Honda S2000, I would draw the following parallels:
Lotus - noisy, sparse and uncomfortable - Honda - quiet, refined and comfortable / well equipped
Lotus - not that quick, but reasonably sprightly - Honda - revs like a basterd and sounds wonderful / is quick
Lotus - not terribly reliable / consumables wear out rapidly - Honda - ultra reliable / nothing breaks or goes wrong
Hope this helps you
I wouldn't want to do 22k a year in an Elise.
A Boxster is a good car but I personally don't find them as fun on the road as an MX5 as their limits are so high.
I'd probably have bought a Z3 years ago but I simply can't stand their looks - if you can go try one.
Otherwise I'd look at the Cosworth supercharger kit for your current car there were significant problems with them blowing up (due to fuelling issues) but BBR claim to have sorted this now.
A Boxster is a good car but I personally don't find them as fun on the road as an MX5 as their limits are so high.
I'd probably have bought a Z3 years ago but I simply can't stand their looks - if you can go try one.
Otherwise I'd look at the Cosworth supercharger kit for your current car there were significant problems with them blowing up (due to fuelling issues) but BBR claim to have sorted this now.
If you want a faster, more focused, reliable, inexpensive to run and every day useable replacement for an MX5 then a Honda S2000 is probably the best fit. Go try a 2004 model or later (revised suspension, improved handling and wheels and glass heated rear screen etc) and you will find it is considerably more exciting than an MX5 with similar running costs (other than maybe insurance).
JFReturns said:
I went from an MX5 to an S2000 and I can tell you it is a plenty big enough step up in terms of performance. Definitely NOT quiet and refined though, and for your budget you could get something much better.
I'd second this. S2k is a great car and certainly faster than a 5 but it's not suited for big miles. Plus, they're getting to the price point now where you're looking at £10-12k for a really good one.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff