MR2 or Z3?

[crazycarb]

My wife fancies a sports car, and she either wants an MR2(later model) or a Z3. Any opinions from users/past owners of either of these cars please on their plusses and minuses? (No she doesn't want an MX5 by the way).

[300bhp/ton]

Get her to drive both and see what see prefers. If looking at Z3's I can't see the point in not looking at a 2.8/3.0 though.

[Vocal Minority]

My MR2 is good fun. Lively, revvy little thing. Handles very nicely (don't buy into the snappy rear end nonsense, unless you really take the piss it is pretty benign). Good MPG. However, it isn't slow but I wouldn't call it fast either. The Z3 will have more luggage capacity, but the 1.8 especially with an auto box will not be as fun.

When buying, on a pre 03 facelift car look out for the precat menace. A lot out there have been dinged and not cared for, so look for all the normal things when buying a used motor.

[Marf]

Although reportedly a very good pedal, the Mk3 MR2 has zero storage space bar a couple of cubby boxes behind the seats. Maybe not a dealbreaker but worth bearing in mind.

[fozzymandeus]

Z3. Way more comfortable, more characterful 6cyl engines and actually a usable car for a weekend away for two.

MR2s are for nudists and people with no friends.

[Vocal Minority]

Marf said:

Although reportedly a very good pedal, the Mk3 MR2 has zero storage space bar a couple of cubby boxes behind the seats. Maybe not a dealbreaker but worth bearing in mind.

It is a single car wide cubby, but with two doors. You need to pack relatively light, but you can get a couple of weekend bags behind the seats. You can get a weeks shop for 2 in there. If you want to go away for longer you will need a boot rack. Incidentally, my pal has an MX5, and we reckon that they broadly have the same storage space, its just the Mazdas is more accessible and more helpfully laid out (wider but shallower).

Incidentally I have clothes on and at least 3 friends. Maybe 4.

[Marf]

Bigger than I thought then

I pictured the cubbies to be around the same size as those in my Mk2.

[fozzymandeus]

Vocal Minority said:

It is a single car wide cubby, but with two doors. You need to pack relatively light, but you can get a couple of weekend bags behind the seats. You can get a weeks shop for 2 in there. If you want to go away for longer you will need a boot rack. Incidentally, my pal has an MX5, and we reckon that they broadly have the same storage space, its just the Mazdas is more accessible and more helpfully laid out (wider but shallower).

Incidentally I have clothes on and at least 3 friends. Maybe 4.

A friend of mine bought one new back in 2001. He was quite keen on coming over as a bit flash.

He didn't look so flash when he had to use tescos carrier bags as ersatz suitcases because they were the only things that fit in the cubby hole.

I should point out that he and I are no longer friends, thus not defeating my previous argument about them being for lonely, lonely people.

Edited by fozzymandeus on Wednesday 20th June 20:29

[The Moose]

fozzymandeus said:

Z3. Way more comfortable, more characterful 6cyl engines and actually a usable car for a weekend away for two.

MR2s are for nudists and people with no friends.

Like me then...the no friends bit*



* obviously not including my "internet friends"

[GTIR]

Cheers,

The Moose

[kambites]

The MR2 has a vastly better chassis; the Z3 has vastly better engines (and a boot). Take your pick.

[VR46]

Audi TT or an s2000 are better choices imo

[Pig Skill]

Get a z3 - dynamically flawed? Yes. Will the missus care? No

I think the Z3 is a modern classic with a real roadster look. Not too common on the roads either.

MR2? forget it they are wkety wk.

[Needa308GT4]

If she's pretty and enjoys being let out of junctions and not being seen as 'yet another t**t in a BM' get the MR2.

[sturobturbo]

S2000 suggested above is a decent shout.

[Bill]

Pig Skill said:

MR2? forget it they are wkety wk.

As a tow car, certainly. As a roadster though they're great

[Needa308GT4]

Bill said:

As a tow car, certainly. As a roadster though they're great

Good answer!

[Special K]

300bhp/ton said:

Get her to drive both and see what see prefers.

^^^This^^^

Then weigh up the pro's and cons of ownership. Would it be worth a lifetime of grief ?

Her - (after whichever you and PH chooses breaks down) 'I told you I preferred X instead of this piece of st'

You - 'Yeah but darling my internet friends said it was better'

Her - 'Right, you have left me at the side of the road broken down. Now I'm going to blame you forever, should never have bought this stty car !! We should have gone with a ......... '

You - ' Oh .... Sorry ..... '

Dog house for a while ............


Seriously though, what does Little Voice want ?

[y2blade]

VR46 said:

Audi TT or an s2000 are better choices imo

another classic from you mate, how do you do it?

[fuchsiasteve]

S2000 all the way