The perfect car...
Author
Discussion

balders118

Original Poster:

5,911 posts

191 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
So i've had the puma for a few years now and have an itch for something with more power, 2 seats and no roof. I could probably get my hands on 5-10K if I needed to, but my sensible side (and the OH) tell me I need to save for a deposit for a house (currently 24 and still renting). However, I am not going to know where I want to settle for 2 years minimum so if I could find a car that won't deprectiate, or cost too much in maintanence and is a fun, 2 seater convertible that would be perfect!

Unfortunatly I do a reasonable amount of miles (15-17,000 a year) so may need to swop a few times in 2 years to avoid losing money but I am open to that idea. It also can't cost too much to run.

So, not too many requirement then! hehe

Any ideas? I like the idea of a FRP, but they have a hard roof and really I'd like soemthing a little faster.

Pazuzu

482 posts

259 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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VX220 smile

mikey k

13,070 posts

239 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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MY 05 Honda S2000

gaz1234

5,233 posts

242 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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mx5

FreeLitres

6,121 posts

200 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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Test drive a TVR Chimaera 450/500. Report back.

DrTre

12,957 posts

255 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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Elan?

Big Rod

6,260 posts

239 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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I have an import Nissan 300ZX TT for sale for not much.

Best of both worlds with the T-bar roof.

Very quick.

Needs paint sorted but otherwise sound.

balders118

Original Poster:

5,911 posts

191 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
Will an 05 s2000 really hold it's value?

Mx5 - not sure if you're just giving the PH response but, not special enough.

Chim would be excellent but I fear the lack of depreciation may be made up in repairs, fuel and insurance?

I like the elan, but do fancy RWD. Hadn't considered it though and is an option!

The nissan - Know nothing about these but apart from two jap cars (the s2000 and the mx5) I really don't like jap stuff. No reason for it, it just doesn't do it for me I'm afraid.

samdale

2,860 posts

207 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
MR2, either MK2 or 3 depending on if you need a boot.
30+ mpg no sweat, superbly reliable, great to drive.

balders118

Original Poster:

5,911 posts

191 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
samdale said:
MR2, either MK2 or 3 depending on if you need a boot.
30+ mpg no sweat, superbly reliable, great to drive.
Same as with the MX5, lookig for something a bit more special. The reasons these won't depreciate is beacause they're dirt cheap anyway, as opposed to being something rather nice.

I'm thinking along the lines of the coolness and exclusivty of a Racing puma, or as above a chim or an elan. It might be the last car I can get before I have to go sensible for a few years because of money commitments.

infradig

978 posts

230 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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944 or 968 cabriolet.

balders118

Original Poster:

5,911 posts

191 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
Forgot to mention the VX220 is a great shout! biggrin

As for the porkers, I would love one, but is maintance and upkeep of one of those on a mind 20K annual income a realistic car? And can you get a good one for sub 10k?

valverguy

440 posts

198 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
Chims are rover v8's they're very reliable when serviced and looked after. They do like to drink, but then none of the other cars mentioned have the same sound/power delivery smile

5-6k will get you a tidy one nower days to. BARGAIN!

balders118

Original Poster:

5,911 posts

191 months

Friday 13th July 2012
quotequote all
valverguy said:
Chims are rover v8's they're very reliable when serviced and looked after. They do like to drink, but then none of the other cars mentioned have the same sound/power delivery smile

5-6k will get you a tidy one nower days to. BARGAIN!
What kind of mpg are we talking about? Low 20s I could probably swallow, just. High teens would right it off.

cheadle hulme

2,499 posts

205 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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balders118 said:
Unfortunatly I do a reasonable amount of miles (15-17,000 a year) so may need to swop a few times in 2 years to avoid losing money but I am open to that idea. It also can't cost too much to run.
Eh? How does swapping a car a few times in 2 years help you avoid losing money? Frequency of swaps generally means more cost in most peoples experience. Not sure of the relationship between annual mileage and need to swap either tbh?? Genuine questions.

All the cars above will be not much fun on your mileage. I went from a Puma to a Fabia VRS. I only went for a BMW Z4 when I could afford too run two cars. Even a refined car like a Z4 isn't much fun on cold, wet motorways...


Speedracer329

1,507 posts

200 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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balders118 said:
valverguy said:
Chims are rover v8's they're very reliable when serviced and looked after. They do like to drink, but then none of the other cars mentioned have the same sound/power delivery smile

5-6k will get you a tidy one nower days to. BARGAIN!
What kind of mpg are we talking about? Low 20s I could probably swallow, just. High teens would right it off.
I had a 4.6 tuned Chimaera & I averaged 24 mpg. Well, when I drove it normally that is!

Zoobeef

6,004 posts

181 months

Friday 13th July 2012
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Vx220

fozzymandeus

1,088 posts

169 months

Saturday 14th July 2012
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15-17k miles per year AND no depreciation = null set.

hunt_the_fox

1,044 posts

248 months

Saturday 14th July 2012
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I agree, VX220

CapriV6S

421 posts

165 months

Saturday 14th July 2012
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1961 Massey Ferguson running on paraffin.