Which sports convertible for 10k?
Which sports convertible for 10k?
Author
Discussion

DazBock

Original Poster:

825 posts

213 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
So I have about 10k to spend on a new car, I want a 2 seated sports convertible really, I am considering the following;

a. 3.0si Z4
b. Merc SLK 350
c. 2.0 sport MX5 mk3

Only driven the Z4 so far (that was a coupe) and I will test them all. Perhaps a silly question to ask on PH but what do you think?

I am leaning to Z4 as it is quick and well spec'd

Cheers

hardcorehobbit

1,103 posts

216 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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You can buy a Boxster for <£10k surely?

xRIEx

8,180 posts

169 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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You could throw a 350Z and S2000 into the mix too.

Brother D

4,265 posts

197 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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VX220 Turbo if you want performance, or a lotus Elise?

Ari

19,739 posts

236 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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Depends what you want it for. I had two MX5 MK3's and they were great fun sports cars, but I chopped the second one in for an SLK when I changed jobs, lost my "everyday" company car and had to start using it as a proper car. Too noisy, too cramped, too basic, the SLK is a sportscar shaped limo in comparison. Handles better and usefully quicker too, although my MX5 was standard, I understand "WIMing" them makes a big difference.

On the downside an SLK will be a lot older/higher mileage for the same money.

I considered a Boxster but was put off by the total engine failure stories, one of which happened to a friend of mine costing him dearly, plus the SLK is simply a better place to spend a lot of time, quieter, roomier, nicer.

Last thought, don't be put off by all the "Mercs make crap manual gearboxes" bks. It's just that, utter bks, the manual gearbox in the SLK is first rate.

so called

9,157 posts

230 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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Chimaera ?

billzeebub

3,888 posts

220 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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Other than the brilliant, but flawed TVR Chimaera, it would have to be the Boxster/ S for all round use ability and ownership experience

FreeLitres

6,120 posts

198 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
billzeebub said:
Other than the brilliant, but flawed TVR Chimaera, it would have to be the Boxster/ S for all round use ability and ownership experience
What are these flaws you speak of? Is it that they are simply TOO good?

billywhizzzzzz

2,478 posts

164 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
FreeLitres said:
billzeebub said:
Other than the brilliant, but flawed TVR Chimaera, it would have to be the Boxster/ S for all round use ability and ownership experience
What are these flaws you speak of? Is it that they are simply TOO good?
surely the extraordinary unreliability...?

Jasandjules

71,737 posts

250 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
billywhizzzzzz said:
surely the extraordinary unreliability...?
Oh go on then, how many have you owned and for how many years.......

FreeLitres

6,120 posts

198 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
billywhizzzzzz said:
surely the extraordinary unreliability...?
Oh go on then, how many have you owned and for how many years.......
Agreed. Mine has NEVER missed a beat, unlike my brand new Passat that is about to go in for a replacement clutch after 4000 miles.

billzeebub

3,888 posts

220 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
FreeLitres said:
billzeebub said:
Other than the brilliant, but flawed TVR Chimaera, it would have to be the Boxster/ S for all round use ability and ownership experience
What are these flaws you speak of? Is it that they are simply TOO good?
The flaws inherent to all TVRs of course. Don't get me wrong, I love them and my next car purchase will either be a Chimaera or a 993 Porker. However, they are not for all people. Some need the compromise that is a Boxster

Me, I would take the Trevor every time..

DazBock

Original Poster:

825 posts

213 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
I have looked at boxsters and dreamed about one at length however I am put off by the servicing costs and lets be honest dated interior.

Love the S2000 but hate the ridiculous cost of insurance.

Elise is a great car, my dad has one and I love driving it but as an everyday car it just isn't practical enough. I don't want to end up hating it!

Chimera is a good shout though, having said that I have always prefered coupe TVRs perhaps I need to browse the classifieds a little more..

so called

9,157 posts

230 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
billzeebub said:
FreeLitres said:
billzeebub said:
Other than the brilliant, but flawed TVR Chimaera, it would have to be the Boxster/ S for all round use ability and ownership experience
What are these flaws you speak of? Is it that they are simply TOO good?
The flaws inherent to all TVRs of course. Don't get me wrong, I love them and my next car purchase will either be a Chimaera or a 993 Porker. However, they are not for all people. Some need the compromise that is a Boxster

Me, I would take the Trevor every time..
I've got floors in all my TVR's past and present.

Jasandjules

71,737 posts

250 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
DazBock said:
Chimera is a good shout though, having said that I have always prefered coupe TVRs perhaps I need to browse the classifieds a little more..
Just drive one. In fact, just sit in one and start the engine. Then you will buy a TVR!!

BRMMA

1,892 posts

193 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
quotequote all
Out of them it'd be the z4, we had a 3.0si after considering the others and I thought it was a really good car, ride was crap with the RFT's and the steering was a bit artificial, especially compared to the Boxster, was good on fuel, quick enough and they come well equipped

I much prefer my Boxster though, even though its an on old 986 S so the interior is not in the same league as the Z4, it uses more fuel and costs a lot more to run. The steering, noise and general feeling of the car being so well balanced it makes it worth it

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

211 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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Despite there being 15 posts above me and at least 10 other cars having been mentioned, some multiple times. It appears if I mention a car from the the other side of the Atlantic ocean I'll be carpet bombing the thread and somehow suggesting cars that aren't in tally with the op.

Odd isn't it? wink

BUG4LIFE

2,413 posts

239 months

Friday 3rd August 2012
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Can you get a decent Si Z4 for £10k though...if so, show me where?!

edc

9,464 posts

272 months

Saturday 4th August 2012
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DazBock said:
I have looked at boxsters and dreamed about one at length however I am put off by the servicing costs and lets be honest dated interior..
Just paid sub £400 for a major plus brake fluid at the main dealer. Insurance is £500 based on a now unneeded 10k miles.

DazBock

Original Poster:

825 posts

213 months

Saturday 4th August 2012
quotequote all
BUG4LIFE said:
Can you get a decent Si Z4 for £10k though...if so, show me where?!
Would consider this better than decent! They have really dropped in price, mythologically they are expensive to run...

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/sales/4040614.htm