'Flowing' down the road

[Cabsi]

I've had my MX5 for over a year now, and I'm starting to become bored with the way it goes down the road. It's a 59 reg mk3.5 Sport Tech and runs on the standard Bilsteins and springs. Lots of people seem to get these lowered, but I suspect that may only compound my problem - it seems to skip down the road rather than absorbing the inevitable holes and bumps.

After a early morning drive this morning, I've come to the conclusion that the MX5 'Jinba ittai' is a load of cods. So, what cars would you recommend with a max budget of £15k which would deliver the 'flowing' down the road feeling I'm after? Criteria would be:

- second car so only 4k miles per year. Mpg not really an issue.
- sorted suspension that will deliver fun and some absorption
- convertible
- manual or auto (not bothered)
- small enough to handle B roads
- quick enough, but doesn't have to be super quick
- reasonable insurance and reliability

I think the Elise would deliver against many of these, but I've heard enough about their fragility to put me off.

Don't laugh, but I was wondering about a 350 SLK? I drove one at Thruxton a few years back and it was great fun...

All views appreciated!

[Shaw Tarse]

Before you change, have you had the geo checked?

[FreeLitres]

A TVR Chimaera 500.

I think I know a perfect one that might be available close to your budget...

Edited by FreeLitres on Sunday 9th September 16:12

[krunchkin]

S2K

[Cabsi]

Thanks Shaw Tarse - I haven't, but was considering a trip to Wheels in Motion. Apparently setting these up can be tricky, but I'm a little skeptical that it will help what feels like a shocks/ spring rate issue?

FreeLitres - I did say reasonably reliable... but its looks lovely. I was behind a TVR this morning and it sounded awesome.

Krunchkin - I tried a S2K a few years back and from memory it also jumped about, and Insurance is also toppy. Very fast though, and the gear change was miles better than my MX.

Thanks all.

[FreeLitres]

Cabsi said:

FreeLitres - I did say reasonably reliable... but its looks lovely. I was behind a TVR this morning and it sounded awesome.

I know TVRs do have a reputation, but if you get a good one, they are as reliable as any other car.

I recently took mine on a Euro road trip down to Monaco via Stelvio Pass. Despite these being very demanding roads, the little Chim didn't miss a beat and performed fautlessly! Is has never let me down over my 2 years of ownership, unlike my 12-plate Passat which will need a new clutch after 6000 miles :P

If you spend £5k on a Chim, it might be a different matter though.

[greggy50]

A nice 987 Boxter S may be worth a look at

[Mr E]

For flow, an Elise is very hard to beat.

[FreeLitres]

TheLastPost said:

Off topic, but WTF have you been doing to it to kill the clutch within 6,000 miles?! I assume it will be replaced FoC under manufacturer's warranty?

Diagnosed as a crack in one of the clutch cylinders. Apparently, they have had a few new Passats back with the same problem. I've been driving it like an Angel as I am trying to make my works fuel payments actually cover the cost of the Diesel I put in.

[shaggy] It wasn' me [/shaggy]

[sawman]

2cv's flow pretty well (tidal flow anyhow) but you would struggle to get a decent one for your budget

[Cabsi]

Thanks folks.

I'm really not brave enough for a TVR..

A 987 Boxster S may be a goer, if I can find the right one (presumably with PASM).

And looks like I will need to do more research on the Elise. Can anyone point me towards a good used guide?