Summer Fun: What Car? aka I need an MX-5 don't I....?

[Tonberry]

I don't need another car. I don't have space form another car. I'll be buying one anyway.

A Rev 3 MR2 turbo is my preference but finding a decent T-Bar is difficult. I called dibs on one a year or so ago but it was up for sale and gone before I had even realised.

There isn't really a budget but I won't be spending more than £5k and I would rather not spend anywhere near that.

Uppy down roof and preferably 2 seats.

Do your worst.

[Pulse]

Mk3 MR2?

Mid-engined, reliable, rarer than an MX-5, better fuel economy (other than the Mk3 MX5), LSD as standard.

[Hideaway]

I can sell you a mk1 Eunos with no rust.

Not even advertised yet

[kambites]

My money would probably be going on a mk3 MR2. Or possibly stretching to a VX220.

[elephantstone]

MK3 MX5 2.0 Sport. Quick enough and good handling if you get full alignment done. I bought one in october after having a mk2 and i love it. Heated seats in the sport aswell so you can keep it during winter and enjoy some brisk winter drives with the roof down (like i have been doing).

[Scoticus]

Old school TVR with the ford v6

Might get a good one for that much.. Not upto date on current prices though..

Obvious mx5.. Maybe with a turbo or supercharger. However is a tad predictable

Fiat soft top?

Pretty sure you would get a Boxter too in that price range

Edited by Scoticus on Sunday 12th January 15:11

[Tonberry]

Pretty much what I thought was going to be suggested.

Lets discount the Mk3 MR2 and MX-5. MK2 MX-5 is in with a shout.

How about the Z3? I would imagine they're a massive step behind the Z4 but maybe a compromise?

E36 M3 Cabriolet? Not two seats I know but the only saloon based drop top I would consider.

Mk1 Audi TT Convertible? 225bhp Standard. Probably not engaging to drive.

VX220 is a left field option but I'm sure the budget stretches that far.

[shambollic]

Just keep searching for the right MR2. They are out there, just needing hunting down. With a car like that the heart should rule the head - you'll have way more fun that way

[kambites]

Tonberry said:

How about the Z3? I would imagine they're a massive step behind the Z4 but maybe a compromise?

The chassis is pretty rubbish - nowhere near the quality of the MR2 or MX5. Similarly with the TT. I haven't driven an E36 M3 cab, but the coupe drives nicely enough.

ETA: Having said that, I suppose the Z3 and TT aren't massively worse than the mk2 MR2 to drive, so if you'd be happy with one of them they might be worth a look.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 12th January 19:06

[grumbledoak]

I would second the MX-5 over the Z3, even with a bigger engine it isn't as good.

[deltashad]

700 quid will get you a white mgf with half red leather, vvc with 52 mm throttle bodies pumping out a whacking 150bhp on a nearly new engine.