What convertible/sports car?
Discussion
Morning guys,
Yes, another what car? thread.
My car history is chequered to say the least, although this is down to passing my motorbike test long before my car test & having mainly fast bikes for the last 10 years!
Previous cars in order: 1.2 Renault Clio, 1.2 Punto, Renault Scenic (kids), Smart Forfour Brabus (awesome little hot-hatch & the current vehicle, a 118i 1 series.
Due to a new job, i will shortly be offered a company car, something boring & DERV like an insignia i'd imagine.
Which frees up some money for something fun for the weekends, MPG isn't an issue as i'll be doing very minimal miles in it! It must be a convertible though, i've always wanted one & now seems like a good time to get one! 4 seats would be a bonus, although 2 is also fine, as i can use the company car if needed for more people.
Insurance also shouldn't be an issue.
It must have some form of power, as the 1 series is woeful in that dept.
I definitely don't want an MX5 though, or something 'classic'.
Budget is maxed out at £7,000.
Cars i've considered thus far: 3 series convertible, A4 (although i'm not a big fan), Z4, Z3, S2000, 350Z (although i'm not sure i'd get a decent one in budget for the 350/S2000).
Is there anything obvsious i've overlooked?
Yes, another what car? thread.
My car history is chequered to say the least, although this is down to passing my motorbike test long before my car test & having mainly fast bikes for the last 10 years!
Previous cars in order: 1.2 Renault Clio, 1.2 Punto, Renault Scenic (kids), Smart Forfour Brabus (awesome little hot-hatch & the current vehicle, a 118i 1 series.
Due to a new job, i will shortly be offered a company car, something boring & DERV like an insignia i'd imagine.
Which frees up some money for something fun for the weekends, MPG isn't an issue as i'll be doing very minimal miles in it! It must be a convertible though, i've always wanted one & now seems like a good time to get one! 4 seats would be a bonus, although 2 is also fine, as i can use the company car if needed for more people.
Insurance also shouldn't be an issue.
It must have some form of power, as the 1 series is woeful in that dept.
I definitely don't want an MX5 though, or something 'classic'.
Budget is maxed out at £7,000.
Cars i've considered thus far: 3 series convertible, A4 (although i'm not a big fan), Z4, Z3, S2000, 350Z (although i'm not sure i'd get a decent one in budget for the 350/S2000).
Is there anything obvsious i've overlooked?
theguvernor said:
Is there anything obvsious i've overlooked?
Yes:- http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...The obvious omission is a Boxster.
I'd probably go with an S2000 myself from your list but I like screaming engines. I definitely wouldn't even consider a 3 series or A4...it's a weekend toy, get a bloody sportscar not a commuter with the roof cut off!
Personally I was in the exact same boat with a boring company car and similar budget and went with an MNR Vortx as a weekender/trackday car but that is a fairly extreme option. You could get a VX220 or possibly a cheap Elise for something slightly less manic and more usable.
I'd probably go with an S2000 myself from your list but I like screaming engines. I definitely wouldn't even consider a 3 series or A4...it's a weekend toy, get a bloody sportscar not a commuter with the roof cut off!
Personally I was in the exact same boat with a boring company car and similar budget and went with an MNR Vortx as a weekender/trackday car but that is a fairly extreme option. You could get a VX220 or possibly a cheap Elise for something slightly less manic and more usable.
Edited by T0MMY on Tuesday 6th January 11:45
You're just about in Boxster or Elise territory, and when in fine form neither can be beaten in the categories they sit in, but they won't be in fine form for £7k and I'd be worried about running costs and the cost to get them driving like they should. I'd say that the Z4 and S2000 are probably your best bet - the Z4 has the better driving position for most people and feels more keyed into the road, but the S2000 has Honda build quality, fit and finish and is a smaller more nimble car.
Edited by RobM77 on Tuesday 6th January 11:50
Should get a decent 350Z convertible for that, im in mine today, its a bit of a yobbo of a car with a drink problem really, not subtle or delicate but endearing all the same, loads more fun that a 3 series convertible (unless its an M3).
I just worked out the fuel consumption over the last tank, 18.3 MPG on SUL !
I just worked out the fuel consumption over the last tank, 18.3 MPG on SUL !
theguvernor said:
I must admint the thought of a TVR scares me, as does a Boxster, more for the running/servicing costs of the latter & the worry that the TVR will spend more time falling apart than being driven, i'm mechanically retarded.
Chimaeras are much simpler cars than Cerberas and T-cars. It's just a Rover V8 and all the electrics etc are from mainstream cars. They really don't fall apart all the time. There are plenty mechanically inept owners quite happy. They very rarely break down as such. Most owners who can't or don't want to get their hands dirty just add a couple of extra items to the annual service visit to their nearest/favourite specialist. If it doesn't appeal, it doesn't appeal though which is completely understandable 
RobM77 said:
You're just about in Boxster or Elise territory, and when in fine form neither can be beaten in the categories they sit in, but they won't be in fine form for £7k and I'd be worried about running costs and the cost to get them driving like they should. I'd say that the Z4 and S2000 are probably your best bet - the Z4 has the better driving position for most people and feels more keyed into the road, but the S2000 has Honda build quality, fit and finish and is a smaller more nimble car.
Can't agree with that regarding the Boxster.Edited by RobM77 on Tuesday 6th January 11:50
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