Time to downgrade *wimpers*

[Rage Page]

Hey all,

I am James/Pagey/Vale call me what you wish but please limit the insults. I am a long time reader first time poster but I am generally interested in your opinion as the the situation I am in.

I currently drive my much loved and gorgeous Mazda RX-8 231 with Mazda Speed Body Kit. It is a truly excellent car but unfortunately several circumstances are forcing me to consider downsizing. My better half at the age of 25 is taking her test(better late than never) in a few months. Due to rising insurance costs its going to be either very expensive or impossible to insure her on the RX-8 (being a resident of Brighton). Also combined with the increasing fuel costs and renovations being planned for our home, getting something (a little) more economical is important 30 to 40 mpg ideally. Unfortunately due to our location a second car is not really a affordable option at the moment, at least not until I get that pay rise I dream about.

I am looking for something sporty with in the price range equal to the value of my RX-8 which I am assuming is somewhere between 5 and 6k at 62k miles. Low mileage is important as I don't want something to heavy as I will be piling on mileage my self due to my commute so anything below 40k is best. I do want some power and reliability is a boon. Also if possible Rear wheel drive would be great.

I have been looking mx-5's but I am not sure if its worth going with the mk1 or mk2 and which models are best for the money. The Mk2 1.8 sport looks like the best option for the mk2 but I am stumped on the mk1.

If you have any suggestions I would like to hear them.

Thank you for reading this wall of text

Vale

[Jeffmaniac]

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

[sebhaque]

Jeffmaniac said:

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

If I'm honest I can't imagine OP's OH will be a manic driver pushing the limits of grip on every journey she takes. MX-5 is a good shout (as this forum will tell you!). If you want a bit of space, have you considered a BMW E46 diesel coupé? They've aged quite well and a decent diesel with ~60k miles should be in your budget. I know it's a bit above your ideal mileage but diesels aren't built for baby miles.

Other alternatives are the Octavis VRS - FWD but very capable, A4s, W203 C-classes, or Clio 182s (or similar hot hatches). I know they're not rwd etc but they'll definitely put a smile on your face.

If you really want to take a different route you could sell the RX-8 privately, and spend £2000 on a Mk4 GTI for the missus (that you could pinch) and have £4000 left for something interesting.

[NiceCupOfTea]

If going for a Mk.1, UK cars will be cheaper on insurance, but lower spec and tend to be rustier.

Have you thought of buying a cheap shed hatchback as a learner for the Mrs. and you get to keep the fun car?

[CraigyMc]

Jeffmaniac said:

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

I'd agree with this. Get a focus, if two of you have to share. After a year, get something fun.

It's Brighton? One of the best places for public transport in the South.

(I feel quite dirty for saying that).

C

[CraigyMc]

sebhaque said:

If you really want to take a different route you could sell the RX-8 privately, and spend £2000 on a Mk4 GTI for the missus (that you could pinch) and have £4000 left for something interesting.

In brighton he won't have anywhere to park, not even for £4K.

[550Hep]

Brighton, RX-8, 25 and other half is she!! Buck the trend some more and go for a classic of some description?

[volvoforlife]

BMW 325ti

[CraigyMc]

550Hep said:

Brighton, RX-8, 25 and other half is she!! Buck the trend some more and go for a classic of some description?

Haha, I was thinking similar but it's a little rude.

[jbi]

Jeffmaniac said:

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

[CraigyMc]

jbi said:

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

Or, of course, fiery death under a bus that much faster.

Your call.

C

[jbi]

CraigyMc said:

jbi said:

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

Or, of course, fiery death under a bus that much faster.

Your call.

C

if your that bad... you shouldn't be on the road.

My first car was a 2 ton RWD saloon and it taught me more than my instructor ever managed.

[GravelBen]

CraigyMc said:

jbi said:

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

Or, of course, fiery death under a bus that much faster.

Yes, because RWD always causes instant explosions for inexperienced drivers

It really isn't that scary...

[down4whatever]

Jeffmaniac said:

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

Without wishing to re-hash oft-discussed topics, do you really, honestly believe that RWD cars are terrifying, uncontrollably lairy beasts? THIS IS NOT TRUE! Especially with a 115bhp 1.6. However I do have to agree on the blind spots with the roof up-which is why mine never is :-P

[NiceCupOfTea]

CraigyMc said:

jbi said:

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

Or, of course, fiery death under a bus that much faster.

Your call.

C

Yes, in fact, the entire human race was wiped out in the 50s when a generation learned to drive in RWD cars.

[Rage Page]

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks.

Unfortunately a second car isn't a option for us really due to double the insurance, tax and maintenance. Also the parking in Brighton with the permit system that covers most of the city its not really cost effective. Also my other half will not be driving regularly. She works in the city centre so she usually walks or catches the very find public transport system full of special brew drinking patrons.

She will be driving when she travels to see friends or when she is off doing comedy gigs and what not. I want something with a bit of beef and excitement so can still enjoy my road trips to Le Mans in the summers on them lovely windy French roads, and to make my 60 mile daily commute a bit more interesting.

My friend says he knows a tidy MX-5 1.8SE for sale for 3.5k with about 60k miles on the clock in BRG. Not sure if the SE is a particularly good model to go for but seems to be a quicker on the 0-60 than the sport.

Vale

[anonymous-user]

Nothing is a better introduction to RWD than a Viva with remoulds. Cant think of the last time I saw one on the road

[Tunku]

NiceCupOfTea said:

CraigyMc said:

jbi said:

You should start with RWD as soon as you learn IMO, teaches you the basics much faster.

Or, of course, fiery death under a bus that much faster.

Your call.

C

Yes, in fact, the entire human race was wiped out in the 50s when a generation learned to drive in RWD cars.

I remember that, Triumphs, Singers and Hillmans everywhere, fires raging at every corner. Thank God the Mini came along.

[trickywoo]

MX5s aren't great on fuel consumption. When I was researching it looked like very low 30s was the absolute best you can expect. Very poor for a light small engined car.

[ewenm]

Jeffmaniac said:

Whilst I can testify that MX5's are great cars its not a good start for a driver who will have only just passed their test. RWD is not easy if you are not used to it and with the roof up MX5 has a few blind spot.

RWD is only an issue if you're driving beyond your capabilities or inappropriately for the conditions. Thousands of people drive RWD cars every day with no issues at all (the plethora of 3-series drivers for example).

I'd say a MX5 is a good car for the OPs requirements and I think the mk2 is the best looking. The first RWD car I drove was at the age of 23 when I drove the Caterham back from the dealer, in the dark, rainy, busy streets of London - poor visibility, unfamiliar car, RWD, unknown route and amazingly it didn't kill me to death!!! As long as the driver is sensible then RWD should not cause any problems at all.

Edited by ewenm on Wednesday 26th January 10:33