£8000 budget for a 2 seater. What would you suggest?

[samg1988]

One of my friends has saved enough for a new car, and she'd really like something 2 seater and convertible for the summer.

Here's the wishlist...
£8000 max
Preferably black, but would consider other colours
Shes not fussed about RWD or not.
In or near Edinburgh, Scotland (I think she would travel for the right car though).
Ideally standard, but I could always put it back to standard for her.

I have an S2000, so I'm a bit biased towards that and other japanese cars. She's also been looking at Mk3 MX5s, BMW Z3 and Z4, Porsche Boxter.

Hearing some of the opinions on here would be of value I think. Bad experiences, running costs of any or other suggestions within the budget would be muchly appreciated!

Thanks

Edited by samg1988 on Saturday 23 April 20:58

[gareth.e]

Not a lot to add.. vx220, elise or 350zs might be worth a look at..

But a lot is down to personal taste imo

[Jasandjules]

Elise or S2000 I'd say. Both nicely planted on the roads.

If she was a bit, uh, adventurous then it would be a TVR Chimaera...

[tyranical]

You will get about a million responses along the lines of:

MX-5 Thread Closed.

75% of the people who post these responses have never owned one and just follow the hype.

Anyway,

BMW Z4 for me. Probably looking at a 2.5 for that money which in terms of performance isn't far off the 3.0.

Pretty bulletproof all round, theres only 2 "common" problems really.

1. Rear suspension springs snapping every 20k or so. Simply fit some eibachs and that solves that problem.

2. The motor housing for the roof isn't sealed on earlier models, over time the drains get blocked and result in the motor housing flooding and ruining the motor, an expensive fix however easily avoided by cleaning the drains out every few months.

[Arthur Jackson]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2746070.htm

[HonestIago]

I'd go with the Boxster if it were me but it'll probably be quite a long in the tooth example at that price. I imagine servicing/parts cost more than an MX5/S2000 as well.

[TotalControl]

Are Boxsters not down to that price yet?

My 3 choices

S2000.
Z4.
Elise.

Or what about some of those converts with those pathetic excuses for back seats? Surely that counts? That may widen your searches.

[wackojacko]

Elise S1 that's been looked after.

S2000

Boxster gen 1

Probably get a Z4 3.0 for that

TVR Chimeara

[geeteeaye]

S2000 for me.

But more importantly 'byist' - really?

[Steamer]

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2750999.htm

Just a thought. Not really my cup of tea.

My money would probably go on something along the lines of:



http://pistonheads.com/sales/2748644.htm

+ £105 left over for a wooly hat and a fleece!

Although as said above, Nissan 350Z?

[ewan221]

There is a nice looking Z3m roadster in Glasgow
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

or what about a 350z roadster sinve you like the japs ?

[FamilyDub]

Seven replies before 'byist' was picked up on...?

My my, the PH grammar police must be away for Easter break.

2.5 Z4 for me personally, from your list.

[robsco]

Would a late Alfa Spider V6 fit the bill?

[poing]

You've already got most of the choices there but if she's not worried about rwd then how about an Audi TT Roadster

Autotrader TT advert clicky

Chrysler Crossfire??
CC Autotrader Clicky

Mercedes SLK?
Merc Autotrader clicky

Personally I'd go for an MX5 for ease of ownership/fun for the money but I'm slightly biased

[Globs]

Fiat Barchetta, obviously.

You should also have change from £8k, result!

[frosted]

I just bought a lexus sc430 , then had to pass it on to my mum as she likes it so much

[ZesPak]

Bought an slk for the oh. There really is a point in a cc.

[WhoseGeneration]

samg1988 said:

One of my friends has saved enough for a new car, and she'd really like something 2 seater and convertible for the summer.

Here's the wishlist...
£8000 max
Preferably black, but would consider other colours
Shes not fussed about RWD or not.
In or near Edinburgh, Scotland (I think she would travel for the right car though).
Ideally standard, but I could always put it back to standard for her.

I have an S2000, so I'm a bit biased towards that and other japanese cars. She's also been looking at Mk3 MX5s, BMW Z3 and Z4, Porsche Boxter.

Hearing some of the opinions on here would be of value I think. Bad experiences, running costs of any or other suggestions within the budget would be muchly appreciated!

Thanks

Edited by samg1988 on Saturday 23 April 20:58

You fail to mention to what extent insurance and running costs, ie, fuel, servicing and maintenance are a concern in the decision.
So, Boxster, at £8K is bought, goes for service, new discs and pads all round are required, can she afford that?
Is she a driver or a poseur?

[Defcon5]

Does she want an accomplished drivers car, or something pretty?

[ROOODBOY]

My other half has had a Toyota MR2 Roadster for about three years.

The only downside is its lack of storage space (no boot front or rear, just a compartment behind the seats) but we've had weekends away in it without a problem.

It's been a great car, routine servicing, brakes, tyres etc. and no other parts needed at all in over 40k miles (she bought it at 13k miles).
Good fuel consumption and it really is a great car to drive, always puts a smile on my face.