My MX5 has just been killed, what to replace it with

[carmadgaz]

I've had the phone call I've been dreading this morning, following a coming together with an Alfa GTV the other week (my fault ) the engineers rang this morning to say that My '99 Mk2 MX-5 is beyond economic repair (clocked over £2k of damage + unspecified they expect to find) .

So now I need to find something to replace the old girl with. Do I bite the bullet and buy another or do I skip forward to the sensible Diesel hatch I was planning to replace it with (in a few years time.)

Only real criteria are, good on fuel (35mpg at worse) , resonable performance and sensible insurance (1 fault claim, clean license 22yo with 2years NCB). Fun to drive would be a bonus. Budget is £3000 max

Something unsual gains extra marks.

[LukeBird]

Replace it!

[garrykiller]

another mx5?

[Herman Toothrot]

Mk3 mr2 is a similar beast but is more economical than the mx5.

[Uhura fighter]

How come you have two years NCB when you have just crashed?

Do have it protected?

[bozmandb9]

How bad is the damage to the MX5? Is it beyond economic repair, or unsafe to repair? Maybe you could buy if off the insurers and get it done, or do it yourself?

Otherwise, how about a classic Porsche 944? Not sure about the MPG though.

Unless you're doing mega miles I would compromise on the MPG, you're only 22 once, and in a few years fast petrol cars will be banned anyway, so enjoy them whilst you can.

Alfa Spider?

Lotus Elan?

[carmadgaz]

Uhura fighter said:

How come you have two years NCB when you have just crashed?

Do have it protected?

I didn't think so but that is what I was informed when I rang them, confused me a bit too!

bozmandb9 said:

How bad is the damage to the MX5? Is it beyond economic repair, or unsafe to repair? Maybe you could buy if off the insurers and get it done, or do it yourself?

Otherwise, how about a classic Porsche 944? Not sure about the MPG though.

Unless you're doing mega miles I would compromise on the MPG, you're only 22 once, and in a few years fast petrol cars will be banned anyway, so enjoy them whilst you can.

Alfa Spider?

Lotus Elan?

Cosmeticly it appears to be a few light scraps, but it appears I have knocked axles / suspension out of whack, as I said repair bill is £2k plus, that's before allowing for any other damage caused. Had that thought but I'd be entering a minefield.

I do occasionally do mega miles, I already have two thirsty vehicles (67 Landie and 68 Volvo Amazon), the Mazda is the most efficient.

I'd love a 944, toyed with the idea but the insurance would be too steep

several people said:

Replace it

I am seriously considering it, but that's the second time the backend has caught me out (though this time was down to my stupidity) and if I get another I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much

[bozmandb9]

carmadgaz said:

I am seriously considering it, but that's the second time the backend has caught me out (though this time was down to my stupidity) and if I get another I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much

Have you checked out the insurance on a 944? I wouldn't have thought it would be too bad, will Adrian Flux give you a classic policy as an under 25?

[carmadgaz]

bozmandb9 said:

Have you checked out the insurance on a 944? I wouldn't have thought it would be too bad, will Adrian Flux give you a classic policy as an under 25?

Can't say I have, AF will give classic policies to U25 (both other cars are on Classic Policies with AF).

The other issue with the 944 is the fuel costs, the Volvo assaults my wallet bad enough, bear in mind I'm currently unemployed!

[300bhp/ton]

Unless you need the seating capacity I think any diesel hatch would be such a let down and so boring compared to the MX-5 and your other vehicles.

So if 2 seats are enough I'd say look for another sports car of some kind or at least a coupe.

Suzuki Cappuccino maybe?
Fiat Barchetta
MGF VVC

Coupe's, a solid tidy MX-3 or a late model Puma. Maybe even a StreetKa.

If it must be a hatch then how about finding or building a VVC powered Metro/Rover 100. !50-170hp in a 700-750kg car. Good mpg and lots of fun.

[carmadgaz]

300bhp/ton said:

Unless you need the seating capacity I think any diesel hatch would be such a let down and so boring compared to the MX-5 and your other vehicles.

So if 2 seats are enough I'd say look for another sports car of some kind or at least a coupe.

Suzuki Cappuccino maybe?
Fiat Barchetta
MGF VVC

Coupe's, a solid tidy MX-3 or a late model Puma. Maybe even a StreetKa.

If it must be a hatch then how about finding or building a VVC powered Metro/Rover 100. !50-170hp in a 700-750kg car. Good mpg and lots of fun.

Seating is a bonus, I borrow mums Mondeo at the moment if I need a ecobox (assuming she is about). I've had diesel hatches before, may be a bit dull but the rest of the fleet would make up for it. The MX5 was a treat after we sold nan's old house. With the exception of the Suzuki that list have never grabbed my imagination, I may as well have another '5.

I don't trust myself in something as pokey and flimsy as a K-series 100, they do look like fun though

A project vehicle is really a no-go as I need a reliable daily (the toys cost enough in maintainace) and I'll need it quickly (currently in a 1.2 Polo Courtesy car but that'll have to go back soon)

ETA- MX-3, there's a thought

Edited by carmadgaz on Tuesday 3rd May 11:26

[browno]

How about going for a compromise and heading down the hot hatch route? You should get a decent and unmessed with late full fat clio 172 for that money, which is a great drive, has lots of toys and will hit 30-35mpg - just make sure the belts have been done when needed. Will definitely be more exciting than a run of the mill diesel hatch, but doesn't look too shouty at the same time...