Discussion
Had a good look round an F56 Mini today. It is a nice car and the interior feels like a fun place to be. Pan roof is a nice option, it's quite a big opening and let's a good bit of light and air into the cabin. You can fit normal people in the back seats too and there's plenty enough space for me. The only weird thing about the interior was that the central arm rest makes the handbrake difficult to operate. Even folded up my elbow was up against it. I'm sure you get used to these things!
So at the moment I'm stuck between the TT and the Mini.
TT looks great, it's top quality, fast, comfy, and it's a proper 2 seat rag top. The compromise is that if I want 4wd which I would I have to go automatic. Also it may not be so much fun to drive and my wife will probably moan a lot about it.
Mini with pan roof also looks great and feels premium. It gets the family seal of approval and there would be no compromise in it's usage. Fun to drive. But obviously it's not a convertible and is fwd. At least its manual though.
I'll have to see what comes up for me to test drive.
So at the moment I'm stuck between the TT and the Mini.
TT looks great, it's top quality, fast, comfy, and it's a proper 2 seat rag top. The compromise is that if I want 4wd which I would I have to go automatic. Also it may not be so much fun to drive and my wife will probably moan a lot about it.
Mini with pan roof also looks great and feels premium. It gets the family seal of approval and there would be no compromise in it's usage. Fun to drive. But obviously it's not a convertible and is fwd. At least its manual though.
I'll have to see what comes up for me to test drive.
Nice 124 that. I do like the Abarth, but prefer the look of the mx5 really.
So I have a couple of cars I'm interested in.
There's this Mini JCW
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042690...
I probably need a slap. It's not a roadster, it's an auto and it's also £15.5k for an 8 year old Mini. Oh and it has a crappy number plate too!
The reason I like it is the colour works for me. It seems to be fully loaded with every extra including pan roof. And the MOT history checks our, in fact it looks pretty well cared for in general. Its quick. It's also about 2 mins down the road.
Is that far too much money? And is the older auto bad news in these?
Then there's this mx5 RF.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024040583...
Ticks every box for me. I love it.
Is it daft to worry about rust on something like that? I mean I'd be keeping it 3 years and putting about 12k more miles on it. There's also a really good mx5 specialist about 10 miles from me so I'm sure I could get good advice on rust prevention if needed.
My heart says get the mx5. But I'll probably go and see that mini tomorrow!
So I have a couple of cars I'm interested in.
There's this Mini JCW
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042690...
I probably need a slap. It's not a roadster, it's an auto and it's also £15.5k for an 8 year old Mini. Oh and it has a crappy number plate too!
The reason I like it is the colour works for me. It seems to be fully loaded with every extra including pan roof. And the MOT history checks our, in fact it looks pretty well cared for in general. Its quick. It's also about 2 mins down the road.
Is that far too much money? And is the older auto bad news in these?
Then there's this mx5 RF.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024040583...
Ticks every box for me. I love it.
Is it daft to worry about rust on something like that? I mean I'd be keeping it 3 years and putting about 12k more miles on it. There's also a really good mx5 specialist about 10 miles from me so I'm sure I could get good advice on rust prevention if needed.
My heart says get the mx5. But I'll probably go and see that mini tomorrow!
blue al said:
A rainy day is the best day to benchmark this pair
Because being honest unless it’s a second car its much more likely to be the wrong weather most of the time you drive it…
Yes absolutely. I've thought about that a lot. A soft top is lovely when the sun is out and you can find time to get out on the right roads. So as a weekend it's great but early mornings in the middle of winter are maybe not so much fun!Because being honest unless it’s a second car its much more likely to be the wrong weather most of the time you drive it…
For me, it is a second car in that we have a main family car which we use most of the time. I use my car mainly to get to and from work which only amounts to about 4k miles a year. It does involve a couple of early mornings each week and the car lives outside. That's why I like the idea of the foldy hardtop like the RF which can be used as a coupe too. Or the Mini with sunroof which would also be fine year round.
Yes still quite undecided.
I usually overthink buying a car, procrastinate for ages and then end up buying something completely different on a whim. 2 cars ago I was dead set on a civic type r and looked at loads. Then I saw a BMW e92 on a local forecourt, called in for a test drive and bought it. Until then it wasn't even on the radar.
My current car is one of the only ones I bought after looking specifically for one!
I didn't get round to viewing the Mini despite having the time to do so. I guess that tells me what I need to know about that one. I don't want an auto JCW, not when manual ones are available. But more so, I probably don't really want a Mini.
The mx5 is where I started. Literally the only thing putting me off is all the stories of rust otherwise I don't think I'd be looking at anything else. So for now I'm going to focus on an ND2 RF because it'd be fine to use year round and should be new enough to avoid any issues within my ownership.
The blue one at Hilton is quite nice. It's had 3 owners and when I've been a lot of their stock is ropey. Probably why it's a little cheaper than others.
I usually overthink buying a car, procrastinate for ages and then end up buying something completely different on a whim. 2 cars ago I was dead set on a civic type r and looked at loads. Then I saw a BMW e92 on a local forecourt, called in for a test drive and bought it. Until then it wasn't even on the radar.
My current car is one of the only ones I bought after looking specifically for one!
I didn't get round to viewing the Mini despite having the time to do so. I guess that tells me what I need to know about that one. I don't want an auto JCW, not when manual ones are available. But more so, I probably don't really want a Mini.
The mx5 is where I started. Literally the only thing putting me off is all the stories of rust otherwise I don't think I'd be looking at anything else. So for now I'm going to focus on an ND2 RF because it'd be fine to use year round and should be new enough to avoid any issues within my ownership.
The blue one at Hilton is quite nice. It's had 3 owners and when I've been a lot of their stock is ropey. Probably why it's a little cheaper than others.
I have found this approved used ND1 at a dealer not too far from me.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024041887...
7 years old and 50k miles, I have no idea if that's likely to be suffering any rot underneath. But it's got full Mazda history and a completely clean MOT. I'd prefer the uprated engine with the ND2 but there is a fair difference in price.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024041887...
7 years old and 50k miles, I have no idea if that's likely to be suffering any rot underneath. But it's got full Mazda history and a completely clean MOT. I'd prefer the uprated engine with the ND2 but there is a fair difference in price.
EVLATECOMER said:
Circa £16k buys you a lot of Coopers Works model on the approved mini website.
Year warranty, full mini fsh and more
Do all these go on AT as that's where I tend to look. Or should I be checking other sites?Year warranty, full mini fsh and more
Problem I've found with JCW Minis is very few have the spec I'd want, and even fewer come with pan roof. It always seems to me that the approved used ones have the most miserly spec with loads of essential options missing.
I like the way this JCW looks.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
cerb4.5lee said:
ChrisH72 said:
I like the way this JCW looks.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
So you don't really like the way this one looks then?! http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
VeeReihenmotor6 said:
How about looking at "MX5 Specialist Sales" local to you and going from there if worried about rust? I can't see a specialist selling a bad example.
For example these people are are local to me and have a wide selection:
https://pvctrading.co.uk/available-stock/
Even have a NC folding hard top, didn't realise they existed. Thought they were all soft top. £9990 with just 24k on it.
https://pvctrading.co.uk/portfolio-item/poa-2011-1...
Yes there are some places nearby who seem to specialise in the mx5.For example these people are are local to me and have a wide selection:
https://pvctrading.co.uk/available-stock/
Even have a NC folding hard top, didn't realise they existed. Thought they were all soft top. £9990 with just 24k on it.
https://pvctrading.co.uk/portfolio-item/poa-2011-1...
The red mini was just an example of how many of them come with poor spec. It seems that the approved used ones are the least well equipped too. Its not a car I'm interested in.
Not driven any of them yet. But it's nice to narrow things down a bit on paper. I don't think any of them will drive badly and I'm not sure a short test drive will reveal what a car is really like to live with.
I've considered the GT86. In the past I've had a Celica T sport and an mr2 roadster. I love the idea of a fast Toyota and I do think the 86 is a good looking car. It would work for me practicality wise too. But I don't think I can get past its flaws, especially given how expensive they seem to be.
Not driven any of them yet. But it's nice to narrow things down a bit on paper. I don't think any of them will drive badly and I'm not sure a short test drive will reveal what a car is really like to live with.
I've considered the GT86. In the past I've had a Celica T sport and an mr2 roadster. I love the idea of a fast Toyota and I do think the 86 is a good looking car. It would work for me practicality wise too. But I don't think I can get past its flaws, especially given how expensive they seem to be.
a340driver said:
Looking a prices now ...The answer is always E85 Z4 (2.0/2.5/3.0)
I'm biased in that I have a Z4M 3.2
But for cheap roadstering the 2.0 is a sweetspot and a great car!
Certainly cheap enough to buy although I always thought the 2.0 in these was to be avoided at all costs? The 6 pot versions are more appealing. I'm biased in that I have a Z4M 3.2
But for cheap roadstering the 2.0 is a sweetspot and a great car!
Too old for me though I'm afraid.
That's great info thanks.
I am still leaning towards the Mazda. Never owned an mx5 and it's one of those cars I think most petrol heads should have at some point.
Which forum do you suggest? I'm still signed up to mx5nutz from when I bought the mr2 as I had the same choice back then. But I know there's mx5oc too.
Budget isn't strictly 10k. I could spend double that on the right car but do question the need to. Also if things didn't work out a cheaper car will be easier to get out of without losing too much.
This morning I was reading lots of reviews which say the soft top is better than the RF with lots mentioning buffeting with the target roof down. Thing is for me, I do need a year round car and I have no garage so in the winter it will be frozen up in a morning when I leave for work. Not sure how much of an issue that is in the soft top? I never needed to use the mr2 in winter but remember it being frozen on the inside. Also, I do love a coupe. I'd imagine that I would drive with roof closed 80% of the time and only drop the top on really nice sunny days. Probably wouldn't be driving really fast top down either.
I am still leaning towards the Mazda. Never owned an mx5 and it's one of those cars I think most petrol heads should have at some point.
Which forum do you suggest? I'm still signed up to mx5nutz from when I bought the mr2 as I had the same choice back then. But I know there's mx5oc too.
Budget isn't strictly 10k. I could spend double that on the right car but do question the need to. Also if things didn't work out a cheaper car will be easier to get out of without losing too much.
This morning I was reading lots of reviews which say the soft top is better than the RF with lots mentioning buffeting with the target roof down. Thing is for me, I do need a year round car and I have no garage so in the winter it will be frozen up in a morning when I leave for work. Not sure how much of an issue that is in the soft top? I never needed to use the mr2 in winter but remember it being frozen on the inside. Also, I do love a coupe. I'd imagine that I would drive with roof closed 80% of the time and only drop the top on really nice sunny days. Probably wouldn't be driving really fast top down either.
cerb4.5lee said:
LightningBlue said:
So many people floor it when you go for an overtake and I bet you’d run out of power and have to abort with that engine. I’d want the 2.0 to help and ideally the updated one with 184 bhp. They do look fantastic for 10 years on sale
I see this/get this a fair bit as well. It isn't a problem in the M4 because that is like a rocket in terms of overtakes, but I can get caught out a fair bit in the 370Z though. In the 370Z it is a bit more about how high your revs are in comparison, and if a turbo diesel or turbo petrol goes to floor it, then it gives me a bit of a problem as you say. Shappers24 said:
ChrisH72 said:
I like the way this JCW looks.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
That does have the drive modes - you can see it around the gear selector. But it is over priced. I picked up the LCI version with updated lights on a 2018 plate with only 34K on the clock for £14K in March this year . Benefit being it’s pre-opf so all the pops and bangs which I find hilarious. I’ve had many many cars in my time, gt86, supra, Nc Mx5, various mini’s, and the jcw F56 is by far the most fun to drive out of all of them. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042289...
But it's missing heated seats, drive modes, rear sensors which are all things I'd like. And no pan roof of course. And it's 8 years old with 3 owners for a fairly hefty price tag.
I'm not too keen on the pre face lift ones either. I like the Brexit lights on the later cars.
On the roadster front… I’ve also got ‘08 Z4 for some top down fun with the 2.5si engine. Compared to my old Mx5 NC (which was also a 2008) it’s a much better car. Decent build quality, better engine, looks better (in my opinion) and less concerns about it rusting to pieces.
I'm sure I'd enjoy a Mini. Might just be a bit similar to my Fiesta ST as far as driving goes. Only they cost considerably more than I'll get for the Ford.
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, from what I have read the 2 litre is best avoided - after all a straight 6 engine is one of the Z4s unique features!
But I'm also biased as I've had two 3 litres and currently an M Coupe.
If E85s are too old would an E89 work? Although by all accounts they are a bit more GT than sports car.
I did (do still maybe) have the e89 on the list although I sat in one the other day and was a bit underwhelmed by the interior quality. It looks good but some of the plastics felt a lot cheaper than I remember on my e92. But I'm also biased as I've had two 3 litres and currently an M Coupe.
If E85s are too old would an E89 work? Although by all accounts they are a bit more GT than sports car.
The other issue is which one? A 30i would give me 6 cylinders and a manual box but there aren't many to choose from. This is about the best I can see right now.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050192...
Then there's the later 28i but I'm not convinced of the reliability with many reports of timing chain issues. Also quite expensive to buy a nice one.
Then there's the wife. No chance she would drive a Z4 and that could potentially be a problem.
Of all my current choices she prefers the Mini (no surprise) but she really isn't a car person. I think she would come around to an mx5 because they're small and easy to drive. Probably okay with a TT as well although she did make comments about expensive maintenance.
Can anyone comment on how well insulated the ND soft top is during winter months? Particularly compared with the RF.
Here are a couple of ND2's at a Mazda dealer not too far from me.
RF
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050293...
Soft top
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042490...
When new the RF was more expensive but it doesn't seem to be the case used. Perhaps its slightly less popular? I prefer the soft top looks with roof down but the RF wins roof up. If I can get over there this week it would be really useful to try both.
Here are a couple of ND2's at a Mazda dealer not too far from me.
RF
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024050293...
Soft top
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042490...
When new the RF was more expensive but it doesn't seem to be the case used. Perhaps its slightly less popular? I prefer the soft top looks with roof down but the RF wins roof up. If I can get over there this week it would be really useful to try both.
It did go well thanks.
Lovely car which I'm 99.9% certain I will buy. The only sticking point is they don't really want my Fiesta in part ex, or at least they'll take it for a very low price. They actually suggested WBAC which comes out almost a grand more than their offer. But there's a catch to that too. My ST has less than a months MOT so that needs doing really. I'm on holiday next week and have it booked on 3rd of June. Just need to decide if it goes to WBAC or to try private sale which I'm not sure I can cope with to be honest. I'd really need to get it serviced too which is cutting down on any gains.
Is WBAC really as simple as it sounds?
In terms of the mx5 I have it on hold until tomorrow when I'll give them a decision.
Great car though. I'm only 5'8 and found it to be very comfy in the cabin. Drove at 60mph with the roof down and didn't notice the buffeting I'd read about, perhaps it only affects taller folk. Roof up refinement perfectly acceptable on the dual carriageway and I was surprised at how good the ride was. Better than the Fiesta. It was quite nice to rev it out and whilst the 4 pot doesnt sound particularly special it's quite zingy and raspy at the top end. Steering feel and gear shift are fantastic.
Lovely car which I'm 99.9% certain I will buy. The only sticking point is they don't really want my Fiesta in part ex, or at least they'll take it for a very low price. They actually suggested WBAC which comes out almost a grand more than their offer. But there's a catch to that too. My ST has less than a months MOT so that needs doing really. I'm on holiday next week and have it booked on 3rd of June. Just need to decide if it goes to WBAC or to try private sale which I'm not sure I can cope with to be honest. I'd really need to get it serviced too which is cutting down on any gains.
Is WBAC really as simple as it sounds?
In terms of the mx5 I have it on hold until tomorrow when I'll give them a decision.
Great car though. I'm only 5'8 and found it to be very comfy in the cabin. Drove at 60mph with the roof down and didn't notice the buffeting I'd read about, perhaps it only affects taller folk. Roof up refinement perfectly acceptable on the dual carriageway and I was surprised at how good the ride was. Better than the Fiesta. It was quite nice to rev it out and whilst the 4 pot doesnt sound particularly special it's quite zingy and raspy at the top end. Steering feel and gear shift are fantastic.
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