Some extra Summer Fun
Discussion
I've got a first world problem.,
I'm in the lucky posiiton to have an MGBv8, S2000 and a daily Jag XE, all paid for and running well. I'm tempted by something else.
I don't want to get rid of any of my current cars they all are a source of fun and enjoyment - the MGB and the S2K are if anything going up in price, so are not "costing" much - and the jag provides comfortable long distance cruising..
But I fancy being a little unfaithful and take the Honda off the road after 5 years of fun with it, store it for a couple of years and then decide whether to sell or keep it . In the mean time I want to get another convertible, ideally one that will be a relatively safe place for my cash.
I could spend up to about 10K, leaving a decent fighting fund for anything that needs doing - but it needs to be a proper 2 seater for fun days locally and weekends away, doing say three thousand miles a year. I have a garage space so it can be kept under cover, and can do most simple spannering jobs to keep costs down.
Small and agile rather than large & powerful suit the lake district roads so big engine Jags and TVRs don't suit.
My thoughts started with poverty pork - a 986 Boxster - though I've already had a 987.2 a 911 C2 coupe and a Cayman previously.
Have already had an SLK350, and never gelled with a Z car of any stripe Nissan or BMW.
An Elise isn't a practical proposition - too small as both myself and Mrs 51mes are not built for one of those.
I seem to be down to either an MX-5 (it may need some tweaking) or something a little more off the wall - such as what came up whilst looking at classifieds the other day - a Lotus Elan M100. The only other thing I can think of is a MK-3 MR-2.
Any suggestions from the PH Massive?
Thanks in advance...
I'm in the lucky posiiton to have an MGBv8, S2000 and a daily Jag XE, all paid for and running well. I'm tempted by something else.
I don't want to get rid of any of my current cars they all are a source of fun and enjoyment - the MGB and the S2K are if anything going up in price, so are not "costing" much - and the jag provides comfortable long distance cruising..
But I fancy being a little unfaithful and take the Honda off the road after 5 years of fun with it, store it for a couple of years and then decide whether to sell or keep it . In the mean time I want to get another convertible, ideally one that will be a relatively safe place for my cash.
I could spend up to about 10K, leaving a decent fighting fund for anything that needs doing - but it needs to be a proper 2 seater for fun days locally and weekends away, doing say three thousand miles a year. I have a garage space so it can be kept under cover, and can do most simple spannering jobs to keep costs down.
Small and agile rather than large & powerful suit the lake district roads so big engine Jags and TVRs don't suit.
My thoughts started with poverty pork - a 986 Boxster - though I've already had a 987.2 a 911 C2 coupe and a Cayman previously.
Have already had an SLK350, and never gelled with a Z car of any stripe Nissan or BMW.
An Elise isn't a practical proposition - too small as both myself and Mrs 51mes are not built for one of those.
I seem to be down to either an MX-5 (it may need some tweaking) or something a little more off the wall - such as what came up whilst looking at classifieds the other day - a Lotus Elan M100. The only other thing I can think of is a MK-3 MR-2.
Any suggestions from the PH Massive?
Thanks in advance...
Other than the MX5 you've already mentioned what about an Alfa Spider of c.2008 vintage or MINI Coopers S roadster? - I've never driven either but strangely have a client who has both (His & Hers) and they love both.
I've owned a mk3 MR2 a few back and that was huge fun, much better drive than the MX5 that I had before it.
Happy hunting!
Cheers,
Chris
I've owned a mk3 MR2 a few back and that was huge fun, much better drive than the MX5 that I had before it.
Happy hunting!
Cheers,
Chris
You could pickup a modified mk3 mx5 for £10k. A bbr turbo would give plenty of thrills but not that far away from your s2000 I guess.
Audi tt convertible?
Vx220? (Not as small as you might think but obviously very similar to an elise)
Alternatively go vintage but prices have gone up so much recently not sure how far 10k would take you.
Audi tt convertible?
Vx220? (Not as small as you might think but obviously very similar to an elise)
Alternatively go vintage but prices have gone up so much recently not sure how far 10k would take you.
Thanks folks,
One of my reasons for doing this way is to try something else - without having to get rid of the S2000, avoiding any regrets in selling it later.
I Know I'm lucky enough to be able to do this - I've been browsing the classifieds and autotrader/ebay will pop and take a look at an M100 at a dealer today - it's over budget but at least I can get a good look at one in the fibreglass without disturbing a private buyer before I'm ready to buy. they've also got a 986 2.7 - so will look at that whilst I'm there.
The Alfa Spider is a lovely thing and a good shout had one for the first Q4 Brera's in the UK, expensive to run as a daily but as a occasional car
something worth considering - it also makes a much better cruiser than the S2K.
The MX-5 with a bit of BBR fettling would end up very much like the S2K I agree - and probably wouldn't make financial sense.
S.
One of my reasons for doing this way is to try something else - without having to get rid of the S2000, avoiding any regrets in selling it later.
I Know I'm lucky enough to be able to do this - I've been browsing the classifieds and autotrader/ebay will pop and take a look at an M100 at a dealer today - it's over budget but at least I can get a good look at one in the fibreglass without disturbing a private buyer before I'm ready to buy. they've also got a 986 2.7 - so will look at that whilst I'm there.
The Alfa Spider is a lovely thing and a good shout had one for the first Q4 Brera's in the UK, expensive to run as a daily but as a occasional car
something worth considering - it also makes a much better cruiser than the S2K.
The MX-5 with a bit of BBR fettling would end up very much like the S2K I agree - and probably wouldn't make financial sense.
S.
What about a Fiat 124 they're about 2k over your budget but fit your brief perfectly:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Hot hatches - been there sort of done that - did have a dalliance with the idea of a 595c - Mrs 51mes didn't like it.
As for the FIAT Spider - had looked at the Arbath - and an amount of man maths could possibly make the budget stretch, it has a certain rarity about it with them stopping importing them so another good shout. Nobody local to me has one in stock so it would be an expensive leap of faith or a long day out. But definitely worth exploring.
booked in to drive an Elan next weekend - I'm out of the country this week with work, so wil have some time in hotels doing some more research and browsing..
Thanks,
S.
As for the FIAT Spider - had looked at the Arbath - and an amount of man maths could possibly make the budget stretch, it has a certain rarity about it with them stopping importing them so another good shout. Nobody local to me has one in stock so it would be an expensive leap of faith or a long day out. But definitely worth exploring.
booked in to drive an Elan next weekend - I'm out of the country this week with work, so wil have some time in hotels doing some more research and browsing..
Thanks,
S.
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