4 seat MX5 = Mk1 Golf GTI Cab?
Discussion
Controversial perhaps, and looking for thoughts.
Situation: Been long term MX5 people - we've had 3 (2 mk1's and a mk2), with various amounts of modification, and absolutely love them. The handling, the reliability, the simplicity. Love it (except the rust).
But, due to familial expansion, 2 seats isn't enough any more. Need 4.
Looking for something fun that's soft top for occasional use. Both to take the fam out on roof down day trips, and also for the odd B-road blast. Will be garaged. Ideally something close to the MX5 experience.
But also would entertain other options that may not be fast or have great handling, but are different/interesting/"fun". Budget up to 5k, although could stretch if needed. Also happy to spend less, and not fussed about age or mileage, as long as it's not an unreliable shed.
So was thinking:
- Mk1 Golf GTI Cabriolet might be close to the needs? What do people think?
- Saab 9-3 Aero Cabriolet. These seem cheap with all the toys. And nice and safe and comfy. Although not as great handling.
- BMW 3 series. Although not sure why but doesn't inspire me.
Cheers.
Situation: Been long term MX5 people - we've had 3 (2 mk1's and a mk2), with various amounts of modification, and absolutely love them. The handling, the reliability, the simplicity. Love it (except the rust).
But, due to familial expansion, 2 seats isn't enough any more. Need 4.
Looking for something fun that's soft top for occasional use. Both to take the fam out on roof down day trips, and also for the odd B-road blast. Will be garaged. Ideally something close to the MX5 experience.
But also would entertain other options that may not be fast or have great handling, but are different/interesting/"fun". Budget up to 5k, although could stretch if needed. Also happy to spend less, and not fussed about age or mileage, as long as it's not an unreliable shed.
So was thinking:
- Mk1 Golf GTI Cabriolet might be close to the needs? What do people think?
- Saab 9-3 Aero Cabriolet. These seem cheap with all the toys. And nice and safe and comfy. Although not as great handling.
- BMW 3 series. Although not sure why but doesn't inspire me.
Cheers.
Deerfoot said:
blade7 said:
I've had a Golf MK1 GTi cab, it wouldn't see which way a MX5 went.
Me too. As above.Please don't become a BMW owner/driver the stigma will be too much to take.
The Audi A3 cabriolet would be worth a look because I wished I kept my first generation one. Build quality hugely better than my current Mercedes so much so I may p/ex for the current A3 cab. except the darn thing has grown almost as long as the A5 cab.
The Audi A3 cabriolet would be worth a look because I wished I kept my first generation one. Build quality hugely better than my current Mercedes so much so I may p/ex for the current A3 cab. except the darn thing has grown almost as long as the A5 cab.
A tin top MK1 on decent suspension and tyres is a very nice handler, sort the brakes as well whilst you are at it and they are great fun. Not driven a MK1 cab since about 1990 so not sure how different they are.
Saab Cabrios tend to be cruisers, I would say avoid the sportier versions as particularly with the later 9-3 Aero the suspension was too firm, and they all tend to be a bit floppy if you drive them too hard, enjoy the open roof and turbo power delivery but they arent for carving round country lanes at speed but pleasant anyway.
Saab Cabrios tend to be cruisers, I would say avoid the sportier versions as particularly with the later 9-3 Aero the suspension was too firm, and they all tend to be a bit floppy if you drive them too hard, enjoy the open roof and turbo power delivery but they arent for carving round country lanes at speed but pleasant anyway.
J4CKO said:
A tin top MK1 on decent suspension and tyres is a very nice handler, sort the brakes as well whilst you are at it and they are great fun. Not driven a MK1 cab since about 1990 so not sure how different they are.
Saab Cabrios tend to be cruisers, I would say avoid the sportier versions as particularly with the later 9-3 Aero the suspension was too firm, and they all tend to be a bit floppy if you drive them too hard, enjoy the open roof and turbo power delivery but they arent for carving round country lanes at speed but pleasant anyway.
The final shape 9-3 was much better in this respect but still no sports car. I had a 93 v6 turbo with the 6 speed manual and it was pretty good on the corners, but, as you say, more a cruiser. Great value cars and just niiice, like VolvoSaab Cabrios tend to be cruisers, I would say avoid the sportier versions as particularly with the later 9-3 Aero the suspension was too firm, and they all tend to be a bit floppy if you drive them too hard, enjoy the open roof and turbo power delivery but they arent for carving round country lanes at speed but pleasant anyway.
None of these will be close to the MX5 experience, that's not to say you can't have fun with them but it'll be a different kind of fun.
CLK350 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
280 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
A4 2.0T S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
3.2 S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
325 M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Drive a MK1 & I'm not sure you'll be impressed the scuttle shake is pretty epic & the handling is okay for what it is.
Leftfield:
Audi Cabriolet rare & a throw back with a more solid car & handling on par with the MK1
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
C70 T5 SE Lux a good car with a nice amount of go
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
2.0t Eos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
CLK350 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
280 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
A4 2.0T S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
3.2 S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
325 M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Drive a MK1 & I'm not sure you'll be impressed the scuttle shake is pretty epic & the handling is okay for what it is.
Leftfield:
Audi Cabriolet rare & a throw back with a more solid car & handling on par with the MK1
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
C70 T5 SE Lux a good car with a nice amount of go
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
2.0t Eos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions! Not fussed either way about RWD.
Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
Cooper S convertible seems nearest in size and ethos of fun, small motoring. Would be my choice. I enjoyed, rather than loved, driving my R53 but wonder if fun of having a roof down at same time would have been better again.
Know it's not quite the same, and might not even be in budget, but didn't they do a roll back roof version on the Arbath 500? Like a sardine can style? Ignore if too pricey.
Got to say the BMW 1 series convertible looks nice too. Decent proportions for a four seater without looking like you are in JFK's limo.
Know it's not quite the same, and might not even be in budget, but didn't they do a roll back roof version on the Arbath 500? Like a sardine can style? Ignore if too pricey.
Got to say the BMW 1 series convertible looks nice too. Decent proportions for a four seater without looking like you are in JFK's limo.
I've pondered this a lot.
Used to own an MR2 roadster and absolutely loved it. I wish I'd kept it really but having a child meant it had to go.
Every time the sun comes out I think about another convertible but it would need to have 4 seats. For me it also needs to be useable all year round and fine to be kept out on the drive.
Having looked longingly at mx5's I worked out the closest thing is the mini cooper s convertible. The first one r53 didn't have a good rep but the R56 was apparently much more sorted. There's a Jason Plato shoot out on YouTube between the cooper s and mx5 NC and they are quite different but very evenly matched for fun.
I've also looked at the 125i convertible, just about doable at your budget and the Audi A3 2.0 tfsi cabriolet which is pretty cheap now and ticks a lot of boxes.
Used to own an MR2 roadster and absolutely loved it. I wish I'd kept it really but having a child meant it had to go.
Every time the sun comes out I think about another convertible but it would need to have 4 seats. For me it also needs to be useable all year round and fine to be kept out on the drive.
Having looked longingly at mx5's I worked out the closest thing is the mini cooper s convertible. The first one r53 didn't have a good rep but the R56 was apparently much more sorted. There's a Jason Plato shoot out on YouTube between the cooper s and mx5 NC and they are quite different but very evenly matched for fun.
I've also looked at the 125i convertible, just about doable at your budget and the Audi A3 2.0 tfsi cabriolet which is pretty cheap now and ticks a lot of boxes.
mrzuckinihead said:
Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions! Not fussed either way about RWD.
Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
Personally I think you'd find the larger saloon based cars a bit dull, they are fine cruisers no doubt. But will all feel a bit boring compared to the MX-5. And apart from the roof down experience, they are all based on rather boring cars in the first place. Essentially I think they would lack sense of occasion.Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
The MINI is probably the most fun 4 seater in this price range with a top down ability. But I'd suggest you check if the rear seats are going to be big enough for your needs, they are quite small. The boot will also seem small compared to those on an MX-5.
Ultimately, there is a real lack of compact 2+2 sporting cars. In the US you'd have had larger pony style cars such as the Mustang/Camaro/Firebird. But nothing likely to be in your price range, except maybe a Camaro. But they are certainly bigger and heavier than an MX-5. But would likely have very good sense of occasion about them.
For some budget top down thrills I think I might be looking at the PT Cruiser convertible. The PT generally gets a bad rap in the UK, which keeps prices low. But I think it is just snobbery more than anything. They always reviewed well in other parts of the world.
They have a footprint not much bigger than a Corsa, but interior space more akin to a same era Focus. I would also say they rank well on the sense of occasion factor too. Sadly Chrysler never offered the speedy 2.4 turbo in the UK. But I'm willing to bet they go no worse/handling relatively speaking than something like a small engine BMW convertible or Saab/Volvo. You should be able to get one for £1800-3000 too.
I have no direct experience of this but...
I have seen comment from people with convertibles that children tire quickly of the noise and buffeting they get in the back seats.
With a 5k budget you could maybe get a focus/c max family wagon and spend a couple of grand on a tidy ish mk2 mx5?
I have seen comment from people with convertibles that children tire quickly of the noise and buffeting they get in the back seats.
With a 5k budget you could maybe get a focus/c max family wagon and spend a couple of grand on a tidy ish mk2 mx5?
I'd say the OP isn't looking for an mx5 plus a more practical car. Like me, the idea is probably more to get an open top that the family can enjoy?
I know it's the classic golf GTi cabrio that's mentioned in this thread, but what are people's opinion on the more modern one from 2012 (Mk6 I think)?. It's one of those cars I've always really liked the look of but reviews are not that positive, especially from the likes of Clarkson!
I know it's the classic golf GTi cabrio that's mentioned in this thread, but what are people's opinion on the more modern one from 2012 (Mk6 I think)?. It's one of those cars I've always really liked the look of but reviews are not that positive, especially from the likes of Clarkson!
Yeah, we already have the practical MPV, so this is a weekend/fun car - boot space etc not the most important.
It's a good point about the kids - fitting the car seats in the back, and will they even like it. We'll just have to see.
It does sound like a Cooper S is the closest to a 4 seat MX5, so will definitely look and check out the Plato Youtube vid.
I know logically a 3-series BMW (either a late E46 or an E92) makes alot of sense, as does the A3 Cab, but I don't know, doesn't inspire joy - or as someone above put it, "sense of occasion". Maybe something american also makes sense - if you can't go fast, go loud!
If the child car seats are too big for the Mini, then it will have to be a saloon based cab - and probably a Saab because it's a bit different, or the Audi 80 because it just looks classy (and in my opinion a bit nicer than the A4 that replaced it). Fast cross country driving and kids doesn't mix - unless you have leather seats to clean up the resultant vomit! So wafting probably does make more sense.
Had, and probably would, dismiss anything later than a Mk1 Golf - those mk6 do look like a lot of car for the money, but again, not sure it would inspire the grin. Same with a CLK - alot of car, but not sure it does it for me...
It's a good point about the kids - fitting the car seats in the back, and will they even like it. We'll just have to see.
It does sound like a Cooper S is the closest to a 4 seat MX5, so will definitely look and check out the Plato Youtube vid.
I know logically a 3-series BMW (either a late E46 or an E92) makes alot of sense, as does the A3 Cab, but I don't know, doesn't inspire joy - or as someone above put it, "sense of occasion". Maybe something american also makes sense - if you can't go fast, go loud!
If the child car seats are too big for the Mini, then it will have to be a saloon based cab - and probably a Saab because it's a bit different, or the Audi 80 because it just looks classy (and in my opinion a bit nicer than the A4 that replaced it). Fast cross country driving and kids doesn't mix - unless you have leather seats to clean up the resultant vomit! So wafting probably does make more sense.
Had, and probably would, dismiss anything later than a Mk1 Golf - those mk6 do look like a lot of car for the money, but again, not sure it would inspire the grin. Same with a CLK - alot of car, but not sure it does it for me...
I think the mini is slightly quicker due to being turbo but the mx5 is obviously more of a sports car. Both fun though.
How old are the kids? I know the mini has isofix points in the rear so car seats must fit. My lad is 4 and has just moved to a stage 2/3 conventional car seat. I'm sure he'd be fine in a mini. But I also have similar concerns that actually he wouldn't like it all that much. For me it would only be very occasional journeys with the three of us but it would be nice to be able to do weekends away. Most of the time is have the seats folded for extra load space.
My other guilty pleasure is the abarth 500c but they start around £6k. I love the look of them but again reviews say they don't drive all that well.
How old are the kids? I know the mini has isofix points in the rear so car seats must fit. My lad is 4 and has just moved to a stage 2/3 conventional car seat. I'm sure he'd be fine in a mini. But I also have similar concerns that actually he wouldn't like it all that much. For me it would only be very occasional journeys with the three of us but it would be nice to be able to do weekends away. Most of the time is have the seats folded for extra load space.
My other guilty pleasure is the abarth 500c but they start around £6k. I love the look of them but again reviews say they don't drive all that well.
mrzuckinihead said:
Thanks for the feedback and the suggestions! Not fussed either way about RWD.
Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
The 1.8 is decent but your pulling a bit of weight which was why I suggested the 350.Thinking I’ll abandon the mk1 GTI idea, as not sure it ticks the boxes, plus seems a bit more budget needed to avoid a rust box.
- Didn’t realise CLKs were so cheap. Is the 1.8 kompressor any good? Assuming good cruiser and okish handling, like the Saab.
- Does the Audi 80 handle? Had assumed not, but that one in link above is very pretty.
- What about the Mini Cooper S? Didn’t realise they were so rapid and apparently handle. And quite cheap now.
Ta very much.
200 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The Cooper S is a good pick but it'll depend on how old your children are because space isn't their forte.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Later 190
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Also consider the DS3 they have a good chassis & share the same drivetrain as the Cooper
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I like the Abarth 500C but they're 6k:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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