Fun budget economical used sports car? (weekend use)

[infernouk]

hey guys

So Im going to assume the answer to this question is MX-5, but I wanted to sense check my situation first.

I owned a GT86 which was great, but I didn't like paying PCP, the torque dip on accelerating, and the amount of attention it got from fiesta ST drivers, so I sold it and bought an VW UP when I moved to London.

The UP has been fantastic for 2 years and cost me zero apart from MOT and insurance, it goes forever on a tank of fuel.

But its such a non event to drive, and as someone who loves cars I wanted to replace it with something a bit more engaging.

Requirements are: practicality isn't really relevant, car will do about 20 miles a week (I leave it out of London with my mum who uses it to go to the shops), cheap to run regarding fuel/insurance/repairs, not expensive overall so I don't have to consider finances. I will probably part-ex the UP toward the purchase which seems to be worth around 3.5k so I guess budget is maybe 6-7k

As I enjoyed RWD and the low driving position of the GT86, I assume mk3 MX5 is the natural budget option? But ive also driven the aforementioned fiesta ST and that was great fun, if a little non eventful vs the low riding coupe.

Thanks for any thoughts on this situation

[mike9009]

It might be compromised, but a Smart Roadster Brabus ticks many boxes.

I have a std variant, and enjoy it. Insurance is cheap (£120), tax is okay (£120), ULEZ compliant, mpg good (can get 50 mpg+)). Plastic and steel safety cell means minimal corrosion issues.

A good UK support network helps with its foibles. Gearbox is challenging, but I actually quite like it, I think a used sales person would call it 'character'!


Mike

[infernouk]

I quite like these but I’m unsure if they are ‘good drivers cars’ overall, needs some research! Not many on the market and not sure if they are better than an mx5 for similar money

Edited by infernouk on Saturday 20th June 13:15

[Orangecurry]

I assume you have checked with your mum she is happy to get in/out of MX5?

I have also been looking at the cheap-but-good ragtops. The MX5 seems to be the driver's car AND the sensible choice, and so hard to beat.

Though they are higher insurance groups than you'd expect.

Other options that I would consider in your place is an older car that won't depreciate, but again will insurance be an issue?

So a 1990s hot hatch?

[MissChief]

Z4?
S2000?
AMG SLK?
135i Coupé?

[infernouk]

Orangecurry said:

I assume you have checked with your mum she is happy to get in/out of MX5?

I have also been looking at the cheap-but-good ragtops. The MX5 seems to be the driver's car AND the sensible choice, and so hard to beat.

Though they are higher insurance groups than you'd expect.

Other options that I would consider in your place is an older car that won't depreciate, but again will insurance be an issue?

So a 1990s hot hatch?

She has a 370z so she is fine with coupes, insurance is fine as I’m 30 with clean history, but I’m not really interested in driving a hot hatch!

[infernouk]

MissChief said:

Z4?
S2000?
AMG SLK?
135i Coupé?

Not a fan of German cars and most of these are over 10k

[Orangecurry]

infernouk said:

But ive also driven the aforementioned fiesta ST and that was great fun, if a little non eventful vs the low riding coupe.

Thanks for any thoughts on this situation

I must have misunderstood.

[DoubleD]

infernouk said:

MissChief said:

Z4?
S2000?
AMG SLK?
135i Coupé?

Not a fan of German cars and most of these are over 10k

Why is that?

[infernouk]

DoubleD said:

Why is that?

I just find they look dull inside and out and they are so common, I like more unusual choices!

[DoubleD]

infernouk said:

DoubleD said:

Why is that?

I just find they look dull inside and out and they are so common, I like more unusual choices!

Like an MX5?!

[infernouk]

DoubleD said:

Like an MX5?!

They aren’t 10k+, also German maintenance isn’t cheap

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a hot hatch then I'd get a Megane RS they're the best drivers hot hatch & you'll see a real world 30mpg if driven within reason:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The Cup Chassis cars are the pick but some are happier with the slightly softer non Cup model the place below has both so you can back to back test drive to see which you prefer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Cup Chassis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

With your budget I'd be going for an S2000 if a ragtop sports car is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[DoubleD]

infernouk said:

DoubleD said:

Like an MX5?!

They aren’t 10k+, also German maintenance isn’t cheap

So you are after usual and unusual then?

All those German cars are under £10k used and German maintenance isnt any more expensive than others in my experience.

[300bhp/ton]

infernouk said:

I quite like these but I’m unsure if they are ‘good drivers cars’ overall, needs some research! Not many on the market and not sure if they are better than an mx5 for similar money

Edited by infernouk on Saturday 20th June 13:15

Smart Roadsters are huge fun. Mine was easily the most fun and enjoyable car I’ve owned.

You don’t need to go Brabus. They weight more and end up with about the same power/weight as the standard model. Although they do hold their money better.

The gearbox polarises views. Personally I found the gearbox to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the vehicle. The Roadster will make an MX-5 feel big and clumsy.

They are not quick though. But in isolation or on narrow country roads they are more than quick enough. It’s out on big roads and dual carriage ways they will feel under powered.

They do like a bit of TLC. But are relatively cheap and easy to maintain.

However there are a lot of cars available in your budget. Depends what sort of age you are looking at and what sort of performance.

But you could get things from an MGF, MR2 through to a Fox Mustang or Camaro. BMW Z3 or Z4, Ford Capri, MGB, TR7. Maybe with a bit of luck a Porsche 944/Boxster or even a wedge TVR.

I’d say a Fiesta ST is a somewhat boring and uneventful option as a weekend car.

[MissChief]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want a hot hatch then I'd get a Megane RS they're the best drivers hot hatch & you'll see a real world 30mpg if driven within reason:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The Cup Chassis cars are the pick but some are happier with the slightly softer non Cup model the place below has both so you can back to back test drive to see which you prefer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Cup Chassis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

With your budget I'd be going for an S2000 if a ragtop sports car is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

That S2000 looks the dogs bks and would probably be my pick. It’s had loads done recently and looks mint.

[infernouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want a hot hatch then I'd get a Megane RS they're the best drivers hot hatch & you'll see a real world 30mpg if driven within reason:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The Cup Chassis cars are the pick but some are happier with the slightly softer non Cup model the place below has both so you can back to back test drive to see which you prefer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Cup Chassis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

With your budget I'd be going for an S2000 if a ragtop sports car is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

I did strongly consider a Megane but didn’t think it would be special enough, the S2000 is nice but seemed like only 100k+ ones were in budget

[infernouk]

MissChief said:

That S2000 looks the dogs bks and would probably be my pick. It’s had loads done recently and looks mint.

Agreed, seems oddly underpriced? What’s depreciation like on these across say 3 years

[Mr E]

infernouk said:

Agreed, seems oddly underpriced? What’s depreciation like on these across say 3 years

My mate is a S2000 nerd, and tells me it’s an appreciating classic. But he said that about his last car as well.

[mike9009]

infernouk said:

I quite like these but I’m unsure if they are ‘good drivers cars’ overall, needs some research! Not many on the market and not sure if they are better than an mx5 for similar money

Edited by infernouk on Saturday 20th June 13:15

The Smart is very sure footed. I think they have a little too much grip for the weight\ power but quite often you will see comments like 'handles on rails' which it certainly does feel like. With your bum almost touching the road, it does feel immensely fun and quick, until you come across another sports car on a straight. At the end of the day, it is how the car makes you feel.

I have owned a MK1 mx5, which I was quite unimpressed with. I might have had a dog, but it felt slow and unengaging compared to the Smart and other vehicles I have owned. However, if you can find a good one now, the MK1 MR2 is a very rewarding drivers car, easily my favourite but it might be my age at the time of ownership and rose tinted spectacles. It truly rewarded my driving and very enjoyable. I had mine for almost seven years.

Finally, I also had a VX220 - it directly replaced the MR2 as an upgrade. They are out of budget. Great car, but a bit too quick for me to 'really' enjoy on the very twisty roads around me. Accelerate - brake - accelerate - brake. It just gathered speed too quick for me, meaning keeping an eye on the Speedo, rather than enjoying the drive for what it is....