MX5 NC, MR-S, MGF or something else???
Discussion
Finally binning my 1.0 litre Aygo for something new. I never have more than just myself and my girlfriend in the car so why would I lug around some rear seats?
Been looking at the above cars, Just want something fun, good to drive and reliable (will be my daily)
No massive engines please (I'm 18 so insurance is iffy)
£3000
Any advice is much appreciated!
Been looking at the above cars, Just want something fun, good to drive and reliable (will be my daily)
No massive engines please (I'm 18 so insurance is iffy)
£3000
Any advice is much appreciated!
Wife and I have owned our MR2 roadster for about 16 years.
Outside of usual service items its had 3 x oxygen sensors replaced a couple of years ago (only 1 needed doing, I just asked all to be replaced with new bosch ones).
Only ever goes to the garage for its yearly mot and service, will probably out live me.
Still good fun to drive, better than the mx5 of its era, tricky to drive in the wet if not careful and tyres are crap. I have toyo ones fitted and they're excellent.
Roof will need replacing as its starting to tear near hinges, headlight unit a bit foggy, both common issues, and it is 22 years old this year. Other than that, if every car was as reliable, garages would go bust overnight. Some people gut the precat, we haven't, burns no oil at near 70k.
Look after it and in a few years you'll not lose money on it.
Wife and i managed to fit a couple of flight bags and some other bits for a weekend away, so reviews that say its completely impractical as you cant fit a wardrobe from ikea in need slapping.
Outside of usual service items its had 3 x oxygen sensors replaced a couple of years ago (only 1 needed doing, I just asked all to be replaced with new bosch ones).
Only ever goes to the garage for its yearly mot and service, will probably out live me.
Still good fun to drive, better than the mx5 of its era, tricky to drive in the wet if not careful and tyres are crap. I have toyo ones fitted and they're excellent.
Roof will need replacing as its starting to tear near hinges, headlight unit a bit foggy, both common issues, and it is 22 years old this year. Other than that, if every car was as reliable, garages would go bust overnight. Some people gut the precat, we haven't, burns no oil at near 70k.
Look after it and in a few years you'll not lose money on it.
Wife and i managed to fit a couple of flight bags and some other bits for a weekend away, so reviews that say its completely impractical as you cant fit a wardrobe from ikea in need slapping.
Think I'd still opt for the rear seats at this price point and go for a Mini CS (R53).
Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
pb8g09 said:
Think I'd still opt for the rear seats at this price point and go for a Mini CS (R53).
Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
But it will feely lardy compared to an MR2 and despite the fact its more powerful it will still be FWD so wont drive as well.Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
pb8g09 said:
Think I'd still opt for the rear seats at this price point and go for a Mini CS (R53).
Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
Was keen to avoid hot hatches, they don't do it for me visually. Saying that, if anyone wants to donate me a GR Yaris...Imagine your Aygo with a supercharger bolted to it and a go-kart handling with a wheel on each corner like a box. Great fun. I had one last year. Be picky, there are plenty to choose from - make sure it's had a supercharger service if it's done more than 95k miles (with proof!).
OP, looking at your budget and requirement for reliability I'd be looking at the MR2 for certain.
Many MX5's at your budget will most likely have a few challenges with rust.
The MGF & TF160 are actually better than many will have you believe but but but be careful when inspecting for coolant loss (HGF)
As I said MR2 makes most sense and is prob more fun more of the time. Take care in the wet though !
Many MX5's at your budget will most likely have a few challenges with rust.
The MGF & TF160 are actually better than many will have you believe but but but be careful when inspecting for coolant loss (HGF)
As I said MR2 makes most sense and is prob more fun more of the time. Take care in the wet though !
Out of those two the MR2 would be my first pick but again check for rust:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202052...
The TF would be second as I feel you'll get a better car at this price point than a MR2:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201301...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202052...
The TF would be second as I feel you'll get a better car at this price point than a MR2:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201301...
I'm in this end of the market at the minute.
I used to own an MR2 Roadster. Can confirm, very reliable, absolute hoot to drive too.
Also a couple of MX5s, these are fun too, but blighted by rust. The NC at this end of the market probably rusty and also IMO quite ugly.
Never had a MG so can't comment on those.
Also had an R53 Cooper S. They are definitely good fun, especially with a pulley upgrade. Not chavvy like most hot hatches. s
t brakes.
I used to own an MR2 Roadster. Can confirm, very reliable, absolute hoot to drive too.
Also a couple of MX5s, these are fun too, but blighted by rust. The NC at this end of the market probably rusty and also IMO quite ugly.
Never had a MG so can't comment on those.
Also had an R53 Cooper S. They are definitely good fun, especially with a pulley upgrade. Not chavvy like most hot hatches. s
t brakes.LankyFreak said:
Finally binning my 1.0 litre Aygo for something new. I never have more than just myself and my girlfriend in the car so why would I lug around some rear seats?
Been looking at the above cars, Just want something fun, good to drive and reliable (will be my daily)
No massive engines please (I'm 18 so insurance is iffy)
£3000
Any advice is much appreciated!
Have a good scour over the MOT history with whatever car you look at here: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/Been looking at the above cars, Just want something fun, good to drive and reliable (will be my daily)
No massive engines please (I'm 18 so insurance is iffy)
£3000
Any advice is much appreciated!
All three of these cars you listed can suffer horrendous rust issues, especially at this price bracket, so be careful!
I think it's a good idea to get a roadster or convertible while you are young - no family yet, meaning no requirement for space; you are still good looking and haven't got fat yet. Nothing worse than some old fat ugly balding git in a convertible!
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