Are there any alternatives to an MX5/MR2?

[rotaryjam]

Hi all

I'm on the lookout for a cheapish fun car to drive.

I've recently had an MX5 NC and really liked it, previous had an NB and also thoroughly enjoyed that. Likewise I've had a MR2 mk3 and that was spot on too.

So now I'm looking again for something that is:

- Smallish
- Lightweight
- Nimble
- Fun to drive
- RWD
- Mid or front engine
- Manual
- £5k max

I just keep coming back to these 2 cars.

I know people will say things like Boxster, Z4 etc but to me they just aren't in the same category for the above criteria

So, can anyone suggest any viable alternatives or shall I just go with the usual suspects!?

[Summit_Detailing]

Barchetta?

[Xcore]

Mgt/f

[rotaryjam]

Summit_Detailing said:

Barchetta?

Nice suggestion but LHD only so not for me

[rotaryjam]

Xcore said:

Mgt/f

These are somewhat appealing but the lukewarm reviews and head gasket issues put me off really

[Nickp82]

Ignore the horror stories , do some research and find a good RX-8, go in with your eyes open and you won’t regret it.

[Tesco]

Smart Roadster?

Had mine for nearly 20 years. No, it's not fast, but it does handle very nicely and allows you to carry speed through corners and is a car you really have to learn to drive. They do have a habit of leaking though so would suggest a garage!

[TameRacingDriver]

Nickp82 said:

Ignore the horror stories , do some research and find a good RX-8, go in with your eyes open and you won’t regret it.

This is a good shout OP. I know the cars you've had, and you don't have many options left. If you can get a half decent not rusty one with the engine in good health, and as long as you can tolerate 20 MPG, then this might be your answer.

Also, your username would then check out

[rotaryjam]

Tesco said:

Smart Roadster?

Had mine for nearly 20 years. No, it's not fast, but it does handle very nicely and allows you to carry speed through corners and is a car you really have to learn to drive. They do have a habit of leaking though so would suggest a garage!

Good suggestion! Tempting but it's just a little too lacking in power

[rotaryjam]

TameRacingDriver said:

This is a good shout OP. I know the cars you've had, and you don't have many options left. If you can get a half decent not rusty one with the engine in good health, and as long as you can tolerate 20 MPG, then this might be your answer.

Also, your username would then check out

I think this may well be the answer! I've heard they are a bit soft though, are they still a proper drivers car?

[TameRacingDriver]

rotaryjam said:

I think this may well be the answer! I've heard they are a bit soft though, are they still a proper drivers car?

9000 rpm. Balanced handling. Softness is easy to resolve. I reckon they're definitely a drivers car.

[esuuv]

Cayman / Boxster and a 10k loan………