£5000 fun car

[mjf1]

I'm probably going to buy an MX5 but what else is there to compete around the £5k price point?

Not interested in FWD hot hatches - been there done that.

Praticality, insurance, mpg - not an issue. But it does need to get me to work a couple of times a week (roughly 15 mile round trip)

Hoping to find a car that makes me want to go "out for a drive" just for fun.

[SAS Tom]

Currently got an MX5 that’s about to die due to rust. Looked at loads of stuff but still keep coming back to getting another MX5. Everything else does other things better but don’t think any are as fun.

[Jamescrs]

Not much to compete with the MX-5 at that price point when hot hatches are excluded, main one I would suggest would be the Mk3 Toyota MR2, very similar to the MX-5 in many ways

[Frimley111R]

Yep, 5k would get a really nice one too

[Jiebo]

Make sure you get an NC2 2.0 Sport Tech. You can just about get one for £5k.

Check properly for rust, and an oil change each year. If it’s not already had it, it will need gearbox and diff oil changed, most owners don’t bother. Also check tyres, they are very sensitive to them and they aren’t cheap to replace.

[broadspeed1]

Jamescrs said:

Not much to compete with the MX-5 at that price point when hot hatches are excluded, main one I would suggest would be the Mk3 Toyota MR2, very similar to the MX-5 in many ways

A 350z, at this price you're to constrained to lighter gutless cars or heavier powerful cars. I'd take a 350z every time + you don't have to be a dwarf to fit in one.

[Nickp82]

Yeah MX-5 basically but also consider an RX-8, when you get them dancing they are such a sweet thing to drive.

[georgeyboy12345]

MX-5 is probably your best bet.

As for alternatives, these have probably all been mentioned by now but here goes

Toyota MR2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301042...


Nissan 350Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

older, lower tax version
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302134...


Porsche Boxster 2.7 that's had the IMS and clutch replaced
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209280...


Mazda RX-8 R3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

earlier lower tax version, engine rebuild could be due soon though
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

[Mr Tidy]

Maybe a BMW Z4 if you fancy having a straight 6.

[covmutley]

I think it would have to be mx5 or mr2 if 2 seats is sufficient.

But for the sake of adding other options perhaps fist bsrchetta, fiat coupe, or smart Roadster.

I used to have a mk1 mx5 and my parents had a smart Roadster, but about 10 years ago?. Yes, the gearbox in the smart is not the best, but at the same time, it's fine. I also found it really good fun- Quirky, and a good steer, similar 'fun' to my mx5 from what I can remember?

[mjf1]

Thanks for the ideas so far. Similar to my thoughts.

What if I double my budget to £10k, still MX5, just a newer one?

[soad]

mjf1 said:

Thanks for the ideas so far. Similar to my thoughts.

What if I double my budget to £10k, still MX5, just a newer one?

Z4 coupe?

Fiat 124 Spider is out of reach.


Those cheap 350Z look rough, neglected and rusty!

[nobrakes]

Left field option: you could Lord it in an S class for that money.

[covmutley]

mjf1 said:

Thanks for the ideas so far. Similar to my thoughts.

What if I double my budget to £10k, still MX5, just a newer one?

The nd seems above that still. If getting a nc, I'd spend extra on rust proofing it and suspension upgrades.

It probably brings a booster into the equation, or a higher mileage s2000, maybe.

[ChrisH72]

You can get an ND mx5 1.5 sel nav for a shade over 10k.

Between 5-10k maybe a Z4 23i m sport. Less nimble than the mx5 but it has a nice engine and is a bit quicker with 200bhp. Folding top makes it practical all year round.

For 5k I think you’d get a tidy r53 cooper s which could be fun.

[Frimley111R]

georgeyboy12345 said:

MX-5 is probably your best bet.

As for alternatives, these have probably all been mentioned by now but here goes

Toyota MR2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301042...


Nissan 350Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

older, lower tax version
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302134...


Porsche Boxster 2.7 that's had the IMS and clutch replaced
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209280...


Mazda RX-8 R3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

earlier lower tax version, engine rebuild could be due soon though
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

Some nice ones there but for fun you need an MR2 or MX5. I've had Z4s, SLKs, Boxsters etc and although nice, they are not fun cars in the same way as the first two.

[Ash_]

MR2 for £5k, if you do push to £10k, then a Boxster, but the non-S version.