A Mk3/NC MX5 or ??? £3-4k

[davidif]

I now have a nice comfy auto turbo diesel daily, it's a year old Hyundai I30 so 4 years manufactures warranty for peace of mind, low hassle, low running costs etcetc and draws no attention whatsoever. It blends in so to speak!

It was purchased on the basis that i would also buy an inexpensive fun car for the weekends and odd commute for a change.

I've previously had a few MX5's and as well as some slightly more 'hardcore' sportscars. I'm in no particular hurry although would like to get something on the road in readiness for the spring.

I'd narrowed it down to Mk3 Mx5's as i'd previously had Mk1's, 2's & a Mk3 and i figured that an early Mk3 is quite a bit newer than the early cars, more modern, better safety kit etc and most importantly likely to be in better condition.

I've looked at a few in person and many more ads online and also carefully checked each cars MOT history and have been surprised that ALL of them have shown visible corrosion and consequent MOT failures/advisories! It seems that Mazda are still no better at rust proofing these cars as they were 30 years ago.

I have no wish to 'restore' a car which is beyond my skills and pocket, i just want an alternative car from the daily.

I have started to think about alternatives and a car that has always appealed to me has come to mind- a Honda CRZ Hybrid!! very different to an MX5 but its different, i like them and the Hybrid bit appeals to the techie nerd in me.

Apologies for the length of this post but i am interested in:-

(A) Peoples opinions?

(B) Alternatives?

p.s. i am not interested in outright performance the roads that i frequent are too busy. I'd just like a sporty looking/feeling car.

[Shaqq]

MR2 Roadster would be my alternative to a Mk3 MX-5.

[mikey P 500]

Yes would agree MK3 mr2 would be best alternative to mx5. They only really suffer rust on rear sub frame which is a bolt off part for about £150 if needed.

[romeodelta]

MGF / TF
Ropey 2.5 986 Boxster
Cappuccino?

[davidif]

Thanks for the various suggestions.

I have previously had a Boxter and it never really lived up to expectations! (i think that i was always waiting for the engine to go bang)

I'd not considered the MR2 and will do some investigating.

Thanks

[300bhp/ton]

In terms of 2 seat sports cars you have a few options, although I'm not sure of your budget, but will assume NC price range +-


-MK1/2 MX-5
-MR2 MK1/2/3
-MGF/MGTF
-Smart Roadster
-BMW Z3/Z4

All have plus points and negatives. But overall I think any could be fun.

Obviously as these are all old cars, you may find that an even older car in good order might be no more effort to keep. MGB, TR7, X1/9, etc if you fancy more of a classic.

I suspect you'd maybe want to include the RX-8 on the list. Really a 4 door saloon, but looks and goes like a sports car.

Bit more money:

-Porsche 924/944
-Lotus Elan M100
-TVR 350i
-S2000

Also some left field options:

-Pontiac Fiero (V6 or 4 pot mid engine, not as sharp as an MX-5, but interesting and fun still)
-Mustang
-Camaro
-Firebird

Camaro's are great vfm at the moment, you can buy a lot of car and performance for your money.


As for the Honda CRZ, they almost look good, if a little frumpy. But I was lead to believe the performance and driving dynamics left a little to be desired. Probably a good vehicle, overall though. But maybe closer to your daily driver in terms of driving experience.

I think I'd personally rather something like a Prelude over the CRZ. Which also leads to some coupes you might want to consider too:

-Ford Puma
-Ford Probe V6
-Ford Cougar
-Mazda MX-6
-Honda CRX Del-sol
-Rover Tomcat
-Peugeot 406 Coupe
-Peugeot RCZ

[davidif]

Thanks 300bhp/ton.

A very comprehensive reply and gives me much to think about.

[thel33ter]

Z3 or Z4?
SLK - but probably not what you're after, can get a big engine in one though at 4k.
MGF/TF as above in Trophy 160 spec, will be an excellent drive and lots specialists around to keep them going. The earlier cars rust less than newer ones.

[designforlife]

Whatever you go for at this age and budget, be very very thorough when checking over the bodywork, mechanical stuff can be fixed once if it breaks, but chasing rust is a never ending battle.