MX5 to... what?! £5-7k
Discussion
Eighteeteewhy said:
I think S2000 is the next logical step, and where I'll be looking is I ever get bored of my '5' 
Is it a logical step though? I'm not sure I can the logic. The S2k looks appeal less, it doesn't handle as well and isn't as well balanced, is heavier, bigger on the outside, but offers no more room or ability.The only thing it brings to the table is more power (although you could mod an MX-5) and slightly better mpg.
Not saying it's wrong to go to one and I quite like the S2k personally. But I just can't see the logic. I'd have thought changing to something quite different or modding the MX-5 would be a more logical progression.
Your budget would get you a very good 2.5 Boxster, or a decent 2.7 (at the top end of your prospective spend).
In your position (and I may be biased ) I'd be looking for a good 2.5 986, in silver, with red leather. A future (current?) classic, and possibly insurable as such, on a limited mileage scheme.
They don't have to cost the earth to run - it's just a car after all, and many of the parts are available from the likes of Eurocarparts etc.
In your position (and I may be biased ) I'd be looking for a good 2.5 986, in silver, with red leather. A future (current?) classic, and possibly insurable as such, on a limited mileage scheme.
They don't have to cost the earth to run - it's just a car after all, and many of the parts are available from the likes of Eurocarparts etc.
TTwiggy said:
Your budget would get you a very good 2.5 Boxster, or a decent 2.7 (at the top end of your prospective spend).
In your position (and I may be biased ) I'd be looking for a good 2.5 986, in silver, with red leather. A future (current?) classic, and possibly insurable as such, on a limited mileage scheme.
They don't have to cost the earth to run - it's just a car after all, and many of the parts are available from the likes of Eurocarparts etc.
You can even get into a 3.2 at that sort of budget: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3963736.htmIn your position (and I may be biased ) I'd be looking for a good 2.5 986, in silver, with red leather. A future (current?) classic, and possibly insurable as such, on a limited mileage scheme.
They don't have to cost the earth to run - it's just a car after all, and many of the parts are available from the likes of Eurocarparts etc.
Such a bargain at the moment.
I think you need to think of total cost of ownership and then decide. For 7k you can get a good S2000 (03, maybe an 04) and yes it's costly to insure but it probably costs less to run than many others. Whether the lower running costs (and the fact that you would end up with what you say you *really* want), half decent mpg etc. are enough to offset the higher insurance is up to you.
As with all the cars on the list, they can all have the possibility of a costly bill (siezed bushes on the S2k for example) so I would factor that in, that could wipe out any saving on insurance if what you buy is unreliable, esp if you're not a semi-competent DIYer.
I would get a shortlist of what you like the sound of, factor in the TOTAL cost of ownership and take it from there.
As with all the cars on the list, they can all have the possibility of a costly bill (siezed bushes on the S2k for example) so I would factor that in, that could wipe out any saving on insurance if what you buy is unreliable, esp if you're not a semi-competent DIYer.
I would get a shortlist of what you like the sound of, factor in the TOTAL cost of ownership and take it from there.
Edited by Dracoro on Tuesday 31st July 12:11
The Crack Fox said:
Some good info, OP, we should help you whittle that down a bit. I own (and love) an old MX-5, here's my 2p on some of your choices;
S2000- drive one. 0-60 stats aside, what does it do that your MX-5 doesn't ? Great cars, sure, it will get you to 60 quicker than the MX-5 but you won't smile any more. Insurance is obscene too, have you checked ?
3000GT- Wallowy old pigs to drive, if you like the styling though, fine.
350Z- Great cars, I love them, but you might be asking for trouble on that budget.
330i- The Coupe is a different drive to the 4 door, and only slightly less practical, I own a 330CI Sport and it's a good all-rounder. Some utter dogs at the lower end of the price scale though.
RX8- If you can find one with the engine recently compression tested and OK'd, that would be my choice based on your criteria.
I'm going to chuck another one at you, bear with me.... Lotus Excel. The more I look into them the more I think they're a very good car. Plenty of people running them as daily drivers, cool wedgy styling, plastic bodies, pop-ups and that badge. Possible classic insurance with AF. Worth a look ?
S2000 insurance is off the charts, but I love the look of them. Not driven one and I suppose you're probably right, it's quite like my '5.S2000- drive one. 0-60 stats aside, what does it do that your MX-5 doesn't ? Great cars, sure, it will get you to 60 quicker than the MX-5 but you won't smile any more. Insurance is obscene too, have you checked ?
3000GT- Wallowy old pigs to drive, if you like the styling though, fine.
350Z- Great cars, I love them, but you might be asking for trouble on that budget.
330i- The Coupe is a different drive to the 4 door, and only slightly less practical, I own a 330CI Sport and it's a good all-rounder. Some utter dogs at the lower end of the price scale though.
RX8- If you can find one with the engine recently compression tested and OK'd, that would be my choice based on your criteria.
I'm going to chuck another one at you, bear with me.... Lotus Excel. The more I look into them the more I think they're a very good car. Plenty of people running them as daily drivers, cool wedgy styling, plastic bodies, pop-ups and that badge. Possible classic insurance with AF. Worth a look ?
3000GT - I love the looks, childhood dream, will probably own one at one point in my life, even if just for a few months to 'check it off the list'.
330i - Great in theory, don't really want.
RX8 - Same conclusion as you; it fits every criteria IF it's not going to go pop.
Lotus Excel... I will look into that. Plenty of specialists if I need servicing as I can drive back home; my folks live 4miles from the hethel!
I don't want to run 2 cars, really.
[quote]ocus rs mk1
or supra tt
2wd sierra cosworth
Boxter is interesting, but won't it cost me a fortune to run? I will definitely look into it, mind.
the 350Z is becoming more and more attractive, if I can possibly save up a bit more cash to not scrape the barrel and get a nice GT.
Raize said:
Porsche 944 or 968. My 924 is reasonable on insurance so maybe those cars would be too.
This. You won't look back. Make sure you drive a good one as ropey ones abound, but a well-kept one with a good history will tick every box you mentioned above, with money to spare.
Check my profile for costs on a daily-driver non-garage-queen 944 S2, and the costs of a (newer) 968 will be similar. The 944 Turbo will be more expensive in every way (to buy, to insure, to maintain) but some argue they are better and worth the money.
Oli.
Just reading your list of possibilities,from what you typed, it has to be the TVR Chimera, or for that matter any TVR you can get and insure!
Sure there is a reputation for reliability problems, but these are merely an opportunity to get to know it intimately, plus the support group on PH is second to none.
Get it bought and you will know what I mean, I have only had mine 8 months, it needs lots of attention but get that dry day, out on the road and there is nowhere else that you could want to be........!
There is even a seat next to you for a lucky friend to share the smiles with... ( or to push ) Whoops !!
Sure there is a reputation for reliability problems, but these are merely an opportunity to get to know it intimately, plus the support group on PH is second to none.
Get it bought and you will know what I mean, I have only had mine 8 months, it needs lots of attention but get that dry day, out on the road and there is nowhere else that you could want to be........!
There is even a seat next to you for a lucky friend to share the smiles with... ( or to push ) Whoops !!
I did mx5 to S2000 to 996
The insurance is the same on the honda as it is on the porsche which imo is madness as my honda was a tatty 1999 import worth maybe £4k on a very good day wheras the 996 is an 03 worth over 3 times that mutch with another 120bhp.
how about a newer more powerfull mx5 ?
The insurance is the same on the honda as it is on the porsche which imo is madness as my honda was a tatty 1999 import worth maybe £4k on a very good day wheras the 996 is an 03 worth over 3 times that mutch with another 120bhp.
how about a newer more powerfull mx5 ?
mobile chicane22 said:
I did mx5 to S2000 to 996
The insurance is the same on the honda as it is on the porsche which imo is madness as my honda was a tatty 1999 import worth maybe £4k on a very good day wheras the 996 is an 03 worth over 3 times that mutch with another 120bhp.
how about a newer more powerfull mx5 ?
Not at all interested in a Mk2 or 3 MX5, think the Mk1 is by far and away the best looking, and from what I gather, one of the best to drive.The insurance is the same on the honda as it is on the porsche which imo is madness as my honda was a tatty 1999 import worth maybe £4k on a very good day wheras the 996 is an 03 worth over 3 times that mutch with another 120bhp.
how about a newer more powerfull mx5 ?
Grodecki said:
Evening chaps
I want to own a 3000GT one day, a childhood fantasy owed to Gran Turismo, but the 'running costs' thing is putting me off.
GranTurismo is the exact reason I bought a GTO TT at 23.I want to own a 3000GT one day, a childhood fantasy owed to Gran Turismo, but the 'running costs' thing is putting me off.
It is the one and only car that I ever really regret selling. Took it over Europe and to the Nurburgring with mates in a 3-car convoy. In top the fuel consumption is very liveable. Around the ring I did <8mpg if my calcs are correct.
The first day I owned it I went through £50 in fuel in ~50 miles.
The car never skipped a beat in the time I had it.
You won't regret it if you get the chance some day.
Grodecki said:
TVR Chim - Love it. Adore it. Reliability? Living on a road?! Insurance a *bit* too high.
I thought you wanted four seats and affordable running costs?! 
I'm hoping the new engine will improve matters, but when I first got it my Chimaera was averaging 16 mpg. Living on the road is doable, I think, providing you keep it waxolyed and use it regularly, but it's not ideal. A TVR S3 would be in the same situation when it comes to living outdoors, but it would be cheaper to buy, run and maintain.
What about a front-engined Porsche of some description? Way down on the passion scale compared to the TVRs, but rather more suitable for everyday use. With classic insurance they can be very reasonable and a 944 S2 or 968 would still provide a decent step up in performance from the MX5.
I'm guessing modern-ish sports saloons - Scoobies, M3s etc. - would be prohibitively expensive to insure? Maybe you could get an Alfa 75 Colverleaf (or even a GTV) on classic insurance and set some some money aside for running costs and contingencies?
DanDC5 said:
If you're only saying meh to a DC2 you've clearly never driven one...
No, I haven't, but a friend owns a DC2 (pays silly, silly money on insurance) and I've been in it. It doesn't interest me all that much. The looks don't do anything for me, I just simply don't love it. I'm pretty irrational when it comes to a lot of things and whilst I know it's a brilliant car, I just don't... want one.GTVs are easy to insure and I love them. Cheaper so could put money aside to keep it running... but what of how it drives? Will it be a huge step down from my '5?
Scoobies, m3s are off due to insurance and running costs.
Edited by Grodecki on Tuesday 31st July 12:38
Edited by Grodecki on Tuesday 31st July 12:39
S2000 if you can stomach the insurance - If not, get yourself in a mk3 2.0 Sport MX5.
The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
Riknos said:
S2000 if you can stomach the insurance - If not, get yourself in a mk3 2.0 Sport MX5.
The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
Mk3 is a bulbous looking thing if you ask me, don't like it at all! The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
S2000 is out due to bonkers insurance. Insuring a TVR Tuscan is cheaper.
Grodecki said:
Riknos said:
S2000 if you can stomach the insurance - If not, get yourself in a mk3 2.0 Sport MX5.
The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
Mk3 is a bulbous looking thing if you ask me, don't like it at all! The 160 bhp vs your 115bhp will feel a lot quicker, get the geo and springs put on it and it's basically the same recipe as before but with more of everything.
Look in the MX5 section / MX5 owners clubs and see how many people have gone from a mk1 > mk3 MX5 and the feedback from them is always great.
S2000 is out due to bonkers insurance. Insuring a TVR Tuscan is cheaper.
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