What convertible? £5k or less

[nct001]

feef said:

At £5k, you're into early MX5 Mk III territory and also, therefore, avoiding many of the rust issues that the 2.5 suffered from.

These start from £3500.

[Blayney]

simoid said:

MR-2 have enough room for a trip away?

Job jobbed.

[daemon]

MR2 mk3 has no bootspace worth talking about. We'd one for three years. The space makes it quite restrictive.

mk3 mx5 must be coming close to that price point?

[Flip Martian]

Not QUITE so keen on luggage racks. I prefer stuff being locked away.

daemon said:

MR2 mk3 has no bootspace worth talking about. We'd one for three years. The space makes it quite restrictive.

mk3 mx5 must be coming close to that price point?

Yep, starting to see Mk3s for 4-5k now.

[johnfm]

mr2 and Mx-5 are a bit low on power, no? 140hp or so.

[Flip Martian]

They are, but MX5s are generally seen as a good hoot to drive. That's what the car will be for, really.

[billzeebub]

Flip Martian said:

billzeebub said:

Early Boxster 2.5. Arguably the purest example and a good one easily within budget. They have two good size boots as well as plenty of cabin storage for touring. There are plenty of really good well maintained examples out there well within this budget, just beware of the neglected/tarted up crap. They are an old cars now so maintenance and type of owner much more important than mileage covered. However, they are also beautifully constructed and wear their age well. I would definitely stretch your age criteria and have a drive of a few examples. Boxsters don't rust so any with tin worm will be from poor crash repairs.

Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 30th November 12:18

Thanks will take a look - what's servicing/parts costs like?

Porsche main dealers do a value servicing menu on the 986 Boxster now (96-04). The minor is around £265 and major £395 inc VAT. Parts are not cheap for genuine, but forums are helpful in where to get parts. The 2.5 car usually on 16/17 wheels which makes tyres a bit cheaper. Brakes etc also a tad cheaper than my 3.2. Fuel economy is also surprisingly good when on a long trip as they are not heavy cars and I regularly get north of 30mpg out of my 3.2 out of town.

Find a good respected specialist for anything over and above basic servicing. I and others swear by Revolution in Brighouse, Yorkshire. I drive there from Kent/Surrey to get work done on mine, very reasonable labour rates and knowledge second to none.

You need to drive one, or preferably a few examples. Most well maintained cars should have receipts for a lot of preventative maintenance (poly belt,water pump, radiators, coil packs, spark plugs, starter motor, alternator, brake discs, suspension arms etc). Find a good one and very little will come close for the money

Edited by billzeebub on Sunday 30th November 14:04

[Flip Martian]

Ta for the tips. Never been a big Porsche fan (just based on the looks and there being so many around) but I won't rule it out.

[va1o]

feef said:

At £5k, you're into early MX5 Mk III territory and also, therefore, avoiding many of the rust issues that the 2.5 suffered from.

I'd agree, and they still look current for your £5k given it's the same shape on sale new today

[oldnewbie]

Which is the one to buy, auto or manual?

[johnfm]

Flip Martian said:

They are, but MX5s are generally seen as a good hoot to drive. That's what the car will be for, really.

I'm sure they are - but Z4s and boxsters are too. You've a lot of choices at £5k. Enjoy the spring and summer.

[danp]

daemon said:

MR2 mk3 has no bootspace worth talking about. We'd one for three years. The space makes it quite restrictive.

Depends how much you consider sufficient obviously. I had a set of golf clubs and a pushchair behind the seats in mine (not at the same time) - in addition to the front boot, IMO there is ample if you're creative and use soft bags, it's not a GT car.

[Flip Martian]

johnfm said:

I'm sure they are - but Z4s and boxsters are too. You've a lot of choices at £5k. Enjoy the spring and summer.

Cheers I knew posting in here would give me a few alternatives I hadn't considered. And even just opinions on choices. I was surprised Z4s and Boxsters were in that price range now to be honest.

Edited by Flip Martian on Sunday 30th November 17:08

[Zoobeef]

Vx220 if you look hard enough.

[feef]

Flip Martian said:

johnfm said:

I'm sure they are - but Z4s and boxsters are too. You've a lot of choices at £5k. Enjoy the spring and summer.

Cheers I knew posting in here would give me a few alternatives I hadn't considered. And even just opinions on choices. I was surprised Z4s and Boxsters were in that price range now to be honest.

Edited by Flip Martian on Sunday 30th November 17:08

Check early boxsters for electrical issues and if there's been any sign of the porous cylinder liner problem

[budfox]

I've had a Z4 (3.0si 265bhp) and an MR2 Roadster. Half the power of the Zed. Both cost £9500.

I adored the Zed but just didn't drive it enough, it was too much of a pride and joy car. I also adored the Roadster, it was also my pride and joy, but I drove it loads.

The Zed brought a massive smile to my face at times, but the MR2 gave me far more overall enjoyment.

I'd buy another MR2 in a heartbeat, doubt I'll ever own another Z4.

[sc0tt]

330ci Sport Convertible

[daemon]

danp said:

Depends how much you consider sufficient obviously. I had a set of golf clubs and a pushchair behind the seats in mine (not at the same time) - in addition to the front boot, IMO there is ample if you're creative and use soft bags, it's not a GT car.

In a mk3??? Theres no space at all behind the seats.

mk2, yes. mk3 no.

[Speedracer329]

daemon said:

In a mk3??? Theres no space at all behind the seats.

mk2, yes. mk3 no.

There is plenty of room behind the seats in a mark3 MR2. There is a door behind both seats that open to reveal a space that runs the width of the car. I frequently put 6 full carrier bags of shopping in there. I was worried about the lack of space in them before I got one but it is not an issue at all. Been away for the weekend with the missus too, as long as you get creative with using the available space you will be fine
It is also a great drivers car, most of my previous cars have been north of 300bhp and the 140 horses in the MR2 are plenty to make driving fun, and the handling is a joy.

[R1 Indy]

I recently had this predicament.

I went for the S2000 with change for fuel