MX5-MGF-MR2 alternatives?
Discussion
Hi All,
Looking for a cheap but sporty runabout for about a grand. Preferably rag top, but doesn't have to be. May have a trackday in it if I have the money.
Also, it doesn't have to begin with M.
I know MX5 is the default answer, but I've already had one and fancy something a bit comfier and different. Plus, for a 1.6, it was thirsty as sin (I was averaging about 25mpg).
I'm leaning towards MGF/TF as I think for the budget I'd probably get a better example. I know about the dreaded HGF!
But are there any alternatives before I spend my money?
Looking for a cheap but sporty runabout for about a grand. Preferably rag top, but doesn't have to be. May have a trackday in it if I have the money.
Also, it doesn't have to begin with M.
I know MX5 is the default answer, but I've already had one and fancy something a bit comfier and different. Plus, for a 1.6, it was thirsty as sin (I was averaging about 25mpg).
I'm leaning towards MGF/TF as I think for the budget I'd probably get a better example. I know about the dreaded HGF!
But are there any alternatives before I spend my money?
Z3.
Criminally underrated and currently at or very close to rock bottom price-wise.
I have a 2000 (facelift) with the lovely 2.0 6-cylinder, manual, every option, bought on 105K with FSH for £1750.
You could find a 1.9 (M44 iirc- great engine) for around a grand. Cracking alternative to the cars you listed if your not afraid of the hairdressery implications that come along with it. Clearly a 2.8 is the one you want, but not with a £1K budget. If you can stretch a bit (I was looking to spend about £1100 before spotting mine!) try and get into any of the 6-cylinder engines- worth it for the extra top-down sound alone. Post 2000 models have the wider rear arches, which really transform the overall demeanour of the car- a smart facelift which is often overlooked when discussing how 'effette' the Z3 design was.
For a grand you really want a mk1 MX5 though (I've had 2), simply unbeatable value. We're in the last couple of years of decent ones coming up around £1K now- so don't hang about. Get a 1.6, as it's stupidly reliable and seems to be regarded as the 'sweeter' engine by those who've driven both. Manual, obviously. Don't be put off by miles, my 155K example was faultless even with afew blank spots in its history. Plenty 200K+ cars still going strong. The only real 'must' is getting a good look at the sills- access to a ramp or even a little inspection-type mirror could save you afew quid.
Sorry for straying- I know we're after alternatives to the listed cars, but the MX5 is head and shoulders/ a cut above anything else around £1K.
Just preparing you for the not-so-subtle hairdresser jibes youll likely receive with that last sentence by the way.
Nancy boy.
Criminally underrated and currently at or very close to rock bottom price-wise.
I have a 2000 (facelift) with the lovely 2.0 6-cylinder, manual, every option, bought on 105K with FSH for £1750.
You could find a 1.9 (M44 iirc- great engine) for around a grand. Cracking alternative to the cars you listed if your not afraid of the hairdressery implications that come along with it. Clearly a 2.8 is the one you want, but not with a £1K budget. If you can stretch a bit (I was looking to spend about £1100 before spotting mine!) try and get into any of the 6-cylinder engines- worth it for the extra top-down sound alone. Post 2000 models have the wider rear arches, which really transform the overall demeanour of the car- a smart facelift which is often overlooked when discussing how 'effette' the Z3 design was.
For a grand you really want a mk1 MX5 though (I've had 2), simply unbeatable value. We're in the last couple of years of decent ones coming up around £1K now- so don't hang about. Get a 1.6, as it's stupidly reliable and seems to be regarded as the 'sweeter' engine by those who've driven both. Manual, obviously. Don't be put off by miles, my 155K example was faultless even with afew blank spots in its history. Plenty 200K+ cars still going strong. The only real 'must' is getting a good look at the sills- access to a ramp or even a little inspection-type mirror could save you afew quid.
Sorry for straying- I know we're after alternatives to the listed cars, but the MX5 is head and shoulders/ a cut above anything else around £1K.
Just preparing you for the not-so-subtle hairdresser jibes youll likely receive with that last sentence by the way.
Nancy boy.
How the hell are you only getting 25mpg out of a 1.6 MX-5? Lots of urban stuff? My 1.8 does 20mpg if I use it solely for commuting through town but returns well into the 30s otherwise (Even with me driving!)
S2000
Z3
Barchetta (LHD)
SLK
Boxster
CLK and extra seats
As starters
ETA sorry hadn't spotted the grand... I'd go MX-5 1.8 but I'm bias. Give an MR2 a try though, my mate loved both of his.
S2000
Z3
Barchetta (LHD)
SLK
Boxster
CLK and extra seats
As starters
ETA sorry hadn't spotted the grand... I'd go MX-5 1.8 but I'm bias. Give an MR2 a try though, my mate loved both of his.
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