£5k, 2 seats, more than 4 cylinders and FUN
Discussion
I’m thinking of buying a toy, it’s probably a mid-life crisis sort of thing but would like some input.
I have a nice company car, a 5 series touring. It does everything fantastically well but it is boring. I used to really like driving but years and years of driving 30/40/50k pa takes its toll. I want to get back to the time I enjoyed driving as I am only 41!
Speed is NOT the be all and end all of this car – however fun and feeling good is.
Whatever car I get will be kept outside 365 days of the year on the drive and hopefully not cost a fortune in on-going repairs. MPG is no problem as it will probably max out at 4k miles pa but I would rather not spend a fortune on VED.
My biggest issue is budget. As I have a perfectly respectable car for moving the family around, wifey is limiting me to no more than £5k as the purchase price.
I want a convertible. I want 2 seats even though I have 2 young children. I’d like more than 4 cylinders. I can get my hands dirty with spanners but would rather not.
Currently sniffing around Boxsters and Z4’s (but it’s just another BM like my company car). I think SLK’s are too feminine and the older ones at my budget look dated in my eyes.
Comments (other than mid-life crisis) are appreciated as are recommendations for other cars.
Thanks.
I have a nice company car, a 5 series touring. It does everything fantastically well but it is boring. I used to really like driving but years and years of driving 30/40/50k pa takes its toll. I want to get back to the time I enjoyed driving as I am only 41!
Speed is NOT the be all and end all of this car – however fun and feeling good is.
Whatever car I get will be kept outside 365 days of the year on the drive and hopefully not cost a fortune in on-going repairs. MPG is no problem as it will probably max out at 4k miles pa but I would rather not spend a fortune on VED.
My biggest issue is budget. As I have a perfectly respectable car for moving the family around, wifey is limiting me to no more than £5k as the purchase price.
I want a convertible. I want 2 seats even though I have 2 young children. I’d like more than 4 cylinders. I can get my hands dirty with spanners but would rather not.
Currently sniffing around Boxsters and Z4’s (but it’s just another BM like my company car). I think SLK’s are too feminine and the older ones at my budget look dated in my eyes.
Comments (other than mid-life crisis) are appreciated as are recommendations for other cars.
Thanks.
Alfa Spider V6 - rare-ish but would be in budget.
Not sure if a V6 TT could be had for your budget as well, but the 4 cylinders could be.
If you can settle for a 4 cylinder then one of the first and / or Cat D S2000s (I am biased), MGF or an MK3 MR2 - the last two being mid-engined
ETA: Meant Spider...
Not sure if a V6 TT could be had for your budget as well, but the 4 cylinders could be.
If you can settle for a 4 cylinder then one of the first and / or Cat D S2000s (I am biased), MGF or an MK3 MR2 - the last two being mid-engined
ETA: Meant Spider...
Output Flange said:
MrBrightSi said:
Agree with a lot here.
alfa v6 of the coupe variety
porsche 944 or 24 maybe turbo
corrado vr6 or g60
You're going to struggle to get the roof down in these...alfa v6 of the coupe variety
porsche 944 or 24 maybe turbo
corrado vr6 or g60
Car needs to be out on the drive 365 days of the year, no garage, so old classics (like Spitfire) are out.
Thanks
I think a Chimp (Chimaera) isn't a good idea at £5k/don't want to get your hands dirty level. At £8-9k a great call though. I kept mine outside under a car cover and it was superb.
S2000 is a good call, but out if you're stuck on more than 4 cylinders, as is another potential choice, a 944 S2. Boxster looks like a decent bet - they are a nice thing to drive (even in non-S form) but do your research as they do have some issues.
TVR S-series cars and wedges are in your price range too, but need careful research/pre-purchase inspection. An S3/S2 would be a good shout I think, albeit not as nice a drive as a Boxster.
S2000 is a good call, but out if you're stuck on more than 4 cylinders, as is another potential choice, a 944 S2. Boxster looks like a decent bet - they are a nice thing to drive (even in non-S form) but do your research as they do have some issues.
TVR S-series cars and wedges are in your price range too, but need careful research/pre-purchase inspection. An S3/S2 would be a good shout I think, albeit not as nice a drive as a Boxster.
Same position as you and I bought a 944 cab, i took it out yesterday and really enjoyed it, quick enough and the handling is lovely. Downsides are some rust showing and they aren the stiffest, plus if you buy one that needs a lot of work the potential for a money pit is fairly large. I think the S2000 is a good bet but the Porsche is a bit more special, it is also a lot older and not quite as fast, it does however have a decent low down pick up. Theyu sound pretty good for a 4 cyl but cnt comapre to sixes or more.
I wouldn't worry too much about the other car being a BMW, the Z4 sounds like a really good option with fewer risks than a Boxster. It just needs servicing and can live outside, a 5 grand Chimera may need a lot of work.
As said the S2000 is worth a look, very special cars and this time of year you could find a Westfield or good Locost for that money.
But I'd pick the Z4 for that money.
As said the S2000 is worth a look, very special cars and this time of year you could find a Westfield or good Locost for that money.
But I'd pick the Z4 for that money.
Z4 and S2k are nice enough, but aren't they maybe just a bit ordinary, a bit too sensible. Cars like those are commuter cars IMO, far too modern, civil and mass produced.
Great for the daily, but not so much as a toy or weekend car IMO.
This however would make a fun weekend car:
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Strong residuals, plentiful parts, simple to work on, sensible VED and cheap insurance.
Plus it makes a proper noise too
Great for the daily, but not so much as a toy or weekend car IMO.
This however would make a fun weekend car:
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Strong residuals, plentiful parts, simple to work on, sensible VED and cheap insurance.
Plus it makes a proper noise too
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