Time for a New Toy - Potential Pit Falls
Discussion
The wife is suffering from an itchy foot, specifically the one that presses the accelerator pedal, so it's time to start looking for a new toy.
We've both got a sensible car (307 SW and Fusion) so we're looking for something small, fast and either coupe or convertible to make at least some of our motoring more exciting. The cars on the list are BMW Z3, BMW Z4, Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2 (we had one of those before) and a Merc SLK. Our budget is around £5500 although we'd prefer not to spend that much if possible.
I suppose in the end only we can decide which car we like however it would be useful to know if there are any potential big mechanical problems that any of these cars are prone to. We don't want to spend £5500 and then find a Steptronic gearbox needs replacing!
Any help/advice greatly appreciated.
Mr and Mrs E
We've both got a sensible car (307 SW and Fusion) so we're looking for something small, fast and either coupe or convertible to make at least some of our motoring more exciting. The cars on the list are BMW Z3, BMW Z4, Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2 (we had one of those before) and a Merc SLK. Our budget is around £5500 although we'd prefer not to spend that much if possible.
I suppose in the end only we can decide which car we like however it would be useful to know if there are any potential big mechanical problems that any of these cars are prone to. We don't want to spend £5500 and then find a Steptronic gearbox needs replacing!
Any help/advice greatly appreciated.
Mr and Mrs E
Z3/4
best with the 6cyl.
Potential issues with radiator failing on both(they're almost a service item).
headgasket issues on the m52 2.8 are fairly common (z3) and can banana the block.
Z3 rear bushes can be well worn, replacement is straightforward but involved.
Ride in the z4 can be harsh on runflats.
For about your budget I'd be tempted by either a Honda s2000 or a Porsche boxter-no doubt a helpful owner can point out their foibles (if they have any)
best with the 6cyl.
Potential issues with radiator failing on both(they're almost a service item).
headgasket issues on the m52 2.8 are fairly common (z3) and can banana the block.
Z3 rear bushes can be well worn, replacement is straightforward but involved.
Ride in the z4 can be harsh on runflats.
For about your budget I'd be tempted by either a Honda s2000 or a Porsche boxter-no doubt a helpful owner can point out their foibles (if they have any)
£5.5k will get you a nice basic z4. Helped the girlfriend find a really nice 2.5 for 4.5k, with your budget you should find a nice early 3.0. It's just what she wanted but I wouldn't describe it as great fun, although it can still put a smile on my face.
You are looking for something fun you could easily stretch you ideas and find something really interesting thats really involving, experience every time you take it out. There's lots of interesting metal out there for your budget.
So how far would you be willing to take your your idea of fun, how much practicality do you need/perceived reliability due to age? Do you have a garage to store it in? If you can get it on a classic policy then that should make it far cheaper to run.
You are looking for something fun you could easily stretch you ideas and find something really interesting thats really involving, experience every time you take it out. There's lots of interesting metal out there for your budget.
So how far would you be willing to take your your idea of fun, how much practicality do you need/perceived reliability due to age? Do you have a garage to store it in? If you can get it on a classic policy then that should make it far cheaper to run.
Edited by The Big G on Monday 27th January 17:47
The Big G said:
So how far would you be willing to take your your idea of fun, how much practicality do you need/perceived reliability due to age? Do you have a garage to store it in? If you can get it on a classic policy then that should make it far cheaper to run.
It would be nice to have some practicality and reliability is important as we don't want to be constantly having it repaired. Afraid we've no garage so any nice car is going to be living in everything the weather can throw at it.Edited by The Big G on Monday 27th January 17:47
Z3 very dated now, but well in budget for nice 3.0.
Z4 great but 6 cyl cars are not in budget without big miles.
Mk1 SLK is always slated but I think they are good cars. We had a 320 manual and it was a really good car.
here is a manual 2002 320 with only 33k on the clock.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Here is a 2003 320 Auto with 36k on the clock.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Z4 great but 6 cyl cars are not in budget without big miles.
Mk1 SLK is always slated but I think they are good cars. We had a 320 manual and it was a really good car.
here is a manual 2002 320 with only 33k on the clock.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Here is a 2003 320 Auto with 36k on the clock.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Skirmisheer said:
It would be nice to have some practicality and reliability is important as we don't want to be constantly having it repaired. Afraid we've no garage so any nice car is going to be living in everything the weather can throw at it.
A lot of fun convertables can live outside with just a hood cover for the worst of the weather. Just make sure you keep the roof treated regularly. She same goes for more modern ones too. With a z4 I'm personally not too concerned with high millage as long as it's been looked after with a good history. S2000 is a good shout too, good looking in my eyes, good if tail happy engine with a great engine. Get out looking and try them on for size, the right car for you will jump out.
I spoke to a log serving Mercedes technician when we bought ours and he said in 10 years he could count on one hand the ones that had needed any major parts over and above the odd switch or pump.
Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
edo said:
I spoke to a log serving Mercedes technician when we bought ours and he said in 10 years he could count on one hand the ones that had needed any major parts over and above the odd switch or pump.
Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
Thanks for that. Good to know. What do you mean by high miles though? These don't look bad at first glance.Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Skirmisheer said:
How reliable is the folding roof on a Mk1 SLK at the age and mileage of cars we will be looking at?
Also, are there problems with automatic boxes in SLK's and Z4's?
I have a 2000 SLK 230k with 150k miles and the roof is fine. No leaks and goes up and down perfectly. I had an issue in the summer when the roof would not close if it was over 25c outside, but this was due to a sticky micro switch and cost nothing except a bit of internet searching, 30 minutes and a bit of silicon lubricant.Also, are there problems with automatic boxes in SLK's and Z4's?
Mechanically the car is great, I purchased with 126k miles and have added 24k in 19 months, it's cost me a few tyres, a few oil changes and some brake pads, but hasn't let me down once other than the roof switch being a bit annoying on hot days
It's a shame the tin worm likes these late 90s mercs so much.
Fattyfat said:
MK3 MR2.
I bought one just after Christmas, very pleased with it.
Previous have had 1st gen SLK and MK1 MX-5s, I'm sure your budget would stretch beyond those.
Slightly off topic, but how does the MR2 compare to the MX5? The MR2 certainly seems to get some good reviews on here and I need a new trackday car. After 2 MX5's a car that may not rust away is quite appealing?I bought one just after Christmas, very pleased with it.
Previous have had 1st gen SLK and MK1 MX-5s, I'm sure your budget would stretch beyond those.
OP - in answer to your question, I bought an R53 JCW Mini last year and it's a great car - very fast and a nice place to sit. Nowhere near as fun as the MX5s I've had though. I'd stick the RWD 2 seaters that you've listed for a weekend fun car.
Skirmisheer said:
edo said:
I spoke to a log serving Mercedes technician when we bought ours and he said in 10 years he could count on one hand the ones that had needed any major parts over and above the odd switch or pump.
Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
Thanks for that. Good to know. What do you mean by high miles though? These don't look bad at first glance.Auto boxes on mercs and bmws of this vintage pretty reliable, but as I said, like for like you wont be getting in a Z4 unless it has a 2.0 engine and/or loads of miles.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
I´m happy owner of a SLK 230k Auto . I got it ten years ago and nowadays there is 84k miles on the clock. During these ten years I had to change tyres, dampers, discs and pads, oil and filters. And last week MB dealer have changed a gear stick rubber joint.
These cars have been criticized alot, becouse they are not a properly sportcar, but they are fantastic cruisers and very reliable cars. If I were you, i would search a 320 V6 manual or a 230 kompressor the original (silver with red and black interior).
The original parts are cheaper than VW, BMW or even Mazda, what really expensive is the MB labour, but you can buy original components and go to a expecialist.
These cars have been criticized alot, becouse they are not a properly sportcar, but they are fantastic cruisers and very reliable cars. If I were you, i would search a 320 V6 manual or a 230 kompressor the original (silver with red and black interior).
The original parts are cheaper than VW, BMW or even Mazda, what really expensive is the MB labour, but you can buy original components and go to a expecialist.
JQ said:
Slightly off topic, but how does the MR2 compare to the MX5? The MR2 certainly seems to get some good reviews on here and I need a new trackday car. After 2 MX5's a car that may not rust away is quite appealing?
There's an MR2 road legal track day car in the PH classifieds at the moment, was looking at it yesterday (only browsing)Edited to add link (and it's a turbo
)http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport/...
Edited by ChilliWhizz on Tuesday 28th January 09:10
ChilliWhizz said:
There's an MR2 road legal track day car in the PH classifieds at the moment, was looking at it yesterday (only browsing)
Edited to add link (and it's a turbo)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport/...
Nice MR2, a proper sportcar.Edited to add link (and it's a turbo
)http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport/...
Edited by ChilliWhizz on Tuesday 28th January 09:10
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff