Do I bother with a 2 seater 2nd car??
Discussion
Hey all.
I had an itch at the start of summer to get rid of a boring car and move onto something that had a lot more fizz, so i ended up selling my 4 series GC and buying an E93 M3. I went for the e93, as i've had the coupe and it didn't feel all that different to the boggo 3series but the e93 with the roof down - well its the perfect way to appreciate that s65 v8 IMHO (i didn't want to track the car and it was just for the road).
Anyway. Summer is over. The v8 is lovely but i have a few road trips planned next year. I don't see the m3 as being the car i'd want to take as, as much as i've enjoyed it. It's given me the itch to get a more sports car orientated vehicle - 2 seats, low down, engine behind me maybe. BUT i've also got a great car for roadtrips in the hot hatch i own.
So this second car, means my other hot hatch becomes my daily driver - highly modified, highly capable Renaultsport. Which im happy enough about, and have daily driven before. BUT its not the most reliable of things and wondering now if having a second car that doesn't have 4 seats for the kids is a no?
Is a 2 seater an itch i need to scratch?? I've never had one due to family. I reckon my budget will be about £20k, if i end up jumping to scratch that itch. So what 2 seater itch would you scratch for that money? Is it worth it at that price point? Its a car that will do next year - Stelvio/NC500/Spa/Nurburgring. So it needs to capable and i prefer quick - i get the mx5 thing but they aren't for me, too slow and don't sound great - v6 one maybe?? LOL. But, I'm thinking Porsche, Lotus, VX??
But could use the money elsewhere - i don't need to necessarily but could just put it in the bank as a pillow??
OR i could get something like an Evo or Impreza - fun and practical. But i've been there before (6 times).
I don't know quite what to do. You can probably tell. I reckon the 2 seater will be done with by this time next year. So not planning to keep it forever. So my gut is saying scratch the itch. But the markets and the economy being the way it is. Should i be more sensible??
What 2 seater would you buy for road trips? (Small/Good handling/Relatively Quick)
I had an itch at the start of summer to get rid of a boring car and move onto something that had a lot more fizz, so i ended up selling my 4 series GC and buying an E93 M3. I went for the e93, as i've had the coupe and it didn't feel all that different to the boggo 3series but the e93 with the roof down - well its the perfect way to appreciate that s65 v8 IMHO (i didn't want to track the car and it was just for the road).
Anyway. Summer is over. The v8 is lovely but i have a few road trips planned next year. I don't see the m3 as being the car i'd want to take as, as much as i've enjoyed it. It's given me the itch to get a more sports car orientated vehicle - 2 seats, low down, engine behind me maybe. BUT i've also got a great car for roadtrips in the hot hatch i own.
So this second car, means my other hot hatch becomes my daily driver - highly modified, highly capable Renaultsport. Which im happy enough about, and have daily driven before. BUT its not the most reliable of things and wondering now if having a second car that doesn't have 4 seats for the kids is a no?
Is a 2 seater an itch i need to scratch?? I've never had one due to family. I reckon my budget will be about £20k, if i end up jumping to scratch that itch. So what 2 seater itch would you scratch for that money? Is it worth it at that price point? Its a car that will do next year - Stelvio/NC500/Spa/Nurburgring. So it needs to capable and i prefer quick - i get the mx5 thing but they aren't for me, too slow and don't sound great - v6 one maybe?? LOL. But, I'm thinking Porsche, Lotus, VX??
But could use the money elsewhere - i don't need to necessarily but could just put it in the bank as a pillow??
OR i could get something like an Evo or Impreza - fun and practical. But i've been there before (6 times).
I don't know quite what to do. You can probably tell. I reckon the 2 seater will be done with by this time next year. So not planning to keep it forever. So my gut is saying scratch the itch. But the markets and the economy being the way it is. Should i be more sensible??
What 2 seater would you buy for road trips? (Small/Good handling/Relatively Quick)
Go for it, until you experience the extra thrill roof top motoring offers you won't really get it.
I'd go something a bit raw personally, I think the VX220 is a good shout as it's cheaper than the Elise, I'd have to go Super/Turbocharged though.
Left field choice is a Tvr Chimaera, makes an epic noise and carry quite a lot of luggage.
People are put off by the Internet stories of unreliability but find a good one that's had the issues sorted and they are an event every drive even going slowly.
I'd go something a bit raw personally, I think the VX220 is a good shout as it's cheaper than the Elise, I'd have to go Super/Turbocharged though.
Left field choice is a Tvr Chimaera, makes an epic noise and carry quite a lot of luggage.
People are put off by the Internet stories of unreliability but find a good one that's had the issues sorted and they are an event every drive even going slowly.
I had a similar thing beginning of this year. Ended up spending a bunch of money on a car I defo do not need.
Was it a mistake? Yes, probably. Was it a great summer, yes 100%!
I think that as long as the purchase doesn't put your family at risk and can afford to lose some money on it, why not.
Was it a mistake? Yes, probably. Was it a great summer, yes 100%!
I think that as long as the purchase doesn't put your family at risk and can afford to lose some money on it, why not.
For the past 15+ yrs I’ve always had a 2seater ragtop as part of my little fleet.
Can’t beat the roof off on a winters night. Even done Colchester to Newcastle in winter with the roof off for the whole journey late at night on many occasions.
Go for it, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without.
Can’t beat the roof off on a winters night. Even done Colchester to Newcastle in winter with the roof off for the whole journey late at night on many occasions.
Go for it, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without.
I would, esp with that budget.
Arguably the right time of year - get heated seats - and you could get a bargain. And if the 2seat/4seat thing is still a concern then the PH answer is obviously get both a 2 seater AND a 4seater family wagon and become a 3 car family - something for every occasion
SLK?
Z4?
Boxster?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208078...
(I have no idea if this is well-priced, just popped up on the search)
Arguably the right time of year - get heated seats - and you could get a bargain. And if the 2seat/4seat thing is still a concern then the PH answer is obviously get both a 2 seater AND a 4seater family wagon and become a 3 car family - something for every occasion
SLK?
Z4?
Boxster?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208078...
(I have no idea if this is well-priced, just popped up on the search)
stevekoz said:
Hey all.
I had an itch at the start of summer to get rid of a boring car and move onto something that had a lot more fizz, so i ended up selling my 4 series GC and buying an E93 M3. I went for the e93, as i've had the coupe and it didn't feel all that different to the boggo 3series but the e93 with the roof down - well its the perfect way to appreciate that s65 v8 IMHO (i didn't want to track the car and it was just for the road).
Anyway. Summer is over. The v8 is lovely but i have a few road trips planned next year. I don't see the m3 as being the car i'd want to take as, as much as i've enjoyed it. It's given me the itch to get a more sports car orientated vehicle - 2 seats, low down, engine behind me maybe. BUT i've also got a great car for roadtrips in the hot hatch i own.
So this second car, means my other hot hatch becomes my daily driver - highly modified, highly capable Renaultsport. Which im happy enough about, and have daily driven before. BUT its not the most reliable of things and wondering now if having a second car that doesn't have 4 seats for the kids is a no?
Is a 2 seater an itch i need to scratch?? I've never had one due to family. I reckon my budget will be about £20k, if i end up jumping to scratch that itch. So what 2 seater itch would you scratch for that money? Is it worth it at that price point? Its a car that will do next year - Stelvio/NC500/Spa/Nurburgring. So it needs to capable and i prefer quick - i get the mx5 thing but they aren't for me, too slow and don't sound great - v6 one maybe?? LOL. But, I'm thinking Porsche, Lotus, VX??
But could use the money elsewhere - i don't need to necessarily but could just put it in the bank as a pillow??
OR i could get something like an Evo or Impreza - fun and practical. But i've been there before (6 times).
I don't know quite what to do. You can probably tell. I reckon the 2 seater will be done with by this time next year. So not planning to keep it forever. So my gut is saying scratch the itch. But the markets and the economy being the way it is. Should i be more sensible??
What 2 seater would you buy for road trips? (Small/Good handling/Relatively Quick)
For me there are three different picks for me.I had an itch at the start of summer to get rid of a boring car and move onto something that had a lot more fizz, so i ended up selling my 4 series GC and buying an E93 M3. I went for the e93, as i've had the coupe and it didn't feel all that different to the boggo 3series but the e93 with the roof down - well its the perfect way to appreciate that s65 v8 IMHO (i didn't want to track the car and it was just for the road).
Anyway. Summer is over. The v8 is lovely but i have a few road trips planned next year. I don't see the m3 as being the car i'd want to take as, as much as i've enjoyed it. It's given me the itch to get a more sports car orientated vehicle - 2 seats, low down, engine behind me maybe. BUT i've also got a great car for roadtrips in the hot hatch i own.
So this second car, means my other hot hatch becomes my daily driver - highly modified, highly capable Renaultsport. Which im happy enough about, and have daily driven before. BUT its not the most reliable of things and wondering now if having a second car that doesn't have 4 seats for the kids is a no?
Is a 2 seater an itch i need to scratch?? I've never had one due to family. I reckon my budget will be about £20k, if i end up jumping to scratch that itch. So what 2 seater itch would you scratch for that money? Is it worth it at that price point? Its a car that will do next year - Stelvio/NC500/Spa/Nurburgring. So it needs to capable and i prefer quick - i get the mx5 thing but they aren't for me, too slow and don't sound great - v6 one maybe?? LOL. But, I'm thinking Porsche, Lotus, VX??
But could use the money elsewhere - i don't need to necessarily but could just put it in the bank as a pillow??
OR i could get something like an Evo or Impreza - fun and practical. But i've been there before (6 times).
I don't know quite what to do. You can probably tell. I reckon the 2 seater will be done with by this time next year. So not planning to keep it forever. So my gut is saying scratch the itch. But the markets and the economy being the way it is. Should i be more sensible??
What 2 seater would you buy for road trips? (Small/Good handling/Relatively Quick)
SLK55 AMG with some choice mods (HR Springs X Pipe LSD remap for better throttle/gearbox response) they're a very good car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207308...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209280...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206297...
C6 Corvette with the Z51 Package (bigger brakes LSD etc)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354308199918?hash=item5...
Z4M a bit lively but fun:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209169...
You’ll only get one answer on here, and it’s probably the answer you want anyway!
A few years ago before we had a child I decided I wanted a 2 seat roadster to run through the summer. Bought an MR2 mk3 on New Years Eve and kept it for just over a year. Sold it in the Spring and it’s the only time I’ve ever made a profit on a car so ultimately it cost me nothing at all. Definitely the right thing to do if you’ve never had one and are in a position to buy. I’d spend the next couple of months looking and then buy in the Winter with a view to selling it come Springtime 2024. It’s very unlikely you’ll lose much.
Plenty of choice at £20k. You’d get a very tidy 987.2 Boxster for that which might be good if you want to do some touring. Or if your a BMW fan then maybe a Z4 35i could work. You’re probably not far off a mk3 TTS roadster which could be good for year round use. Or if it’s a raw, sports car you want then an Elise.
Fill your boots.
A few years ago before we had a child I decided I wanted a 2 seat roadster to run through the summer. Bought an MR2 mk3 on New Years Eve and kept it for just over a year. Sold it in the Spring and it’s the only time I’ve ever made a profit on a car so ultimately it cost me nothing at all. Definitely the right thing to do if you’ve never had one and are in a position to buy. I’d spend the next couple of months looking and then buy in the Winter with a view to selling it come Springtime 2024. It’s very unlikely you’ll lose much.
Plenty of choice at £20k. You’d get a very tidy 987.2 Boxster for that which might be good if you want to do some touring. Or if your a BMW fan then maybe a Z4 35i could work. You’re probably not far off a mk3 TTS roadster which could be good for year round use. Or if it’s a raw, sports car you want then an Elise.
Fill your boots.
As someone with kids, I’ve gone the 2+2 route so I can make use of it with them - use it for ferrying kids around and it becomes part of the everyday fleet. The kids really like being in it too, so I get to drive it more often, which for me is the point. I had an MX5 a while ago and it was a bit of a chore trying to use it with 2 kids….
PomBstard said:
As someone with kids, I’ve gone the 2+2 route so I can make use of it with them - use it for ferrying kids around and it becomes part of the everyday fleet. The kids really like being in it too, so I get to drive it more often, which for me is the point. I had an MX5 a while ago and it was a bit of a chore trying to use it with 2 kids….
Which 2+2 did you get?ChrisH72 said:
PomBstard said:
As someone with kids, I’ve gone the 2+2 route so I can make use of it with them - use it for ferrying kids around and it becomes part of the everyday fleet. The kids really like being in it too, so I get to drive it more often, which for me is the point. I had an MX5 a while ago and it was a bit of a chore trying to use it with 2 kids….
Which 2+2 did you get?Not sure those are the cars you had in mind…
PomBstard said:
I’m more into older cars so went for a 928S4, and have followed that with a 968. Both are more than capable as everyday cars and road trips.
Not sure those are the cars you had in mind…
Well not for me but might interest the OP.Not sure those are the cars you had in mind…
I could be tempted by a 2+2 convertible but so far haven't found many suitable options, especially with more modern stuff. Most of them are a bit big and wafty for me whereas I prefer small and sporty.
Alorotom said:
For the past 15+ yrs I’ve always had a 2seater ragtop as part of my little fleet.
Can’t beat the roof off on a winters night. Even done Colchester to Newcastle in winter with the roof off for the whole journey late at night on many occasions.
Go for it, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without.
This, x100. Can’t beat the roof off on a winters night. Even done Colchester to Newcastle in winter with the roof off for the whole journey late at night on many occasions.
Go for it, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without.
I was 21 when I bought my first 2 seater. I vowed I would never in my driving life be without one.
Yes, I have a practical family car, will always need one. But there isnt a single 4 or 5 seat family car, of ANY price, that I would swap out for having a family car plus a 2 seater. Hot hatches, M3s, fast 2+2 coupes, SUVs, Turbo Imprezas etc are all great, and all great driving tools.
But they will never, ever, be a proper, 2 seat, open top sportscar. There are people who get that (like many of the other posters above) and those who dont.
I doubt there is ANYONE who doesnt ever drive on their own, without the family in tow.. I commute to the office in my Elise quite often!
As for what car, thats a whole different question, but everyone should try it. I've had
NA Eunos Roadster
NB MX-5
Toyota MR2
Porsche Boxster
NC MX-5
Lotus Elise
And the next one is going to be a TVR, S2000, another Boxster, or a Z4M.
I think you've all done a great job at convincing me to listen to the heart rather than the head.
Next step is to narrow down the choice.
I am not a fan of the MX-5, as fun as i am sure it is, i just can't get on with the aesthetics and i think they are a bit weezy for the type of driving i enjoy. Not sure i could be convinced, though there is the BBR upgrade path i guess??
I think so far the list goes
Elise 111s/r
VX220 (i'm not overly bothered about N/A vs Charged - i could get a 2.2 and they seem quick enough and then go SC later down the road).
Cayman - Not an out and out 2 seater roadster but still 2 seats and a very good drivers car. I'd be more inclined to have the gen 2 2.9 over the meatier 3.4.
S2000 - hmmm interesting - an outsider.
Boxster - as per the Cayman, a good steer despite the "rep" as a hairdressers mobile. Not sure id gain much having one over a cayman though - cayman seems more direct and the drivers choice, again not sure that is the case, just a guy instinct?
z4m - well i've got an e93 right now, i've had an e46 330/m3 and e87 130i, and an F36 435, so i love a BMW and the Z4m is a beautiful classy thing. Is it as good to drive as the m3 ?
Not sure i could stomach TVR, I love the heritage of them and theatre but i'm not sold on them.
Someone above mentioned the F-Type - make a great noise but aren't they a bit too nose heavy to be any good a steer? (Conjecture at this point - i've not driven one).
Any others i should consider?
Next step is to narrow down the choice.
I am not a fan of the MX-5, as fun as i am sure it is, i just can't get on with the aesthetics and i think they are a bit weezy for the type of driving i enjoy. Not sure i could be convinced, though there is the BBR upgrade path i guess??
I think so far the list goes
Elise 111s/r
VX220 (i'm not overly bothered about N/A vs Charged - i could get a 2.2 and they seem quick enough and then go SC later down the road).
Cayman - Not an out and out 2 seater roadster but still 2 seats and a very good drivers car. I'd be more inclined to have the gen 2 2.9 over the meatier 3.4.
S2000 - hmmm interesting - an outsider.
Boxster - as per the Cayman, a good steer despite the "rep" as a hairdressers mobile. Not sure id gain much having one over a cayman though - cayman seems more direct and the drivers choice, again not sure that is the case, just a guy instinct?
z4m - well i've got an e93 right now, i've had an e46 330/m3 and e87 130i, and an F36 435, so i love a BMW and the Z4m is a beautiful classy thing. Is it as good to drive as the m3 ?
Not sure i could stomach TVR, I love the heritage of them and theatre but i'm not sold on them.
Someone above mentioned the F-Type - make a great noise but aren't they a bit too nose heavy to be any good a steer? (Conjecture at this point - i've not driven one).
Any others i should consider?
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