Mazda MX5 1.8 or Peugeot RCz 1.6THP

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Hi

I was not intending to buy a car (I have too many including a classic) but I am by nature a week man when it comes to cars.

It started when I was at my mechanic over the weekend when I spotted a maroon MX5, the neighbouring garage guy had for sale. I have always fancied them but I am a big guy (more width than height) so just wanted to sit in it. Surprisingly I fitted in, but it was a bit tight with the door shut. I think I can manage that

Then through my usual AT browsing had a look at Audi TT which led me to the Aldi TT - Peugeot RCZ 1.6THP

The MX5 2012 has been offered for £3k and the Peugeot RCZ 2011 on eBay is £2.5k. I have not sat in the RCZ but it obviously looks larger and has 2+2 practicality (I have 2 young kids). What would you recommend? Currently just looking as a weekend unwind car but if I manage to get rid of my main car I may use it as a daily (saying that I WFH so not much of a daily). Wife has her own car I can expect to share if more space is needed.

I have a trip planned to Scotland in May and the RCZ appeals as a car to take on the holiday, I cannot do that in MX5. Flip side is RCZ 1.6THP has some horror stories while the MX5 has it's own rust/water leak (it's a cabriolet) and rear diff issues too!

Help me make my mind. Or shall I just curb my urge and move on....

[Derek182]

If I was buying that era of MX5 I would go for the 2.0, can't see a downside to having an extra 30 plus horsepower.
I leased an RCZ 2.0 HDi for a couple of years from 2013, really enjoyed it and quite practical, a huge boot with fold down rear seats, if your children are under 10 they should be fine in the back, anyone over 5 foot less so. I remember it riding and handling really well, went down the average UK bumpy A and B road quite quickly.

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Derek182 said:

If I was buying that era of MX5 I would go for the 2.0, can't see a downside to having an extra 30 plus horsepower.
I leased an RCZ 2.0 HDi for a couple of years from 2013, really enjoyed it and quite practical, a huge boot with fold down rear seats, if your children are under 10 they should be fine in the back, anyone over 5 foot less so. I remember it riding and handling really well, went down the average UK bumpy A and B road quite quickly.

Thanks. They 1.6THP are now tantalisingly cheap. Yes they could go wrong but I would imagine those that had to go wrong have already done, others have had the water pump and timing chain replaced to last this long? There are great reviews on YouTube who all seem to like it for what it is