Combining the abilities of my two cars into one
Discussion
Yeah, it's kind of a what car thread in a thin disguise.
Currently I run a MK1 MX5 which when it is working properly packs 203bhp thanks to a turbo and, for the usual schlepping about and chucking stuff in the boot, a 1.7 Puma. Both great, cheap little cars which have replaced more expensive cars (although it's all relative but from £20k-ish to £4k-ish combined value when purchased) without really a drop in the grin factor that my M3 and Fiesta ST used to provide.
Stung this month by an MOT, insurance and tax (and Christmas!)on one of the cars I realise that as a weekend toy the MX is a bit of an indulgence (also I can't stop buying odds n sods for it!) with a wedding on the way I'm looking to make my spending more predictable month-to-month so is there a car that can combine the practicality of the Puma with the thrills of the MX for sub-£10k?
I think the answer is 'nope' but thought I'd pitch it to the collective PH wisdom. I suspect something will have to give, probably the convertible aspect...
Currently I run a MK1 MX5 which when it is working properly packs 203bhp thanks to a turbo and, for the usual schlepping about and chucking stuff in the boot, a 1.7 Puma. Both great, cheap little cars which have replaced more expensive cars (although it's all relative but from £20k-ish to £4k-ish combined value when purchased) without really a drop in the grin factor that my M3 and Fiesta ST used to provide.
Stung this month by an MOT, insurance and tax (and Christmas!)on one of the cars I realise that as a weekend toy the MX is a bit of an indulgence (also I can't stop buying odds n sods for it!) with a wedding on the way I'm looking to make my spending more predictable month-to-month so is there a car that can combine the practicality of the Puma with the thrills of the MX for sub-£10k?
I think the answer is 'nope' but thought I'd pitch it to the collective PH wisdom. I suspect something will have to give, probably the convertible aspect...
I owned a 231 RX8 for a while, and whist I do recommend them, you need to know what you're doing when buying one. They need a bit more care than other cars- but if you get a good one and then look after it properly you will love it.
They are fast cars, and really do handle as well as their reputation suggests. Straight line performance isn't brilliant (0-60 in just over 6 seconds) but through twisty roads they are amazing fun. And the noise is amazing. It is a car that you will look forward to driving, and will just go for a drive for no reason- and it will make you smile every time.
For the money you will struggle to find a better performing car for the money. The mpg is the worst thing about them. Servicing isn't too painful- go to a rotary specialist instead of Mazda and you will knock around 50% off the costs. I paid £300 for a major service (due every third service), which is pretty good.
They are fast cars, and really do handle as well as their reputation suggests. Straight line performance isn't brilliant (0-60 in just over 6 seconds) but through twisty roads they are amazing fun. And the noise is amazing. It is a car that you will look forward to driving, and will just go for a drive for no reason- and it will make you smile every time.
For the money you will struggle to find a better performing car for the money. The mpg is the worst thing about them. Servicing isn't too painful- go to a rotary specialist instead of Mazda and you will knock around 50% off the costs. I paid £300 for a major service (due every third service), which is pretty good.
Loving the Elan estate but I think something with a touch more safety features and general dependability may be in order! I guess I'm after the moon on a stick really!!
Tuscan sounds good (literally) but I'm not sure I'd be too popular with the wife-to-be and nor she with I when a wheel gets curbed or worse!
Was just daydreaming as to whether the £1,000 a year (just tax, insurance and a couple of consumables so probably the real cost is much higher) I spend running a second car could be better put into having one all-rounder but I guess cars are a hobby and hobbies cost cash!
Tuscan sounds good (literally) but I'm not sure I'd be too popular with the wife-to-be and nor she with I when a wheel gets curbed or worse!
Was just daydreaming as to whether the £1,000 a year (just tax, insurance and a couple of consumables so probably the real cost is much higher) I spend running a second car could be better put into having one all-rounder but I guess cars are a hobby and hobbies cost cash!
AARONM3 said:
Was just daydreaming as to whether the £1,000 a year (just tax, insurance and a couple of consumables so probably the real cost is much higher) I spend running a second car could be better put into having one all-rounder but I guess cars are a hobby and hobbies cost cash!
Probably worth me putting up some RX8 figures then.In the 18 months I owned mine (which was a personal record for car ownership) I spent-
£300 on two new rear tyres
£300 on major service
£200 ignition coils (important to do these every 30-40k miles)
£1100 insurance (roughly £700 per year)
£220 tax (mine was a pre-2006 model)
£300 aftermarket warranty, plus the £50 excess I paid for a £700 bill replacing the faulty CD changer
All in all, not bad for the level of performance. I'm not going to calculate the petrol costs.
I wouldn't expect the running costs of an RX8 to differ much from the MX5 considering it's turbocharged.
Perhaps something like an Impreza might fit the bill? More practical than the two combined, reasonable-ish servicing intervals, reasonable MPG if you're taking it gentle on the motorway. Or, if you can stomach the economy, a Vauxhall Monaro?
Perhaps something like an Impreza might fit the bill? More practical than the two combined, reasonable-ish servicing intervals, reasonable MPG if you're taking it gentle on the motorway. Or, if you can stomach the economy, a Vauxhall Monaro?
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