986 or mk3 mx5
Discussion
I know, much has been spoken about this topic, but I can't seem to find all the answers I need.
Looking to buy my first sports car (I own a 91 cooper) that can do occasional track days, spirited driving, and of course, daily driving. I want to be able to drive it properly, not babying it.
As such, I've narrowed it down to a 986 2.5 - don't care if it's not that fast, I care more about how much fun it'll be to drive, the sound, and the looks (unpopular I know!) The 986 I've found has 114 000 miles, and it's had a recent service, clutch, and water pump. Haven't been able to see it in person as I'm far away, but I am considering getting a PPI done, and go from there. Any good (and not too expensive ) places that could go to where the car is and do an inspection? Found a place that goes to the garage for around 400 pounds.
I am probably going to be doing maintenance work on it myself, so I don't mind if the car isn't perfect, as long as it's not too complicated to sort.
And that's where the Mx5 comes in! I've been looking at a 2.0 sport with 60 k miles, and have the impression they can go a long way with just simple maintenance and loving care.I found a couple in my budget, one with some holes in the soft top, and another with Ohlins (I take it the owner must drive it enthusiastically).
I'm not averse to spending a bit of money in maintenance, but I would love something that doesn't require constant wallet opening and spannering.
Basically, either tell me I can get away with owning a 986 for little money or just wake me up and politely point me to an mx5
Looking to buy my first sports car (I own a 91 cooper) that can do occasional track days, spirited driving, and of course, daily driving. I want to be able to drive it properly, not babying it.
As such, I've narrowed it down to a 986 2.5 - don't care if it's not that fast, I care more about how much fun it'll be to drive, the sound, and the looks (unpopular I know!) The 986 I've found has 114 000 miles, and it's had a recent service, clutch, and water pump. Haven't been able to see it in person as I'm far away, but I am considering getting a PPI done, and go from there. Any good (and not too expensive ) places that could go to where the car is and do an inspection? Found a place that goes to the garage for around 400 pounds.
I am probably going to be doing maintenance work on it myself, so I don't mind if the car isn't perfect, as long as it's not too complicated to sort.
And that's where the Mx5 comes in! I've been looking at a 2.0 sport with 60 k miles, and have the impression they can go a long way with just simple maintenance and loving care.I found a couple in my budget, one with some holes in the soft top, and another with Ohlins (I take it the owner must drive it enthusiastically).
I'm not averse to spending a bit of money in maintenance, but I would love something that doesn't require constant wallet opening and spannering.
Basically, either tell me I can get away with owning a 986 for little money or just wake me up and politely point me to an mx5
Hmm, lots of interesting answers.
I’ll start by saying as much as I’d love a vx220, it’s out of budget and I’m not sure I’m tempted by the parts that can be hard to source (or so I’ve heard). That silver with red top looks very nice though.
I keep on coming back to the s2000, and although some people say it’s not that special, the vast majority says it’s a lot fun, and I am quite fond of it’s looks and, the prospect of having an engine I can rev the nuts off and not feel bad about it (properly looked after of course!) , all this added to a nice chassis makes it an appealing proposition.
Just haven’t found any within budget that I could take a punt on, at first glance.
The boxster is still appealing to me, but it is true that the potential bills are scary, no matter how many “poverty porker” threads I read to try convincing myself it’ll be ok!
The mx5 (in sport trim with the 2 liter) remains appealing, seems easier to find and equally cheap to maintain as the s2000. I hear it’s a fun little thing, provided it has the sorted geo settings and springs, and it does seem like a safe bet.
And the z4, I genuinely love the coupe, but I wonder how it would fair in terms of occasional track work, in terms of handling and consumables. Love the straight 6 howl though and I’m a fan of that cabin when it has the right trim!
I’ll start by saying as much as I’d love a vx220, it’s out of budget and I’m not sure I’m tempted by the parts that can be hard to source (or so I’ve heard). That silver with red top looks very nice though.
I keep on coming back to the s2000, and although some people say it’s not that special, the vast majority says it’s a lot fun, and I am quite fond of it’s looks and, the prospect of having an engine I can rev the nuts off and not feel bad about it (properly looked after of course!) , all this added to a nice chassis makes it an appealing proposition.
Just haven’t found any within budget that I could take a punt on, at first glance.
The boxster is still appealing to me, but it is true that the potential bills are scary, no matter how many “poverty porker” threads I read to try convincing myself it’ll be ok!
The mx5 (in sport trim with the 2 liter) remains appealing, seems easier to find and equally cheap to maintain as the s2000. I hear it’s a fun little thing, provided it has the sorted geo settings and springs, and it does seem like a safe bet.
And the z4, I genuinely love the coupe, but I wonder how it would fair in terms of occasional track work, in terms of handling and consumables. Love the straight 6 howl though and I’m a fan of that cabin when it has the right trim!
Am I the only one that suffers from petrol head undecideness? This is getting tough.
Thanks everyone so far for the brilliant feedback. And just to add a bit of info to what context im buying a car in, it's to use in france as a daily driver. So I think, I wouldn't have any problems with Euro 4 legislations, and if that were to ever come up I could easily sell it again for a small loss, as there's a bit of an appetite for the cheaper rhd interesting cars. PS the 986 im interested in is a non s LHD, so hence why I'm more interested in it than an S.
Now, thank you to the person that had the brilliant idea of showing me that v220- I'm a sucker for the looks, and I'm tempted for an example I found within budget (barely). Still wondering whether it's a good idea as my only car, but I'm 26 so I might as well have a crazy ish car now. Seems light on consummables and fuel too! Wonder if it's too edgy handling wise.
Porsche 944- interesting car, especially me being a Porsche fan. Practical, and heard it drives well, I even like the looks of it, just think that the price I'd pay for one in a ready to go condition would be better spent on something more recent. Could be wrong though!
Cmoose, thanks as well for the suggestions, gives me a better picture as to what I should expect from the 986s. As much as I want one, I think I've decided that it's not worth me playing the lottery by buying a 986 that may or may not have been looked after. Another time perhaps
Z4 is seriously tempting because its incredibly sexy in coupe form, and that engine..Oh God. Reckon it'd be hard on consummables?
Seems like its s2000, mx5 mk3, vx220 or Z4.
Dammit.
I'll try and drive a few cars before buying, seems like it's the only way.
Thanks everyone so far for the brilliant feedback. And just to add a bit of info to what context im buying a car in, it's to use in france as a daily driver. So I think, I wouldn't have any problems with Euro 4 legislations, and if that were to ever come up I could easily sell it again for a small loss, as there's a bit of an appetite for the cheaper rhd interesting cars. PS the 986 im interested in is a non s LHD, so hence why I'm more interested in it than an S.
Now, thank you to the person that had the brilliant idea of showing me that v220- I'm a sucker for the looks, and I'm tempted for an example I found within budget (barely). Still wondering whether it's a good idea as my only car, but I'm 26 so I might as well have a crazy ish car now. Seems light on consummables and fuel too! Wonder if it's too edgy handling wise.
Porsche 944- interesting car, especially me being a Porsche fan. Practical, and heard it drives well, I even like the looks of it, just think that the price I'd pay for one in a ready to go condition would be better spent on something more recent. Could be wrong though!
Cmoose, thanks as well for the suggestions, gives me a better picture as to what I should expect from the 986s. As much as I want one, I think I've decided that it's not worth me playing the lottery by buying a 986 that may or may not have been looked after. Another time perhaps
Z4 is seriously tempting because its incredibly sexy in coupe form, and that engine..Oh God. Reckon it'd be hard on consummables?Seems like its s2000, mx5 mk3, vx220 or Z4.
Dammit.
I'll try and drive a few cars before buying, seems like it's the only way.
kurokawa said:
never have a boxer,
use to own NC 3.75 and S2000 AP2
MX-5 and S2000 is very different car despite they are both 2 seat soft top roadster
the good about NC MX-5:
It is cheap to run, and cheap to mod and cheap to find parts.
great fun to drive, you can feel the car is communicating with you, and the steering feedback is awesome, and it is a great daily drive
the Roadster coupe in my opinion is so much better than the soft top, it is stylish, good insulation, and not over engineer (unlike my E93 which leak after 3 years of ownership)
the bad about NC MX-5:
it is not fast,
rust is still an issue for NC
the interior might look old, it is the first generation of Zoom Zoom, it look old 10 years ago, and it wasnt at top quality either
the hydraulic steering is a little bit "slow" in vigorous driving
the S2000 is a totally different machine, and what good about it:
vtec, you can feel and hear the change, and it is amazing
it got a sharper steering than NC, FD3S is the only thing I have ever driven that would beat S2000 in this category
it have an fan culture, the value stay strong, i bought mine for 9K and sold it for 10k in the same year
2.0L NA producing over 200HP
the bad things about S2000:
there are literally no usable power at low rev, making it very painful in traffic,
seized bushes due to rust is an issue have to aware of when looking for used
the insulation is as poor as soft top NC
and it suffer from the same issue as other electric steering, the feedback is relatively numb
So would you still think of the s2000 as a quality car, because it lacks steering feedback? It seems quite important when you're hustling down some b roads and on track, or not really?use to own NC 3.75 and S2000 AP2
MX-5 and S2000 is very different car despite they are both 2 seat soft top roadster
the good about NC MX-5:
It is cheap to run, and cheap to mod and cheap to find parts.
great fun to drive, you can feel the car is communicating with you, and the steering feedback is awesome, and it is a great daily drive
the Roadster coupe in my opinion is so much better than the soft top, it is stylish, good insulation, and not over engineer (unlike my E93 which leak after 3 years of ownership)
the bad about NC MX-5:
it is not fast,
rust is still an issue for NC
the interior might look old, it is the first generation of Zoom Zoom, it look old 10 years ago, and it wasnt at top quality either
the hydraulic steering is a little bit "slow" in vigorous driving
the S2000 is a totally different machine, and what good about it:
vtec, you can feel and hear the change, and it is amazing
it got a sharper steering than NC, FD3S is the only thing I have ever driven that would beat S2000 in this category
it have an fan culture, the value stay strong, i bought mine for 9K and sold it for 10k in the same year
2.0L NA producing over 200HP
the bad things about S2000:
there are literally no usable power at low rev, making it very painful in traffic,
seized bushes due to rust is an issue have to aware of when looking for used
the insulation is as poor as soft top NC
and it suffer from the same issue as other electric steering, the feedback is relatively numb
I dont mind if a car is not that fast, it's mostly to have fun and enjoy (speed is an added bonus of course, or else I'd just get a Suzuki cappucino)
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I'm close to Lyon, and even then from what I've read it's not nearly as stringent as in Paris. Lyon, if I read it right, only limits cars is case of excess pollution levels, unlike Paris that no longer allows pre 96 petrol cars and pre 2005 diesel cars. Should be ok.http://urbanaccessregulations.eu/countries-mainmen...
chilistrucker said:
Loafers92 said:
Am I the only one that suffers from petrol head undecideness? This is getting tough.
Thanks everyone so far for the brilliant feedback. And just to add a bit of info to what context im buying a car in, it's to use in france as a daily driver. So I think, I wouldn't have any problems with Euro 4 legislations, and if that were to ever come up I could easily sell it again for a small loss, as there's a bit of an appetite for the cheaper rhd interesting cars. PS the 986 im interested in is a non s LHD, so hence why I'm more interested in it than an S.
Now, thank you to the person that had the brilliant idea of showing me that v220- I'm a sucker for the looks, and I'm tempted for an example I found within budget (barely). Still wondering whether it's a good idea as my only car, but I'm 26 so I might as well have a crazy ish car now. Seems light on consummables and fuel too! Wonder if it's too edgy handling wise.
Porsche 944- interesting car, especially me being a Porsche fan. Practical, and heard it drives well, I even like the looks of it, just think that the price I'd pay for one in a ready to go condition would be better spent on something more recent. Could be wrong though!
Cmoose, thanks as well for the suggestions, gives me a better picture as to what I should expect from the 986s. As much as I want one, I think I've decided that it's not worth me playing the lottery by buying a 986 that may or may not have been looked after. Another time perhaps Z4 is seriously tempting because its incredibly sexy in coupe form, and that engine..Oh God. Reckon it'd be hard on consummables?
Seems like its s2000, mx5 mk3, vx220 or Z4.
Dammit.
I'll try and drive a few cars before buying, seems like it's the only way.
You are not alone Thanks everyone so far for the brilliant feedback. And just to add a bit of info to what context im buying a car in, it's to use in france as a daily driver. So I think, I wouldn't have any problems with Euro 4 legislations, and if that were to ever come up I could easily sell it again for a small loss, as there's a bit of an appetite for the cheaper rhd interesting cars. PS the 986 im interested in is a non s LHD, so hence why I'm more interested in it than an S.
Now, thank you to the person that had the brilliant idea of showing me that v220- I'm a sucker for the looks, and I'm tempted for an example I found within budget (barely). Still wondering whether it's a good idea as my only car, but I'm 26 so I might as well have a crazy ish car now. Seems light on consummables and fuel too! Wonder if it's too edgy handling wise.
Porsche 944- interesting car, especially me being a Porsche fan. Practical, and heard it drives well, I even like the looks of it, just think that the price I'd pay for one in a ready to go condition would be better spent on something more recent. Could be wrong though!
Cmoose, thanks as well for the suggestions, gives me a better picture as to what I should expect from the 986s. As much as I want one, I think I've decided that it's not worth me playing the lottery by buying a 986 that may or may not have been looked after. Another time perhaps
Z4 is seriously tempting because its incredibly sexy in coupe form, and that engine..Oh God. Reckon it'd be hard on consummables?Seems like its s2000, mx5 mk3, vx220 or Z4.
Dammit.
I'll try and drive a few cars before buying, seems like it's the only way.
I'm in a similar boat myself so have just read the last couple of pages with interest. My budget is 8k tops for a weekend car and have also thought of x amount away per month for just in case moments. I've never had a convertible so would like to scratch the itch. I'm not worried about big top speeds as I fancy more of a country roads type car, although would be up for the odd track day if the car I end up with is suitable.My list is MK3 MX5, 986/987 Boxster, either engine size, and a Z4 although not done enough research on these just yet, reading posts here it seems the 3.0 may be the 1 to get?
Went to view 2 MX5's today but the better 1 had sadly sold just before I arrived and the other 1 was no where near as good as it looked online, but I'm guessing this may happen a fair bit.
Viewing a 987, 2.7 Boxster next weekend which from the photos looks very nice and seems to have been properly cared for and is a friend of a friends kind of thing, so hoping it is worth the trip.
I'm sure like yourself I will continue to scratch my head and constantly weigh up the pros and cons, the only thing I know for sure is that what ever 1 I end with, I expect lots of hairdresser/midlife crisis quotes from certain friends, people at work etc. Fortunately I couldn't give a rats arse as I'm buying this for me
How did the viewing go?
Ps. Those people are just envious that you are able to do something fun and enjoyable
ATM, thanks for the input. Even putting aside a fund per month, I’m genuinely scared of ending up with a paperweight if something goes wrong and not being able to sell it.
..that said however, If anyone in London knows their flat 6 stuff, and wants to check out a car for me (I’m in France so I can’t unfortunately fly down to see one car on the basis of a phone call with the dealer and photos), I’d much much much appreciate it. I wanted to get a PPI done but only found a service asking 400 pounds, it’s a bit too much for me.
As of test drives, I did 4 hours on a bus/train today to view a mk3 mx5: a 2.0 with the 5 speed, 55k miles, and a soft top in a bit of a sorry state (purely cosmetical though. Will try to post pictures)
And it was...
...ok? Only managed to drive it on the highway for a bit, and 5 Mins down a bumpy broad with some traffic, so I couldn’t really get much of a picture. It had some sort of “cobalt” back box, which to me is just a waste of money, made it loud at WOT and not much else. Michelin pilot sport 3 tires though, and a new clutch around 7k miles ago.
The 5 speed was a bit notchy even while warm, and brakes were ok, nothing amazing, it will probably need pads in the next 5k miles. Power wasn’t amazing, It feels like it needs to be properly thrashed on to get some acceleration out of it, not bad of
Course! Just expected a bit more of 160hp in a 1100 kg car. Steering was ok, even if at crawling speeds it made a small grinding noise, owner said it’s normal but it could be something playing up in steering rack? It was a bit crashy, it didn’t have the factory bilsteins but it was optioned from the Factory with the lowering springs (purple coloured).
Good amount of service history though.
I have been looking at s2000s in the uk though, and all of the ones I’m interested in are suffering from “5p coin sized area of rust “ in the sills/wheel arch. They look mint (from pictures ).
Might start seriously thinking about z4s, is it safe to go for the 3.0 liter, as I’ve heard it’s a different engine to then z4 coupe and not as reliable?
Thank you everyone for the input so far
..that said however, If anyone in London knows their flat 6 stuff, and wants to check out a car for me (I’m in France so I can’t unfortunately fly down to see one car on the basis of a phone call with the dealer and photos), I’d much much much appreciate it. I wanted to get a PPI done but only found a service asking 400 pounds, it’s a bit too much for me.
As of test drives, I did 4 hours on a bus/train today to view a mk3 mx5: a 2.0 with the 5 speed, 55k miles, and a soft top in a bit of a sorry state (purely cosmetical though. Will try to post pictures)
And it was...
...ok? Only managed to drive it on the highway for a bit, and 5 Mins down a bumpy broad with some traffic, so I couldn’t really get much of a picture. It had some sort of “cobalt” back box, which to me is just a waste of money, made it loud at WOT and not much else. Michelin pilot sport 3 tires though, and a new clutch around 7k miles ago.
The 5 speed was a bit notchy even while warm, and brakes were ok, nothing amazing, it will probably need pads in the next 5k miles. Power wasn’t amazing, It feels like it needs to be properly thrashed on to get some acceleration out of it, not bad of
Course! Just expected a bit more of 160hp in a 1100 kg car. Steering was ok, even if at crawling speeds it made a small grinding noise, owner said it’s normal but it could be something playing up in steering rack? It was a bit crashy, it didn’t have the factory bilsteins but it was optioned from the Factory with the lowering springs (purple coloured).
Good amount of service history though.
I have been looking at s2000s in the uk though, and all of the ones I’m interested in are suffering from “5p coin sized area of rust “ in the sills/wheel arch. They look mint (from pictures ).
Might start seriously thinking about z4s, is it safe to go for the 3.0 liter, as I’ve heard it’s a different engine to then z4 coupe and not as reliable?
Thank you everyone for the input so far
Edited by Loafers92 on Tuesday 8th January 19:51
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Well, decided to get a 986 after all. Nope, haven't driven any, but just feel that they might be the car for me, from what I've read. Have decided to get either a 2.5 or 2.7 (insurance rules out the S) and am narrowing down a few candidates. One of them is a 2.7 with a new IMS done, not sure if the same part model as when it left the factory or an uprated part. Is it safer to get one with this replaced over a 2.5 with more than 100k miles and original IMS?
Is a 4k budget enough to get a nice one that's ready to be enjoyed out of the box?
jakesmith said:
I’d go with one that has have the IMS changed they can let go at any mileage
I did find the 2.5 had enough power for a nice fun drive especially if you’re considering a mx5, but I went to a 2.7 and it did have a noticeable increase in torque over what the figures on paper suggest
Think the 2.7 makes more sense to me
I think so too, it does make me more confortable knowing it's been changed. People have been saying the 2.5 is the sweatest but I'll probably still love the car regardless of engine size I did find the 2.5 had enough power for a nice fun drive especially if you’re considering a mx5, but I went to a 2.7 and it did have a noticeable increase in torque over what the figures on paper suggest
Think the 2.7 makes more sense to me
ooid said:
Depends on the car really. I would just double check both, in terms of service history and condition. I would prefer 2.5 if it has better condition, they are put together in stuttgart, 2.7 would most probably be Finland model. After 100k, expect anything though, and be prepared for the wallet-rape! 
I've found decent examples of both, so I'm more tempted for the 2.7. And would the said wallet raping still happen regardless of the IMS been done? I honestly don't mind budgeting for suspension stuff after, really just want to make sure I have the engine taken care of! Really it'll be worth it!
johnwilliams77 said:
I really would love to but its out of budget love the color combination...80sMatchbox said:
If they are UK cars it's worth checking their MOT history online for a good reflection of how it's been maintained.
https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
It's probably been the most useful tool so far https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
ATM said:
I bought a pair of 10 or 15mm. Will have to dig them out. Just bought another set of same 17 wheels too with near new ps2 tyres.
ATM, your 996 looks gorgeous, perfect meaty tires and the rear lights make it look just right. Updates: Almost bought a 986, I still think its almost perfect, but I cant find any without any need of some "tlc", at least where I come from. Someone I work with is selling a family members mx5 mk2.5 1.8 with an lsd, manifold, bc coilovers and big brake kit, with 45k miles and not a single spot of rust on it. Going to take a look this week and see what it feels like! I might buy it, sell it in the summer and get a 986 later in the year
Alternatively (I seriously need to stop adding cars to my list of candidates) I am also interested in a 130i. I've heard good things about it, and seems like it could be good fun *and* be used for long trips, since the added space is appealing.
ATM said:
Loafers92 said:
Almost bought a 986, I still think its almost perfect, but I cant find any without any need of some "tlc", at least where I come from.
Exactly This is always a problem with these older Porsches. You could probably spend 3,4 or 5 grand on my 996 even though I think it's great. Where do you draw the line? Factor in for an engine rebuild and that's another 4 min or 17 if you go crazy. That's why I keep saying you really have to want one. Lots more cars make more sense. The Porsche may be the cream but the extra expense is disproportionate. In my view .. And I have 2....
Loafers92 said:
Someone I work with is selling a family members mx5 mk2.5 1.8 with an lsd, manifold, bc coilovers and big brake kit, with 45k miles and not a single spot of rust on it. Going to take a look this week and see what it feels like! I might buy it, sell it in the summer and get a 986 later in the year
I'm a sucker for buying cars with a good story. This sounds a screaming buy to me. I'm not too sure about the bad boy mods myself but if the car is sound and a good price then why not?Loafers92 said:
Alternatively (I seriously need to stop adding cars to my list of candidates) I am also interested in a 130i. I've heard good things about it, and seems like it could be good fun *and* be used for long trips, since the added space is appealing.
NoNever stop adding cars to your list. I have recently been wanting all sorts. Latest craze for me has been a lupo gti. I like BMW. They're my go to brand if I want something or am recommending to less car crazed friends. Anything older than 10 years with a pokey engine should be good from them. The 130i gets lots of love but again for me attracts a premium price which elevates it into a territory price rise where it has a lot of competitors. The 330i seems a better choice if you want a bit if space and is probably cheaper IF you can find a manual. I'm a sucker for a BMW estate and would love an e39 or e36 but finding one which isn't tired is too complicated. For me a BMW is a more average car to sit alongside my Porsche. So for me auto etc are fine. If it was my fun car then maybe I'd be much more inclined to seek out a 130i but really if you want small and nimble a 130i is probably a bit chubby. Remember there are plenty of dads out there who need 4 seats and want nimble so they are willing to pay the 130i premium. In summary a great car but better than a z4 - or if you must have 4 seats there are various fwd cars like Renault sport clios ... And did I mention the ridiculously expensive Lupo gti already?
" so for now, the 986 is out of the game. As for my colleagues dads mk2.5 1.8 mx5: Drove it, liked it, even though the mods aren't my favorite and wanted to buy it right then and there. But the next day, my colleague's brother found out it was for sale and immediately jumped ahead of me and its now his. The brother also has a similar spec one, except it was modified with unpainted mazdazpeed add ons to the bumpers, which look naff unpainted, and would now be for sale. I figured I could test drive that too, maybe I'd like it, I thought: so it was avery nice sounding little thing (IL motorsports back box and cat? plus some sort of intake which made it sound like it was on ITB's and oh my God the sound it made). Bilstein dampers, which seemed still ok. But why do these mx5s have this high seating position? I'm a 1.67 and it felt like I was sitting on it, instead of in it.
I work in a garage that works on classic cars and race cars, and whilst im no mechanic expert (far from it) I managed to put it up on a lift and take a poke around- All sane, except for severe bubbling under the rear of the sill, between the door and wheel arch. Signs of filler. Dreams shot.
Told him I'd pay less than what his brother was asking for, because this was around 1 k of repairs. And that was that.
Which brings me to where I'm at today: Found a very tidy looking mk2 1.8 with 60 thousand miles, kw v1 coilovers, yokohama advan ad08 tires, and from the pictures the seller has sent, no rust (a summer car apparently). As I've said before, i'm in Lyon, France. This mx5 ive just mentioned is in Switzerland, so I'd have to import it, and whilst in theory its ok, it might be different once I'm actually importing it, which got me to consider, once again, other options available around here:
330/328/325 ci- Some lower mileage ones available, they look nice, and surely will sound great. Not the little b-road/light track toy I wanted, but I wonder if they can be tweaked easily to do both, in a fun way.
130i- found a couple with close to 120k miles- heard good things about them, but wonder the same as above.
944- Ah, of course I had to find my way back into a Porsche offering, didn't I? There is one very close to me, that I want to test drive before buying anything. Timing chain is a year old, but its stll on its original clutch at 100k miles. Tempted, because I hear it's fun to drive, like a bigger mx5, but 4 seats, an actual boot that I can use, and I like the looks of it, especially with a 944 turbo front.
mk3 2.0 mx5- I'd have to import this from Germany for it to be within budget, but Its still appealing. Tuneable, with manifolds, exhaust, freeing up some hp for not that much money.
Mk1 tt quattro 225- I know, I know. Why? Because I like the way it looks, and on paper it makes sense:225 hp, 4wd, small. But I heard it wouldnt be very suited to what I want out of a car. So I'm test driving one this week.
I'm even considering a flipping rx8 with a rebuild done less than 5k miles ago (192 version though)- They look good, 4 seats, light, handle great, and want revs. Bork factor is high though, and mpg (I commute around 7 miles to work and back) must be absolutely depressing.
ATM, I *love* the way the lupo GTI looks. And seriously tempted too by a 197 clio. Just want to make the jump to RWD (except for the tt), but maybe I should be considering the 197 after all? Will try to find one to test drive.
Phew, that was a long read, sorry. And a long,sad amount of posts in which I change my mind endlessly. I hope one day, this thread will help someone make up their mind on what to get!
Bobtherallyfan said:
Bit late to the party on this thread but have you considered a MK3 MR2? Prices seem stupidly low for a car that is such fun to drive without risking your licence.....I actually enjoy driving mine more than my 911 for short sharp blasts.
I drove a mk3 MR2 a couple of years ago, an old, 1k example. It was quite nice, like the mk2.5 mx5 I drove that had BC racing coilovers (the mr2 was stock). Liked it, just can't make sense of its luggage space- Itd be my only car, and whilst I have considered buying it as a toy and some sort of daily beater, I cant find anything within the budget Id have left after the mr2 unfortunately. Nice cars! Edited by Loafers92 on Wednesday 6th February 21:15
DRH986 said:
A few years ago my son had an unmodified MX5 Mk 2.5 1.8 Sport with LSD and about 146 BHP IIRC. I had a 986 Boxster S at the time but as somebody earlier said, the MX5 was much more fun to go to the shops or for a local hoon. It felt much more alive and go-kart like and you could chuck it about in a way that just isn't possible in the Boxster at relatively sane speeds. That said, I'd take the Porsche every time for a Euro trip.
I looked at getting one myself but came to the conclusion that finding a truly rust free car was virtually impossible. My son's looked ok superficially but sills, rear arches and front suspension mounts were getting close to MOT failure point. I recall having a conversation about the rust issues with a work colleague whose wife owned a Mk 2.5 from new, garaged and under 30k miles. When he had a good look underneath, he was horrified to find the sills were well on the way and sold the car.
Christ, that's depressing. Shame, because these are nice little cars. Why can't Japan, an Island, build something that'll resist salt? I looked at getting one myself but came to the conclusion that finding a truly rust free car was virtually impossible. My son's looked ok superficially but sills, rear arches and front suspension mounts were getting close to MOT failure point. I recall having a conversation about the rust issues with a work colleague whose wife owned a Mk 2.5 from new, garaged and under 30k miles. When he had a good look underneath, he was horrified to find the sills were well on the way and sold the car.
Test drove a mk1 tt quattro (180bhp) and its a fun little car. Not as fun as an mx5 though. Also drove an 87 944 with 100 k miles on the clock (odometer was broken at 85 k miles so this is what the seller says). The car hadn't moved in a long time, the interior was just dirty with a bit of condensation in the hatch and a leak from the targa top. Trim wasn't perfect, and the paint had seen better days, but it had a timing chain replacement last year and a clutch less than 20k miles ago (12 years ago). The car was much nicer to drive than I expected. When I drove the mk2.5 1.8 mx5, I wondered where were the 147 bhp, the 944 felt like it had all the 163 bhp. Sounded nice, linear power delivery, gets going after 3k rpm. Owner had it on older, budget tires and we drove in some wet roads and it still felt quite nice to hustle around. You feel it's weight a bit when going into a turn, or maybe it's just the steering. It felt stable and heavy, planted. Very nice car. Quite tempted to get one, as unlike the Audi, it feels like it can take the abuse (owner drives it up and down a rutty dirt road, full of potholes as if they weren't there and leaves it outside all year long under the snow).
Tempted to find one that's in better shape!
Tempted to find one that's in better shape!
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