Can anything beat an Mx-5 for value for money?

[Osmoliver]

As the title says, is there a better weekend toy in value for money terms?

Assuming that you have a daily car for all your getting about needs and your weekend car is for B road blasts and the occasional track day. Is there anything better or as good?

There are some very good FWD hot hatches, but they're a different prospect to the Mx-5. Other 2 seater RWD cars are typically heavier (Z4, 350Z) or are more expensive (S2000, Boxter).

I know Mx-5 is usually the PH answer, but let's pretend they all disappeared. What's the next answer?

[Osmoliver]

I love mine, but fair enough.

I'd be interested to hear what you replaced it with?

[Osmoliver]

Thanks for the replies!

l354uge said:

I'd say an MG tf or f is better value for money.
Mazda is a better car, but the rust troubles and rising values make them worse value.

I'm not sure I could trust the MG's K series engine and don't they rust as much as Mx-5s?

DoubleD said:

Whats your budget?

I guess there isn't one, but let's say a usable NA Mx-5 is £2k. To be better value for money, an car with a price north of this has to offer something more than an Mx-5.

SCEtoAUX said:

MR2 Roadster.

You might be onto something here! I'm aware there's not much luggage space in them. Can you comfortably fit weekend bags in them?

CubanPete & stargazer30 I like your suggestions for the MR2!

Nickp82 said:

Rx-8 if you buy a good one.

Having to rebuild the engine every so often, the high fuel consumption and the weight of these put me off.

Jag_NE said:

I get that it’s a decent steer but it looks like an absolute girls car. The image conscious helmsman would take a more brutish coupe or GT.

Any suggestions?

ZX10R NIN said:

If it's a weekend toy then these are pretty hard to beat when it comes to fun/value for money:

S1000RR

MV F4

You're right, motorbikes are definitely a different class when it comes to fun and value for money. I did my unrestricted bike licence last year, so I would love to buy a bike. I just need some indoor space due to where I live (insurance...)

Gad-Westy said:

Have had 4x Mk1 MX5's so you know where my loyalties lie. I love them but I think actual bargains are a little harder to find these days. Really good MK1's that aren't crusty are probably over £2k now. The Mk2 is maybe less fashionable so there might be bargains to be had but rust is probably even more of a concern on those.

Would agree about the mk3 MR2. They are great value too and handle beautifully.

Agreed, they came with rust from the factory and I feel as though no matter how nice of a car you buy it's just a matter of time before it'll need surgery (unless you can keep it garaged).

Interesting to hear another suggestion for the MR2.


I used to have a Toyota Yaris T Sport with the 1.5vvti engine and that was great. The 1.8vvti should be even better and it'd definitely sound more charismatic than the Mx-5!