Nice two seater for 7k

[Braintax]

I'll keep it brief, I'm 21 and looking for some fun open top motoring that doubles up as a decent daily (very short commute).

Got it down to the following options -

BMW Z4 3.0, Honda S2000 or MX5 Mk3 2.0

Now the S2k really seems like an itch I'd like to scratch but the insurance is quite insane, (+£500PA over the MX5) and the used market on these seems like a real minefield.

Z4's seem readily available and the 3.0 seems like a great balance of performance and economy

Mx5wise I think I could probably buy the nicest car for my budget, 2.0 sport - first thing I'd do is get the cars geometry done at WIM. I've had experience of a mk1 MX and loved it.

The only other option would be to go for something more ordinary with more seats - EP3 or FN2 Type R

What would your advice be? Will a mk3 MX5 be as fun as I'm hoping or do you think I'll be underwhelmed?

[Actus Reus]

986 Boxster???

[tbc]

I was skeptical of the MX-5 until i had a drive in one, you can throw it around corners and it's a great drive

get a good one and look after it and it won't depreciate

buy it now in the Autumn and keep it until next summer and you'll lose nothing on it

[Dan_1981]

VX220?

Yes i've seen the buyers guide

[Vocal Minority]

I would say that compared to a Z4, the MX5 may feel a touch slow?

I know the MX5 has a pukka chassis, but my one complaint about my MK3 MR2 is that it is just a bit too underpowered - Does bug me a bit.

[Braintax]

Actus Reus said:

986 Boxster???

Lovely cars I'm sure, but the parts prices and potential failures scare me to death

[Braintax]

Dan_1981 said:

VX220?

Yes i've seen the buyers guide

I do love these but it seems very hard to find a nice second hand car, surprisingly rare

[tbc]

Braintax said:

Dan_1981 said:

VX220?

Yes i've seen the buyers guide

I do love these but it seems very hard to find a nice second hand car, surprisingly rare

I don't think i've seen one that hasn't been messed with.

[jdw1234]

How about a R129 Merc Benz SL??

Long thread in classic section if you have a look.

[vixen1700]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4168950.htm

TVR S?

[Braintax]

jdw1234 said:

How about a R129 Merc Benz SL??

Long thread in classic section if you have a look.

Nice suggestion and I have a real attraction to these cars, I'm coming from a '89 Pug 205 though and it'd be nice to have something newer than ten years old just for peace of mind

[jdw1234]

Braintax said:

jdw1234 said:

How about a R129 Merc Benz SL??

Long thread in classic section if you have a look.

Nice suggestion and I have a real attraction to these cars, I'm coming from a '89 Pug 205 though and it'd be nice to have something newer than ten years old just for peace of mind

Have a read through the thread. They seem bullet proof.

[Actus Reus]

Braintax said:

Lovely cars I'm sure, but the parts prices and potential failures scare me to death

Needn't be that bad - check out 'I've just bought some Poverty Pork' thread in the Porsche section. But yes, it can be a bit scary down at that end of the market if you don't have a slush fund to keep it running.

Of the cars you mention I'm surprised the BMW falls within your insurance bracket if the S2K doesn't. Personally I'd have the S2k, but MX5 is a car that I really would like to try out...

[edo]

Z4. We had one, really nice car.

Mx5 is a great car, but the 4 pot is not a great noise, and z4 will feel much stronger in terms of performance as you would expect..

[Andy_sx]

tbc said:

Braintax said:

Dan_1981 said:

VX220?

Yes i've seen the buyers guide

I do love these but it seems very hard to find a nice second hand car, surprisingly rare

I don't think i've seen one that hasn't been messed with.

there are loads in the classifieds at the minute (more now im selling mine, than when i bought mine by about 4 times)

With regards to being messed with, I guess you mean modifications TBC? Alot of the mods done are to enhance the experience (standard air filter and exhaust swapped to make it sound better, rather than sound anonymous) wheels changed to 16" front and 17" rear for better handeling characteristics and cheaper and more widey available tyres

[anonymous-user]

I've had quite a lot of cars over the years and my old 3.0i Z4 was without doubt one of my favourites. Great cars

[Braintax]

Thanks guys, I'm definitely too much of a girl to spend my hard earned on something as risky as the porsche or the old merc/tvr I'm afraid..

Nice to see some positive comments on the Z4's, It just so happens a family friend is selling a 3 lire Z4 manual at the moment..

Regarding insurance - the 3.0 Z4 comes out only ten percent more than an MX

[davey68]

S2000! I may be a little biased!

[anonymous-user]

Braintax said:

Thanks guys, I'm definitely too much of a girl to spend my hard earned on something as risky as the porsche or the old merc/tvr I'm afraid..

Nice to see some positive comments on the Z4's, It just so happens a family friend is selling a 3 lire Z4 manual at the moment..

Regarding insurance - the 3.0 Z4 comes out only ten percent more than an MX

If you can, try and find one with the optional M Sport seats.

[Shurv]

Another vote for a Z4, had mine for 4 years and still love it.