On the subject of rear end action!!!

[johng]

I'm looking ot buy a convertible sport runaround, up to £5-6k.

I've previously owned an MR2 and loved it, however, I'm thinking is there anything else available, apart from the MGF - whihc I have never liked.

Would it be worth getting an older example of a Porsche - possibly a boxster, rather than a newer MR2.

So in effect is an older 'better' car a wiser purchase than a newer 'cheaper' model?

Thoughts and opinions welcomed......

 

[USER1999]

BMW Z4.

If you can get one for the price.

 

[haplesshacker]

There are a couple of car dealers on here that I'm sure will give you some advice.

Agree with you on the MGF. But in that price range, Merc CLK and SLK, though quite high milage. Z3's, MX5's, even Honda S2000. What about a Triumph Stag or Spitfire if you fancy a more classic car. I found a couple of M3 convertibles.

The S2000 would take my fancy.

Coming back to the question. As tempting as a premium car at a low price is. IMHO, you'd need to check it out very carefully. And are running costs an issue? Again some makes are horrendous compared to others.

As mentioned earlier, I'm sure our own car dealers will be along to offer some advice.

 

[medwayjon]

E36 BMW M3 Evo Cabriolet.

If its fun and for occassional use this would be the choice for me, available in the budget specified and will never lose money if a well cared-for example with good history.

All I would want is Under 100k and thorough service history. Also nice to know if the vanous unit has been replaced.

Also you could get an early BMW Z3, 2.8 with sensible miles and impeccable history for that money quite comfortably. Again good fun but not in the league of the M3.

If you go newer then you are looking at the MGTF (great fun), The MR2 as mentioned (which I dont rate) or perhaps an S2000 that has done a bit of leg.

 

[medwayjon]

On the subject of M3's. This is mine we sold in 2006

 

[johng]

The MR2 as mentioned (which I dont rate)

Hi Jon.

why dont you rate the MR2, is there a particualr issue with them to look out for?

Ta,
John.

 

[medwayjon]

The MR2 as mentioned (which I dont rate)

Hi Jon.

why dont you rate the MR2, is there a particualr issue with them to look out for?

Ta,
John.

I just find them to be an uninspired drive. Not the greatest levels of performance for the money you would spend. The car has 140bhp but does have to be worked to the higher end of the rev-range for any excitement as they dont have a great deal of torque. They handle ok. Basically they just dont have the thrill of the 6-pot beemers and that ilk.

The MR2 also has a few problems I have encountered.

My sister-in-laws is on a 55-plate done 31k. It has had to have alloy refurbishment (toyota alloys corode quickly and terribly), the leather has had to be re-colonised twice, it has had a replacement gearbox under warranty and it has also had 2 replacement starter motors. This car has been well cared-for but has been a bit of a pain.

Still for a bit of weekend fun it could be worse.

 

[Region3]

Lotus Elise?

 

[golfstick]

please please please do not get an MG. this is mad times, worst 1.5 years of my life

 

[AndrewG]

Not a car buff, but I have heard the previous model MX5 had near perfect handling... Just what I'd heard before anyone kicks off at me

 

[vig]

Bugger!, saw the title of the thread and thought it was a Natalie Gulbis post

 

[johng]

Bugger!, saw the title of the thread and thought it was a Natalie Gulbis post

I think you'll find that's a very different forum altogether!!

if you ever find the link feel free to let us know.

 

[johng]

Thanks to all for the opinion - MWJ in particular.

Still undecided, but I have at least put the Mondeo up for sale and we'll see what happens from there.

HID is trying everything to get me to purchase an older Boxster - purely with my best interest at heart. I am tempted, but the thought of buying a dog, with high running costs scares ths 5#!te out of me.


John.

 

[Losttheplot]

Lotus Elise?

Gets me vote!!

 

[Region3]

HID is trying everything to get me to purchase an older Boxster - purely with my best interest at heart. I am tempted, but the thought of buying a dog, with high running costs scares ths 5#!te out of me.

If you're a big lad it's not the easiest car to get in and out of.

A guy I work with - discuss, shot, and hammer in his spare time - had to drive one once. We were all watching him out the window trying to get in it. It was more like he was trying to put it on!

 

[USER1999]

I got in an MX5 once. After 5 minutes I had cramp really badly in my leg. Those things are soooo small. Built for little Japanese women, not blokes. One of the most uncomfortable 20 minutes of my life.

 

[vig]

I got in an MX5 once. After 5 minutes I had cramp really badly in my leg. Those things are soooo small. Built for little Japanese women, not blokes. One of the most uncomfortable 20 minutes of my life.

I sat in one in a showroom and couldn't get out. My legs were jammed under the steering wheel. Quite embarassing really.
I think the salesman was thinking how am i going to shift this with a bloke attached.

 

[RGDave]

I got in an MX5 once. After 5 minutes I had cramp really badly in my leg. Those things are soooo small. Built for little Japanese women, not blokes. One of the most uncomfortable 20 minutes of my life.

Funny you should say that. I'm on holiday a.t.m. but have been forced to "pop home" just tonight. There is an MX5 for sale on the road to deepest westest (wettest!!) Wales and I'm going to have a look at it tomorrow or Friday. Black "R" reg 1.8. £3295. I drove one 5 years ago and loved it...no problem fitting in. I did however struggle with an MGF and "we" (me and HID) turned down a TVR cerbera in 2006 (when I had a windfall). She couldn't see the road and I couldn't see past the top of the windscreen. Hopeless.

If we don't get the MX5, I'll console myself with a round or two on some nice Welsh links courses and imagine breaking 70 with £3295 worth of golf tuition.