"Fun" car for retirement | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Tue 18 Oct 2016 22:30

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

So, the missus retired earlier this year and I'm now on the countdown (we're both lucky to be able to go in our mid 50's)

We've got our 'sensible' motor sorted out in a nice MK7 Golf 1.4 TSi whch does everything extremely well (48mpg from a petrol and it fair shifts if you put it in 'sport mode' which I realise probably involves a changing display reading 'sport mode' but as a fan of 'Red Dwarf' it makes me laugh!)

We have decided to purchase a 2nd car for high days and holidays (max budget 5.5K) which isn't sensible and might even be 'fun''. Unfortunately we are both depressingly sensible people so even our 'fun' choices are pretty damm sensible.

We fancy a convertible (we live in Scotland so this makes perfect sense) and SWMBO quite likes the look of either the Saab 9-3 ragtop or the Volvo C70 (post 2006 with the folding 'transformers' hard top). Obviously a Mazda MX-5 would be a better choice still, but she seems to prefer a larger vehicle and who am I to argue? Also, this might be the ideal time of year to buy a convertible up here!

I wondered what opinion the good folks here had about the choice between these two? I would go for petrol due to reliability concerns re the oil burners and no concerns re mpg due to low mileage and we're probably leaning towards the Volvo due to the hard top. I'm guessing the imperatives are to try to get one where the timing belt etc has been changed recently and to check the roof mechanism/condition carefully?

Also, I'd welcome any alternative suggestions (probably not a BMW or Audi as they just look like BMW's and Audi's, although our last fun car was a mk1 TT 225 coupe which we both loved...)

Thanks in advance

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 00:08

"Fun" car for retirement - SLO76

If it's "fun" you're after, have £5.5k to spend on a car and want the two days of sunshine we have up here in a traditional Scotish summer beating on your head then look no further than an MX5.

They're cheap to buy, cheap to run, great fun to drive, good to look at, easy to sell on, reliable and have probably the best gearchange on any car yet made. Yes, they really are that good, If you haven't owned one yet then take this opportunity to get one. You'll not regret it.

The 1.8 is all you need and while they're mechanically very tough watch for sticking brake callipers and avoid any that haven't proof of annual servicing. They're so reliable people often treat them like white goods. Rust is the big enemy. Even the Mk III rots like it's the 1970's over again. Still worth the effort with the polish and a spot of under seal though.

If pushed for a decision between the Saab and Volvo I'd take the Volvo which is greedy but the old 5cyl petrol will run and run if looked after and it's a far better made and better driving product all in. The Saab is a poor relation to its former self after years of underdevelopment and cost cutting by the accountants at GM. At the end even the Vectra it was based on was a better built car. Buy only in mint condition with perfect history and avoid the Fiat diesels like the plague.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 00:46

"Fun" car for retirement - Avant

I was in this position about eight years ago: I was very tempted by an MX-5 but instead went for a BMW Z3 with the wonderful straight-six 2.2 engine.

It was seven years old when I got it, with FSH and just the right mileage (70,000), and it never went wrong in the five years I had it. I sold it partly because SWMBO by then had a convertible, a Mini, and also, given that all the wear-and-tear components were at least five years old, it could have turned into a money-pit at any time.

But I miss it sometines, and it would certainly be worth your while looking for a Z4 to suit your budget. It has the advantage of not looking like other BMWs!

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 02:20

"Fun" car for retirement - Oliver Mayo

Totally agree with the posts above.

Volvo C70 will be classy, not many about and have a pokey engine to boot. Not sure what they are like to drive however.

The MX5 is the obvious choice as reliable and solid little cars. Should cost no more to run than a hatch as half the components are probably the same anyway.

The BMW Z4 if you can pick one up cheap enough might be worth a look. The looks are not to everyone's taste but with it's funny proportions it is like you are riding in the back of the car, and being towed along by the front half. A complete hoot to drive, my friend has one with one of the smaller engines and he raves about how peachy it is.

I would avoid the Saab personally, there aren't many about, and I would worry about parts supply for them.

The other choice that might be worth investigating is the Honda S2000. Boringly reliable but a lot of fun.

Merc/Jaguar alternatives are likely to be out of budget except at high mileages.

A lot of soft tops begin to leak in time, might be worth buying a hard top lid thing if you get one just for the summer months.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 08:00

"Fun" car for retirement - Cluedo

Got to agree with the MX5 proposal above all day long.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 08:12

"Fun" car for retirement - RaineMan

Got to agree with the MX5 proposal above all day long.

Also in agreement with MX5. This is a true fun car - most of the others are just convertible versions of medium/large saloons. You could also go classic with an MGB or TR7 but would need to buy carefully. You need to ask if you are after a convertible, a fun car or both...

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 12:36

"Fun" car for retirement - daveyK_UK

suzuki swift sport

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 13:08

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

I'll never sell the idea of a Suzuki Swift Sport to the wife no matter how good they really are!

Because the 'fun' car will likely double up as her car until I do retire, then (sadly) she's going to have the last word.

The Alfa Brera on the other hand with the 2.2 petrol engine looks like a thing of beauty and may well turn her head even though it's a coupe not a convertible. I suppose a lot of it will come down to which of the 2 or 3 choices, in the best condition is available to within say a 50 mile radius when we start looking next week. I just hope to God that a mint Renault Avantime doesn't crop up locally (that would be a very odd definition of 'fun' I know but I just love the look of them!)

Thanks for all the replies.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 13:56

"Fun" car for retirement - SLO76

The Brera uses basically the same 2.2 chain driven engine from the Vauxhall Vectra. It's greedy, not quick in the overweight Alfa and has a nasty habit of eating its timing chain among many other typical irritating Alfa electrical and mechanical issues. Front subframe rots on them and to top it off they're very greedy for the level of performance you get. I get the appeal, they're gorgeous to look at and sit in but they're not fun in any way to drive. If you must have one you need a full Alfa or specialist history with proof of fresh oil EVERY year. Don't scrimp if you want one buy the best, it'll save you in the long run. Suggest driving one then take a shot in an MX5. The wee Mazda will run circles round it and it'll be unlikely to give you any grief plus it'll do the best part of 10mpg more.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 20:14

"Fun" car for retirement - Oliver Mayo

The looks and interior of any Alfa will be to die for, far in excess of anything yet mentioned on this thread, they really are mini-Ferraris.

But the fun is that obtaining parts can be problematic, and you will need one with a serious service history and a specialist to look after it. They are known for various gremlins, there will be owners forums that will help you pick the right car and what to look for.

The Alfa GT is also a looker in my book. I don't know enough about the petrol engines to recommend them but I was away there was an Alfa/GM tie up over the diesels.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 13:23

"Fun" car for retirement - 72 dudes

I previously owned a Mark III MX-5 1.8 as my fun car for 3 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Handles like a go cart, fantastic to drive, loves to rev, and the roof goes up and down by hand in about 10 seconds. The ride is even quite comfortable.

I part exchanged it in 2014 for an SLK350, which is an entirely different animal, but lots of fun in a different way.

I did try a C70 2.4 before buying the SLK and enjoyed it but the fun factor came from the open top as opposed to the way it drove.

The Z4 Avant suggests would also be a good option. There's also the first SLK (1996-2003) and for your budget you should be able to find a mint one. For something a bit different, track down a Chrysler Crossfire which uses the same platform and mechanicals as the first SLK

If you and your good lady can decide what "fun" means to you, that would help your choice. If it's the way the car drives then the MX-5, Z4 and SLK are the ones to go for. If it's wafting along with the top down on pleasant days with the ability to put the roof up to turn it into a "normal" car, the C70 would be a good choice. You might also search out a great example of the previous 3-Series with a 6 cylinder engine.

Enjoy looking and remember that this time of year is an excellent time to be buying a convertible.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 14:16

"Fun" car for retirement - Gibbo_Wirral

Another MX5 vote here.

Personally I preferred the MGF, but the engine location and issues that bother them would make me recommend the MX5 and its big easy access engine bay

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 14:18

"Fun" car for retirement - Snakey

MX5s are great fun but buy as late as you can, from 2000-2005ish models are rotten in places you can't see.

I know someone with a 'new' shapre 2006 model and thats got rusty wheelarches so pick carefully and you'll have an entertaining car!

I ditched my 2002 because of terminal chassis rust, scary as it was only visible using an endoscope but seriously weakened the structure of the car.

Apart from that it was a hoot to drive and cheap to run!

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 14:34

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

By Crikey! that's an overwhelming level of endorsement for the MX-5! Useful to know that they can rot though.

I suppose a way to overcome the wife's resistance to the idea is to enourage her to actually drive one

Thanks for the warnings re the Brera (shame, it looks so good) and I agree with the poster who liked the MGF. A friend had one, I've driven it quite a bit and was pleasantly surprised by how nice it felt. Also, At 6' 1'' I fitted into it really nicely with all the legroom under the bonnet. Thanks also for the suggestion of the Crossfire. There's a nice example locally on AT with only 28K on the clock for very reasonable money. I just can't get past Clarkson's comments about it looking like 'a dog parking its breakfast'.

The quest goes on, but as someone said earlier, it's to be enjoyed.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 15:18

"Fun" car for retirement - elekie&a/c doctor

MX 5 is an excellent choice,simple idea ,reliable and easy to fix if it does go wrong.But as previously noted,watch that chassis rot.It is not age related as some of the newer models are worse than the earlier types.Interestingly,the older versions with the pop-up headlights are becoming classic status and are creeping up in value.How about a Bmw E46 convertible from around 2005?Great build and pretty reliable but must have the 6 cylinder engine.

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 20:22

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

Probably should have mentioned earlier that one of the main reasons for the wife's aversion to the MX 5 and indeed the Z4 is that she can struggle with a dodgy back at times and is a bit wary of low down cars for getting in/out (I have bought her a pilates video but so far to no avail......)

That's why we're more looking at the more standard hatch/saloon type vehicle but with some form of sort top.

Yes, I've always fancied a 6 pot Beemer and may well check out any E46's that are local to me. I did however notice today that 2003/2004 vintage Jag XJ's are well within budget. As I mentioned earlier, the wife does seem to have a fondness for 'the larger car' but that might be pushing it a bit and yes, I'm starting to deviate a bit from the original brief.

I know what the reaction would be if she saw one in the metal though "oooh! that's nice......"

All good fun though!

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 21:40

"Fun" car for retirement - RaineMan

Yes, I've always fancied a 6 pot Beemer and may well check out any E46's that are local to me. I did however notice today that 2003/2004 vintage Jag XJ's are well within budget. As I mentioned earlier, the wife does seem to have a fondness for 'the larger car' but that might be pushing it a bit and yes, I'm starting to deviate a bit from the original brief.

Well if you are deviating from the brief how about a Jaguar XK8. A friend in a similar situation to you brought one a couple of years ago as a modern classic having tired of 60s/70s classics. Although he never had a major breakdown various shortcomings and niggles made him tire of them. XK8s are well within your budget and would leave something for eventualities. A loved car with a FSH is essential though. With nearly 300 bhp it's fun! :)

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 21:50

"Fun" car for retirement - gordonbennet

Rare and very good looking IMHO, plus enviable reliability, Honda S2000.

Neatly avoiding Mazda's now possibly becoming legendary rust.

Edited by gordonbennet on 19/10/2016 at 22:01

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 22:13

"Fun" car for retirement - Falkirk Bairn

S2000 in great order are expensive £15K+ for the last 2008/9 models with low mileages..

Lots of high mileage cars that may well have been through a hedge or 2 - even they are still pricey. back end not the best in the wet !

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 22:38

"Fun" car for retirement - tanvir

Maybe a nice Merc CLK?

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20161002836...1

They look sufficiently different from the C-class saloons (which can't really be said for the 3-series and A4 cabrio), and this one has a nice V6+Autobox combo. This one has been attacked with that horrible interior polish though. Would look better once that's worn off.

Edited by tanvir on 19/10/2016 at 22:39

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Wed 19 Oct 2016 23:29

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

Yeah, the shiny black interior does it no favours.

Nice car though, far prefer them to the SLK of the same vintage. Slightly put off by the fact that 06 seems to be just at the end of Mercedes lousy quality control period but I suppose you have to judge each individual vehicle on its merits at that age/price bracket.

Food for thought

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Fri 21 Oct 2016 00:12

"Fun" car for retirement - Oliver Mayo

The CLK of that generation is a thing of beauty, my parents had one just like that and the ealier version with the boxy looks as well. Both seemed reliable from memory which is suprising because they were about when Mercdes seemed to lose the plot.

I cannot remember for the life of me what engines their cars had but those cars flew along the road and were very accompilshed.

SLK is a girls car and no man should be seen in one I am afraid, something a chap my buy for his secretary- the SL however, is a beast.

I would not go near an early XK, they looked and drove lovely, but they had known problems all well documented.

Edited by Oliver Mayo on 21/10/2016 at 00:13

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Fri 21 Oct 2016 06:40

"Fun" car for retirement - NARU

I bought my retirement car new, back in 2011 - even though I was working at the time. It is of course, an MX-5. My wife talked me into buying one with the retracting hard top - and I'm glad she did.

Given the rusty reputations of the Mk1 and Mk2s to rust, I had mine treated when it was almost new.

I fitted a SmartTop module, which makes living with the retracting hard top even easier.

Zero problems with it so far. I now do all my own maintenance. Not that there is very much to do. You need ramps though!

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Fri 21 Oct 2016 21:24

"Fun" car for retirement - johncyprus

A very interesting thread this, as I have owned some of the cars recommended here. Ive had two MX5 Mk 2s, a 1.8S and a 1.6 and surprisingly preferred the 1.6 which had a very sweet engine, enough oomph yet would do 40 mpg easily, however both cars left me cold. I currently own an 1996 MGF which, contrary to what one reads I think is far superior to the MX5, and the Achilles heel the HGF is easily sorted now. If you're socially minded you can join the local branch of the MGOC which is a great way to meet other enthusiasts, my wife and I have some good friends via the club. Also have a CLK 320 great car however values have collapsed recently and I fear these cars will soon be in old banger territory.
My recommendation would also be for a BMW E46 convertible. As always buy the best example you can find, only consider cars with FSH.

Edited by johncyprus on 21/10/2016 at 21:31

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Wed 23 Nov 2016 16:51

"Fun" car for retirement - lucklesspedestrian

Well, thought I'd better update you folks!

Bought a 2008 Volvo C70 2.4 SE last weekend. 101K miles, service history looks pretty intact, 2 owners, dealer is going to change the timing belt and give me a 12 month 'premium' warranty (covers the roof at least), 11 month MOT and all for £4200.

Pick it up a week on Sat.

Drives well (really comfy seats) the 2.5 5 pot engine makes a nice noise and even on the test run it was indicating 35mpg which can't be bad. The folding metal roof is a thing of wonder to behold in action and it's as quiet as a 'normal' car with it up. Handsome in the metal esp with the roof down and it will genuinely carry 4 adults without too much discomfort.

So, all set for a bit of sensible fun!

Just need to get a wind deflector, a space saver (don't trust the can of gunk) a pair of driving gloves and a matching cap. Also now have a strange urge to grow a moustache.....

I shall report back (on the car, not the status of my facial hair) and thanks again for all the advice i.e. "buy a MX-5!"

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Wed 23 Nov 2016 20:06

"Fun" car for retirement - Avant

That sounds like a good compromise between sensible and out-and-out fun. 5 cylinders are more interesting than 4, and SWMBO should be happy as Volvos have some of the best seats in the business.

Good luck with it.

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Wed 23 Nov 2016 22:31

"Fun" car for retirement - SLO76

Good choice, I've seen V70's sporting this engine with more than 250k under their belt and still driving fine. Don't think open top motoring could come with much more comfort.

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Thu 24 Nov 2016 12:05

"Fun" car for retirement - John F

I shall report back (on the car, not the status of my facial hair) and thanks again for all the advice i.e. "buy a MX-5!"

Probably a good choice, if 'fun Volvo' is not an oxym****! MX-5s come and go; here today, scrapped tomorrow. Hope it lasts as long as my fun 1980 TR7 has; it's seen out a few johnny-come-lately Mazdas.

Please report back in another 20yrs - which if you retired in mid 50s you might be able to do.

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Wed 23 Nov 2016 21:21

"Fun" car for retirement - barney100

Like the non sensible bit...I had the same problem and got an SLK. How about a CLK convertible...320 at that. Loads of room and no sense whatsover.

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