Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Thu 27 Feb 2020 19:48

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi All,

First post here. Hope I've picked the right category? If not please feel free to direct me in the right direction.

Looking for some general buying advice and to hear some of your experiences. I am finally giving serious consideration to buying a small sports car. I am retiring later this year, aged 60 and have decided to get myself a weekend run around. My Wife and I were considering a Motor-home for a long time but have come to realise that there are some serious compromises to be had in owning one. Too big and you can't take it anywhere, too small and its cramped and lacking home comforts. Having come to this decision we feel a nice little runaround stopping off at B&Bs and pursuing our favourite pastime of country walking, is our preferred option.

So we'd be looking at a budget of £10K max. Our dilemma is whether to go for a classic, nothing too fancy, not with this budget, or to go for something a bit newer. On the Classic front we've been looking at Triumph Heralds', hopefully convertible. Wifey had one when she was younger. But would consider other classics in our price range, although we haven't found many. Our dilemma is largely based around comfort and running costs. We're not sure that the practicalities of entering and exiting a small low car with 'old' seats would be a good thing at our age. Although not yet ancient, we're not getting any younger ;( The upside of a classic, as we see it, would be the lower running costs: Road Tax, MoT etc but an unknown for us would be maintenance and repair costs. It's also a bit more romantic.

The points raised above have led us to wonder whether a newer car would be a better bet. We've been looking at Audi TTs and possibly Mercs or even a small Lotus. Our assumptions are that a newer car would be more comfortable and practical but the running costs might be higher. For the same reasons as above.

We'd love to have the Communities thoughts and experiences on any of this. Thanks for your help in advance. Cheers

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 19:57

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Will deBeast

I used to have a mini, and various triumphs. Loved them, but my mx5 (mk3.5) is a lot easier to own. My wife persuaded me to buy one with a folding hard top, and it makes it a decent all-year round proposition.

There are some interesting cars out there which could perhaps become classics in time. Perhaps a Honda S2000?

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 19:39

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi Will,

Thanks for the reply. Minis' were my first love but Wifey has dismissed them out of hand as "too small"! :(

Loads of people on here are suggesting the MX5 and the Honda S200. I'll certainly take a look. Cheers

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 20:11

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - gordonbennet

Almost everyone will say Mazda MX5 for sports car, and a good car it is too, your budget will get one with the steel folding roof though i'm not sure how much luggage room is available with the roof folded.

Before they get too expensive also consider Honda S2000.

Both will be more economical to run than the German cars mentioned, probably more reliable too, just be careful with Mazda which can rust, so as good a car as you can find and maybe get it pro rustproofed.

Obviously you'll both have to try the car out for comfort and accessibility, i found the MX5 despite its size a nice easy car to get in and out of, the very worse sports car for access i drove was BMW Z4, which i ended up having to more or less roll out of and put my hands on the ground to push myself back up, horrid thing.

SWMBO used to drive a TT regularly, called it a coffin, my times in them i can only agree, though the right versions can be very quick.

Unless you are handy mechanically i wouldn't suggest a classic unless your pockets are deep indeed, we've had a Merc coupe from age 6 and its now 24, the costs to keep it in fine shape have been heavy.

Edited by gordonbennet on 27/02/2020 at 20:17

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 20:56

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Will deBeast

Almost everyone will say Mazda MX5 for sports car, and a good car it is too, your budget will get one with the steel folding roof though i'm not sure how much luggage room is available with the roof folded...

It's exactly the same as with the roof up - it folds into a different compartment behind the seats.

Mine's a 2011 SportTech (2.0 engine, 6 speed box, 17" wheels). I've owned it from new, with the aim that it gradually becomes my practical classic car. All going to plan so far.

Edited to add costs so far. A new set of tyres. Professional rustproofing at 12 months old. A SmartTop module. Gearbox and diff oil changes. Servicing. Still on original brakes, though I did change the brake fluid a couple of times.

Edited by Will deBeast on 27/02/2020 at 21:01

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 21:33

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - MGspannerman

Interesting post, as I was thinking much the same a few years ago when I took semi-retirement. I have a good degree of experience of older “classic” sports cars and the like. Having a few years ago had an MX5 as my wife’s car, a superb car, I would certainly not buy an elderly sports car and even more emphatically not a Triumph Herald for the purposes you intend.

My various old MG sports cars by comparison with more modern vehicles were slow, unreliable, poorly built and lacking in modern driver aids and technology. Heralds at the age they are now would most likely require continual work to keep them going and had inherent design faults that mitigate against longevity. Chassis members and rear suspension being just two of the obvious horrors. You really have to love them to want one, and be more than handy with routine and more serious maintenance.

More modern sports car such as the Honda and MX5 mentioned have well deserved reputations, but any car needs to well maintained and can be susceptible to corrosion with the passage of time. A Lotus (Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious) is a car I would find easy to avoid. Really for sensible money the MX5 is the stand out choice.

we bought a caravan rather than a motor home, although it was a narrow call. We had it for a couple of years and then sold it. We had great memories of caravan holidays with the kids when they were young, but more recent experiences of caravan sites, chemical toilets, chilly mornings and wet days suggested moving on. Taking the expense of running a caravan, storage, insurance and general hassle into account confirmed our decision to use AirBnB and our daily driver for getaways. We already have AirBnB booked for Yorkshire and a continental road trip to Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France.

we certainly don’t regret the experience but times change and we move on. I have, however, been taking a look at old English motorbikes. There is space in the garage and on a sunny day ....

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 19:51

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Sounds like you've been in exactly the same place as we find ourselves and like most others here newer seems better.

Really helpful reply. Many thanks

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 21:07

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - badbusdriver

I am a little confused by this,

We're not sure that the practicalities of entering and exiting a small low car with 'old' seats would be a good thing at our age. Although not yet ancient, we're not getting any younger

While i quite understand the fact that getting into, and more importantly, out of, a low seat could be difficult, i fail to see how a getting out of a low seat in a young car will be any easier to get out of than a low seat in an old car?. A newer car will most likely have a more comfortable seat to spend time in, but that is a seperate issue.

Before you decide on anything, i'd strongly suggest trying for size some sporty cars of the type you are considering, to see how you feel about the issue of getting in and out of a low seat.

As GB points out, classic cars can be very expensive unless you are a capable home mechanic with a garage (and that is ignoring whether or not you have a garage nearby who were able to deal with a classic car). So unless that is the case, i'd suggest something younger and less maintenence intensive.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 19:59

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Thanks for your reply.

I think what I was getting at is the assumption that older sports cars tend to be lower to the ground than their more modern counter parts and the quality of the seats might not be so supportive. There seems to be some comments on here to support that

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 19:47

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi,

Certainly intend to try as many cars as we can get to. Unfortunately there's not too many classic dealers near us and even less likely to have the particular cars we might be considering. Definitely getting the impression from the majority on this forum that the classics are best avoided anyway. I can find my way around an old engine/car but to be honest I really don't see myself having the time to do tons of work.

Interested as to why you refer to the TT as "a coffin"

Sorry this response was supposed to be to "gordonbennet"

Edited by Ken Flint on 28/02/2020 at 20:01

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:02

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi,

Interested as to why you refer to the TT as "a coffin"

Sorry this response was supposed to be to "gordonbennet"

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:02

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi,

Interested as to why you refer to the TT as "a coffin"

Sorry this response was supposed to be to "gordonbennet"

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 21:40

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Avant

I think your best bet is to make a list of your priorities - what do you really want from a car of this sort, as well as, of course, fun?

Are you a good amateur mechanic who likes tinkering? I'm not, but if I had been, when I had a similar sort of budget a few years ago, I'd have looked for a Triumph Vitesse convertible - a 2-litre Mark 2, which handled better than the original Mark 1.

I thought of the obvious MX-5, but went for a BMW Z3 with a lovely 2.2-litre straight six. If these are too low for you, a 125i convertible (3-litre straight-six without the troublesome turbo of the 135i) would be well worth a look. Heavy steering though: I had one of these for a short time too but never loved it as I had the Z3.

I got the Z3 in 2008, so all of these are old now, but there should be plenty of Z4s around for £10k. You'll no doubt look at the Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster as well: I suspet these could be very expensive if they go wrong. The BMW 3-litre six has a better reputation for reliability than the 2-litre fours.

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 11:04

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi Avant, Thanks for the reply. Some really interesting points you make there. Really appreciate you taking the time and effort to respond. Cheers

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 21:40

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - barney100

Same situation for me five yers ago, bought a 2012 Slk 250d. not I admit an out and out sports car but surprisingly it has oomph if you want it in sports mode but it's forte is motorway cruising. 70mph hardly uses half revs and of course it has a hard roof which is a bonus. Maintenance at an indie is not as expensive as some would have you believe and it's been very reliable...touch wood. £10k would get a good r172 in diesel or petrol you want a convertible.

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Thu 27 Feb 2020 22:34

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - SLO76

I’d forget the classics, they’re almost all awful to drive, they'll constantly give you grief and they’ve the crash worthiness of a wet paper bag.

I’d favour the Mk III Mazda MX5 at this money which is plenty to get a really nice example. It’ll offer day to day dependability, excellent driver enjoyment, working air con, a great heater and it’s an easy sell at the other end if you keep it nice.

Watch for rust which really is the only gripe other than crash damage. Mechanically they’re bulletproof. Drive one and you’ll love it and there’s always plenty to choose from.

If it’s not big enough or you want more comfort then possibly a Merc SLK petrol but they’re not as reliable and nowhere near as much fun to drive. It’s more like a convertible executive saloon.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 04:27

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - veloceman

How about a Lexus SC or IS 250 convertible.
Not particularly quick, 200 bhp around 9 secs. But a comfortable lazy cruiser.
Don’t know much about their reliability but Lexus usually gets top marks.
You can get a 2010 model for around 10k. - a little different.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 06:35

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - nellyjak

I can only agree with the majority in that the MX5/Honda S2000 would be very sensible choices....but yes, it's vital that you actually check then out for comfort etc.

I've always liked the look of the Z3 too (never liked the Z4) but I'm always awary of the supposedly "quality" German marques once they are a few years old.

No idea what they are like to live with.

I had a lovely Toyota Celica for a couple of years..great car...great to drive...but on the longer runs was difficult to achieve the sort of comfort levels I would have liked now I'm getting on a bit..ingress and egress need to be considered.

Certainly something like the Lexus SC would be on my check list too..and with that you'd have more chance of reliability and long distance comfort...and still have a bit of a sporty/different theme going on.

As has been said...a classic is attractive but requires commitment and often cash.!...and for me, reliability is so important.

When I start my journey I want to be as sure as i can be that i'm going to be able to finish it.

Edited by nellyjak on 28/02/2020 at 06:37

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 09:21

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - thunderbird

i fail to see how a getting out of a low seat in a young car will be any easier to get out of than a low seat in an old car?.

Based on my experience it does make a difference.

In 1998 we wanted to swap one of our cars and since there were just the 2 of us plus dog we decided that the Mazda MX5 would be perfect. We we approaching mid 40's with some disposable cash so why not. Local dealer let us take the dog who without prompting jumped into the space behind the seats. The one we test drove was a special edition with loads of extras and kit (£20,000 in 1998 - way too expensive) and we loved it but before ordering one we wanted to try a standard 1.8 to make sure that was the car we actually wanted. Rang another local dealer (20+ miles away) who told us he had a standard 1.8 for testing so off we went. When we got there he proudly told us he had sold the car we were supposed to be driving so he would take us out in a fully loaded special edition on trade plates with zero miles. I went first and he drove like an idiot. He thrashed the car unmercifully and after I took over he told me to floor it on one piece of road, said an RX8 was good for 150+ down there. Mrs went next and came back terrified, so terrified she decided we were not buying one form anywhere.

Bought a 1.8 petrol Focus, brilliant car.

Move onto 2005 and the wife had calmed down and we were changing a car again. Different dog but she was a bit smaller than the previous one and loved cars so no expected issues. There were some cracking deals on late Mk2 MX5's since the Mk 3 had been announced. Our local Ford dealer who we already used had just taken on a Mazda franchise and had and had a number of pre-regs cars at very good prices (£13000 for a ICE special edition 1.8 which had fabric hood, nice wheels, leather trim, A/C, metallic paint) which were lower than we expected to pay 7 years earlier. After a good test drive we said OK, we will have a silver one but he told us it would be a 5 month wait since they needed to be 6 months old before they could be released but we could have a blue one. We went away to think and decided to buy another Focus (Mk2 this time obviously) and a diesel to replace the Golf diesel.

Move onto 2008 and the 10 year old Mk1 Focus is up for replacement. Went to showroom to look at the new model MX5 and there were issues. No space for the dog behind the seats was the first obvious one and getting in and out was a bigger one. Because of the extra crash protection the sills were huge and were higher than the seat. So you dropped into the seat and then had to climb out which even in the showroom was difficult. Tried a Mk 2 he had in the car lot and as we had previously experienced there was no issue.

Decided to find the newest and best Mk 2 on the market. Problem was all the recent ones seemed to have been abused, the nicer more cherished ones were older than we were prepared to consider. Bought another Focus 1.8 Petrol.

We still regret not actually buying one on nice sunny days but by now its probable that the 2005 car would have become a money pit if we still had it.

Basically its not just the seat height that matters but where the seat is and how high the sill is. Cannot see the newer MX5's (Mk's 4 and 5) being any better but never looked. Bigger convertibles based on saloons should obviously be fine and be far more flexible, still tempted by a bigger engined BMW 2 series at some point.

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 11:07

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Been blown away by the quality and quantity of responses on here. The SLK was on my radar but I'd be at a loss to know which model, there seems to be be so many.

MX5 certainly seems to come out on top here though. Cheers

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 09:31

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Andrew-T

In its heyday (late 90s) the Pug 306 convertible was considered one of the most elegant soft-tops, and good to drive too. Those cars now make up most of the few 306s on the market, and prices are at rock bottom so you could afford the best example and have change from 5 grand, never mind ten. A lot roomier than an MX-5 or similar. If you are extra lucky you might find a Roadster - the soft-top with a removable hard-top for winter - but I suspect most owners of those couldn't be bothered to do the switch, or store the hard-top in summer.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 10:57

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - johncyprus

Been there, had a classic car itch and over six years had firstly an MGBGT, then a Frogeye Sprite ( uncomfortable, slow of course , people cut you up ) then finally an MGF. On reflection it was fun it’s a great way to socialise through the clubs and car shows. A downside is that other drivers have little consideration for old cars and will think nothing of cutting you up not realising that your brakes aren’t as good as theirs. I wouldn’t buy a classic unless you’re handy with the spanners. Remember you’re thinking of going back in time with cars as they used to be- think of adjusting points, rust and more rust, car refuses to start in the morning, no A/C, yep the good old days.

Now our fun car is an old Mercedes CLK 320 coupe, had it six years now, the longest I’ve had a car. Very relaxing to be in, stylish and cheap as chips to buy and run. Every now and then I see a peach of one for sale at around 2k.

Edited by johncyprus on 28/02/2020 at 10:58

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 11:36

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Steveieb

What a coincidence , we have sold our Z3 2.8 auto through a classic car dealer today. Brilliant car and absolutely no issues throughout its life except small amount of rust on the sills.
Everything works and the paintwork is immaculate. These are excellent cars and I know two people who use them as daily transport.
I got carried away by the enthusiasm of the Audi A2 club when I saw them at Kimbolton show and bought a 2004 Tdi for little money.
Useable little cars with no rust problems as they are aluminium , So worth more in scrap than the car is valued. Fabulous on fuel and mostly common VW parts and also excellent access. Some members all over Europe have two or three cars and spend lots on customising.
But sort out storage before buying because having an extra car creates problems on the drive. Fewer And fewer around as they are written off after even a minor shunt because of the high cost of repairs to an aluminium body , built in the same factory as the A 8

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 12:56

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Terry W

There are some fundamental questions you need to ask yourself:

Do you like the idea of a classic - perhaps your parents (or you) had one. It has the potential to bring back memories and emotions. But 30-60 year old cars will frequently go wrong and rust,. By comparison with anything sold in the last 10 years, it will seem unbelivably slow and poorly equipped. Absolutely nothing wrong with this so long as you know what it entails.
Is it the idea of open top motoring - fun for the summer. If you have access to other cars, new or old fun car is fine - you are not reliant on it starting every time. Do you actually want the performance of a sports car - together with (probably) lower seats and firmer suspension.
Newer cars could make more sense - meets current expectations, tends towards reliability, economy, safety kit, electric windows, aircon etc.

For comfort and entry/exit you could consider more modern alternatives - Mini, Volvo, Saab, BMW 3 series, Audi A4 etc. Reasonable to good performance depending on spec. Occasional 4 seater if needed. Saab aside good spares availibility. Bread and butter for many independent garages. Plenty to choose from at £7-10k and 5-10 years old.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 15:14

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - madf

I bought a 1963 Lotus Elan S3 when I retired.

It was immaculate..

I sold it two years later - brekeven - as I hardly used it and idiots stared,,, and van driver stared so much he forgot to brake and bumped me (with no damage)..

And local roads are not conducive to driving sports cars..

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:18

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - badbusdriver

Interested as to why you refer to the TT as "a coffin"

Well, the original TT did not have a rear spoiler, to preserve the purity of the original lines. Unfortunately, it was discovered that at high speed the rear of the car suffered from destabilising lift (there were accidents, and fatalities). The TT was hastily redesigned to include a rear spoiler for more aerodynamic stability plus some electronic nannies to help control the car if it did get out of shape (i think the original cars sold up to that point were recalled to have the modifications). Actually though, i believe GB was referring to the fact that the TT has very shallow glass and a very dark interior, leading to the feeling you are in a coffin.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:08

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to respond to my thread. I've been blown away by the quantity and quality of the responses. I'm sorry I can't reply to you all personally.

You've all definitely helped me clarify my thoughts and I've got a bit of further looking around to do. Thanks one and all

Edited by Ken Flint on 28/02/2020 at 20:09

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:24

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - badbusdriver

Just wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to respond to my thread. I've been blown away by the quantity and quality of the responses. I'm sorry I can't reply to you all personally.

You've all definitely helped me clarify my thoughts and I've got a bit of further looking around to do. Thanks one and all

We could probably help more, or at least offer more suggestions, were you to clarify what you want out of the car, how you would be driving it, etc. You have mentioned a couple of cars, including a "small Lotus", which i assume to be the Elise?. Would you be thinking about the Lotus for its driving dynamics, or just for its looks?. Because if you are not al that bothered about 'driving the doors off the car' and more interested in a nice cruise, something a bit less overtly sporting would probably be more enjoyable, certainly on a longer journey.

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 11:28

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi badbusdriver , fair point.

Where we are coming from is that we want to explore the British Isles when we retire. We love country walking and just getting out and about in this fair land of ours. We originally were thinking about a motorhome, loving the idea of going anywhere and just parking up for the night. As it happens it appears to not be so easy. Motorhomes are crazy money and then there's the eternal choice between size and convenience. Big enough so it's roomy inside but not too big to take down the average country lane. Also, is the thought of 'camping out' just a romantic notion that when we actually tried it we'd prefer the comfort of a proper bed.

Having dismissed motorhomes for all the above we're thinking that getting around the British Isles and staying at AirBnBs or B&Bs would be better and probably no more expensive than owning a motorhome. That decision made I stumbled on the idea of a nice little open top sports car to do the 'getting around', having seen a chap in a lovely TR6 doing just that and thinking to myself, yeah i could do that.

I come from a slightly strange position with cars, I have owned 3 minis and loved them all. Loved working on them loved driving them. But my interest in cars has waned over the years due in no small part to just seeing then as utilitarian, there's so much bland out there. I have never had the money to spend on the cars I fantasise about and still don't! (One day I'll get that McLaren!) I do like a bit of speed and that 'driving the doors off it' experience. However, Wifey is going to be with me on these adventures and she certainly doesn't like a bit of speed.

I've always had a love for Lotus, particularly older ones, and that's probably based more on looks, having never actually driven one!

Hope that helps to see where I'm coming from.

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Fri 28 Feb 2020 20:41

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - gordonbennet

The coffin moniker was from SWMBO, she hated the thing.

I used to drive car transporters for a living, its an odd job and gives you a completely different outlook on cars, different things impress and please, it's probably why we've ended up with a Landcruiser and Forester, vehicles which don't really appeal to most car buyers.

I found TT's the most horrible confining car to be in, high doors you just peer over through those narrow windows, when you look out as you must doing that job to see where the wheels are due to the shallow windows its impossible to get your head out enough to see the wheels, this effects very few vehicles ever made (apart from armoured Range Rovers the windows of which don't open) all in all TT is a most unpleasant vehicle to be in for both SWMBO and i for different reasons, though i know others like them, each to their own.

Good left field suggestion the Lexus SC430, what wasn't a particularly pretty car when launched in my eyes has matured nicely, very high quality car, i'd definately have a look at one of those...going back to my previous work Toyota/Lexus QC, both UK production and import side, set high standards.

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 11:32

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi again, thanks for the info. That's really interesting. Hadn't realised or even thought of any of those points. I suppose ultimately it boils down to getting out and trying them. Looks like I'm going to have to do a fair bit of leg work!

You're not the first on here to suggest the Lexus so will be checking that out too. Cheers

By the way, I had to Google SWMBO Made me chuckle! ;)

Edited by Ken Flint on 29/02/2020 at 11:34

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 18:58

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - John F

Sadly, no-one has mentioned the TR7. If you are considering a TR6 with its v firm suspension you would be more comfortable in a TR7 which was derided as not being a true sports car because its ride was too soft. Although I am very fond of mine which I have owned since 1981, if I were in your shoes I would go for a luxurious Lexus 430SC, with the BMW Z3's silky six cylinder as a runner up. Whatever you do,inspect the underneath parts as closely as the bodywork. When a car is over 10 years old there can be a vast difference in corrosion. My Ziebarted cosseted TR7 has outlasted numerous MX5s and MR2s.

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Sun 1 Mar 2020 12:35

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Manatee

Convertible, affordable, usable sports cars remain an endangered species. I wouldn't risk a £10,000 Porsche for example, and an Elise is a completely different animal, halfway to being a Caterham.

A good Mk3 MX-5 should be a pleasant ownership experience especially with the PRHT ("powered retractable hard top") and as SLO76 says £10k will buy a good one with moderate mileage. My son has one. They do rust and I have seen relatively new ones all brown underneath so check - more knowledgeable, careful owners will have had them Dinitrol'd or similar, often from new - I had my now 3 year-old Mk4 done when I acquired it 2.5 years ago.

2.0 Mk3's are worth more than 1.8's and hard tops more than soft tops. Avoid anything with an audible engine rattle or knock - the MZR engines in the Mk3 are excellent but do not like being run with low oil and if this has been neglected there can be damage.

If comfort and accessibility are the focus I'd probably go for a Mercedes convertible but they aren't, for me, a sports car even if they are faster than the MX-5. When I can't get in and out of the MX-5 I might buy my first Benz!

There is a social scene with the MX-5 owners' club which you might or might not be interested in. We are going to the Netherlands in May for for a 3 day event with the Netherlands club. That will be our second Netherlands trip, we have also taken our car independently to the Italian lakes and for a ten day Scotland tour. Ireland is next on our list.

Many if not most 'hobby' owners are middle aged or even elderly it has to be said. Broadly speaking there are two types of hobby MX-5 owners, the ones who like motoring and the ones who like modifying - the first thing the modders do (even if they get a new one) is to fit a noisier exhaust, followed by lower suspension - not for me, just watch out for badly modified cars in the used market.

I'd love a Honda S2000, might even have one in the future - but the youngest is now 11 years old and I didn't have the patience to hunt for a good one when I bought the MX-5. For pleasure, I much prefer a revvy, naturally aspirated petrol engine to anything with a turbo. I don't care about comparative 'performance' and I suspect you don't either - I bought a 1.5 by choice and frankly if you can't go fast enough in that then you aren't driving it properly.

Edited by Manatee on 01/03/2020 at 12:36

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 09:16

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Hi Manatee

Thanks for the response. Sounds like you're on exactly the same page as me and your observations are really insightful and useful. Interesting what you say about a Porsche. It was on my ever-growing list, now up to 9 cars! I kind of thought that buying a Porsche at this price point was unlikely. Was worried about running costs too, servicing and the like.

I like your outlook to buy again later when something might become a little impractical.

I'm also drawn to the S2000 but compared to the MX-5 you'd hardly call it a 'little runaround' Looks like a pretty chunky monkey. Definitely got to start getting out there and start trying out a few. Cheers

Edited by Ken Flint on 02/03/2020 at 09:16

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 11:05

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Manatee

I like my 2017 Mk4 MX-5, and I have a busy year ahead, getting a new house built after a fire last year. But when I've got that done and I have a garage to mess about in I might just be tempted by something like this 1992 Eunos 1.6. Far easier to find a fresh import from Japan than to search for a UK Mk1 or Mk2 MX-5 with no rust. Although nearly 30 years old and an acknowledged classic, it is a modern 'drive' and will (at least) keep its value if looked after (ignoring retail markup). First job of course would be rust protection.

https://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/gallery_754908.html#photos_id=16560563

Here's another, more expensive because it's rare.

https://autolink.co.uk/vehicle/eunos-roadster-tokyo-limited-1-8-1994-m-black/

Those are not recommendations BTW, just for interest. And I would have to remind myself that running a 25-30 year old car is unlikely to be as painless as keeping what will then be a 4 year old.

A good friend of mine is a serial classic and vintage car owner. He has had plenty of experience of expensive restorations. His advice is unequivocal - "if you want a good one, buy a good one". It will almost certainly be cheaper, often a great deal cheaper.

Edited by Manatee on 02/03/2020 at 11:06

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 11:30

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Wow! Those are great examples. I definitely see where you are coming from there. Can't ignore your point though that we are looking at 25+ year old cars. Definitely heading more towards the classic route and the potential pitfalls that might entail, as detailed above in previous posts. I must admit though, I do find the Mk 1 a lot more charming than the later models. Can't quite put my finger on why though.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 11:56

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - SLO76

The early Mk I is a fantastic little car. Money no object I would have one in my dream five car garage. Rot is the killer and an import is the best option. Get a good one and it’ll offer classic car rarity with decent reliability plus good parts availability.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 11:42

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - gordonbennet

The one in the 2nd link, the underbody pic that white dust is IMHO dry salt where its been driven since in the UK, the only salt that little beauty has seen since it was made.

Had i not found the present Toyota 4x4, a grey import direct from Japan was my next route where you could still get the 3.4 bomb proof petrol engine but in the later models and sometimes in Hilux equivalents.

OP have a peruse on www.tc-v.com/ for some inspiration.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 19:18

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Not sure I'd have the bottle to import a car. Very unfamiliar ground for me. Might keep an eye on the link where the guy does all the work and then you buy off him. Still not sure if this is still going a little bit towards the classic route though.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 19:46

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - gordonbennet

Not sure I'd have the bottle to import a car. Very unfamiliar ground for me. Might keep an eye on the link where the guy does all the work and then you buy off him. Still not sure if this is still going a little bit towards the classic route though.

No i wasn't suggesting you do this all yourself, just that TCV is good source of what's available from Japan and if find your ideal car asking a professional importer to obtain what you want might be another route for you.

As the other poster has shown via those links, the right used car coming from Japan can mean you can have a 10+ year old car still in the underbody condition that a 1 year old UK similar bodied car would be after 1 salty winter.

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Sat 29 Feb 2020 22:54

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - SLO76

I’d only recommend a Lotus if the budget was substantially increased to allow for a Toyota engined Elise which is all the car you’d ever need. Rust free body and chassis with a bombproof Toyota engine, what’s not to like other than the £15k plus price tags.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 15:37

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Stackman II

If the MX5 appeals then also consider the Fiat 124 Spyder.

Personally I prefer the styling of the Fiat if you can get one in the budget.

For more room and ease of access I would look at Audi A5 convertibles or BMW 3-series with the folding hard top.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 18:26

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Manatee

I quite like the retro look of the Fiat version but didn't want the turbo engine out of a family hatchback in substitution for a proper twin cam, unblown engine that revs to 7500 rpm.

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Mon 2 Mar 2020 20:56

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - S40 Man

I like the look of Pugeot RCZ. You can get one with your budget easily. I quite fancied one when I got my Astra k 1.6 Turbo. I have two kids so it wasn't really practical.

You can get a diesel, or 1.6 petrol with 156 or 200 hp.

HJ gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 10:58

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - Ken Flint

Nice car. Always liked the styling, but I'm really looking for a convertible.

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Tue 3 Mar 2020 13:02

Sports Car - Classic or Modern(ish) - SLO76

The VTi petrol motors in the Peugeot are well known for timing chain failures, it’s not a robust design.

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