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2 seats is obviously not a problem - what about an older BMW Z3?
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Old shaped Mr2's are mostly riddled with body rot.
The thread title should be renamed "i need an MX5"
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< Ex RF, Ex TVM >
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Out of left-field, not quite a convertible, but I believe available with Targa-tops:
Nissan 200SX
For that matter, the 300ZX twin turbo can be had for less than £5k nowadays too.
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I think the 200SX is coupe only not a convertible although the 300ZX is aailable in targa form
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How about a MR2 2.0 GT T-Bar (the 90's 'Ferrari' shape)? 170 bhp, brilliant handling, removable glass roof panels, bulletproof reliability, in many ways the forerunner of modern coupe cabrios.
You should find a very nice one for £5k.
Edited by bradgate on 31/10/2007 at 15:56
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Or a Supra, non turbo, in Tagra form. For 4-5k, you can find really unmolested examples.
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Depends how many miles you do and how fast you want your sideways fun, but a re-shelled MG Midget is a hoot for £5k as long as it doesn't break down and you don't want to go more than 60mph very often. Very good for depreciation too
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Merc SLK or CLK. Might have to bump up to 6k but way way superior build to any MG - and superior running costs too! Loo for at least the 230k engine though, if not the 320, or won't be very 'sporty'.
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Got to be a Porsche 944 fantastic handling, 2 + 2 hatch so relatively practical. & as it's galvanised mostly no rot (except sills which get blasted by grit & muck).
Jim
54 Jaguar S-Type 2.7 SE Diesel
87 Porsche 944 Lux 2.5
80 TR7V8
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I got a 1990 MX-5 for 2 grand coming up for six years ago. Breezed though it's MOT's and rot free underneath. Not sure about it's resale value now, but probably the least depreciated car I've owned in 40 driving years.
Edited by martint123 on 31/10/2007 at 18:57
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Thanx guys for the suggestions....
Porsche will be too ambitious ;) but BMW Z3 doens't look that expensive!
But can anyone please answer my 2nd question, i.e.
2. Is there any drivability difference between mid-engined and front engined cars?
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what do you mean by 'drivability' ?
Ive owned reare ngine and front engine but not mid.
As I understand it a mid should have more neutral handling but if you lose it will be more difficult to control because of the weight distribution/balance.
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Bascially I'm eager to know if mid engined cars behave differently [on normal road at legal speed limit] than front engined cars.
Usually it is said that mid-engined cars are bit difficult to control. Is there any specific reason for that?
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I've driven a Lotus Europa and a mk 2 MR2. At normal road speeds the only difference is that the engine noise is in your earholes a bit more. In my opinion they are a bit noisier than front engined cars. They don't behave any different really, at normal speeds and cornering. They are different in behavior at the limits of cornering grip, however!
You don't say what you want the car for, purely for fun or as a serious everyday tool.
For your money you will get a newer MX5 than Z3.
For my £5k the MX5 would get the vote. True convertable, unlike the MR2, easier and cheaper than the Z3 to maintain, simple mechanical hood operation. Son's has been as reliable as they make them. It's only a 1,6 but for fun, in my opinion, the engine size is a bit irrelevant
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The TF gets my vote, but then I own one so I'm biased, I have no worries whatsoever about reliability, there are some rough examples out there for sure, but buy carefully and you'll get a very fun and treasured vehicle.
Blue
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Female friend asked me some years ago for recommendation, i naturally suggested MX5, she bought one absolutely loved it and until Ryton closed and she was redundant it only had a radiator replaced. That was blocked as she hadn't had the coolant changed, so maybe something to look out for?
Good Japanese reliability with fun and easy resale, is there a competitor?
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Assuming that you are after a car for normal road use but comes with some 'street cred', I would say the following:
The MG, MR2, Mazda and BMW are all hairdressers cars.
Go for either a nissan 200/300zx or a MK4 Supra.
If you want a 'real' sports car and want to do track days then get a kit car, might be able to pick up a bargain at this time of year.
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Mrs APM has had an mk1 MX5 for about 18 months, and we both love it. Loads of fun and reliable too. Watch out for overheating- if this happens, it will be the rad, known fault as Mazda originally made the water channels too narrow and they have a habit of furring up. Other than that, a cracking car, always makes me grin :-)
Kit car definitely worth a look- something Caterham 7ish? Not sure what the prices are like.
If you'd consider classic, there are lots to choose from, Midgets, Spitfires, MGB's Tr's, Jensen Healey, XJS... the list goes on...
HTH,
Cheers,
Alex.
--
Dr Alex Mears
Volvo 940S estate 1993
Maxda MX5 1.8iS 1997
Yamaha RD350 YPVS 1992
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If you'd consider classic, there are lots to choose from, Midgets, Spitfires, MGB's Tr's, Jensen Healey, XJS... the list goes on..
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
or the rust goes on get a mazda its the light thing to do
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Early smart roadsters can be found for your budget. Not the most powerful, but just like driving a go kart.
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