Now it's officially Autumn, according to a dealer friend the time for snapping up a soft-top bargain is now upon us.
Drop-top wise, in the past I've had everything from a chrome-bumper MGB Roadster, Astra Convertible, TVR Griffith, Audi TT and even a Suzuki Vitara (don't laugh, it was great fun!).
The trouble with convertibles is that they can often be very uncool, especially driven by a bloke. Much as I would like a Merc Pagoda SL, cheap and cheerful is the order of the day.
So, I fancy getting another cheap soft-top, up to a max of four thousand pounds, perhaps cheaper. I've tried a few contenders out already. I had a go in a friend's MG TF and thoroghly enjoyed it. I thought it was very snug and fitted my small(ish) frame well. The interior didn't offend me and it handled well - seemed pretty nippy too. It seemed close to the idea of a modern MG - tight, snug, chuckable. I also admired another friend's 1999 1.8 MX-5. Classier interior and great RWD handling. A very handsome shape I thought.
Other possibilities would be a BMW Z3 or even a 90s Lotus Elan. Perhaps a leggy SLK might even be within reach after some serious haggling :-)
Do back-roomers have any other suggestions? Left-field choices very welcome, as are wise comments on what not to go for...
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I think for sheer reliability, plus good looks it has to be the MX-5, though you may have to look at a few to find a good one for your budget. Bear in mind that many of the cheaper ones are later imports of the Eunos, not UK-sold MX-5.
Edited by oldnotbold on 02/09/2008 at 21:22
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S2000 - just seen the test on Fifth Gear - makes the MX5 seem a trifle, well just trifle.
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Love the S2000, but it looks to be outside of my tightwad budget. I agree, it looks like a proper sportscar that a bloke can be seen in.
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The cheapest S2000 on AT is £7,000.
The honest truth is that none of the small convertibles have enough on-board testosterone, hence the crimpers' association.
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I had the same rush of blood to the head this summer. I intended to spend about £6k but ended up paying £8k for an immaculate 2001Y Z3 2.2 - this was from an undependent BMW specialist and has FSH and a warranty.
You could get one cheaper privately - it depends how much work you want to do on it (in my case, none!). I think £4k would only get you a very old and tired Z3, and I found SLKs were well-worn even at £8k. You'd find a newer MX-5 at that price, ditto an MGTF provided someone has done the head gasket.
You may be looking for something less common than an MX-5 but they are great fun to drive and most are reliable, even old ones. I decided against only because (a) I really wanted something with six cylinders and (b) SWMBO who has an arthritic knee finds a Z3 easier to get in and out of.
So far, no regrets - I love it.
Edited by Avant on 02/09/2008 at 21:32
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The Z3 appeals. I saw one in the States when they were first launched, and gawped at it for quite a while. It must be a good one though, with the right colour combo. Unfortunately the six-pots may be out of reach.
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Mrs P had cast her beady eyes on an 04 MX5 this summer. She's decided to hold on and kick someone whilst they're down later on this year.
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Either the MX-5 or an MG-TF. Both a good cars that handle well but are a little underpowered. You'll get more TF for your money but keep £400 back on a TF for the head gasket.
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MG TF 160. I am biased though as I have one!
You could pick up a late 05 160 for around 7K or early ones are now down to less than 4K for a good one. Yes there are some for less but probably best avoided.
The 160 does 0-60 is around 6.5 seconds, handles very welll providing its on correct tyres, has the sports pack which gives the big brute brakes and will come with at least half leather, CD, heated mirrors etc and if your lucky aircon.
I understand that the headgasket issue could put some people off, but for the savings over rivals in age terms means that £500 is not that big a deal and if you keep an eye on the coolant - can be seen every time you go in the boot - you will catch any water loss problems before it gets that far. Other than the possibility of headgasket they are very reliable and are arguably the best looking roadster on the market. With the new LE500 coming out next week means there will be no issues on parts (not that there has been).
There are two cambelts on a 160 though that need changing at 4 years so if your looking at one ensure both have been done as some garages dont realise!!!
If you need any more info on the TF or buying advice, feel free to get in touch - my email is in my profile.
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Thanks for the info on the MG TF 160 - sounds like a good balance of power and affordability. I'm never afraid to take a chance, so a bit of due diligence on one of these sounds very likely!
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Forgot to mention, the 05 model year - one with glass rear screen has an improved suspension setup that is to be used on the relaunch model. I tried both and preferred the old set up so bought a very late 2004 car, however it seems I am in the minority.
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Hows about a Toyota MR2? Saw one in dark grey with the roof off the other day, looked wonderful and both the wife and I shortlisted it for when the children are a bit more grown up!
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Does it have to be a two-seater? The Audi may be worth considering.
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What about an old E class Merc (W 124?). Genuine 4 seater, last of the properly built Mercs and don't go for the 200 or the 220, not enough power. There was a 16 valve 300 and a very nice 320. I had 2 x 220s and a 320SL, the latter was fantastic but it was expensive!
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AS those E-class rag-tops fetch about £6k to start, and go up to £15k. Still worth it, and I doubt that a nice one in the £8k bracket will go down much over time.
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Saw a mint MR2 at a classic car show over bank holiday - car was on a 'G' plate and had lots of paperwork. It's not a car I particularly like, but it was for sale at just £1195, which seemed good value for a 'hobby' car.
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Ok, here's the shortlist...
Mazda MX-5 - 1998 facelift model, quite like the Anniversary model with the LSD and 6-speed box.
MG TF 160 - fancy a bit of poke and like the interiors, mid-engined too!
BMW Z3 - love it in the light metallic blue colour, might push for 6-pot engine.
Lotus Elan - a bit left-field, but a great handling car apparently.
Toyota MR2 - sporty looking, reliable, very cheap, don't care about practicality
Any more for any more?
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Golf, c 1985? Dyane? 2CV? (probably all so far off to the left of the field that they'll be ignored...)
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Not at all of the wall - once reminded I prefer some of the classic lines mentioned.
Will let you all know how I get on :-)
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300252975390 eBay item.
Do you REALLY need the tin-opener version? What you save on the car you can spend on the petrol...
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"WOULD NEED A GOOD CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT AND BIT OF TLC"
That the owner can't be bothered with. It will probably turn itself into a convertible any day soon...
The final bidder (£940) should count himself lucky that it didn't meet the reserve!
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FIAT X1/9. You should have enough change for a few tubs of Isopon :)
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Does anyone know what the spares situation is for MG's? I assume there's a stockpile somewhere, but I'd be happier knowing that parts were still being made before I bought one (I'm not, but my daughter is interested in a late MGF or early TF).
Does Unipart still exist?
Edited by J Bonington Jagworth on 07/09/2008 at 19:56
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Rear quarter pannels are like hens teeth but other than that everything else is very easy to get hold of from Rimmer Bros/xpart/mike satur/mgf centre etc.
As the TF has just been put back into production, parts are unlikely to crop up as a problem in the future and the rare body panels will be easier to obtain as well.
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Thanks, BBL. Good to know.
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