chrisbin Posted August 8, 2004 Posted August 8, 2004 Sorry, I know I discussed this a bit previously, but now I have sold the Westy its a "real" project.....! I'm looking for something that has some character (so no MX5!, will be reasonable to run, hopefully fairly reliable, but at worst has simple cheapish running gear. Car will be 3rd car "toy" for use weekly but not daily. Obviously if I can spend at bottom of budget, or even below, it will leave more cash for upgrades/running costs!! Current ideas: TVR - S series (V8 would be nice but rare and expensive, V6 cheaper so get a v.good one hopefully! or Chimaera (at this price will be early example....worth the risk?) Elise S1 - again its going to be an early or higher mileage one - problems? What have I overlooked? Cheers All Quote
Blatman Posted August 8, 2004 Posted August 8, 2004 For the money, the MX5 is gonna be hard to beat. Just about anything else is going have a considerably higher risk when it comes to service life and parts availability, I reckon, unless you can find an early Z3 for 10K... Besides, what's wrong with the MX5? Edited to add: Check out Findit. There seem to be several Z3's in your price range... Quote
Major Stare Posted August 8, 2004 Posted August 8, 2004 Austin "frog eye" MGB Roadster ooohhhhhh yessss please !!! Quote
SteveC Posted August 8, 2004 Posted August 8, 2004 no alternative at that money.....Lotus Elan turbo. Ok its fwd, but it has to be one of the bext FWD chassis set ups in existance, and 175 BPH for 850KG, decent get up and go. Some bargains to be had around the 7-8k mark, but watch for oneswith tatty interior. Unlike most Lotus's they were forced by GM to design in reliability and with Isuzu runing gear, its pretty good. just my tpence worth useful Elan website Quote
chrisbin Posted August 8, 2004 Author Posted August 8, 2004 Thanks chaps - knew you wouldn't let e down! Mark - cars of your vintage were a consideration.. I rather fancied an MG V8.....but not sure they will be the best bet reliability wise.... Blatters - I know the MX5 is a sensible bet......thats part of the problem,plus there's too many of them out there,and finally I'm not gonna get into hairdressing.......... Z3.....hmmm.....not my favourite......except for the M spec..! But I guess it meets all the requirements......will have to look some more at them I reckon - Ta! S2000 - are they really in the bracket, even as imports? Major - Esprit? Nah, not my cup of char, and no soft top either.. FWD Elan - thats certainly got possibilities, thanks Steve. Reckon I'll do a bit of research on them! If anyone else has got any ideas then please share....!! Quote
chrisbin Posted August 8, 2004 Author Posted August 8, 2004 Current shape MR2..... Anyone any experience? I reckon they look a bit "soft" as standard, but with a few tasteful(! mods look a lot better. Got to be reliable.... Quote
timd Posted August 9, 2004 Posted August 9, 2004 S2000 - are they really in the bracket, even as imports? IME no. I've just been looking for, and now bought, one - cheapest I saw was about 12k for a high-ish mileage Jap import car. 14-15k gets you a high ish mileage UK or Euro-import car, 15-17k gets you more in the ballpark for decent UK cars. Oh, and you need at least 18-19k for the same thing from a stealer.. Sorry. Quote
BuzzinRich Posted August 9, 2004 Posted August 9, 2004 I thought my mx5 had loads of character - gearbox and handling where sublime, performace while not earth shattering was well balanced - mind you when I got mine they were rare as rocking horse sh*t, when I got rid of it they were starting to appear everywhere! (So I got rid and got a Westy! ) Still, get yourself a MX5 LeMans special (they only made 24 - one for each hour), one of the Brodie Britain Racing or a Sebring supercharged MX5 and you are looking at something rather special MX5s - sorry! BBR also offered an independent 200bhp version Quote
Mrs Westy Posted August 9, 2004 Posted August 9, 2004 I had a Z3, dreadful car, would never have another, has put me right off BMWs. Gearbox very clunky, handling terrible, all a bit rattly and squeaky. It was a nice colour though Quote
chrisbin Posted August 9, 2004 Author Posted August 9, 2004 Thanks, Ladies & Gentlemen, for those thoughts. I suspected the S2000 idea was optimistic! Z3....well I s'pose they don't all rattle.....but it looks like they are few & far between at this price, esp. 2.8's.... I realise MX5's are good cars, and would be very sensible choice......but........ ......Anyway, there's 2 in our cul-de-sac already!!!! Can't get TVR's out of my head but equally can't get their reputation out of my head either. But I'd love a V8 and also the fact that there's a "community" out there too. No rush though, just the cash burning a hole in my pocket... But of course i guess prices and demand on any of these will be lower after say Sept. Cheers all for your thoughts Quote
Bananaman Posted August 9, 2004 Posted August 9, 2004 How about a Porsche 911 Targa Cheaper than the Cab & Coupe, get a 3.2 if you can & Classic insurance. Or a 944 S2 or Turbo..... Quote
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