Maybe looking for a car

S2000 gets my vote, but don't bin one like I did! Never driven a 350Z to compare it to though and that would probably be easier to live with every day, albeit more expensive to run.
 
If mod cons are your thing, the S2000 won't be your cup of tea. It is however a fantastic driving machine and the engine is a peach. For a limited mileage toy you won't get much better. I actually think the S2000 is decent on the motorway, the ride is comfortable if a little noisy but perfectly pleasant. There isn't much space for luggage if you're wanting to road trip. The 350z will be a much better machine for the traffic light GP! Personally I wouldn't consider a <3.0 Z4 over a S2000, I do slightly regret not driving a Z4M before buying my S, but I'm extremely happy nonetheless.
 
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For what you want I think you'll find it hard to beat the 350z. The prices are so crazy on them now your 7k should get you one with 296bhp standard anyway.
 
Interesting feedback - I'll go and have a bit more of a play. I'm not going to buy for a couple of months probably anyway so not in a rush. And again, I'm not desperate to mod, it's just something I enjoy doing. :)
 
I have driven 4 different S2000's 3 different 1.8 nb MX5's (including the one I own now) and two different 350z's (one being a pristine 30k GT model) and all I can say is that the MX5 is the best car for the money, the S2000 was nice enough, vtec is fun but for the amount a decent one costs you could buy 3 lovely MX5's, they are very dull unless revved the crap out of, the 350z is a nice place to be but they are pretty boring compared to an mx5, the two I drove were in really good nick but still were nowhere as fun to drive as the 5.

I am currently looking for something to replace my MX5 and struggling to find anything worthy!
 
I'm a huge mx5 advocate - however, if I were to own one again, there would be a turbo and more fettling :p Though I'm worried that I'd try and recreate my 236bhp pocket rocket without success.... IT's a fab car, so engaging, so much feedback and easy to drive. However, the only reason I'm not jumping back into an mx5 is because I do fancy a change - however, as you say it's an easy thing to do getting back in one. Wouldn't mind something a little bigger though :p
 
The obvious answers appear to have been covered So i'll chuck in a couple of wild cards

Alfa Brera Although I believe it's only some of the 3.2 v6 variants that come with AWD. That being said i believe it's more like the haldex system VAG cars use but hey worth a shout I suppose seeing as the 6 mps wasn't an obvious choice but you clearly like it.

EDIT what the hell is wrong with me how can i recommend a brera and not also mention the 159 3.2 V6 Q4 aswell. something like this albeit this one is a little higher than your budget.

A3 Quattro, suspect this may bore you but never know.

And probably the wildest of my wild cards, this?

Personally I'd be torn between a 350z and brera in that price range but the brera's only in there as I'm one of those alfa loving weirdos :D
 
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As a toy for fun I think the MX5 can't be beat but that's down to how cheap they are how good they are & how easily modded they are.
Think I'd be tempted by one of those fat 350Z's you see about, Summit about the way they look & sit really does it for me & I think they'd be a usable daily in London/The City.
 
Whilst I live in London I shan't be driving around here much, it'll be more driving OUT of London, cruising, and hitting a few nice roads. Something to maybe have a bit of fun in too.
 
Freefaller said:
Excellent point well made :)

Any particular model type I should avoid or look at? What trim levels?
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With regards to overall running costs there isn't much in it with the engines, I'd recommend going for a 330*i variant as I've heard many stories of the "lesser" engines still achieving the similar ~30mpg. There's little in difference between insurance for me, and I'm guessing VED differences would be negligible.

I have the SE trim with my E46 330i Saloon - I think that came with leather, climate control, cruise and xenons as standard (not 100% sure about the xenons). So it's not exactly poverty spec, but I'd recommend looking for one with optional extras including electric heated seats and an upgraded speaker/stereo system.

Sport models come with lower ride height, bigger 18" wheels and a spoiler, amongst other sporty design ques.
 
Freefaller said:
Whilst I live in London I shan't be driving around here much, it'll be more driving OUT of London, cruising, and hitting a few nice roads. Something to maybe have a bit of fun in too.
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Then I'm swinging back to the S2000 then with some of that Red Leather goodness for you & the Missus to enjoy. :D
 
Mx 5 is always tempting to go back to, I've nearly done it myself several times and mine wasn't turbocharged

However while it would be rather amusing seeing someone of your size in one, it's probably not the most comfy option. :D

The Mazda 6 mps is something I considered but in the end found the St 220 a more rewarding drive.
 
i'm practically set on a 350z :) My requirements are similar to yours, fun but comfortable, and i've already had an e46 330i so want something different.

Gearbox issues on them worry me though, the synchros appear to be made of cheese on them which makes for expensive gearbox rebuilds :(
 
rG-tom said:
i'm practically set on a 350z :) My requirements are similar to yours, fun but comfortable, and i've already had an e46 330i so want something different.

Gearbox issues on them worry me though, the synchros appear to be made of cheese on them which makes for expensive gearbox rebuilds :(
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Gen 3 models have slightly different gearboxes.

Gen 1 and 2 have the same box from the navara truck, so clown's one (a gen3) is weaker inherently.
 
I was in a similar position to you 2 years ago, looking for something that ticked the RWD, Petrol, fun boxes. I tested TTs (both Coupe and Convertible), an S2000, MX5s and Z4s.

In the end I went for the 3.0i Z4 Roadster, it's been a fantastic car for the past 2 years. It's got sat-nav, cruise control, heated seats, etc so ticks the comfort and toys boxes too.

If you're located nearby you're more than welcome to come and have a poke around/come for a drive if a local dealer doesn't have one.
 
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