2dr convertible for £5k?
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Z4 fits the bill here I think. They don't have the same image as other BMWs, and roof motor aside, are reliable. Most of the suspension (and the powertrain) is essentially E46 330i so easy availability of consumables and advice if you like to do your own maintenance.
Make sure you get a 3.0i, and you should get some pretty nice pre-facelifts for your money. Leggy Si (the facelift with the N52 engine from the E90) are available from around £7k and £9k buys a really nice one. Slightly more for a Coupe except in the height of summer.
They just seem much better value than S2000s which are going in a silly direction in price, and, whilst Boxsters can be reliable enough, the possibility of the RMS or IMS bearing failing, destroying the engine, is a little scary.
Insurance is also really inexpensive despite the performance, especially in comparison with rivals.
350Z is also an option, though the convertible is a bit heavy really.
Make sure you get a 3.0i, and you should get some pretty nice pre-facelifts for your money. Leggy Si (the facelift with the N52 engine from the E90) are available from around £7k and £9k buys a really nice one. Slightly more for a Coupe except in the height of summer.
They just seem much better value than S2000s which are going in a silly direction in price, and, whilst Boxsters can be reliable enough, the possibility of the RMS or IMS bearing failing, destroying the engine, is a little scary.
Insurance is also really inexpensive despite the performance, especially in comparison with rivals.
350Z is also an option, though the convertible is a bit heavy really.
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You could get a really nicely done MK1 MX5 with a supercharger for that money... infinitely more fun than a Z3/Z4
Z3/Z4 are good cars, just more refined perhaps...
I've had quite a few cars and my favourite is still my 'charged '5... most hilarious car i've owned... just put a grin on my face every time I drove it.
Z3/Z4 are good cars, just more refined perhaps...
I've had quite a few cars and my favourite is still my 'charged '5... most hilarious car i've owned... just put a grin on my face every time I drove it.
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I have to admit I am trying to keep the lunatic from getting free so I'm trying to buy things which limit me and don't 'provoke' me to get a bit funky!
I do have to admit the idea of a supercharged/turbo'd car appeals greatly! And I know where I can get a T4 turbo and other trick bits! I've always been a bit of a mad 'un I guess as every vehicle I've had has been tuned except my current Ford Focus!
But I'm being Mr Sensible. Honest!
I do have to admit the idea of a supercharged/turbo'd car appeals greatly! And I know where I can get a T4 turbo and other trick bits! I've always been a bit of a mad 'un I guess as every vehicle I've had has been tuned except my current Ford Focus!
But I'm being Mr Sensible. Honest!
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2.5k on a late low mileage mk2.5 MX5 and the change for a turbo conversion.
You get something very capable in the twisties and more than enough power to make it a giggle
If Id got mine finished already I'd offer a passenger ride as you're not "that" far away
You get something very capable in the twisties and more than enough power to make it a giggle
If Id got mine finished already I'd offer a passenger ride as you're not "that" far away
MX5 for sure. You can have a huge amount of fun at sub collar-feeling speeds.
You won't get an S2000 worth owning for <£5k. The scene tax is high and decent ones start at around £7k. Enormous fun and VTEC is addictive though. It's a very raw car.
You won't get an S2000 worth owning for <£5k. The scene tax is high and decent ones start at around £7k. Enormous fun and VTEC is addictive though. It's a very raw car.
When ever I see a man driving one he looks like he's had to borrow his girlfriend's car whilst his is in the garage or something.
Yes, actually this.
Despite what I said about mine, where else can you get a 250bhp 4 seat convertible for so little money?
He can buy mine for £2.4k.
Having owned a mk2 mr2 turbo, mx5 mk1 turbo, an AP1 S2000, a mk2 mx5 I'm now onto a Mk3 Mr2 roadster. With a turbo. 
Imho the most raw fun was the mx5 turbo. The fastest in a straight line was the mk2 mr2 turbo. The S2000 had the best of everything but the fastest round a track is the mk3 mr2 turbo. So depends what your real aim is with the car.
Imho the most raw fun was the mx5 turbo. The fastest in a straight line was the mk2 mr2 turbo. The S2000 had the best of everything but the fastest round a track is the mk3 mr2 turbo. So depends what your real aim is with the car.
Because they handle like a sack of spuds?
actually im not sure that's fair on the spuds
Shut up and help me sell my car!
(What you say is true though)
Because they handle like a sack of spuds?
actually im not sure that's fair on the spuds
A lot of the Saab hate is just regurgitated forum banter - yes they don't handle well but if you compare them to the cars they're actually competing with such as the A4 cabrio and miscellaneous fords, VWs and peugeots then they're a more attractive proposition. The A4, which is its closest comparison, definitely doesn't handle any better and costs a whole lot more
As a B road blaster id never reccomend one but if you just want some open sky motoring with a bit of power then they do represent very good value for money. OP doesn't seem too clear if he's after a RWD corner muncher or just some roof down fun so it's not a bad suggestion. You can get them with the 2.8 twin turbo V6 from various VXRs too
Yep, the above is fair. Just don't buy a 4 seat convertible expecting it to set your world alight (apart from perhaps an E46 M3 or similar).
To be fair, I'd far rather an A4 3.0 than my Saab. Going buy the assumption that most 4 seaters are pants for driving enjoyment (apart from the obvious roof-down factor), I'd get an A4 with a big engine that at least adds some interesting noise and high quality build to the experience. An E46 should be better to drive though.
Saab 9-3 convertibles are not very well put together composed to the German offerings.
To be fair, I'd far rather an A4 3.0 than my Saab. Going buy the assumption that most 4 seaters are pants for driving enjoyment (apart from the obvious roof-down factor), I'd get an A4 with a big engine that at least adds some interesting noise and high quality build to the experience. An E46 should be better to drive though.
Saab 9-3 convertibles are not very well put together composed to the German offerings.
Come on now guys, I've actually driven these - they're hilariously boaty even compared to say an a4 cab which as said isn't exactly a handling benchmark. They are probably more aligned to the likes of the pug 307cc thing I guess, which you could t pay me to own
They are cheap, comfortable and I personally like the interior but can't be compared to most other things mentioned here which I guess is why I commented on ze spuds
Danza, people buy them all the time for the looks (for the money). Price it well and they will come
They are cheap, comfortable and I personally like the interior but can't be compared to most other things mentioned here which I guess is why I commented on ze spuds
Danza, people buy them all the time for the looks (for the money). Price it well and they will come
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There was a couple of 350z up this way for sale last year for around 3-3.5k
Had a quick look recently and they're now way more than that
RX-8's have horrendous running costs tho, most drink as much oil as petrol and I think you talking well under 15mpg, thres that and the fact that the engines seem to have a habit of dying it you look at them on any day ending with a Y. The reason most of them are cheap
Had a quick look recently and they're now way more than that
RX-8's have horrendous running costs tho, most drink as much oil as petrol and I think you talking well under 15mpg, thres that and the fact that the engines seem to have a habit of dying it you look at them on any day ending with a Y. The reason most of them are cheap
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add a set of coilovers and a turbo?