Fun an reliability: are they mutually exclusive?

tom_nieto

tom_nieto

tom_nieto

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As above. I love my car, but the reliability of it (or lack of) is making me want to drive it into the sea... and that would be insurance fraud. It is of course an MG-TF, and no, I can't travel back in time.

Is it possible to replace this car with something more reliable but also retaining the fun factor? I know what's on everyone's mind already, I don't want an mx-5. I'm really struggling for ideas. Now I'm over 25 and have some ncb, I've thought about going upmarket, but seeing as my car does well in excess of 30mpg, I'm not sure I could justify the extra in fuel, although running costs can't be more than I've spent fixing it. I've been looking at the z4 and boxsters, these are probably too exciting. Doesn't have to be 2 doors.

I would completely throw caution to the wind, but I potentially have to use the car every day and will definitely be making 300 mile round trips every other weekend.

Any suggestions starting at £10k that aren't really depressing?

Thanks!
 
What about an MR2? The newer style "roadster" version.

Economical enough, got enough poke for fun but just isn't practical (no boot space to speak of).

Not to mention they have very reliable engines.

You can pick up a 2004 facelift model decked out with a 6 speed box and full red leather with a hardtop and soft top for around 5K.

EDIT: lovely one here, no hard top though

But if you want something more serious, what about a 350Z roadster?

Although MPG isn't exactly earth saving LOL
 
You can get fun and reliable, but it's hard to get fun and economical, given that driving a car in a fun way normally sends fuel consumption upwards.
 
MG-TF, utter bench of bobbins, kill it with fire NOWWWWW!!!

Hmmmm, so to answer the question....

For 10K there are LOADS of options for something fun and reliable such as....

Z4
350Z
MK1 Focus RS
Clio Trophy
Clio Cup

etc etc etc
 
If I was you I'd get a good boxster S ;). You'd also get a couple £100 change from your £10k.

Latham.eddie (at) gmail.com
 
They are not mutually exclusive at all but it usually takes money - buy a 1 year old Boxster for example and I'm sure it'll be reliable and fun.
 
[TW]Fox;18369899 said:
They are not mutually exclusive at all but it usually takes money - buy a 1 year old Boxster for example and I'm sure it'll be reliable and fun.
Click to expand...

Agree with this, reliability can cost £££'s. Maybe Fun and reliability are mutually exclusive when you don't factor into account higher running costs.
 
My Civic and Evo have been the most reliable cars I've owned.

The Civic never missed a beat and I'm 15 months into Evo ownership and I've only had to fix a dash bulb (touches a forest).

Problem is, when something does go wrong, it's likely to cost a small fortune.
 
Housey said:
MG-TF, utter bench of bobbins, kill it with fire NOWWWWW!!!

Hmmmm, so to answer the question....

For 10K there are LOADS of options for something fun and reliable such as....

Z4
350Z
MK1 Focus RS
Clio Trophy
Clio Cup
etc etc etc
Click to expand...

I like you’re thinking! But IMO as much fun as they are probably to OTT for the OP. 300 mile trips in a CUP or Trophy would be poor. They are a too boy racerish something I feel the OP doesn’t want.

I would say something like an ST220, 330ci? Something along those lines?
 
The only thing which can run up bills on an S is the common issues (which you can check have been sorted before hand) fuel (If you drive like your arse is on fire in VTEC everywhere...I do) insurance (Usually the show stopper) and to some extent tyres, which for the correct ones will run you about 100-125 a corner.

Parts are pretty cheap, servicing is cheap, I don't even need to mention reliability - that's a given. Mine does not use any oil, but some/earlier examples might - nowhere near RX8 levels of oil though.

Practicality is subjective. I don't have kids, a pet, need to be a taxi for mates, or a desire to deliver my own white goods from the shops and as such have no issues with 'lack' of practicality.

It's not the most equipped car in the world but then I don't need/want it to be.

If you are looking at 350Zs, Z4s and Boxsters you would be nuts not to at least take an S2000 out.
 
mjt said:
Why did you have a go in one?
It's such a bizarre little car. It's not even remotely powerful is it?
Click to expand...

Yea, the 1.2 TCe 'Collection'. It's a real guilty pleasure of mine, great fun to hoon about in - although visibility is horrific, it's like driving a postbox :o

It wasn't a serious suggestion, though :p
 
Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. Unfortunately I realise that in general I can pick 2 from fun, reliable and cheap.

Japanese seems a good place to start looking. I have looked into s2000's and insurance is a lot, but still less than my current car was a few years ago. These and the 350z would be the first port of call.

My main concern is of buying a car of similar age to my current motor, and the potential large bills that result, hidden or scheduled. This especially applies to the more premium cars in the description. I imagine all of these 5-7 year old cars have a few bills up their sleeve.

I would love to go mad and buy a 1980's 911, but I am forced to put my sensible hat on at the moment.

Budget wise I'm not dead set on a max, 10k seems reasonable. Fuel must be fairly reasonable, but wouldn't be a deal breaker as long as motorway cruising can achieve 25+ mpg (I think even the 350z might do that). I don't need anything more practical than my MG.
 
MCP3.jpg


MyLT4Nov070231.jpg


Come in about 2-4k under budget :p
 
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