Looking for something different!

Invertigo · 23 May 2011 at 12:30

How do all

I'm currently driving a mk1 2.0 Focus, and considering selling to my dad, as he prefers the higher driving position and practicality to his Jaguar XJS.

Now, I'm looking to get something a bit more fun! I'm only 20, so it can't be anything too powerful, and I think I'd prefer a smaller car. Heard a lot of praise on these boards for the mx5, so think I'll have a look at them.

Basic specs I'd like:
around £2k
fun to drive
reasonable insurance
something that shouldn't break every few days would be a benefit

I don't want anything slower than my Focus (0-60 9 seconds, 125mph)

So, fire away!

ash_scotland88 · 23 May 2011 at 12:37

Can pick up some clio 172's at the 2k to 2.5k range.
Most likely scraping the bottom of the barrel examples but asthetically in the pictures they look fine (been looking myself) can't say about the mechanics etc.

rG-tom · 23 May 2011 at 12:50

if you can add 500 quid you should really comfortably find a mk2 1.8is mx5, might even be able to get nearer to your budget.

Do it.

as a quick search:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...postcode/ol138hz/page/1/radius/1501?logcode=p

Can't see much wrong with that from a non-experts PoV

GinG · 23 May 2011 at 12:53

Just do a straight swap for the XJS

Invertigo · 23 May 2011 at 12:55

GinG said:
Just do a straight swap for the XJS

Heh, if I didn't get bent over backwards by insurance I might!

Plus, I'm too young for an auto! Sod that!

Firestar_3x · 23 May 2011 at 12:58

rG-tom said:
if you can add 500 quid you should really comfortably find a mk2 1.8is mx5, might even be able to get nearer to your budget.

Do it.

as a quick search:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...postcode/ol138hz/page/1/radius/1501?logcode=p

Can't see much wrong with that from a non-experts PoV

The Colour

rG-tom · 23 May 2011 at 13:04

you don't by an mx5 for its looks anway do you though

Firestar_3x · 23 May 2011 at 13:20

A colour like that takes the gayness to a whole new level.

Invertigo · 23 May 2011 at 13:23

While looks aren't a huge issue, that colour makes me want to puke!

eatcustard · 23 May 2011 at 13:25

Define, fun to drive

Invertigo · 23 May 2011 at 13:31

Well put it this way, my previous cars are a mk4 Fiesta and a mk1 Focus. The focus felt like a huge improvement over the fiesta.

I say mx5 as, from reading these boards, it seems to be the universal recommendation as a first sports car. Not hugely powerful, but a good driving feel.

Basically, I want something fun for the twistys!

Skeeter · 23 May 2011 at 13:36

ash_scotland88 said:
Can pick up some clio 172's at the 2k to 2.5k range.
Most likely scraping the bottom of the barrel examples but asthetically in the pictures they look fine (been looking myself) can't say about the mechanics etc.

£2k will get you a decent 172. Phase1's are well down towards £1k now.

Unfortunately, as much as I like fanboy posting support for RS Clios, it will fail to meet his cheap to insure and not likely to break critera

. At 20 he is easily looking at £1000+ for insurance alone.

ash_scotland88 · 23 May 2011 at 13:39

Skeeter said:
£2k will get you a decent 172. Phase1's are well down towards £1k now.

Unfortunately, as much as I like fanboy posting support for RS Clios, it will fail to meet his cheap to insure and not likely to break critera . At 20 he is easily looking at £1000+ for insurance alone.

Oooh, that's good news to me!
I was expecting a not so decent phase 2 172 for my budget!

Insurance I did think about, but thought with some NCB it may be cheap(ish) than the likes of my quotes.

eatcustard · 23 May 2011 at 14:05

So you want to drive like a tool around bends.

Mini is the way forward, as MX5s are a little to gay (as all convertibles)

GinG · 23 May 2011 at 14:29

what age is the jag?

never too old for an auto!

NathWraith · 23 May 2011 at 17:35

I like that colour!

And who says you have to be old for an auto?