Recommend 2 seater convertible

adam cool dude · 28 Oct 2018 at 18:31

Heart says S2000. 12k will give you the pick of the bunch. Will not lose money on it either.

Head says 987 boxster S but then again the S2000 should be more reliable as it isn't as exotic in the parts department.

Nasher · 28 Oct 2018 at 18:45

The boxsters (any Porsche really) are usually pretty solid tbh. But if something does go wrong, it will be extortionate. It's the main thing that put me off buying a used Cayman before I bought my gt86.

tom_nieto · 28 Oct 2018 at 20:07

Nasher said:
Compared to a much more modern MX-5 though, the S2000s handling isn't all that amazing. They are old cars now.

The whole package of the S2000 remains extremely compelling. At this budget you’d get a good one too!

fastwunz · 28 Oct 2018 at 20:13

I’ve got to say, a Boxter S is, in my opinion, the choice to make if you want a gorgeous engine and genuine sports car performance. I’ve driven plenty and one of the best I drove was a 2008 Boxter S - so quick and a complete riot over 4000 rpm.

Simon · 28 Oct 2018 at 20:15

Nasher said:
Compared to a much more modern MX-5 though, the S2000s handling isn't all that amazing. They are old cars now.

Driven many ?

tom_nieto · 28 Oct 2018 at 21:17

fastwunz said:
I’ve got to say, a Boxter S is, in my opinion, the choice to make if you want a gorgeous engine and genuine sports car performance. I’ve driven plenty and one of the best I drove was a 2008 Boxter S - so quick and a complete riot over 4000 rpm.

They are seriously quick cars. Great to look at and very well put together. Maintenance might be an issue and I wouldn’t touch an early 987 due to IMS, RMS and bore scoring issues. Post 2006 they’re a bit better but I don’t know how much Boxster you get for £12k. I worry that you might end up with an unloved example which would end up with a tonne of remedial work required.

If I were to get a 2 seater of this era I’d still get an S2000 over the early 987. The facelift with DFI engine is better but far more costly.

mjt · 28 Oct 2018 at 21:36

You won't get more fun than a Caterham.

HouR · 28 Oct 2018 at 22:52

Simon said:
Driven many ?

Was going to say this.

Had a 2010 MX5 2.0l Sport tech for 3 years and then got a 2010 registered S2000 with 23k on it.
I can say without a doubt the only two things that were better on the MX5 was the fact it had a folding hardtop which was brilliant and it had heated seats.

In every other way the S2000 was better

tom_nieto · 28 Oct 2018 at 23:02

HouR said:
Was going to say this.

Had a 2010 MX5 2.0l Sport tech for 3 years and then got a 2010 registered S2000 with 23k on it.
I can say without a doubt the only two things that were better on the MX5 was the fact it had a folding hardtop which was brilliant and it had heated seats.

In every other way the S2000 was better

If you’re desperate you can retrofit seat heaters anyway!

Drollic · 28 Oct 2018 at 23:11

As an owner of an s2000, whilst they're good cars, I wouldn't spend 12k on a stock one. Upgraded brakes, suspension and exhaust system then maybe, although they always feel like they would benefit hugely just loosing 100kg of weight. I'd want something faster with more torque for that money. They feel a bit on the tame side stock - comfort/normal mode ride, sound etc. They have aged well though, hold good value and the engine when pushing on is decent with an amazing box to go with it. It's rifle bolt action like and even better than the dc2 before it.

Flibster · 29 Oct 2018 at 00:16

S1 Lotus Elise. Yes, it's basic. But really, that's the appeal of them. Simple, but huge fun.

They are going up in value, so a well looked after example could be a good thing in the future.

Nasher · 29 Oct 2018 at 08:55

Just remember to buy a supply of head gaskets for the Rover engine

Uncle_Gravy · 29 Oct 2018 at 09:34

Wouldn't like a Z4M at that budget as well as the "M Tax" running costs

If you're dedicated to go around the entire interior to eliminate all the nasty rattles, Z4 3.0si and if not done already get the convertible roof motor relocated to the boot to avoid future headaches.

S2000 for that screamer of an engine
MX5 with some bbr gti goodies on it
I think you can get a 370z in that budget

Flibster · 29 Oct 2018 at 12:01

Nasher said:
Just remember to buy a supply of head gaskets for the Rover engine

Land rover hg. Metal instead of plastic dowels. Thermostat change should sort it. Not a huge job for a specialist. Most should have had it done if well looked after.

ci_newman · 29 Oct 2018 at 13:46

Weekend only and not used for the winter?

Caterham / Westfield

That will give you more fun than anything else that could be listed in this thread at that budget.

MarkeR · 29 Oct 2018 at 15:08

ci_newman said:
Weekend only and not used for the winter?

Caterham / Westfield

That will give you more fun than anything else that could be listed in this thread at that budget.

Caterham is out of the price range surely, Westfield, oh yeah I like that but the age of them in my price range frightens me.

adam cool dude · 29 Oct 2018 at 16:09

SLK 32AMG or SLK 55 are just about in budget. Special enough as a weekend car as well.

ci_newman · 29 Oct 2018 at 16:31

MarkeR said:
Caterham is out of the price range surely, Westfield, oh yeah I like that but the age of them in my price range frightens me.

You'll definitely get some older Caterhams in budget, e.g.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/caterham/all-models/caterham-seven/9048792

£12,000 gets you some pretty new Westfields too, e.g.

https://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/topic/131149-2009-westfield-20-sport-duratec/
https://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/topic/130528-mazda-sdv-1600-turbo/

Don't be afraid of the age, buy on condition. They are mechanically very simple!

Nasher · 29 Oct 2018 at 17:06

Wouldn't want to drive one over winter though

Frozennova · 29 Oct 2018 at 22:31

MarkeR said:
Caterham is out of the price range surely, Westfield, oh yeah I like that but the age of them in my price range frightens me.

Pretty sure Exocets fall into this price range on the kit car front.

Uses more or less everything from an MX5 so ultimately its going to cost about £3.50 if it you need to do any repairs or maintenance