Soft top cars - SPEC MEH

craptakular

craptakular

craptakular

Soldato
Joined
7 Jan 2007
Posts
10,608
Location
Sussex, UK
When I start me new job next year I am thinking of getting a new car. I would like a soft top.

I'm thinking 5-10k. Looking at Mx-5's, Z3's, MR2's........ then run out of ideas. What other options are there?
 
s2000
ka :p
e36 3 series
audi a4
probably z4's coming into that bracket
elise / vx220
 
What do you want from it? a fun little weekend car or a daily driver?

I would have a MX-5 for a fun weekend car, but I don't think I could live with it on a daily basis. Being a BMW person, I would have to suggest the obligatory 330 vert.

Saying that, if you can push your budget a little, a nice S2000 would be a fine car.
 
Im gonna be working locally so it will only be doing 5-10mile trips.

elise sounds nice.... :)

Which is best for parts and maintence? My old man works within the motor trade so tyres, brakes etc etc can be cheap for me.
 
S2000 is the best car for thid budget. Get one. Buy one in the middle of your budget. Ultra reliable, very very good to drive, economical.
Perfect "first" sports car which will lead you into the more serious stuff perfectly.
 
Oxy said:
Im gonna be working locally so it will only be doing 5-10mile trips.

elise sounds nice.... :)

Which is best for parts and maintence? My old man works within the motor trade so tyres, brakes etc etc can be cheap for me.
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For that kind of mileage an elise would be ideal if thats the kind of car you want. The MX-5 will be the cheapest to run and buy as you could get one within the lower end of your budget compared to say a decent S2000 or Z4.
 
would second the vx220, go for the turbo version, its what I'm looking at but insurance is a fortune for me as I'm not 25 yet. so waiting 9 months.

can pick one up for the top end of your budget.
 
Go and look at an MG TF! Most are at the cheaper end of your budget and you will probably be able to get one at a better price and newer than the other cars listed. If you like the car the thing to think about is the £700 failed head gasket repair and if that still leaves you quids in! Cars that are already fixed - and make sure they are done with the newer parts do not seem to have a premium price over cars that have not yet broken!

Short trips where the car does not get warm are no good to any car unfortunately, more so perhaps with the MG/Lotus. I know my car takes about 5 miles to get fully warmed up in the mornings. If you are doing short and cold trips then it may be an idea to walk/cycle!

I think the S2000 is the best car in this segment and you do pay a premium for it. Honda servicing is regular and parts are not that cheap but it will be the best performer and should be reliable. The Lotus/VX are a lot more hardcore and I believe the roofs are not a simple hood up/down fold that only takes a few seconds on other car! How fast you can deal with the roof will make the difference of how often you have the hood down!
 
MX-5 mate, should be 2.0 mk3 territory, the 6-speed box makes them significantly more livable for commuting (so I read) and they are a hoot to drive. If you've not done RWD sports before, they are a brilliant induction. THen, if you get bored, have it turbo'd later on :D
 
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