Which one?

agnes

agnes

agnes

Soldato
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So, I'm continuing my research into what I want in the future, it has come down to the following 3 cars:

Honda S2000
BMW Z4 2.0ltr version
Mazda RX8

Now, they all have good and bad points. As you can tell, I love my small sports cars hehe. Don't like large cars.

What would you guys take and why? No need for convincing me to buy either or any of them, as it won't be for a long time. I'm just getting my research done :)

Thanks
 
S2000, no question. 2.0-litre Z4 will be boring, RX8's are costly to run for the performance they offer and potentially prone to major issues.

Only thing that would swing it for the RX8 is if you wanted four seats...
 
I'd not bother with the 2.0 Z4, may as well get the 3.0 for the difference in running costs.

I'd not bother with the RX8 (as balanced as the chassis is supposed to be), because of the shortcomings of the rotary engine. I really don't fancy the oil consumption or fuel consumption for what is a not particularly quick car once all is said and done. Also, lack of being a convertible in a list of convertible sports cars is a bit odd. MX5 would be a more "in keeping" choice.

I don't like the power delivery of VTEC, so I'd personally not take the S2000 either, but I can see why plenty of people would.

So, of that list, none of them. But I'd consider the 3.0 Z4, and the MK3/3.5 MX5.
 
I have a MX5 mk1 right now. Loving it, wouldn't like a mk2/3 though, don't like the designs.
 
What's the point of even thinking about it until you are in some sort of position to buy, you'll only end up changing your requirements or different cars can come into budget.
 
Janesy B said:
What's the point of even thinking about it until you are in some sort of position to buy, you'll only end up changing your requirements or different cars can come into budget.
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Because if I decide months before I buy, I can then do indepth research into common faults?

Why would you ever make a choice when you have cash in hand? How long do you research into a car for? Personally, I have only ever chosen a vehicle to buy within a month with my mx5 mk1. Down to it being cheap and cheerful...

Thanks for the inputs guys.
 
Simon said:
Budget?
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Max £7500, so not much to play with, will obviously more than likely be a private buy. Not garage.

However, any cars linked will be instantly ignored as I won't be buying for a while, just simply doing research into which will give the biggest grin per pound haha.
 
Why would you look at a 2 litre z4 alongside an s2000??

Don't get me wrong it's actually still a decent car and reasonably economical too. For somebody looking for no roof and enough go to still be fun it'd be ideal - but if you're looking for a proper roadster the 3.0 is the comparable car, the 2 litre won't feel much if any quicker than your mx5 (infact it's probably slower)
 
Really? I was under the impression the 3.0ltr was pointless, I have only read one article about it so far as I am pretty busy with work but that is interesting.

I was also told the several thousand extra for asking to get a 3.0ltr isn't worth it.

Really interesting.
 
agnes said:
Really? I was under the impression the 3.0ltr was pointless, I have only read one article about it so far as I am pretty busy with work but that is interesting.

I was also told the several thousand extra for asking to get a 3.0ltr isn't worth it.

Really interesting.
Click to expand...

God knows where you read that, but for most people the opposite is true. You get 95% of the running costs, and almost bang-on the same fuel economy with any of the 6-cylinders, yet you are hampering performance and drivability.
 
S2000, without a doubt.

Honda reliability & the best handling "normal" production car I've ever had the pleasure of driving.

The Z4 2.0 is noticeably underpowered & will be a boring drive in comparison.

RX8s are good fun - but nowhere near as good as S2000s.

If you want the best driving experience, most reliable, cheapest to repair and most fun... S2000 :)
 
paradigm said:
God knows where you read that, but for most people the opposite is true. You get 95% of the running costs, and almost bang-on the same fuel economy with any of the 6-cylinders, yet you are hampering performance and drivability.
Click to expand...

It looked like a blog more than a review, was reading it on the phone. Will try and get the link later.

Ok, so looks like the 3.0ltr is more sensible haha.

How about 'upgrading' on the Z4? How tough is it going to be to put on a few upgrades if I do see fit (no idea if I would but you never know).

So, for example, upgrading bushes, ARB's, suspension etc etc. No idea on what will be required if anything at all. But my impression is the S2000 would be relativly easy to upgrade, the RX8... Well, my least fave choice so not looked into it at all really. But yea, how are BMW's for this sort of thing?
 
Depends on whether you mean DIY or buy-fit?

Either way, the modding "scene" for BMWs is huge, and I used to really enjoy working on my two 3-series, they are incredibly simple to work on IMO.
 
The S2000 is looking more and more like what you want, especially if you've got a few quid spare to mod it. Even at stock it's excellent though, but decent power gains can be had from FI (not cheap). IMO Jap cars look decent with cosmetic modifications and suspension and wheel changes. A Z4 would have to be much more subtle.

Saying that I'm sure there are quite a few decent bits available for the Z4 too.
 
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