I’m thinking of buying a toy, it’s probably a mid-life crisis sort of thing but would like some input.
I have a nice company car, a 5 series touring. It does everything fantastically well but it is boring. I used to really like driving but years and years of driving 30/40/50k pa takes its toll. I want to get back to the time I enjoyed driving as I am only 41!
Speed is NOT the be all and end all of this car – however fun and feeling good is.
Whatever car I get will be kept outside 365 days of the year on the drive and hopefully not cost a fortune in on-going repairs. MPG is no problem as it will probably max out at 4k miles pa but I would rather not spend a fortune on VED.
My biggest issue is budget. As I have a perfectly respectable car for moving the family around, wifey is limiting me to no more than £5k as the purchase price.
I want a convertible. I want 2 seats even though I have 2 young children. I’d like more than 4 cylinders. I can get my hands dirty with spanners but would rather not.
Currently sniffing around Boxsters and Z4’s (but it’s just another BM like my company car). I think SLK’s are too feminine and the older ones at my budget look dated in my eyes.
Comments (other than mid-life crisis) are appreciated as are recommendations for other cars.
Thanks.
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Speed is not a requirement you said, so you dont need more than 4 cylinders. You want it reliable. you want it under 5 grand.
Come on - MX5 is screaming at you.
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2CV......Fun with a capital FUN !
.....and just in case you want to take the kids.....
Ted
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S2000 - few 100,000 milers out there well under 5 grand.
MX-5 can't be discounted until it's been tried.
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Head says MX5.
Heart and head says Honda S2000, IMO one of the most handsome sports cars of the last 20 years.
MR2 probably falls in the same camp! as the SLK which is a pity as its a little gem.
SLK is available with some serious engines in that unassuming bodyshell, AMG (V6 supercharged) runs at 354bhp...phwoar..;)
If you could quietly add another couple of grand to the budget (just go to confession, i'll see yer there:) Lexus SC430.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Mon 12 Nov 12 at 21:13
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Depends how much fun you can stand really. If your ticker is in good nick then there's only one answer. The others are just diverting by comparison.
Westfield.
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Well this fits the description tinyurl.com/bqp8pxe except perhaps reliability!
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Wtf?
3.9 LITRES? Thats nasty little 4 cylinder A series lump under the bonnet. As far as under the bonnet goes that looks reet tatty.
Last edited by: Zero on Mon 12 Nov 12 at 21:37
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>> Thats nasty little 4 cylinder A series lump under the bonnet.
Who'd swap out a 'B' series for an 'A' series Zeddo?
Time you went to specsavers perhaps?
;>)
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For 5k, I guess one of 6+ cylinder or ragtop requirements may have to give, or else you're looking at larger cars with potentially higher bills.
Is convertible essential? If not, how about Mitzi FTO or Toyota Celica? M3? Subaru or Evo?
If 4 cylinder, Saab 93? Audi A4 cabriolet? PT Cruiser cabrio?
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We still have our A4 cabriolet; while it's a fantastic car its definitely much more of a cruiser than out and out fun. We don't really need it, and I think I'd prefer a slightly smaller convertible preferably with a 6 cylinder engine, but when the sun is out there's nothing better then dropping the roof. Make sure you've got heated seats and a wind deflector and it's usable pretty much all year round. Ideally I'd swap it for a BMW 130/135 drop top as I think they're slightly more understated than a roadster, but they're still a bit pricey. If it's a roadster your after, and you just want to leave it outside, then I'm with Z and would go for an MX5
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>>"If you could quietly add another couple of grand to the budget (just go to confession, i'll see yer there:) Lexus SC430."
Good call gordonbennett
This is just what I did last summer. Superb 4.3 V8 motor, metal folding roof, bullet proof build, supremely comfortable with all the toys. Only 2000 in the UK and 26+ mpg even when driven spiritedly -rather fast when wanted.......
The car makes confession almost worth it;)
Last edited by: R40 on Tue 13 Nov 12 at 06:27
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My Y-registered Z3 is called the mid-life crisis by my family - unintentionally flattering as I got it four years ago when I was 60!
I wanted a fun car for the same reasons as you, and the MX-5 was the obvious choice, but a 6-cylinder Z3 makes a much more melodious noise although it's a grand tourer rather than an outright sports car. Mine has done only 14,000 miles in a bit over 4 years (because it's a fun car) and has been totally reliable. The heart says keep it as it may not lose much more in value than the £4k or so that it's worth now; the head says flog it in case it starts getting expensive.
A Z3 is cheaper and prettier than a Z4: I would think that because they're convertibles they'll feel different enough from a Touring still to be fun.
(Edit - just seen Gromit's post: you can get an A4 cabrio with a V6.)
Last edited by: Avant on Mon 12 Nov 12 at 21:30
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>> I think SLK's are too feminine
How about an R129 SL? Plenty of early 90s ones in budget. Same repair/maintenance costs as Z3/Z4/Boxster if you use a good specialist or DIY. Have a search on www.carandclassic.co.uk and look for up to £5000, UK, 1990s, keyword convertible, just to get an idea of some off-the-wall stuff.
Last edited by: Dave_TDCi on Mon 12 Nov 12 at 22:11
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If it has to be 2 seats, then an MX5. Boringly reliable. Great fun.
My 330 Ci convertible does everything i want on a daily basis. Understated, goes like stink when I want, 32mpg, strong drivetrain, excellent build quality.But then I can only justify running one car so it has to be jack of all trades (with towbar). For out & out fun from a second car, a Westfield or Caterham would be my choice, or an Elise. I owned an R plate Elise from new as my sole car and it was 100% reliable in my 3 years of ownership. As a daily driver it was brilliant, apart from motorway journeys!
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I know the MX5 is the obvious car but I don't see it giving any sense of occasion.
I know I said it doesn't need to be fast but I do WANT more than 4 cylinders if possible. I know at only £5k I could get a real basket case but C'est la vie. I drive a 4 pot at the moment, all my company car life has been in 4 pots, I want something a bit special even if I do need to compromise on other things.
Having said that, if a Westfield comes in at £5k (without actually building it myself) - that's special.
The R129 is a good call. I remember going out in a 500SL when they were launched, it was fantastic and effortless. Maybe too effortless but it did have the sense of occasion.
I've never owned a Porsche hence the Boxster suggestion my first post. Plenty of 2.7’s at that price, 3.2’s could be more of a gamble at only £5k though....
A TVR? I think even I would be too risk averse for one of those.
I think an Elise at £5k isn't possible from the adverts I've looked at.
I have spotted an AMG SLK 350hp just over £5k though...
Last edited by: a900ss on Mon 12 Nov 12 at 22:33
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You want a lot of cylnders and a sense of occasion? Get a bentley.
However try this - way out of left field
Ford mustang
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201243489860512
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>> Corvette
>>
>> www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201243489860512/
Its not, its the mustang again.
>> XJS
>>
>> www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201202440833048
Its not a soft top.
Thank goodness you're not close enough to help me.
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Those mid-80s 'stangs are impressively ugly.
Like a bloated Mk3 Escort that's been mated with a Capri convertible.
Doubt there's much fun to be had on a twisty A-road that doesn't involve donating organs... OP may as well go for the big bike instead.
And this is the coup-de-grace: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhTjBvXDER4
Last edited by: Lygonos on Tue 13 Nov 12 at 01:40
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Good value Westfields don't tend to appear very often in the normal advertising channels. However, if you wanted to find out a bit more or are looking for some advice you might want to check this site out.
Like I mentioned earlier. All the "normal" production sports cars will please any normal person on a sunny day just as a cold beer would. These things though, they're more like well, something in powder form and highly illegal ! You can't begin to explain it to anyone. You just have to experience it. A pal of mine who has been into big bikes all his life scoffed at that notion until I took him out in mine for a dawn run through quieter sections of the Scottish Borders one summer Sunday. Unbelievable acceleration, limpet like grip, cornering capabilities beyond all reason and the noise ! Visceral.
Bear in mind though that the crumple zone is your legs !
www.wscc.co.uk/index.htm
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Before kids I always had big bikes so it does have an appeal....
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>> Before kids I always had big bikes
TING
you know you want to.....
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>>I have spotted an AMG SLK 350hp just over £5k though...
>>
Son has a SLK with the 350 label.
When we were looking at the pricy AMG , one test said the extra ££s for the AMG was a waste of money.
I know you are looking for a much older model than my sons but just AMG wheels and a AMG nose on the 350 were priced at about £5K ( new).
There are so many extras available. Sons had £10K ( new prices) of extras and then he had to spend IIRC best part of £ 800 for phone and ipod connection.
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>> My biggest issue is budget.
Obvious call, pre '72 classic.
No tax and classic insurance for limited milage is dirt cheap. If you can use the spanners, you can do your own servicing and save even more. Parts and labour costs through the specialists tend to be rather cheaper than those for modern machinery too.
There are a wealth of classic, two seat sports cars in that price bracket.
Way more fun than you'll ever get out of a modern car too.
Later cars still get the cheap insurance and spares, but you have to stump for VED.
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Unfortunately I can't find one for £5k but for me it would have to be Caterham or Westfield. Nothing else comes close to lightweight fun and you don't see too many on the road so will always turn heads. Anything Eurobox with its roof chopped off is just plain boring and 'hairdressy' imo.
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With respect,
As someone 'fortunate' enough to have owned a Spitfire, Mk 1 Golf Gti, 205 Gti, road rallied an RS 2000, UrQuattro, Saab Carlsson, and Elise over 30 odd years, I can assure you that a chopped Eurobox 330Ci is NOT boring.
Reliable yes, Boring no.
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I don't care what you've driven and I did write 'boring in my opinion'. Your opinion differs to mine clearly but if I see a BMW or any other similar spec/priced car I do not give them a second glance. Too many around y'see and you can't easily tell the hot versions to the boggo ones anyhow.
Not nearly as exclusive as a Westfield, Caterham or Elise and if one has to always consider reliability...well that's boring too (In my opinion).
;-)
Last edited by: TheManWithNoName on Wed 14 Nov 12 at 12:27
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Absolutely nameless one. Lots of BMWs around which is why I prefer not to stand out from the crowd.
Given the chance of running a second 'fun' car I would definitely love a Westfield, but only having one, reliability has to be my number one concern. My uneducated opinion is that a Westfield would probably be more reliable than an Elise anyway.
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>> My uneducated opinion is that a Westfield would probably be more reliable than an Elise anyway.
Depends a lot on who built it and which engine was chosen. My Westfield never left me at the side of the road (except when I ran out of fuel). Although I have seen others that look like they wouldn't make the end of the road.
Can't comment on the reliability of an Elise.
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Just to update this thread as I have now bought my 'fun' car.
I broke the budget (don't we always?) and went with a 450 Chimaera.
Picked it up this evening and drive 130 miles back home from Nottingham, mostly motorway unfortunately.
It is SERIOUSLY quick and surprisingly comfortable and roomy.
I'll give an update report once I get a few miles driven.
Last edited by: a900ss on Fri 1 Mar 13 at 22:48
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Thats probably faster than my 330 ragtop
...but, can you fit a towbar?
(only joking)
I bet it sounds much nicer than mine
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The 'claimed' 0 to 60 is 4.8 or 5.2 secs depending upon which mag you read. Top end circa 160.
I don't believe either of them but I do think it is a sub 6 second car.
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OMG,
Big bills and trouble starts here......
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Heh heh... what fun. Must say I always fancied an ordinary TVR...
Don't stuff it.
Keep us posted please.
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And people will not figure out how to open the door... I assume the unlock is in the mirror...
Should add.... fun sounding car!
Last edited by: rtj70 on Sat 2 Mar 13 at 00:37
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>> And people will not figure out how to open the door... I assume the unlock
>> is in the mirror...
>>
Yep.
And when in the car they won't know how to get out of it either..... Another TVR quirk.
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>>And when in the car they won't know how to get out of it either.....
Maybe passengers should be given a safety briefing before take-off. :-)
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>> OMG,
>>
>> Big bills and trouble starts here......
>>
I'm not sure (famous lat words).
It was down to this and a Boxster. If the Boxster went pop, that would be big bills but the TVR is based upon a Rover V8 and various ford/rover parts which are dirt cheap if you ask for the ford/rover part rather than a TVR part.
The hard part was finding a car with reliable outriggers as this is a known weakness and a body off/lift to replace them. This car had a £3,800 replacement outriggers/chassis work in April 11 so should be good for a few more years yet.
The other known weakness is the camshaft, they last between 50 and 75k apparently. This one is all good as well.
Please cross your fingers for me.
Thanks.
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>> The other known weakness is the camshaft, they last between 50 and 75k apparently. This
>> one is all good as well.
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>> Please cross your fingers for me.
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>> Thanks.
>>
Oops, famous last words indeed.
Car in for a major service by a TVR specialist and the camshaft is past it's best.
I did buy the car at a great price and the £1000 for a new camshaft still makes the car great value.
As an aside, the throttle wasn't fully open when the accelerator was fully depressed (just over half way apparently). And I thought it was fast as it was.
With a fully functioning cam and a properly opening throttle, I can't wait to get it back.
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>>but the TVR is based upon a Rover V8 and various ford/rover parts which are dirt cheap if you ask for the ford/rover part rather than a TVR part.
And the rest. TVR bought in whatever component was cheap and up to the job and often which was used varied from car to car as supply and prices changed. You'll find bits from just about every manufacturer you've ever heard of in there somewhere. A common problem is finding that the part originally fitted to your car isn't available at any price and some "cutting and shutting" is required to get another one to fit.
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>>The other known weakness is the camshaft, they last between 50 and 75k apparently. This one is all good as well.
You should get the dealer who supplied it to make a contribution as he was not telling the truth.
Or your TVR specialist is making up work.
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Neighb had one in Yellow, we used to call it the Flying Banana, sounded nice though when it zoooooooomed down the lane at 7.00am every morning.
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Ooh, nice. I had a couple of those. Nothing to beat the sound, especially in a tunnel.
They couldn't be said to be reliable, and I crashed in one, writing it off and nearly me too. But they were brilliant fun.
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Man, I bet that sounds fantastic. 285bhp from a 4.5litre V8 that is an unstressed engine which should last. BMWs 3litre diesel manages that these days.
I don't envy you your fuel bill but as a toy for the weekend you'll be grinning like a Cheshire Primark salesman in a Westfield.
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£5k, 2 seats, no roof and FUN. - Zero
