Some novice questions from a prospective buyer - UK

[oblio]

Hi

Soon I will be looking to change my current weekend car for something new and at the same time go down from 3 cars to 2 as a family.

I am looking for something different which will be used day-to-day for a very short commute 3 days a week and then for 'weekend' use. We like grand touring - visits to the Continent/weekends away in the UK etc but I also want something that I can drive in a spirited way when the occasion occurs (i.e. when the portable speed limiting device isn't sat next to me )

So having been an admirer from afar (who isn't?) and the Mustang being my 14yo lads favourite car of all time could anyone please comment on the following? Apologies for the big list:-

1) Budget in the £20k's? I am after a soft-top.
2) Power - yes please - used to decent/big numbers with my old TVR and Astons
3) Handling - needs to be sharp. If needs be I guess these cars can be 'sorted' in this area? Tightened up/adjustable dampers etc?
4) Useability - day-to-day and for weekends (as above)?
5) Reliability?
6) Servicing costs and frequency?
7) Availability of spares etc?
8) Usable space - inside (legroom etc) and the boot for the other half's shoe collection?
9) Comfort inside? Usual toys etc?
10) Are all the cars over here left hookers or can you get some right hand drives as well?

Any other info would be greatly apprecited as well as any links to any websites etc

Cheers

Graham

[Roo]

oblio said:

Hi

Soon I will be looking to change my current weekend car for something new and at the same time go down from 3 cars to 2 as a family.

I am looking for something different which will be used day-to-day for a very short commute 3 days a week and then for 'weekend' use. We like grand touring - visits to the Continent/weekends away in the UK etc but I also want something that I can drive in a spirited way when the occasion occurs (i.e. when the portable speed limiting device isn't sat next to me )

So having been an admirer from afar (who isn't?) and the Mustang being my 14yo lads favourite car of all time could anyone please comment on the following? Apologies for the big list:-

1) Budget in the £20k's? I am after a soft-top.
2) Power - yes please - used to decent/big numbers with my old TVR and Astons
3) Handling - needs to be sharp. If needs be I guess these cars can be 'sorted' in this area? Tightened up/adjustable dampers etc?
4) Useability - day-to-day and for weekends (as above)?
5) Reliability?
6) Servicing costs and frequency?
7) Availability of spares etc?
8) Usable space - inside (legroom etc) and the boot for the other half's shoe collection?
9) Comfort inside? Usual toys etc?
10) Are all the cars over here left hookers or can you get some right hand drives as well?

Any other info would be greatly apprecited as well as any links to any websites etc

Cheers

Graham

Budget. Low £20k's or high? A stock GT convertible on an '07 will set you back high teens so you're well inside either way. Stretch tp low £30k's and you're into GT500 money.

Standard power from a GT is only 300BHP and the verts are quite heavy. They're OK but don't set the world on fire. Easily solveable with a supercharger, tune and other bits can see you in the 500BHP bracket.

Handling. Stock form apalling. If you find one that's standard budget for new shocks and springs. About a grand all in.

Useability. I've got two that are both daily drivers shared between myself and MrsRoo. Very easy cars to live with.

Reliability. They don't go wrong. Answering your next question at the same time, service them with an oil and filter change every 7,500 miles and they'll go on forever. You can service them at home for under £100.

Spares are readily available in the UK from people like US Automotive or online from Rock Auto who deliver within three days normally.

Boot space. See some images below to give you an idea. We can easily, and frequently, do two weeks away in ours.

They're all left hand drive. If you find a RHD one it's an aftermarket conversion bolted together out of bits that no one knows what they are. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE.

[oblio]

Thanks Roo

Thats a great start. Nice business you have there too

Tell me about the folding roof: electric I guess. Any affect on bootspace? Plus tell me there is no tonneau which has to be manually attached (work of the devil these)

Graham

[Roo]

Many thanks, I merely run the place.

The roof is electric with two manual release handles on the windscreen header.

The rear bulkhead/parcel shelf is shaped to take the roof as it folds so it makes no difference to the boot space whether it's up or down.

That case in those pictures is the largest single piece of luggage you can check in on a tranatlantic flight so it's quite big. You can still get a large roll bag in there and other stuff as well.

You can get a tonneaue cover for them, called a soft boot cover, but there's not many over here with them because, as you say, they are a pain and we don't really have the weather to permanently leave the roof down.

[oblio]

Thanks again Roo

All food for thought