Swapping the westy for a daily driver? Options?
Discussion
Its looking quite likely that I won't have a company car in the near future meaning my westy will have to magically transform itself into a daily driver... but what should i get as its replacement.
I've loved my brief time in it, and have got the bug bad, so getting something slow and boring is just not an option.
When i say daily driver, I mean it in the loosest sense of the word - basically it must be fast, fun and dry (or at least a damn sight dryer than the westy will ever be!)
I'm also very fond of the wind in my hair, so something with a soft top would be a plus.
Ideally I don't want to spend more than 10k, but have been tempted by things up to about 14.
My ideal choice would be a Tamora, but its a little bit too expensive, and the cost of a warranty, insurance and servicing is too much at the moment, so thats out.
S2000 is winning at the moment, it ticks most boxes, ok the insurance is dear, but i can stomach that. Servicing is cheap, and they don't go wrong to often.
Considering a S1 elise 111S, again, ticks nearly all boxes, but would prefer something a little bit newer.
S2 Elise 111s is another great option, but about 3 grand more than I ideally want to spend. Other than that, great fun, just about practical enough and definitely fast.
I have even considered an R32 or an older S3, and the extra practicality would be handy, but I think that this is at the sacrifice of some of the fun, and the top doesn't come off them.
TVR Chimaera has always been an option, again its a box ticker, but I'm slightly worried about running costs, although the rover v8 is probably a better bet than the speed 6 engine.
Same for a Cerbera, a bit more practical in that its a 2+2, but the roof is made of metal and not air.
Any thoughts on the various options, or any options I haven't considered?
Gez
I've loved my brief time in it, and have got the bug bad, so getting something slow and boring is just not an option.
When i say daily driver, I mean it in the loosest sense of the word - basically it must be fast, fun and dry (or at least a damn sight dryer than the westy will ever be!)
I'm also very fond of the wind in my hair, so something with a soft top would be a plus.
Ideally I don't want to spend more than 10k, but have been tempted by things up to about 14.
My ideal choice would be a Tamora, but its a little bit too expensive, and the cost of a warranty, insurance and servicing is too much at the moment, so thats out.
S2000 is winning at the moment, it ticks most boxes, ok the insurance is dear, but i can stomach that. Servicing is cheap, and they don't go wrong to often.
Considering a S1 elise 111S, again, ticks nearly all boxes, but would prefer something a little bit newer.
S2 Elise 111s is another great option, but about 3 grand more than I ideally want to spend. Other than that, great fun, just about practical enough and definitely fast.
I have even considered an R32 or an older S3, and the extra practicality would be handy, but I think that this is at the sacrifice of some of the fun, and the top doesn't come off them.
TVR Chimaera has always been an option, again its a box ticker, but I'm slightly worried about running costs, although the rover v8 is probably a better bet than the speed 6 engine.
Same for a Cerbera, a bit more practical in that its a 2+2, but the roof is made of metal and not air.
Any thoughts on the various options, or any options I haven't considered?
Gez
If you can run to £14,000 (and can negotiate), VX220 Turbo. There's nothing to touch it for the money. If not, VX220. To explain "daily driver" mine's used for commuting during the week (weekends I need space for children), I go to work in a suit, and I do about 11,000 miles a year in the VX. It's a daily driver with cheap servicing and potential to tune.
S2000 has a lot of credibility but there are several PHers who have said that they are uncomfortable / poor driving position.
TVR is OK but normally used as a second car. Two answers...
The S6 is not a daily driver, you need to start the engine then wait 5 mins for the oil temp to raise before engaging drive. Dry sump needs a level check every time you abuse it. That said they are about as exciting as you can get.
The TVR V8 Rover versions, Griffith and Chimaera can cope with abuse and the service costs are reasonable. Surprisingly practical and waterproof and a test drive is yours next time we meet up.
MX5 is probably not raucous enough after the Westy though it may be worth a test drive, I understand they can be better than you expect.
Pork-box-s probably too ordinary.
Lotus is not known to me though I'm sure people will be along soon to tell you what they are like.
TVR is OK but normally used as a second car. Two answers...
The S6 is not a daily driver, you need to start the engine then wait 5 mins for the oil temp to raise before engaging drive. Dry sump needs a level check every time you abuse it. That said they are about as exciting as you can get.
The TVR V8 Rover versions, Griffith and Chimaera can cope with abuse and the service costs are reasonable. Surprisingly practical and waterproof and a test drive is yours next time we meet up.
MX5 is probably not raucous enough after the Westy though it may be worth a test drive, I understand they can be better than you expect.
Pork-box-s probably too ordinary.
Lotus is not known to me though I'm sure people will be along soon to tell you what they are like.
Edited by tvrbob on Thursday 16th August 00:14
I’ve driven a few S2000’s and Elise’s recently as I have been looking for a car for Mrs GMan. We have been looking at almost the same cars as you.
To be honest the S2000 is a decent drive, having to rev the balls off it to get anywhere though can be a pain in the arse and the condition of some of them we have seen is a bit suspect.(some of the import ones are shocking). Elise’s have been great motors and the prices are cracking, but Mrs GMan has been put off using it as a daily drive due to her not wanting everyone seeing up her skirt when she get’s out of the car in her works car park(pathetic I know).
We did find a new shape MR2 that had been turbo’d which looked like it would be a great car but it got sold before we managed to get to see it, which was a shame because apparently they go like stink and is what Toyota should have made in the first place.
Have looked at a couple of Boxters, but I’m not keen on them and that has put the other half off.
Our current thinking is maybe a Z3M Roadster, bit older but a cracking car with great performance to match, it’s just finding a decent one.
Knowing the other half though and her impulsive buying she will probably come home with bloody Punto or something.
Good luck with the search.
To be honest the S2000 is a decent drive, having to rev the balls off it to get anywhere though can be a pain in the arse and the condition of some of them we have seen is a bit suspect.(some of the import ones are shocking). Elise’s have been great motors and the prices are cracking, but Mrs GMan has been put off using it as a daily drive due to her not wanting everyone seeing up her skirt when she get’s out of the car in her works car park(pathetic I know).
We did find a new shape MR2 that had been turbo’d which looked like it would be a great car but it got sold before we managed to get to see it, which was a shame because apparently they go like stink and is what Toyota should have made in the first place.
Have looked at a couple of Boxters, but I’m not keen on them and that has put the other half off.
Our current thinking is maybe a Z3M Roadster, bit older but a cracking car with great performance to match, it’s just finding a decent one.
Knowing the other half though and her impulsive buying she will probably come home with bloody Punto or something.
Good luck with the search.
Dry Gez said:
Zebs, whats the s1 111s performance like compared to the s2 111s?
Gez
It's not that noticeable actually and there are nice examples to be had. Gez
Other option would be to get an early S2 racetech or sports tourer and then upgrade them - pretty esy upgrades rom 120 0r 156 upto sport 190.
Only differences between 111s and 111 is hard top and more insulation - worth the extra cash?
When I had the 111s I did use the hardtop, but now not bothered about just having the soft top and moving from the westy, bloody hell, any roof will do mate!
Zebs
Gad westy, definitely worth hearing about mate if you could get some info off them.
Zebs - what sort of coust are we talking for upgrades to a standard S2 elise (I do prefer the shape to the S1), as insurance is coming in almost exactly the same, but they seem about 3 grand lighter on the wallet.
Jim, your post made me think of an elan which i had forgotten - upsides seem that it is well within budget (may even have a few quid to spare) insurance is about 400 quid less than elise / S2000. Downsides that I can see, older and higher mileage - what impact will that have on reliability and therefore running costs?
Zebs - what sort of coust are we talking for upgrades to a standard S2 elise (I do prefer the shape to the S1), as insurance is coming in almost exactly the same, but they seem about 3 grand lighter on the wallet.
Jim, your post made me think of an elan which i had forgotten - upsides seem that it is well within budget (may even have a few quid to spare) insurance is about 400 quid less than elise / S2000. Downsides that I can see, older and higher mileage - what impact will that have on reliability and therefore running costs?
Having had a play on elephant for insurance (cheaper than A plan and Sureterm for elise and s2000!) and the autotrader - an Audi S3 is looking attractive - its at bottom end of budget, insurance is £200 less than Elise S1 111s and £400 less than S2 elise etc and AFAIK you can get a fair bit more out of them with an easy chip.
Mines now done 130K. Like any car, look after it and you'll not have any major problems. You'll be able to pick up a good one for 5 - 8K and use the rest to make sure certain small things are done properly (Brakes for instance).
Insurance is around £250 for me as a normal car (Not classic/limited use etc)
Having said all of that, you can't get one, because, like Tigger, I'm the only one....
Insurance is around £250 for me as a normal car (Not classic/limited use etc)
Having said all of that, you can't get one, because, like Tigger, I'm the only one....
Crowley said:
Having said all of that, you can't get one, because, like Tigger, I'm the only one....
Ha ha ha, thats actually another reason why the S2000 appealed - none of the regular hooners have one, so its different.On the other hand, whatever I get now will probably only be with me for a year or so when hopefully my budget won't be quite as constrained.
Whatever I get, I'll make sue its a differnt colour to anyone else's if its a duplicate though.
Gez
S1 111 [not the s] would be my recomendation or a sport 135. Good money and will put a smile on your face like no other for the money.
upgrades vary -
120bhp upto 135 or 160 or 190
156bhp upto 190
take a basic 120bhp or 156 and upgrade your brakes, suspension, wheels + tyres, exhaust, induction etc - the list is quite extensive ranging from a couple of hundred quid upwards to 1000's for engine swaps and superchargers.
zebs
upgrades vary -
120bhp upto 135 or 160 or 190
156bhp upto 190
take a basic 120bhp or 156 and upgrade your brakes, suspension, wheels + tyres, exhaust, induction etc - the list is quite extensive ranging from a couple of hundred quid upwards to 1000's for engine swaps and superchargers.
zebs
zebra said:
S1 111 (not the s) would be my recomendation
Does this actually exist? I thought it was only the S2 that ever came in 111 spec.Sport 135 seems like a good call but when I was looking for an Elise they seemed over priced in comparison to the 111s. Not sure how they stack up these days.
Edited by Gad-Westy on Thursday 16th August 16:47
Edited by Gad-Westy on Thursday 16th August 16:47
Gad-Westy said:
zebra]S1 111 [not the s said:
would be my recomendation
Does this actually exist? I thought it was only the S2 that ever came in 111 spec.
Sport 135 seems like a good call but when I was looking for an Elise they seemed over priced in comparison to the 111s. Not sure how they stack up these days.
sport 135 I would buy in S1 guise, the 111 would be affordable in S2 form.Does this actually exist? I thought it was only the S2 that ever came in 111 spec.
Sport 135 seems like a good call but when I was looking for an Elise they seemed over priced in comparison to the 111s. Not sure how they stack up these days.
sport 135; not to be confused with 135r - an absolutely awesome piece of kit; rare as hell cos owners will not part with them. There's one up near me somewhere - well looked after too.
zebra
How about these:
S1 options under 10k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/195305.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/213514.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/211021.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/215085.htm - upgraded 160
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/156590.htm - low mileage and upgraded
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/162955.htm - upgraded, low mileage and looks the dogs....111s
There are some decent low mileage S2's around now for 10k ish - but they sell quickly.
zebs
S1 options under 10k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/195305.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/213514.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/211021.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/215085.htm - upgraded 160
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/156590.htm - low mileage and upgraded
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/162955.htm - upgraded, low mileage and looks the dogs....111s
There are some decent low mileage S2's around now for 10k ish - but they sell quickly.
zebs
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