Is a downgrade really a downgrade?
Discussion
I currently drive a fully paid for diesel hatch that Webuyanycar.com says is worth £9k. Next year would be about the time I would normally expect to replace it and in doing so take on another load of finance. However, the recent Top Gear/EVO cheap car challenges have got me thinking outside the box. Specifically it has got me thinking two seats and impractical. The Mrs has had an MGF and MGTF 160 so I don't want one of them, a mark 3 MR2 is too impractical and an Elise (and VX220, really) is just too expensive, especially if you buy from a dealer. However, a Mark1/2 MX5 can be had for very reasonable money and would leave enough cash for some fun stuff like a good stereo and some tasty Recaros (I love good sports seats).
My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
Not sure if it counts, but I have the Maser, and an MX5 (two if you count Mrs Maser's Mk2.5).
Horses for courses, if we're going away for the weekend, or out for the day, we'll likely take the Maser.
If I'm running errands round town, or going somewhere on my own, I'll take the Mk1 MX5.
Track days with the MX5 too, much more fun that the Maser!
Horses for courses, if we're going away for the weekend, or out for the day, we'll likely take the Maser.
If I'm running errands round town, or going somewhere on my own, I'll take the Mk1 MX5.
Track days with the MX5 too, much more fun that the Maser!
SonicHedgeHog said:
I currently drive a fully paid for diesel hatch that Webuyanycar.com says is worth £9k. Next year would be about the time I would normally expect to replace it and in doing so take on another load of finance. However, the recent Top Gear/EVO cheap car challenges have got me thinking outside the box. Specifically it has got me thinking two seats and impractical. The Mrs has had an MGF and MGTF 160 so I don't want one of them, a mark 3 MR2 is too impractical and an Elise (and VX220, really) is just too expensive, especially if you buy from a dealer. However, a Mark1/2 MX5 can be had for very reasonable money and would leave enough cash for some fun stuff like a good stereo and some tasty Recaros (I love good sports seats).
My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
Given the choice between diesel hatch and finance, or a nicely looked after used MX5 and no finance, i would take the MX5 every single time. At *all* times it will be nicer to sit in, and on sunny days or out on the open road with roof down it will be a million times better.My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
So long as you're sure you can live with the 5 as an only car, you will never regret it, and if you need to you could always borrow or hire a larger car for when needed.
But just think what you'll be saving on finance and depreciation costs! The savings alone would fund a holiday to the south of France in the Mazda each year.
heebeegeetee said:
SonicHedgeHog said:
I currently drive a fully paid for diesel hatch that Webuyanycar.com says is worth £9k. Next year would be about the time I would normally expect to replace it and in doing so take on another load of finance. However, the recent Top Gear/EVO cheap car challenges have got me thinking outside the box. Specifically it has got me thinking two seats and impractical. The Mrs has had an MGF and MGTF 160 so I don't want one of them, a mark 3 MR2 is too impractical and an Elise (and VX220, really) is just too expensive, especially if you buy from a dealer. However, a Mark1/2 MX5 can be had for very reasonable money and would leave enough cash for some fun stuff like a good stereo and some tasty Recaros (I love good sports seats).
My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
Given the choice between diesel hatch and finance, or a nicely looked after used MX5 and no finance, i would take the MX5 every single time. At *all* times it will be nicer to sit in, and on sunny days or out on the open road with roof down it will be a million times better.My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it? I'm particularly interested to hear from people who could have bought a more expensive car, but chose the MX5 instead.
So long as you're sure you can live with the 5 as an only car, you will never regret it, and if you need to you could always borrow or hire a larger car for when needed.
But just think what you'll be saving on finance and depreciation costs! The savings alone would fund a holiday to the south of France in the Mazda each year.
trooperiziz said:
SonicHedgeHog said:
The best bet might be to copy Monsieur Maserati above and keep the barge and buy a £1500 MK1.
Cheap mk1 mx5 and an E39 M5 here, perfect bedfellows
My MX5 costs to run;
£200 a year tax (ish?)
£180 insurance
£100 maintenance (often less)
Plus track day wear and tear which is always more than normal running costs.
You don't want to know what the Maser running costs are. Not absolutely horrific, but a new clutch alone would pay for about 5 years running an old MX5.
I would definitely recommend a barge for daily, and a '5 for fun, it's a great combination.
I've got a 8 seat Landcruiser for foreign travel and towing too, bargetastic!
SonicHedgeHog said:
My question is, has anyone switched from one of the cheapest to run and easy to live with cars in the world to an MX5 and are you glad you did it?
Thats the beauty of an MX5.It IS one of the cheapest and easiest cars to run! Parts are plentfiful and cheap, they are very reliable, some niggles but never just decide to grendade themselves.
They handle big mileages really easily.
Tyre, oil, etc are all cheap due to cars low weight, small engine etc. Economy is 'reasonable'.
They are an utter bargain.
From a diesel to an MX5 is an upgrade IMO.
I came from Cosworths, Integrales etc to MX5's over ten years ago.
Admittedly mine didn't stay std for long but I frequently run a std one for a week or two and every time, I really enjoy it.
I could easily afford a £30k car but the performance they give is more remote and you can only use a fraction of it on the road before you are well into BAN territory.
In fact after 'upgrading' my E36 328 to an E46 328 I'm looking to 'downgrade' again - the older car is more fun.
I came from Cosworths, Integrales etc to MX5's over ten years ago.
Admittedly mine didn't stay std for long but I frequently run a std one for a week or two and every time, I really enjoy it.
I could easily afford a £30k car but the performance they give is more remote and you can only use a fraction of it on the road before you are well into BAN territory.
In fact after 'upgrading' my E36 328 to an E46 328 I'm looking to 'downgrade' again - the older car is more fun.
I have recently 'downgraded' and got rid of all the car finance I used to have. I now have a mk1 Eunos and a 156 Sport Wagon (2.4 JTD). To be honest I don't know why I didn't do it earlier.... both cars are great for the tasks involved.
I have owned a vx220, Smart Roadster, Mini Cooper S etc in the past and I don't really miss any of them (except maybe the vx220??).
Just try it - it aint going to cost you much is it??
Mike
I have owned a vx220, Smart Roadster, Mini Cooper S etc in the past and I don't really miss any of them (except maybe the vx220??).
Just try it - it aint going to cost you much is it??
Mike
SonicHedgeHog said:
The best bet might be to copy Monsieur Maserati above and keep the barge and buy a £1500 MK1.
Personally i would look at spending a bit more than that, because at that price there are a hell of a lot of sheds, accident damaged or woefully 'modified' cars. I'd look to buying a nicely cared-for standard car with not too many owners etc, which will stand you in good stead for a good few years and would be an excellent base for modifying if desired. Just imo of course.
heebeegeetee said:
SonicHedgeHog said:
The best bet might be to copy Monsieur Maserati above and keep the barge and buy a £1500 MK1.
Personally i would look at spending a bit more than that, because at that price there are a hell of a lot of sheds, accident damaged or woefully 'modified' cars. I'd look to buying a nicely cared-for standard car with not too many owners etc, which will stand you in good stead for a good few years and would be an excellent base for modifying if desired. Just imo of course.
Use normal precautions, as you would with any car.
I have only recently got my mx5 (about 3 weeks in now) and I really like it, mine was less than £1500 and is fine and came with a few practical upgrades. In the last few years I have owned an mr2 turbo, Lotus Elise and an S2000; the mx5 is on a par with all of them for enjoyment despite costing significantly less. So I would highly recommend getting one.
mikey P 500 said:
In the last few years I have owned an mr2 turbo, Lotus Elise and an S2000; the mx5 is on a par with all of them for enjoyment despite costing significantly less. So I would highly recommend getting one.
High praise indeed.I've got a Mk1 RS Ltd with a modestly boosted M45 supercharger and its much more fun to drive than my old ITR was, and that too was an amazing car. They are really good fun to drive these little cars.
maser_spyder said:
heebeegeetee said:
SonicHedgeHog said:
The best bet might be to copy Monsieur Maserati above and keep the barge and buy a £1500 MK1.
Personally i would look at spending a bit more than that, because at that price there are a hell of a lot of sheds, accident damaged or woefully 'modified' cars. I'd look to buying a nicely cared-for standard car with not too many owners etc, which will stand you in good stead for a good few years and would be an excellent base for modifying if desired. Just imo of course.
Use normal precautions, as you would with any car.
I guess it depends how much time and money one wants to spend looking.
heebeegeetee said:
maser_spyder said:
heebeegeetee said:
SonicHedgeHog said:
The best bet might be to copy Monsieur Maserati above and keep the barge and buy a £1500 MK1.
Personally i would look at spending a bit more than that, because at that price there are a hell of a lot of sheds, accident damaged or woefully 'modified' cars. I'd look to buying a nicely cared-for standard car with not too many owners etc, which will stand you in good stead for a good few years and would be an excellent base for modifying if desired. Just imo of course.
Use normal precautions, as you would with any car.
I guess it depends how much time and money one wants to spend looking.
S'not for sale though!
I've switched from a 3yr old 330d MSport, which I'd had from new to a 1998 MkII 1.8. Absolutely love the upgrade, the 5 has so much more character and whilst the BMW had every toy immaginable I really don't miss them. The BMW was a great drive and very very fast, but with the 5 you feel so much more part of the experience. Even the lock on my 5 freezing this morning didn't bother me, nor me ripping a wiper blade on the frozen windscreen this morning - it just gave me an excuse to have a browse on MX5Parts.com. A new wiper blade will be arriving tomorrow and I'm now contemplating a K&N Typhoon, must resist, must resist!
I’m not really a fan of finance so the cash I have available to spend on a car can vary wildly depending on where we’re living, what holidays we’ve booked, etc. As a result, I quite often upgrade, then downgrade, then upgrade, etc.
Yes, compared to most cars, an MX-5 is slow but in terms of fun it’s on a par with far more expensive stuff. Personally, I’ve always found having to ‘downgrade’ to an MX-5 is always a welcome change, regardless of what it replaces!
It's a nice feeling to have a car that's stupidly reliable and great to drive but that doesn't have the downsides of more expensive cars - no need to worry about where you park it, no need to keep a few grand spare to cover unexpected bills, no eye-watering service costs or over-priced parts, etc
All I’d say is that, at least where the Mk1 is concerned, the mpg isn’t particularly good for such a light, underpowered car.
Yes, compared to most cars, an MX-5 is slow but in terms of fun it’s on a par with far more expensive stuff. Personally, I’ve always found having to ‘downgrade’ to an MX-5 is always a welcome change, regardless of what it replaces!
It's a nice feeling to have a car that's stupidly reliable and great to drive but that doesn't have the downsides of more expensive cars - no need to worry about where you park it, no need to keep a few grand spare to cover unexpected bills, no eye-watering service costs or over-priced parts, etc
All I’d say is that, at least where the Mk1 is concerned, the mpg isn’t particularly good for such a light, underpowered car.
Edited by Risotto on Wednesday 2nd December 11:45
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