Best sports car/roadster 3-5K
Discussion
"Best" is very much subjective, depends what type of drivetrain and handling you prefer.
Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
samoht said:
"Best" is very much subjective, depends what type of drivetrain and handling you prefer.
Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
Thanks, not too fussed about running costs coming from a ‘98 Jaguar XJ8 4.0 - anything will be an improvement 😆Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
I’d also be interested in coupes like the 350Z, although might be hard pushed to find one in my budget.
samoht said:
"Best" is very much subjective, depends what type of drivetrain and handling you prefer.
Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
Watch out for rust if you go down this route, it will be 13-15 years old. MX-5s all rust, some are just not as far along. The strong values is really surprising considering this, 2009 onwards 2.0 Sport Tech NC2s are the ones to get, but seem to be commanding serious cash. I suspect these values will plummet soon alongside all the others, they should be £3k cars by now. Having said that, there's not many options for the money if you exclude soft-tops.
In terms of folding hard-tops there's pretty much only one possibility, a Mk3 MX-5 with the folding hardtop, like this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207097...
For hard tops, perhaps an RX-8 if you can take the running costs. 350Z is an option, a bit less of a 'sports car' though, but good value at £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...
If age and/or mileage aren't much of a concern I'd go with this;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265774053830?hash=item3...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265774053830?hash=item3...
I'd definitely be looking at a Mk3 MX-5 at that price point with folding hardtop.
I wouldn't touch a Boxster at that budget as it will likely need a lot of work that could burn throuhh 3-5k again in no time, I have a Boxster 986 myself and love it but wouldn't buy one at that budget. I think you will get a far better condition MX-5.
I would personally avoid removable hard tops too if possible which is another reason the MX-5 makes more sense, I had a removable hardtop for my Porsche and sold it because it was a PITA to get on and off and couldn't really be done without help then storing it is also a pain when it's not on the car. A folding hard top if you want a hard top makes much more sense.
I wouldn't touch a Boxster at that budget as it will likely need a lot of work that could burn throuhh 3-5k again in no time, I have a Boxster 986 myself and love it but wouldn't buy one at that budget. I think you will get a far better condition MX-5.
I would personally avoid removable hard tops too if possible which is another reason the MX-5 makes more sense, I had a removable hardtop for my Porsche and sold it because it was a PITA to get on and off and couldn't really be done without help then storing it is also a pain when it's not on the car. A folding hard top if you want a hard top makes much more sense.
I would say the 350Z but finding one at this price point isn't easy.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
3.2 TT: not the sharpest but a great engine note adds to the experience
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...
3.2 Brera:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203123...
3.0 GTV:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
3.2 TT: not the sharpest but a great engine note adds to the experience
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...
3.2 Brera:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203123...
3.0 GTV:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...
I would personally move away from the hard top requirement, you are compromising and excluding so many great options. Removable hard tops are notorious for being hard to get on and off, squeak like hell and you have to store them somewhere when not in use which is a pain if you are without a garage.
I just bought a Z4 coupe and my mate got a Z4 3.0i in your budget and both cars are a riot, the ooomf you get from those 6 pots is hugely impressive. The Mk3 MX5 is known as the least capable handling MX5 of the range, so in terms of reasons for getting an MX5 i'e sharp handling you are compromising on outright pace and somewhat on handling.
What about an SLK if you absolutely insist on a hard top? The 350z you will seriously struggle in that budget and most likely pick up a lemon with rust issues.
V6 Audi TT might be a good shout for something a bit rarer.
High mileage VW Sciroccos?
I just bought a Z4 coupe and my mate got a Z4 3.0i in your budget and both cars are a riot, the ooomf you get from those 6 pots is hugely impressive. The Mk3 MX5 is known as the least capable handling MX5 of the range, so in terms of reasons for getting an MX5 i'e sharp handling you are compromising on outright pace and somewhat on handling.
What about an SLK if you absolutely insist on a hard top? The 350z you will seriously struggle in that budget and most likely pick up a lemon with rust issues.
V6 Audi TT might be a good shout for something a bit rarer.
High mileage VW Sciroccos?
coldel said:
I just bought a Z4 coupe and my mate got a Z4 3.0i in your budget and both cars are a riot, the ooomf you get from those 6 pots is hugely impressive. The Mk3 MX5 is known as the least capable handling MX5 of the range, so in terms of reasons for getting an MX5 i'e sharp handling you are compromising on outright pace and somewhat on handling.
Having had a Z4 3.0 and a mk3 MX5, yes the Z4 has more ooomf but it doesn't touch the MX5 for handling, the MX5 is the one I've still got because it's a lot more fun 
Another vote for the MX5, brilliant little cars.
Thr gear change is sublime and the handling fun! To describe it, there is a lot of body roll which is intentional so that the car communicates with you and the car is we balanced and forgiving. Only criticism of the mk1 + mk2 is they could use more power to make them a but more playful I.e. you really have to try hard to get it to jiggle out of junctions.
The GTV V6 is another great shout, the interior is nice, it sounds fantastic, has just the right amount of power foe the chassis and handles very well for a fwd car.
You can't go wrong with either
Thr gear change is sublime and the handling fun! To describe it, there is a lot of body roll which is intentional so that the car communicates with you and the car is we balanced and forgiving. Only criticism of the mk1 + mk2 is they could use more power to make them a but more playful I.e. you really have to try hard to get it to jiggle out of junctions.
The GTV V6 is another great shout, the interior is nice, it sounds fantastic, has just the right amount of power foe the chassis and handles very well for a fwd car.
You can't go wrong with either
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