Discussion
Has anyone here switched from GT86 to MX5 and been happy?
Since my GT86 I've tried a few cars as replacements but none so far has quite hit the mark/marque.
Z4 35i DCT, 986 Boxster, Scirocco R and 981 Boxster, and previously FTO, 350Z and TVR Griffith - all had their plus points, but none of them matched the GT86 as a fun every day car. I'm a coupe/sports car person not a hot-hatch kind, and some practicality and creature comforts required so Elise and the like not suitable as a daily driver for me.
I drove the MX-5 RF when they were first released and was pleasantly surprised - it's a fun little car, though I'd prefer the proper convertible. The test drive was great, but that didn't test the practicality - the boot's tiny with an even smaller opening. Not even a glove-box inside, just a cubby between the seats on the rear wall. I think I'd need to keep a second car for the rare occasions I need the space.
Hoping to move on the Boxster this Summer so still some time to decide, but with current COVID restrictions it's difficult to assess personally.
Since my GT86 I've tried a few cars as replacements but none so far has quite hit the mark/marque.
Z4 35i DCT, 986 Boxster, Scirocco R and 981 Boxster, and previously FTO, 350Z and TVR Griffith - all had their plus points, but none of them matched the GT86 as a fun every day car. I'm a coupe/sports car person not a hot-hatch kind, and some practicality and creature comforts required so Elise and the like not suitable as a daily driver for me.
I drove the MX-5 RF when they were first released and was pleasantly surprised - it's a fun little car, though I'd prefer the proper convertible. The test drive was great, but that didn't test the practicality - the boot's tiny with an even smaller opening. Not even a glove-box inside, just a cubby between the seats on the rear wall. I think I'd need to keep a second car for the rare occasions I need the space.
Hoping to move on the Boxster this Summer so still some time to decide, but with current COVID restrictions it's difficult to assess personally.
depends on desired budget, but a late Celica could meet the brief or if you are willing to splash a little more cash a 2.7 Cayman - gives you the drivability without the overall speed of the S so you can drive it a little bit harder on our roads?
Probably fits more in the hatch bucket, but there a raft of Mini's out there that are like go-karts with performance to match
Probably fits more in the hatch bucket, but there a raft of Mini's out there that are like go-karts with performance to match
Minis are great fun and hugely capable (owned 2), but they're not what the op is asking for, and i think we'd agree why.
out the box the 86 is a tighter steer than the ND. Both can be easily modded (as you know) and the 180 ND with better suspension and nasp mods to 225 would be quite a driving delight i think. Such a beast is my list to do too, 15k base car and 10k mods.
out the box the 86 is a tighter steer than the ND. Both can be easily modded (as you know) and the 180 ND with better suspension and nasp mods to 225 would be quite a driving delight i think. Such a beast is my list to do too, 15k base car and 10k mods.
LordGrover said:
Trevor555 said:
Toyota are launching the new GR86 later this year.
Adding a turbo.
Might be worth waiting for.
I've already registered my interest with two Toyota dealers. Adding a turbo.
Might be worth waiting for.
That's mid-late next year though.
No turbo, thankfully.
Just looked at the latest report that says no turbo.
I'd order your car online as soon as Toyota allow you to.
I paid a deposit for a GR Yaris when they were very first mentioned in the press.
Long story short, the dealer didn't get me a car, or might have simply sold it to someone else.
People were taking delivery of their cars when I was being told I'll have to wait another three months.
When you order online you'll be guaranteed a car.
I'm sure there are good dealers out there, but that was my experience. I had no control of the order.
M240i maybe?
Great engine and choice of coupe/convertible as well as manual/auto. Some nice examples under £20k.
I'm guessing you want rwd?
If not the MK3 Audi TT looks nice to me and gets great reviews.
For what it is the gt86 seems to be in a class of it's own. Fairly new RWD manual coupe with a bit of practicality and NA engine. Flawed but fun and full of character. I'd definitely have one. As I said, you could always go back to one as they are still on sale.
Great engine and choice of coupe/convertible as well as manual/auto. Some nice examples under £20k.
I'm guessing you want rwd?
If not the MK3 Audi TT looks nice to me and gets great reviews.
For what it is the gt86 seems to be in a class of it's own. Fairly new RWD manual coupe with a bit of practicality and NA engine. Flawed but fun and full of character. I'd definitely have one. As I said, you could always go back to one as they are still on sale.
LordGrover said:
Fair point. Perhaps more realistically up to maybe five years old and 'low' miles.
Hey Grover 
Like cheap, fast, good I think you can only pick two!
More a case of missing from your list of ex’s than hitting your criteria square on, but how about a late, low mileage S2000? Easily doable in budget.
I have ‘99 S2000 these days and it’s brilliant. Not a daily driver though.
Hi Ben - long time no see.
Still miss the Growl days.
I was never a fan of the S2000, mainly for the wrong reasons. Way back when... I had a friend/drinking acquaintance who was subbing for Honda Swindon - Y2K consultant - coining it in. He had one supplied by Honda as part of the package. He took me out for a spin a couple of times and scared the bejesus out of me - more him being a knobber than anything wrong with the car. Rather put me off them to this day though. Silly I guess.
Maybe see you at Castle Comb or Prescott sometime, once we're allowed out again.
Still miss the Growl days.
I was never a fan of the S2000, mainly for the wrong reasons. Way back when... I had a friend/drinking acquaintance who was subbing for Honda Swindon - Y2K consultant - coining it in. He had one supplied by Honda as part of the package. He took me out for a spin a couple of times and scared the bejesus out of me - more him being a knobber than anything wrong with the car. Rather put me off them to this day though. Silly I guess.
Maybe see you at Castle Comb or Prescott sometime, once we're allowed out again.
Other option to the GT86/Mx5 would be an Abarth 124 spider, not quite as sharp but to my eyes at least, better looking.
adding a few years of window means a late 2017ish 370z will be in budget but its not going to be anywhere near as sharp as the GT86
the move towards SUV's has killed off the small non-premium coupe/convertibles
adding a few years of window means a late 2017ish 370z will be in budget but its not going to be anywhere near as sharp as the GT86
the move towards SUV's has killed off the small non-premium coupe/convertibles
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