Next car buying advice

[SageChugh]

Hi all,

Just got rid of my 2020 F40 BMW M135i and am now looking into buying my next car for around 8000.

Just got a new job where ill be going to work by train but when required will be travelling between cities etc (mainly by train or sometimes car)

Want to get a coupe now which is affordable to maintain but I'm stuck between buying the MX5 MK3 (NC2) or the Audi TT Mk2

Which one would you go for..

I have driven the MX5 and love it but I'm not sure it can be used for everyday use......

Any help would be welcome
Thanks

Edited by SageChugh on Friday 27th May 14:57

[ninjag]

Honda S2000?

[SageChugh]

Could do, they're going to be high mileage cars though...

Edited by SageChugh on Wednesday 25th May 13:28

[Pistonheader101]

Z4?

[samoht]

SageChugh said:

Just got a new job where ill be going to work by train but when required will be travelling between cities etc (mainly by train or sometimes car)
..
I have driven the MX5 and love it but I'm not sure it can be used for everyday use......

To me it would depend on the extent of driving for work, i.e. how long and how frequent the car trips would be. The MX-5 isn't very refined on a motorway, if you're doing 200 miles every month or so, it might get a bit tiring. As an occasional thing it's ok.

In other respects I think an MX-5 is a fine everyday car, as long as you don't need to carry too much stuff, perfectly good local runaround.

If it was me I'd get the Mazda just because (FR, 50:50, double wishbones), but if you're doing a lot of longer motorway trips you may be happier with the Audi.

[ninjag]

SageChugh said:

Could do, they're going to be high mileage cars though...

Edited by SageChugh on Wednesday 25th May 13:28

Aye most likely, although that wouldn't really bother me with a Honda. Only downside is limited tuning options, but they are pretty quick stock anyway.

[ZX10R NIN]

125i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205205...

135:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205125...

330i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204265...

350Z:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...

[georgeyboy12345]

Of couse an MX-5 can be used daily! I had one as my only car from 2010-2014. Get one! Just watch out for rust

[SageChugh]

Hi guys/gals

Thank you so much for the helpful responses, much appreciated!

There's been a slight update, budget has kinda reduced to ~6-7K

Am still looking at mx5's but was considering a Alfa spider.

Anyone got any experience of having an Alfa spider, the reliability and running costs etc.

Many thanks
Sage

Edited by SageChugh on Saturday 13th August 13:59

Edited by SageChugh on Saturday 13th August 15:07

[samoht]

I haven't, but they seem to have a reputation among owners as quite expensive to keep on the road, which is fine if you have the cash and the passion to do so. Would be older than an NC MX-5.

andy118run said:

Bit of a money pit TBH

thread

jec217 said:

Well known by my mates as the money pit.

thread

If looking at a 916 Spyder you could consider the coupe (GTV) as it is presumably a bit more refined for longer trips.

[SageChugh]

Ah got ya, fair enough, beautiful car but if its like that to keep running then no,

I'll have a look at the gtv,thanks

What about the z3 (imo beautiful cars)

Many thanks!

Edited by SageChugh on Saturday 13th August 16:57

[SageChugh]

Ah got ya, fair enough, beautiful car but if its like that to keep running then no,

I'll have a look at the gtv,thanks

What about the z3 (imo beautiful cars)

Many thanks!

Edited by SageChugh on Saturday 13th August 16:59

[Belle427]

Should be plenty of cared for Mx5s around, that’s what I’d go for with maybe a hard top if you can store it ok.
They do rust so be well aware of this but some owners do care for them well.

[samoht]

Personal opinion, a Z3 is a bit old now for doing lots of long business journeys - is that still part of the expected useage?

Generally older cars are more interesting and feelsome to drive, but also less refined and thus more tiring on long trips. Additionally they tend to rust, and sometimes it can become hard to obtain parts. All this makes it easier to keep them as a fun weekend car than something you're relying on for work.

Not that you couldn't run an old car if it was something you really loved.


But in general I'd be looking at 2005-10 cars rather than 1995-00 ones, roughly speaking. You could get an E85 Z4 in budget, possibly a better bet for your purposes than a Z3 being newer and more refined.

[Crudeoink]

I sold my mums Alfa Spider for her a few years ago. She had it for about 5 years and 30k miles. I was horrified to total the bills in that period, just shy of 20k all in. Tbh it wasn't all that good of a car anyway, heavy, thirsty, naff shift, and constant roof issues.

[SageChugh]

Many thanks for both your input.

Bloody hell! did not expect that from the Alfa Spider........ (shame as it's such a pretty car but looks only go so far)

I get you for the Z3 - I go to work by train as its only a half hour commute, so sometimes park my car at the train station (sometimes WfH) but on weekends/AL I do like to drive to places

Sometimes there may be the occasional drive to other work offices aswell

Z4 is a good shout. have been looking and comparing against MX5 NC

Thanks both

[ZX10R NIN]

350Z is a very good option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...

Z4 30si:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207298...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...

23i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207288...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207298...

[SageChugh]

Thanks man for the help.

Have got my next car now, it is a Mazda MX5 NC (2008) w/ PRHT

Thanks everyone for all your help

[samoht]

Nice! and thanks for letting us know the outcome. 1.8 or 2.0?

I think these are really good cars and well suited for your use, good value too. Enjoy!

[SageChugh]

Ah many thanks!

Yeah, its a 2.0L Sport.

It is honestly, now fighting the temptation to drive it everyday for no reason after work....