Discussion
The trusty MX-5 has now gone and I'm wondering if I've made the right decision. Sold only because of increasing years (not miles) and their reputation for rot. It took us almost 30,000 miles all over Europe in the past 6 years and I now need a replacement.
I'm completely lost as to what to buy next. Budget probably less than £10k as it's a toy at the end of the day.
Desirable attributes:
No reputation for rot (important!).
No reputation for engine grief (important!). Chain rather than cambelt would be good.
Convertible (optional, sunroof probably acceptable).
Physically quite small to fit in the available parking space previously used by the Mazda.
Automatic desirable but not essential.
MPG not that important but nothing silly! Somewhere North of 30mpg on a run would be OK, the MX-5 wasn't brilliant!
I'm open to suggestions.
I'm completely lost as to what to buy next. Budget probably less than £10k as it's a toy at the end of the day.
Desirable attributes:
No reputation for rot (important!).
No reputation for engine grief (important!). Chain rather than cambelt would be good.
Convertible (optional, sunroof probably acceptable).
Physically quite small to fit in the available parking space previously used by the Mazda.
Automatic desirable but not essential.
MPG not that important but nothing silly! Somewhere North of 30mpg on a run would be OK, the MX-5 wasn't brilliant!
I'm open to suggestions.
A few that spring to mind:
Toyota MR2 Mk3: chain-driven, generally very reliable, lighter than a Z4 and much closer to the MX-5 in size. Check for oil consumption and whether the pre-cats have been dealt with on early cars.
BMW Z4 E85 2.5i/3.0i: six-cylinder engines are lovely, galvanised body so rust is much less of an issue than an MX-5, although they are a bit larger.
Mercedes SLK R171 (280/350): well built, folding hardtop and generally resistant to rust compared with older Mercedes.
Honda S2000: if you can stretch the budget. The F20C engine is exceptionally robust if maintained properly, and body corrosion is nowhere near as common as on an NB MX-5.
Toyota MR2 Mk3: chain-driven, generally very reliable, lighter than a Z4 and much closer to the MX-5 in size. Check for oil consumption and whether the pre-cats have been dealt with on early cars.
BMW Z4 E85 2.5i/3.0i: six-cylinder engines are lovely, galvanised body so rust is much less of an issue than an MX-5, although they are a bit larger.
Mercedes SLK R171 (280/350): well built, folding hardtop and generally resistant to rust compared with older Mercedes.
Honda S2000: if you can stretch the budget. The F20C engine is exceptionally robust if maintained properly, and body corrosion is nowhere near as common as on an NB MX-5.
I read your requirements and I too instantly jumped to the the thought Z4.
Just had a very quick look to see what £10k might get you in the world of Z4 and was quite surprised to see things like this available. the newer version with the folding hard top. Comes with a cracking straight six and a manual box.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607284...
Just had a very quick look to see what £10k might get you in the world of Z4 and was quite surprised to see things like this available. the newer version with the folding hard top. Comes with a cracking straight six and a manual box.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607284...
MDT said:
croyde said:
Wow! on the BMW above 
Would that be the same 2.5 engine that powered my beloved e36 323i SE saloon?
No sorry, it's the N53 I think. But as BMW have never really made a poor straight 6 petrol unit it will be fine. Would that be the same 2.5 engine that powered my beloved e36 323i SE saloon? 
bodhi said:
MDT said:
croyde said:
Wow! on the BMW above
Would that be the same 2.5 engine that powered my beloved e36 323i SE saloon?
No sorry, it's the N53 I think. But as BMW have never really made a poor straight 6 petrol unit it will be fine. Would that be the same 2.5 engine that powered my beloved e36 323i SE saloon?
Luckily that's got the N52, which is a typically solid BMW Straight 6.
paddy1970 said:
A few that spring to mind:
Toyota MR2 Mk3: chain-driven, generally very reliable, lighter than a Z4 and much closer to the MX-5 in size. Check for oil consumption and whether the pre-cats have been dealt with on early cars.
BMW Z4 E85 2.5i/3.0i: six-cylinder engines are lovely, galvanised body so rust is much less of an issue than an MX-5, although they are a bit larger.
Mercedes SLK R171 (280/350): well built, folding hardtop and generally resistant to rust compared with older Mercedes.
Honda S2000: if you can stretch the budget. The F20C engine is exceptionally robust if maintained properly, and body corrosion is nowhere near as common as on an NB MX-5.
The s2000s nowadays do go on the sills and rear arches but not overly bad.Toyota MR2 Mk3: chain-driven, generally very reliable, lighter than a Z4 and much closer to the MX-5 in size. Check for oil consumption and whether the pre-cats have been dealt with on early cars.
BMW Z4 E85 2.5i/3.0i: six-cylinder engines are lovely, galvanised body so rust is much less of an issue than an MX-5, although they are a bit larger.
Mercedes SLK R171 (280/350): well built, folding hardtop and generally resistant to rust compared with older Mercedes.
Honda S2000: if you can stretch the budget. The F20C engine is exceptionally robust if maintained properly, and body corrosion is nowhere near as common as on an NB MX-5.
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