Thinking of a new car

[Nick V]

MX5:
Look, I own a 2nd gen, not a 3rd gen.
Serious note though, I know I shouldn't dismiss it. Supposedly one of the best handling fun cars around, so that counts for a lot.

Caterham 7:
It's on my list for a reason... I love them (I'd settle for a Westfield, but I'd frequently wished I'd held out for a Caterham). I will own one one day that's for sure. I'm not interested in a bike engined one, a car engined one will be more than enough, maybe even the K series engined one would do. Maybe I'll look harder at the re-mortgage options and see if I can stretch a few extra £K's.

Lotus Elan SE/Elise:
Same as the Caterham (which is a Lotus after all). I have always loved Lotus's. The Elise is just outside my price range otherwise it'd be on the list. The Elan goes head to head with the MX5 and would be my preference of the two.

To reinforce what sort of car I'm after... I'm after a fun car for occasional use. I don't want some tarmac ripping 1/4mile munching speed machine. As long as it keeps me in front of the 'Saxo' boys away from the lights then it's plenty fast enough. I want something that can make me grin when going round a bend. Something that I will want to wake up early to take out for a spin down the country lanes of a weekend. That's a good description of the quintessential British open topped sports car, which is basically what I'm aiming for. Just not necessarily built within these shores.

Some good suggestions there guys, keep it coming.

The MX5 really is a great handling little car, (rear wheel drive of course) - no, I am not a cross dressing hair dresser - I have driven one around Goodwood and Brands Hatch, and although not as quick as my Cossie, it handled like a dream. They can be picked up for a reasonable price.

Already said a bit about the Caterham, and whilst a K series engined one will be more than what you want to spend, the head gasket on these was a problem area if the power had be uprated.

I love the Elise/Exige and if you are gonna gather a few more pennies go for one of these. Same K series in the earlier ones but they seem to be ok in the Lotus cos they don't get messed with so much. Slightly more room in these for bits and bobs than a Caterham so would make a good weekend/fun/playing on the country road on a sunny day/track day car.

Just another two pennies worth from me

Cheers, Nick

[yoshie]

To reinforce what sort of car I'm after... I'm after a fun car for occasional use. I don't want some tarmac ripping 1/4mile munching speed machine. As long as it keeps me in front of the 'Saxo' boys away from the lights then it's plenty fast enough. I want something that can make me grin when going round a bend. Something that I will want to wake up early to take out for a spin down the country lanes of a weekend. That's a good description of the quintessential British open topped sports car, which is basically what I'm aiming for. Just not necessarily built within these shores.

Some good suggestions there guys, keep it coming.

You just answered your own question and you know it find £7k drive for years have a massive grin and sell it for £6.5k
Caterham


Or better still find £10k and buy a Dax Rush

[Nick V]

If I had the facilities (i.e. a garage) I'd be very seriously looking at buying a kit and building my own. It's something I'd love to do at some point. But practical head on, I do have a habit of starting stuff like that, getting half way through, and then abandoning it for months. I just know it'd end up on ebay looking for someone to finish it off.

Sorry, me again!! A lot of people do that - I was nearly one of them! Not pushing the kit car point, I do love mine though, but there are some really good second hand ones out there. Some people complete building one, SVA it, and then sell it so although it's 'second hand' it's a brand new car!!

Cheers, Nick

[Nick V]

You just answered your own question and you know it find £7k drive for years have a massive grin and sell it for £6.5k
Caterham


Or better still find £10k and buy a Dax Rush

I agree with you, deffo a Dax - but then again, I am bias towards them

Cheers, Nick

[BUSHWHACKER]

This is for sale @6800......

[Slugsie]

This is for sale @6800......

Does it come with a can opener?

[BUSHWHACKER]

You don't want a rag top, you're still too young, you need to be at least 50.

[RodLeach]

You don't want a rag top, you're still too young, you need to be at least 50.

tis true!!

My mates dad has just got a new Volvo C70 convertable, With the roof down his bald patch just pokes over the headrest!

Thats another reason why my vote is with the Caterham, its just just suited to someone who wants to live life comfortably on the edge!! its clear that your just daaamn crazy!

either that or the batmobile!

[MrE]

Why fight it, you just know if its a soft top sports car its got to be British!
so go on the bay and get your self a Triumph You get....

1, More smiles per miles
2, choice of models, engines
3, Basic mechanicals
4, solid investment
5, large clubs and fan base
6, People let you out of junctions

I could probably go on and on..... The first car I modded was a Mk3 spitfire, it ended up as a rotoflexed 2ltr 6 cylinder that was lighter than a Mini and would take off like a scalded cat

Mark........

[darkdezigns]

well ive had a few rag tops,and it depends on wot u really like,tbh if i was lookin for one now,id try for sumthin a bit diffrent,celica convertible=not real pretty,but v reliable,but u wont go wrong with an mx5,they just never breakdown!,or if u dont mind workin on them,i used to have a 306 cabrio,lovely car,but they do go wrong,and dont touch the 206/307cc they go vvvvvvvvvery wrong

[yoshie]

I think slugsie is straight so the pug rag top is a no no

[Sancho]

I think slugsie is straight so the pug rag top is a no no

Saved me the effort

[darkdezigns]

I think slugsie is straight so the pug rag top is a no no

lol ty,ps wheres yr homebrew pics for the oil?
and thinkin bout it,wot bout a nice a4 cabrio?

[yoshie]

Im stuck on backshift mate will get the pics and write up on soon

[Slugsie]

I think slugsie is straight so the pug rag top is a no no

Thankyou.