FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > MX5 or MR2?
MX5 or MR2?
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Id go for the MR2 out of those but my money would go on an SLK, you can get 2002s for 2grand and less  "
Don't like the SLK, if I have a Merc it'll be the SL.
I'm working away quite a lot and will only drive it at weekends so fuel economy isn't my prime concern. And with Saga insurance for us old fuckers I might go for a SL500 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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MR2's are mid engined and rear drive, this can be troublesome if you're not used to driving that kind of configuration, the back end can easily and quickly get out of hand if you lift mid bend and you'll end up in a ditch!
The MX5 is front engined-rear drive and on the whole a far more stable platform, its also easier to work on so garage bills should be less and on the whole much more reliable, it also has the added benefit of having a non interference engine, so even if you neglect the cam belt and it snaps the repair bill won't be eye watering! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Id go for the MR2 out of those but my money would go on an SLK, you can get 2002s for 2grand and less
Don't like the SLK, if I have a Merc it'll be the SL.
I'm working away quite a lot and will only drive it at weekends so fuel economy isn't my prime concern. And with Saga insurance for us old fuckers I might go for a SL500 "
Well if your goin down the route of a grand tourer have a look at the BMW 840ci, I had one a couple of years ago and it was an excellent car, dont see many about either and it draws attention where ever you go, and holds its price aswell  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Firstly and most importantly - there is nothing wrong with having a midlife crisis
Secondly, I personally would go for the MX5.
I like them both a lot but I have friends who have and have had both over the years and I have spent a lot more time under the MR2's than the MX5's. The MR2's don't seem to age so gracefully and they get lots of little niggles.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Firstly and most importantly - there is nothing wrong with having a midlife crisis
Secondly, I personally would go for the MX5.
I like them both a lot but I have friends who have and have had both over the years and I have spent a lot more time under the MR2's than the MX5's. The MR2's don't seem to age so gracefully and they get lots of little niggles.
"
I'd agree. The MX5 is the better car of the two.
Easier to drive, easier to fix and more reliable.
And right now is the best time to buy one... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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i love the mr2 roadsters but dont go for one with high mileage. the engine/head gasket seems to be a bit of a common fault
they arent that girly compared to a street Ka which im planning on getting 
gonna man it up abit tho  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I love my mr2. Been so lucky with the weather this year it's been a pleasure to drive. But then the coast roads around here scream out for convertibles
It is just my fun car. Long distance driving I stick to the Beamer |
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"It would be the roadster I'd buy. Just looked on ebay and you can get a Boxster for under £5k "
Save a couple more pounds and get a nice 911 for around 8k, you can get a decent 964 version for that |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Guess i can't suggest my Mercedes 7 seater then?
...i love big cars.
I've got a classic Merc 230CE and my runabout is a Saab 9-3. "
Alright alright. I have a hard time buying socks let alone cars lol
...zoom zoom  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think? "
Those ain't sporty cars ...what you need are one of the following :
Mazda RX7 twin turbo
Nissan Skyline R34
Renault Clio V6
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
Those ain't sporty cars ...what you need are one of the following :
Mazda RX7 twin turbo
Nissan Skyline R34
Renault Clio V6
"
I'm going to buy a roadster / convertible of some description. It wont be anything too over technical as I like to get under the bonnet myself. |
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think? "
Mx 5 bomb proof almost, how about the fiat |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
Those ain't sporty cars ...what you need are one of the following :
Mazda RX7R twin turbo
Nissan Skyline R34
Renault Clio V6
"
Mazda RX7 twin turbo-unreliable and fragile, they often need an engine rebuild before they get close to 100k miles.
Nissan Skyline R34-expensive to buy and maintain, many have been crashed (badly).
Renault Clio V6-horrific wet weather handling, fragile electrics, noisy, hot cabin and general poor construction. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
Those ain't sporty cars ...what you need are one of the following :
Mazda RX7R twin turbo
Nissan Skyline R34
Renault Clio V6
Mazda RX7 twin turbo-unreliable and fragile, they often need an engine rebuild before they get close to 100k miles.
Nissan Skyline R34-expensive to buy and maintain, many have been crashed (badly).
Renault Clio V6-horrific wet weather handling, fragile electrics, noisy, hot cabin and general poor construction."
Thanks for ruining my three dream racer cars ...put me right off now ....guess I'll have to settle for a Lamborghini then ...
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I love my clk 320  but its going tomorrow  . Mr D has gone all practical and bought a Madza 6!!! .
Never thought I'd get sentimental over a car but I'm gonna miss her xxx |
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By *1ckeyMan
over a year ago
Camberley |
MX5 all the way, It's a British sports car made by the Japanese. The MR2 is a good car, but the Mazda has better handling, reliability, comfort, and is cheap to fix. Parts are plentiful too. I drive an old RX7 convertible when its not in bits, and Mazda's in car heaters are uber powerful, you can drive topless in the winter |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Renault Clio V6-horrific wet weather handling, fragile electrics, noisy, hot cabin and general poor construction."
Not to mention the fact the Clio sport is only a fraction of a second slowly..
For me only one option for a small 2 seater car... And that's Alfa spider. So cheap to buy.
Although out of the original two I would have a Mx5.. although would also consider a Honda s2000.
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MX5 and MR2 are both excellent, especially the Mark 1s of each, but another good choice is the MGF. These are very cheap now, parts are plentiful, classic insurance and they are just as reliable as the Japanese cars as long as they are properly maintained.
My choice would be something older though, Spifires and Midgets are great fun, i love my Midget!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Renault Clio V6-horrific wet weather handling, fragile electrics, noisy, hot cabin and general poor construction.
Not to mention the fact the Clio sport is only a fraction of a second slowly..
For me only one option for a small 2 seater car... And that's Alfa spider. So cheap to buy.
Although out of the original two I would have a Mx5.. although would also consider a Honda s2000.
"
Yeah the Alfa GTV or 916 Spider are great cars. The only problem is that many are gonna want work now, which doesn't put me off but might put the op off...lol
The later Brera based Spider is a nice car, good engine and fantastically good looking, they're pretty rare though and the prices tend to reflect that. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If getting an mx5 make sure the sills have been drilled as they can be rust traps, there's loads of decent mods to get even more out of it. MR2 is lush but lot harder to work on... If looking at Porsche not 944 or early boxter, they were both made to a price so build sometimes suffered.. 924, 928, 968 all good though... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think? "
None of those, a nice little Triumph TR6! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've had 2 mr2s (the roadster mk3 version) I loved them they are an amazing fun car to drive ! We even managed a weekend camping using it as the only car . Took some creative packing. My mate had the latest 2.0 mx5 faster but not as we'll balanced also a lot more expensive to run |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Just been looking on ebay at Alpha Spiders. Gorgeous looking cars and there are some low mileage bargains too.
Thing is, I've heard as many bad things about Alpha's as I've heard good |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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MG TF's are super cheap and really good little cars if you want a good cheap sports car, mine was a great laugh!! though now I have a mark 1 MR2 which I love!
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"MG TF's are super cheap and really good little cars if you want a good cheap sports car, mine was a great laugh!! though now I have a mark 1 MR2 which I love!
"
There are a couple of MGTF's for sale local to me, both under £1500 and low mileage too, but I looked into their club forums and was told they suffer with head gasket problems. I know head gaskets are easy to sort but I want to drive it and not mend it. I do like the look of them though |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"MG TF's are super cheap and really good little cars if you want a good cheap sports car, mine was a great laugh!! though now I have a mark 1 MR2 which I love!
There are a couple of MGTF's for sale local to me, both under £1500 and low mileage too, but I looked into their club forums and was told they suffer with head gasket problems. I know head gaskets are easy to sort but I want to drive it and not mend it. I do like the look of them though "
As long as they have full service history and you keep them topped up with oil and water you wont have a problem, though you are right this can be common, just get one with service history. they are a cheap fun car!
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think? "
Neither as like you said they are rather effeminate although nice but neither is going to come close to the Honda S2000. If you can find one then go for it they are pure joy and lots fo fun for a 2 seater open topped modern classic. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
Neither as like you said they are rather effeminate although nice but neither is going to come close to the Honda S2000. If you can find one then go for it they are pure joy and lots fo fun for a 2 seater open topped modern classic."
True, though they dont come cheap for a decent one! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"MG TF's are super cheap and really good little cars if you want a good cheap sports car, mine was a great laugh!! though now I have a mark 1 MR2 which I love!
There are a couple of MGTF's for sale local to me, both under £1500 and low mileage too, but I looked into their club forums and was told they suffer with head gasket problems. I know head gaskets are easy to sort but I want to drive it and not mend it. I do like the look of them though "
Most should have already had the updated head gasket fitted (and documented proof to back it up) so it shouldn't be an issue. I Think the later MG-TF had a Toyota engine and didn't suffer the same fault. Just keep an eye on the service history and they are usually fine. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
Neither as like you said they are rather effeminate although nice but neither is going to come close to the Honda S2000. If you can find one then go for it they are pure joy and lots fo fun for a 2 seater open topped modern classic.
True, though they dont come cheap for a decent one!"
5-8k for something in decent condition so not as cheap as the MX5 or Mr2 for the same age but its so far ahead in everything its worth paying 2-3k more for one. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just been looking on ebay at Alpha Spiders. Gorgeous looking cars and there are some low mileage bargains too.
Thing is, I've heard as many bad things about Alpha's as I've heard good "
I'm an Alfa owner and enthusiast (as you know).
They don't deserve the bad reputation they commonly get, it was based on two cars back in the 70's and 80's (the GT Junior and the Sud).
The trick with owning an Alfa is preventative maintenance and TLC. The twinspark engine in the GTV/Spider is excellent as long as you service them regularly with the correct oil (not cheap crap) and keep an eye on the fluid levels.
The owners forums are brilliant too, one of the best I've ever been a member of and there's loads of great independent specialist garages out there that far surpass the dealers. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just been looking on ebay at Alpha Spiders. Gorgeous looking cars and there are some low mileage bargains too.
Thing is, I've heard as many bad things about Alpha's as I've heard good
I'm an Alfa owner and enthusiast (as you know).
They don't deserve the bad reputation they commonly get, it was based on two cars back in the 70's and 80's (the GT Junior and the Sud).
The trick with owning an Alfa is preventative maintenance and TLC. The twinspark engine in the GTV/Spider is excellent as long as you service them regularly with the correct oil (not cheap crap) and keep an eye on the fluid levels.
The owners forums are brilliant too, one of the best I've ever been a member of and there's loads of great independent specialist garages out there that far surpass the dealers."
The GTV/Spider was a fantastic car even with its poor reliability elegant it was though and the sound was something else. If I went Italian thigh it would be for a Lancia Stratos but they are silly money these days. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just been looking on ebay at Alpha Spiders. Gorgeous looking cars and there are some low mileage bargains too.
Thing is, I've heard as many bad things about Alpha's as I've heard good
I'm an Alfa owner and enthusiast (as you know).
They don't deserve the bad reputation they commonly get, it was based on two cars back in the 70's and 80's (the GT Junior and the Sud).
The trick with owning an Alfa is preventative maintenance and TLC. The twinspark engine in the GTV/Spider is excellent as long as you service them regularly with the correct oil (not cheap crap) and keep an eye on the fluid levels.
The owners forums are brilliant too, one of the best I've ever been a member of and there's loads of great independent specialist garages out there that far surpass the dealers.
The GTV/Spider was a fantastic car even with its poor reliability elegant it was though and the sound was something else. If I went Italian thigh it would be for a Lancia Stratos but they are silly money these days. "
Poor reliability?
The GTV/Spider is a pretty reliable car and mechanically solid. Most of the problems with them (and many Alfa's) were down to poor maintenance and garages not knowing what they're doing with them. For instance the timing belts cannot be done conventionally, they require cam locks and tdc gauges. Most garages don't have them and make a mess of the job, which leads to a failure. People then blame the car, which is wrong.
I've never had a serious problem with any of them that I've owned, and its been a few... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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You guys here certainly gave me a few things to think about that I weren't considering when I started this thread.
Have had a great time over the last 6 weeks or so, looking and test driving some great little cars.
I fell in love with a gorgeous Alfa Spider, one owner, full history, low mileage, but while I mused over whether or not to buy it, someone else beat me to it.
I looked at other Spiders but the benchmark had been set and I didn't see another in the same price range that came close.
I tried a few MX5's and some MR2's, they were nice but weren't what I was looking for.
Looked at a couple of SL Mercs, a bit pricy for what you get, so opted for a Beemer and I've just bought a nice low mileage Z3, 2.8i auto. Had great fun driving back to Truro last night.
So thanks again guys |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just been looking on ebay at Alpha Spiders. Gorgeous looking cars and there are some low mileage bargains too.
Thing is, I've heard as many bad things about Alpha's as I've heard good
I'm an Alfa owner and enthusiast (as you know).
They don't deserve the bad reputation they commonly get, it was based on two cars back in the 70's and 80's (the GT Junior and the Sud).
The trick with owning an Alfa is preventative maintenance and TLC. The twinspark engine in the GTV/Spider is excellent as long as you service them regularly with the correct oil (not cheap crap) and keep an eye on the fluid levels.
The owners forums are brilliant too, one of the best I've ever been a member of and there's loads of great independent specialist garages out there that far surpass the dealers.
The GTV/Spider was a fantastic car even with its poor reliability elegant it was though and the sound was something else. If I went Italian thigh it would be for a Lancia Stratos but they are silly money these days.
Poor reliability?
The GTV/Spider is a pretty reliable car and mechanically solid. Most of the problems with them (and many Alfa's) were down to poor maintenance and garages not knowing what they're doing with them. For instance the timing belts cannot be done conventionally, they require cam locks and tdc gauges. Most garages don't have them and make a mess of the job, which leads to a failure. People then blame the car, which is wrong.
I've never had a serious problem with any of them that I've owned, and its been a few..."
2 x v6 spiders one 147 gta v6 and a jtdm 156 after 3 fiat coupe turbos. Who says unreliable. ....worst pile of shit I had was a rover and a bmw......... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"You guys here certainly gave me a few things to think about that I weren't considering when I started this thread.
Have had a great time over the last 6 weeks or so, looking and test driving some great little cars.
I fell in love with a gorgeous Alfa Spider, one owner, full history, low mileage, but while I mused over whether or not to buy it, someone else beat me to it.
I looked at other Spiders but the benchmark had been set and I didn't see another in the same price range that came close.
I tried a few MX5's and some MR2's, they were nice but weren't what I was looking for.
Looked at a couple of SL Mercs, a bit pricy for what you get, so opted for a Beemer and I've just bought a nice low mileage Z3, 2.8i auto. Had great fun driving back to Truro last night.
So thanks again guys "
I wish you'd let me know, I know of loads of really mint 916 Spider's for sale through the owners club, even a rare 3.2 with full history for just over a grand! |
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By *heggyMan
over a year ago
closer than you think |
I've got a mk2 mr2 turbo and it's awesome fun. If it's only for limited use then there worth getting. Fuel economy on them goes from 18mpg to 28mpg depending how you drive mine was regulating around 25 mpg. There's also lots of room in them even for a 2 seater |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think? "
Trumph Stag for a guy
BMW z4 for a woman |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Thinking of getting a sporty motor for next summer, mid life crisis and all that.
I've looked at a couple of 90's Merc SL's and some old Porsche 924 and 944.
My boys have said the MX5 and MR2 are a bit girly, but I don't give a fuck.
I can get either for less than half the price of the Merc or Porsche and they've been around long enough to know they are very reliable.
What do you think?
None of those, a nice little Triumph TR6!"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"fiat barchetta too?
Old alfa spiders can have a lot of elctical faults by all counts"
All Alfa's have the same two electrical faults and they're both easy to fix. Any decent specialist will sort them both for less than £50. It's when people take them to backstreet garages or main dealers that it gets expensive. |
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