Advice re best small sports car up to 6k

jaydeeuk1

Elise is gorgeous, but you wouldn't want to drive one as an every day car. The roof is an utter !!!! to put up and down on the 1st gen, and not much better on the 2nd
Mr 2
or that cheeky looking daihatsu copen.

Wee_Willy_Harris

I'd go along with the MX5 in this price range. But, for something a little bit different (and you'll get change) don't ignore the Smart Roadster. Fun, well made, economical (50mpg), reliable and plenty of low mileage examples for well under £6k, even with the flappy paddle gearbox. Just a thought. But the MX5 is more practical.

bigjl

Another vote for the MX5 here, I know a few folk at work that bought the jap import version, Xenos Roadster, they had no trouble with them, even had speakers in the headrests and one was an Auto, I don't think you could get either on the british ones.
But bear in mind that jap cars don't get undersealed like UK ones.

stumpjumper

littleblue735 wrote: »

stumpjumper wrote: »

For the budget an MX-5 has got to be the answer, you can get a lot of car for the money. Smiles per £ it can't be beaten just watch out for the old tin-worm. Once you can see it it's big bucks time (know this one from experience).

Sorry but I don't understand this bit ?? Whats a tin-worm ?!!

Rust.

Watch out for it on the sills in front of the rear wheel arches. Water gets inside and they rust from the inside out. By the time you see it there's a lot of welding to be done. UK spec cars are more prone to this than imports. Other than that the cars are mechanically very good, ours is on 140,000 miles.

pwllbwdr

bigjl wrote: »

the jap import version, Xenos Roadster

Eunos.

If you want a proper sportscar - two seats, open top, rear wheel drive then at that price the MX5 stands out. As mentioned above, consider the Smart roadster, but they're very small. At that price point I'd ignore more exotic stuff like Boxsters, Elise etc - any you can afford are likely to cost loads to run - the same is not a given for an MX5.

littleblue735

Thanks for all replies.

Yes the MX5 looks fab but for my 6k I can only get a 2001 model !

So have been looking at MGF TF's. Many more around and for 6k I can get a 2005 model. Plus they look just as snazzy !

What is the major downside of MGF's ? Many replies have knocked MG's, can I ask why ?

I know Japanese makes are more reliable ( having had a fab Honda HRV for the last four years! )

stumpjumper

If age is an issue, for just a smidge over budget gets you in this 2005 MX-5: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1806020.htm or this even cheaper: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1755538.htm

Just google MGF or K-series engine to see why folk say to steer clear. Another thing to note is that Mazda still make MX-5's.

As for age, I'd be inclined to go for a very good Mk1 over a more modern car.

tberry6686

littleblue735 wrote: »

Thanks for all replies.

Yes the MX5 looks fab but for my 6k I can only get a 2001 model !

So have been looking at MGF TF's. Many more around and for 6k I can get a 2005 model. Plus they look just as snazzy !

What is the major downside of MGF's ? Many replies have knocked MG's, can I ask why ?

I know Japanese makes are more reliable ( having had a fab Honda HRV for the last four years! )

You must be looking at a main dealer at that price - 2005 mk 2.5 values at around 6.5k with full leather, heated seats etc

Gavin83

I had the same issue and went for the MG TF as I preferred the looks and the way it drove over the MX5, but I guess it's down to preference. Some people have mentioned issues with the head gasket on the MG's but I've been fine so far.

For 6k though I reckon you could pick up a Boxster but it will be more expensive to run.

Strider590

It never ceases to amaze me, the rubbish that people classify as a "sports car" these days........

I suppose this is a "sports car" too? :rotfl: :rotfl: