"Which New Car Offers the Best Cost per Mile?"

Yes, that does seem to be all they're interested in at times.

Need to define what exactly you want from the car I think. Once you have determined that, there will most likely only be a couple of choices left. If it were my choice and I was looking for a degree of ease of ownership, good dynamics and involving driving experience, I would have an MR2. Oh wait, I did.

The MX5 (not the latest version though) is different but good.

Mini Cooper S is compelling in cost terms (top grade residuals), but looks :pants: and the hard top will be the better drivers car.

Chris

I commenced the test driving today

I went along to my local Toyota garage where they have an 05 MR2 with almost 12k on the clock. The salesman was a really nice chap and handed over the keys without any fuss and didn't bat an eye lid when I informed him I would like it for an hour or so. My lasting impression of the test drive is that the MR2 is definetely a drivers car. I really like the driving position, the comfortable seats (this one had leather) and the sound of the engine. I didn't push it too hard as the weather was a bit drizzle at times and with it being rear wheel drive I didn't want to lose the back end and bring the nice salesman back a broken car. I have just read a review saying that this is not so much of an issue now, so I'm just trying to find out when it was these improvements were made.

I then took a 2.0l turbo Twin top out, or rather the salesman took it out to the half way turn around point and I drove it back Not impressed is the short version of my view on it.

Glad to hear you're making some progress on the task

Steve

I commenced the test driving today

I went along to my local Toyota garage where they have an 05 MR2 with almost 12k on the clock. The salesman was a really nice chap and handed over the keys without any fuss and didn't bat an eye lid when I informed him I would like it for an hour or so. My lasting impression of the test drive is that the MR2 is definetely a drivers car. I really like the driving position, the comfortable seats (this one had leather) and the sound of the engine. I didn't push it too hard as the weather was a bit drizzle at times and with it being rear wheel drive I didn't want to lose the back end and bring the nice salesman back a broken car. I have just read a review saying that this is not so much of an issue now, so I'm just trying to find out when it was these improvements were made.

I then took a 2.0l turbo Twin top out, or rather the salesman took it out to the half way turn around point and I drove it back Not impressed is the short version of my view on it.

The MR2 has undergone a few reviews of its frame. The big difference is between pre and post 2003 models. The facelift model has the headlights with the projector lenses and round detail indicator and reversing lights in the rear light clusters. Wheels went up to 16" at the rear with 215/45R15 tyres on them. Gearbox went to 6 speed. Under the skin, the front end was made more rigid and bracing was added at the rear. 04 cars got more front end treatment to give better crash protection.

The cars are not difficult to drive, but being mid engined they do command some respect. Get it loose at the back and you need to be quick to recover it, however, you need to be abusing a post 03 car quite a bit (or have the wrong tyres on) to spin it.

I would suggest a few visits to MR2ROC where there is shed loads of info and a good community:

MR2 Roadster Owners Club • Index page

Chris

Today I test drove one car, a car that I said I wasn't interested in but in the end I had to see why it is rated so highly. I found a 51 plate MX5 (1.8 sport) at my local garage and duly took it for a spin. OMG!, what can I say? Apart from, the second I pulled away I felt like I had been driving this car forever. It was the most responsive out of the three I have driven and I could feel everything I was asking of it. It just felt like it was an extension of me if that makes sense :confused:

Now I am annoyed

Ha:D

Nobody likes a know it all, especially a Geordie one!

bit late to the party like but have angle grinder will travel

Throw in some burgers and you're on

I still say the "Car Magazine GBU" for the MX-5 should be:-

For - those who can fit in it

Against - not everyone can

Sum up - driver's car spoilt by over-thick doors.

Today I test drove one car, a car that I said I wasn't interested in but in the end I had to see why it is rated so highly. I found a 51 plate MX5 (1.8 sport) at my local garage and duly took it for a spin. OMG!, what can I say? Apart from, the second I pulled away I felt like I had been driving this car forever. It was the most responsive out of the three I have driven and I could feel everything I was asking of it. It just felt like it was an extension of me if that makes sense :confused:

Now I am annoyed

Only just spotted this and whilst we generally hate to say we told you so...

WE TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!

Just get it bought!

Today I test drove one car, a car that I said I wasn't interested in but in the end I had to see why it is rated so highly. I found a 51 plate MX5 (1.8 sport) at my local garage and duly took it for a spin. OMG!, what can I say? Apart from, the second I pulled away I felt like I had been driving this car forever. It was the most responsive out of the three I have driven and I could feel everything I was asking of it. It just felt like it was an extension of me if that makes sense :confused:

Now I am annoyed

The MX5 does that, really a flattering drive and a nice tactile experience.

The MR2 is a car that punishes rather than flattering, so takes more practice to master it. Has more grip and go, but trade off is progression and flow.

Both have big modification potential, but MR2 tuning bits are less available and more expensive generally.

Chris

A brilliant graphical find Mr Pitt!

I'm reading other people's replies with a wry smile, but saying nothing on the matter myself :ignore:

:P