The trouble with these type of threads is it gets you looking at the classic car adverts again, noooooo. Have just found this,TR7 not perhaps your first choice but with a v8 ?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C629036

 

Had a BMW Z4 3.0i for about 6 years now, considering what you can pick one up for now it is a silly car for the money...Plenty around for under £5k. Even more if you are prepared to settle for the 2.5i

 

3L 24V straight 6 driving the rear wheels which does 60 in less than 6 secs, restricted to 155 and is mechanically pretty much bombproof. 

Only weakness is the roof motors which can play up on cars which haven't been kept under cover and rear springs which can snap but can be changed on the drive way in about 35 mins a side for £50 each.  

 

Manages mid to high 30's MPG on the motorway and around 30 overall with some spirited driving. 

S2000s will hold their value and seem to have been going up in price. I think MR2s (mk1/2) will also steadily go up in value.

 

Other than that I'd be looking at MX-5s, MG MGF/TF, BMW Z3 2.8/3.0l, Audi TT mk1 and maybe an Alfa Spider.

MX-5 is the way to go, on buying price, running costs, driving/handling. My other choice if the MX-5 didn't exist would be a S2000. 

 

 

Turbo MX-5 (or supercharged! 200 + bhp here!) in a FIVE!!!!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-MX-5-S-Special-Supercharged-PETROL-MANUAL-2005-K-/371333822682?hash=item56753878da

I will also be biased...

 

Alfa Romeo Spider? (916 platform)

 

ok they're front wheel drive, but look great and the 2.0 Twin Spark models arent too bad, or if budget can stretch, find a 3.0 or 3.2 V6 muhahahaha 

 

Just be warned of a few bits engine wise, 2.0 TS - Cam Variators on VVT wear and cambelts are 36k or 3 year, 3.0/3.2 V6 - Busso engines are epic, Cambelts 60k/ 4 or 5 year, 2.0 JTS (twin spark engine but with Direct injection rather than the 2nd spark plug) avoid like the plague. terrible engine.

 

Also the 2.0 models had a different rear suspension setup as opposed to the V6 models (which has a bit of passive rear steering) so look for  notes about rear subframe wear (bushes fail then suspension arms rub into ally rear subframe)

 

In general Phase 2 GTV/Spiders i.e 1998 to 2003 look the best

http://www.mazda.co.uk/offers/mazda-mx-5/?segment=new

 

Good offer!? Possible option?

Had a BMW Z4 3.0i for about 6 years now, considering what you can pick one up for now it is a silly car for the money...Plenty around for under £5k. Even more if you are prepared to settle for the 2.5i

 

3L 24V straight 6 driving the rear wheels which does 60 in less than 6 secs, restricted to 155 and is mechanically pretty much bombproof. 

Only weakness is the roof motors which can play up on cars which haven't been kept under cover and rear springs which can snap but can be changed on the drive way in about 35 mins a side for £50 each.  

 

Manages mid to high 30's MPG on the motorway and around 30 overall with some spirited driving. 

 

As much as I have a dislike for modern BMWs you can't argue against that being stunning used value. Just had a quick browse on auto trader etc. and a 3.0 Z4 cab, given its price new, is a veritable bargain used it seems. A great shout.

 

MX5 is sensible choice and a lovely drive/reliable. Classic MGB is iconic and that old 1.8 engine still sounds wonderful. 

MX5 is the way to go... 17 years on I'm still not bored of mine!

Wheeler Dealers the MX5 Episodes on Quest tonight  6pm-6.30,  6.30 -7pm. (then Quest +1)

I will also be biased...

 

Alfa Romeo Spider? (916 platform)

 

ok they're front wheel drive, but look great and the 2.0 Twin Spark models arent too bad, or if budget can stretch, find a 3.0 or 3.2 V6 muhahahaha 

 

The FWD doesn't bother me, but I want something to drive rather than fix

I'll have to check the dimensions as they look like a slightly bigger car than an MX5 and space isn't huge.

Wheeler Dealers the MX5 Episodes on Quest tonight  6pm-6.30,  6.30 -7pm. (then Quest +1)

 

Thanks. It appears I do have that channel on freeview so will try and remember to record it.

Thanks. It appears I do have that channel on freeview so will try and remember to record it.

 

 

Worth watching the revisit that Edd China does of that MX-5, some owners need a lesson in the basics of car maintenance, I'll leave it there.

Thought on doing the same,keep for a couple of years but the summer didn't arrive here this year so perhaps next but had decided on either a MX5 or BMW Z4 both great cars for about £5000

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/style-budget-used-car-buying-guide

V6 VW eos if you can find one

Not too many around though.

 

A TSi EOS is quite fun to drive, has back seats when required & should be easy to live with for a Skoda driver.