I have been toying with the idea of MR2s in my other thread, and while I would love a near-new VX or Mk3 MR2 (as I keep saying, I know) it just isn't practical as an only car. Plus, I'd really miss the Furby if it had to go (which it would have to for a 10k+ car).

So the new, swmbo-approved, plan is to look for a second 'weekend' car... Alas, the Mk3 MR2 would be over the alloted budget (but only just). The budget is about £5000.

Yes, there are a few Mk3 MR2s around the 5k mark, but they aren't the best, for various reasons. There is a nice looking Cat D, for example, which would be a resale nightmare. I think the general consensus is going to be that the MR2 Mk3 is a much better car than an MGF and that I should maybe hang on a couple of months until winter sets in - may find one at the 5k mark around that time. Also, as I am looking at the cheaper end of the MR2 market, should I be afraid of a 80000 mile MR2? Would it be worth contacting local Toyota dealers and asking them to give me first dibs on any MR2 trade ins they get with high miles? Or is this not the done thing?

However...

Due to the demise of MG-Rover, MGFs are looking reasonably good value, and there are plenty to choose from, 2000-2001 models with really low miles for my budget.

I'd be looking at the VVC of course

Has anyone had an MGF? Are they reasonably good handlers, reasonably reliable? The last Rover car I had (in 1992) was an 84 MG Metro Turbo and it was a complete nightmare reliability wise.

My mate at work has a Rover Coupe with the VVC engine in it, and his seems pretty reliable.

The only other car I can think of is the MX5, I am not ruling these out but I would prefer the MR set up.

As it is going to be a second car luggage space and fuel cost is unimportant.

So any other suggestions?

RWD or MR, light and chuckable, preferably drop top?

Thanks very much in advance for any responses/opinions/comments!

Go Jap is my advice. A friend had an MGF and it was rubbish. Headgaskets are a problem on the K series engine - hers went after 2 years. The roof broke too. General build was terrible

Series 1 MX5.

Nissan 200SX.

I think you can get a 98-on MX5 for about 5k, no? One less thing to go wrong (headlamp motors!)

I must admit I haven't looked at MX5 prices.

If you want fun - go for a series 1 MX5, also go for the 1.6 as they are generally regarded as better handling out of the box over the 1.8 - and the extra performance from the 1.8 is negligible.

What about a BMW M3?

94/5 for about

Suggestions so far seem to be in favour of the S1 over the S2 MX5 then!

Any particular reason why?

As for the M3, could end up being a bit of a money pit, no?

As a previous MR2 roadster owner, i can highyly recomened them, brilliant car.

But...............no luggage space, the main reason for my change to the octy vrs.

There are a few out there for 5k, but most of them are imports.

mgf!!!!! why ? are you a hairdresser.... mid ship run around ..mmmmmmmmmm nice.

I never quite understood some of the spec on the MGF and what Rover were thinking.

Build one mid engined sports car, what shall we do for suspension? Lets stick the hydrolastic set up from the Metro on it, that will work wonderfully.

^that and the head gasket comment is probably just about all I need to hear on the MG then lol

Re: MR2s:

Been searching online for MR-S as well as MR2...

I'd sooner have a UK car though. Seen a few near my budget.

Sods law = they are both miles and miles away though!

An MR-S with 50k for 4995 and a MR2 with 71k for 5700 (assuming they will let it go for less).

Well I have some time off at the end of next week and am making some journeys round the country for other reasons. Maybe I will look at a couple then.

I'd vote for Nissan 200sx. Very nearly bought one. I looked at an M3 of that era too, but remember an M3 is edging into supercar territory, as such you've got brakes which will cost hundreds to replace, big expensive tyres, clutches etc. - all upgraded bits which cost a small fortune.

200sx is relatively 'ordinary' by comparison.

I cant get excited by an 200SX...But I've never driven one...

Of course it is not the looks of the Mk3 MR2 that is making me favour one of those, it is how it drives...

I guess I should drive a 200SX and see what it's like. Had a quick look at prices and they seem to be quite good value.

Can only be fun if it is the favoured drift car hehe

Lots of tuning potential in a 200sx if you're into that, I believe. I think they look quite smart too.

I think they look ok, great front, not so hot at the back though (JMHO). Mk2 MR2 rev 5 (combat spoiler) is my favorite choice on the looks front...

As a current MR2 owner I can definately recommend them if you can find a UK car in or around your budget...failing that it would have to be an MX5 - great cars providing you can live with the stereotyped image of it's owners;)

MR2 turbo?

3 - 5 K should pick you up a decent unmolested one.

dont those mgs have a problem of leaking roofs too.... i wouldnt bother with an mg tbh they rust like hell too. mr2 sounds more fun too

I've never heard anything good about MGF's (apart from "it's an MG"), so I'd be looking to go Japanese - nicer to driver, reliable and built to last, just make sure if it's an import it's been delimited and undersealed!

Chris

200 Sx

What is it with Briskoda re MG Rover. There seems to be a lot of anti MG Rover feeling here. Yes they ain't perfect but even Skoda's aren't that - PD Engine using a litre of oil every 4000 miles - Fabia VRS Brak squeal anyone.

OK the F/TF isn't perfect - but I can assure you they are not a hairdressers car. Even Mr Clarkson saw them as such.

If you can afford one get a TF - the hydragas suspension was removed for those. Personally I liked the Hydragas stuff but from this I am in the minority here.

As for Head Gasket Failures, if you look after the car - keep an eye on the coolant level and, most importantly don't over rev the engine when cold and you won't suffer. The problem is that the coolant tank was too small and get a leak in the radiator etc - and that's it HGF. Other manufacturers suffer just as badly if not worse. Peugeot for example are reknown for this. Even VW suffer - I can testify from SWMBO's Golf - which thankfully has now departed us. Seriously though - look after the car and you shouldn't suffer.

Failing that what about a ZS 180 V6. not a tin top but so cheap it's criminal.

Seriously though - ignore the anti MGR feeling here and try one. You will be pleasantly surprised.

This could be entertaining

MR2 Roadster Owners' Club

Hi

I tried an MG TF out when I was looking to buy the MR2. The ride is harsh, but wheel control marginal at best on B roads so the thing hopped all over the place. The driving position was pretty high and the pedal postion made it uncomfortable.

The cars are known for head gasket failure, this may or may not be due to other issues in the cooling system. The problem follows the K series into other cars as well. There are electrical problems aplenty and door parts are suspect.

The trade is anti MG because it knows through experience. They were almost giving away a brand new MG ZT260 at the dealers down the road from me and I could afford it. I could not test drive it though as it was undrivable due to clutch cylinder siezing. I did 12 years in the automotive sector, much of it in research and in quality assurance. A lot of involvement with MG / Rover. I would not buy an MG car. Enough said.

If I could not stretch to an MR2, I would certainly entertain an MX5. Excellent to drive. Easier going than the MR2 Roadster, less grip but more chuckable and less edgy. There are also great cars from companies like Westfield and Tiger racing about on the used market.

Chris

Lotus dropped the K from the Elise. Headgaskets were one of the reasons