Yes, that's right - I'm pondering a move again!

Not doing that much mileage these days and thinking the driving that I do could be more enjoyable? Also, because the car's not really a necessity for work, I could get something cheaper and move my house deposit fund along some.

Freakily similar to Rob's post earlier, my shortlist currently contains an MX-5 and 306 GTi-6. In my case, because it'll be my only car, I'm looking to spend 3-3.5k. Hoping for a 1998 onwards (mainly to make use of my private plate ) and looking at no more than 60k on the clock. Mk2 MX-5s have come up but the best I've found is at £4k - do you think with some negotiation on a midweek day in the middle of Feb I could get an independant down to 3.5k?! The 306 is more promising, having seen a '99 in what seems to be A1 condition and 49k for 3300.

Really do fancy the MX-5 for the driveability and the appeal of open-air motoring. I could just about get round the reduction in boot space and lack of rear seats. Then again the GTi-6's handling gets rave reviews, its pretty well specced and obviously still practical. Should I worry about its reliability though?

Thoughts, feedback, suggestions are all welcome, as ever. Oh, and if you fancy a nice Ibiza, see my advert

Cheers,

Steve

i was going to put my 2 penneth in , but as i can't even decide what car i want , i don't think i can help you much , other than to say MX5 is pretty bullet proof , just watch for clutch judder and check underneath as everything seems to get a lot of surface rust

I was talking to an MX-5 expert at the weekend and he reckoned a '98 car should be haveable for 3.5k. He said the Mk2 is better than the Mk1 thanks to suspension and interior revisions and to hold out for that over a Mk1.

As I said in the other thread, an Omega/Senator in 3.0l guise is a right hoot to drive and dirt cheap to buy thanks to it being an undesirable 2nd hand buy luxobarge

Chris

Come on Ric - nothing will get discounted without good reason. You've not bought the Panda yet then?

Chris - that sounds promising, especially for keeping my 'S' private plate :P - not seen that many suitable candidates yet though. Well not without 80k+ anyway.

Yep, barge would tempt me in other circumstances, but I don't need anything that big. Saw some bargain 850 T5s too, that I'd put in the same category

Keep 'em coming. I've just added non-turbo Impreza 2.0 to the list, and the Nissan 200SX S14, if insurance isn't too daft.

Steve

Non-turbo Impreza is a waste of money, imvho

Chris

Any particular reason? I'm all ears...

Oh, and if your MX-5 mate can find me a =<60k Mk2 1.8i-S on an S, preferably in British Racing Green, for 3.5k I'd be grateful :P

Steve

Personally, I would go for the MX5. The pug will be a decent handling car but the MX5 is an exceptionally good handling car, rear wheel drive too. Just the right time to buy oe as well. Winter keeps the price down and the new model is likely putting pressure on used ones value as well.

Chris

I'm torn between a want to have a convertible but loose quite a bit of practicality, or go with the 306 and still have a very well setup car, but while still having the boot and 5 seats. Keen to test out Evo's title of 'the best hot hatch ever' too

Oh decisions decisions....

Steve

Also, on the MX - 1.6 or 1.8? I can see a suitable 1.6 Mk2 but not sure if it will feel a bit 'lacking'? Thoughts? Would appreciate some input if anyone's driven both

Steve

The 1.8 is the one I've been told to look for. Ultimately reliable (except the guy I was talking to managed to blow his up on track courtesy of a blocked oil gallery). Still runs apparently, just one of the pistons is a bit "flappy"!

I'd steer away from the non-turbo Impreza as you'll have similar economy to the turbo, but without the power. It also doesn't have the nice interior (unless you get the Sport Special!) or handling of the turbo, either lacking the sportier springs and rear LSD. At least that was true of the classic shape ... the buge-eye and blob-eye may well be different

Chris

OK Chris, thanks for that

Will cross the Impreza out then, as I don't particularly want the insurance and running costs of the Turbo.

Steve

Id go for some 200SX fun as that's what i was going to get before i chose the Octy after realising that i go out with friends in my car.

Failing that 306 as im not really an MX5 fan

I'd steer away from the non-turbo Impreza as you'll have similar economy to the turbo, but without the power. It also doesn't have the nice interior (unless you get the Sport Special!) or handling of the turbo, either lacking the sportier springs and rear LSD. At least that was true of the classic shape ... the buge-eye and blob-eye may well be different

Chris

yeah, a mate bought a 2.0 Sport which seemed to get him all the attention, running costs and high insurance of a turbo model with none of the fun :confused: he's now got a imported classic STi which is much more like it

Second vote for the 200SX.

I can also confirm (through a workmate) the reports of non-turbo pretzles having all the running costs of the turbos, but none of the go.

i would say the 306 gti 6 it is still the best handling car i have ever had the pleasure of driving 6 speed fairly economical they are reliable and the phase 3 ones look gorgeous

Fiesta Zetec-S. Not quick at all!!!!!!! But good handling.

Doesn't appeal really, and as you say, not as quick as it should be. If I was going down this route I'd get a Puma instead. But neither feel 'special' enough really, if you know what I mean?

Steve

The MX5 is a good car and cheap enough to run. Top speed is a bit limited with

the roof down, but I have seem one off the clock (150) on the odd sprint down

the road. Just check that the cam belt has been changed at 60K.

F1 tyres also work very well... And there is also the option of a retro fit turbo

Kit Car.................

Toyota Celica GT4

Toyota Supra

Nissan 200 SX

Peugeot 306 falltobits + too Ch*vvy

Westfield (Caterhams are too dear)

I know of a mint Skyline freshly imported running about 400bhp for that money

PM if you're interested in that or any Jap imports (All grade A) at well below market money.

Edit: It's an R32 GTSt

my mate at work is selling his mint 98 200sx in red, manual, leather, its abit fettled with bigger turbo fmic coilovers 17inch advans etc and goes like stink.

anyone interested?

reason for selling is hes just bought a house and 20mpg is not good for his wallet.

__________

john

Skyline = sky-high insurance, for me anyway. Don't think I've not been tempted

200SX - would potentially be interested, but would want a standard one. 20mpg would severely put me off too. I'm not after diesel economy with this one, but neither am I willing to stop at every petrol station I pass :P

Cheers,

Steve

You could probably get an Import Impreza WRX for near

Insurance and running costs say no. Not really a massive fan of that type of car TBH. For a second car and/or weekend toy, maybe but not as my only choice.

Steve