cottonfoo

I'm looking around for a second car for the spring/summer. I really like the look of the old Alfa Spiders, but I'm guessing they're not the most reliable of cars, anyone owned one?

I've already had an MX5, one of the best cars I've ever driven and that'll probably be what I end up with, but what other options are there for around the 5-7K mark? I'm not really bothered about power (the girlfriend will probably use it as a daily driver), but good/fun handling is a must.

Other considerations this morning have been: old Merc SL, Fiat Barchetta (haha), cheapest S1 Elise in the world. Boxster 2.5 tip is just too much more than I want to spend. Westies/Caterhams are out, I don't have a garage.

Cheers,
Steve.

The Chief

MR2 all the way - although very limited storage space.

are ,meant to handle fantstic and a few mods such as a unichip will see 160bhp

LG John

Elise is hardly a convertable - you could saw the roof off an Impreza in the time it takes to go topless in an elise

cottonfoo

They don't take that long The water leaking through it may annoy me over time though.

MR2 is something I hadn't considered, didn't know the latest model could be had so cheaply ..

POC

Agreed, my missus has a 2001 Mr2 and its a real hoot to drive. A genuine mid engined RWD little beasty!

Jamescsti

Another vote for the new MR2 I wasn't keen till i drove one and was well impressed, would consider one for my next car if I can cope with lack of boot space

The Chief

I chased an MR2 over the tops once in my Scoob - not really doing insane speeds but quick enough, and i can say it amazed me on how well it shot round the bends, it certainly kept me a fair distance away - at least until the straights

cottonfoo

I'm going to look into one of these I think, thanks all

keep the suggestions coming though

The Chief

I was so close to buying one it was untrue - sat in one and loved it.

i really dont think you'll be dissapointed

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Porsche 944? Basically bulletproof motor
eBay.co.uk: 1992 PORSCHE 944 S2 CABRIO COBALT BLUE - J REG (item 150080346300 end time 21-Jan-07 21:28:43 GMT)

pheunos

I'd have to say MX5 I'm afraid. Dirt cheap, very reliable, huge fun. I took mine for a good blast on sunday and its still doesn't fail to put a smile on my face - even with the roof up.

The MR2 is also a lovely car but as far as I can recall there isn't actually a boot, just a storage area behind the seats.

Charles aka Charlie

Shame the Honda S2000 is a little too much.

A lovely motor

cottonfoo

Yep, although Saxo Boy is about to send me a PM offering to sell me his for 6K, AREN'T YOU KENNY?!

MX5, I'd really like one, had one before and I know it will fit the bill perfectly, but I will see what else is around first. I need to test drive a new MR2.

cottonfoo

How are the hoods on those after all this time? I like 944s, especially turbos, but it might be a bit flashy for what I'm after.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Like most things it is as good as the owner. Most have been well looked after though. Insurance is cheap, Mpg no worse than subaru and for your money you should be able to get a really good one. I nearly bought a 944 turbo and if the hpi hadn't come back as cat D i wouldn't have the wrx.

5t.

scoobynutta555

Elise every time, forget the others. A real drivers car with fantastic looks. Surprisingly you get a bit of storage in them, something I've heard you'll struggle with an MR2. I made £500 quid on my last one. I'd never get an MX5 due to their poor performance and feminine image, although they are very reliable and you can pick the early ones up for buttons.

At this time of the year you'll easily pick up a good Elise for £7k.