Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

I want a convertible before I get too old and fat (or should that be older and fatter) for one!

I was looking at four seaters, but my wife pointed that I would be compromising (and probably change it again!!)

Anyway, I'm considering either a Honda S2000 or a Vauxhall VX220 at around £10-13k. I would like enough room for a laptop and an overnight bag!

Is there anything I should consider instead (I'm not really a fan of either the MX5 or MR2, and I suspect the Elise would require more compromise especially for daily use)

Any comments about these cars, especially for daily use!!

Cheers
Andy

stilover

Nissan 350Z Roadster?
Audi TT Roadster?

Audi A4 Convertable?

projectsubaru

No need to rule the elise out if you have a vx220 listed as one of your choices there essentially very similar. Very tough choice there but both cars are quite different s2k very revvy not really much below 6k wheras the 2.2 in the vx220 doesnt do revs and is more of a lazy plodder of an engine. IIRC the vx is about 900kg and 143 bhp and s2k is 1200kg and 240 hp. Depending on how old you want your car you might get a boxster in this range something like a 1999-2000 2.7 or a TT would get a nice one for this £ but depends i personally think the handling is dull/horrible. Go and get some test driving done and report back if you get the vx/elise out on the right day you will struggle to resist it.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Thanks stilover.

Should I let my prejudice rule out the TT roadster??? Probably not, but something not on my list!!

The 350Z is out of price range (I think)

The A4 convertible is one of the four seaters I like the look of and would consider if I had to be sensible!

Thanks projectsubaru, you're probably right about the VX220, but doesn't it have a bit more soundproofing and a bit more space in the cabin? Thinking back I remember trying to get in and out of a VX220 and there was no graceful way of doing that!!! The Elise is worse though, and I'd hate to have to do that day in day out in a suit!!

bigsmiffy

iTrader: (1)

Both the S2000 or a Vauxhall VX220 are great, but try this both you & your missus stand each side of the car get in 'n' out the car 3 times then choice made, has to be the Honda, the VX & the Lotus are a pain in the **** to get in 'n' out of.

I had a 2.8 Sabb aero convertable out for 3 days test last summer, most impressed not quick but nice to drive & stiil room in the back. In fact make out your a company car driver & you can do the same off the Sabb web site.

Tom

Varboy

The VX220 will drive you mad at any speed above 70mph for long periods.

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Done a VX220 myself and as said above basically an Elise and not recommended as anything other than a total toy. The S2000 is probably a nice compromise, and like the styling of them. Or a TVR Chimera which sound gorgeous, and the 4ltr 240bhp variety is reasonably reliable.

Alternatively a E36 M3 Evo convertible. Which is my current ride. Might be putting up for sale soon though in favour of a skyline. 1998 73K with hardtop all the extras 8.7K.

LG John

I personally think the S2000 is the perfect compromise between practicality and fun. If you really can live with something a little more spartan then an elise type car is more rewarding to drive.

JullieBentStom

S2000 is a good car but not as good as a Boxster in terms of handling or year round useability. Also won't depreciate as much.

I think you'd be insane if you didn't consider the Boxster. 2002 2.7 model with a hard top and glass screen up for 13.5 (get it for 13 or less)
Manual, 63,000 miles, Blue. FPSH, Alarm, Tracker, 18 inch Turbo Alloy wheels, Heated leather seats, Xenon lights, BOSE sound upgrade, Climate control, PSM, Factory hard top, 11 months MOT. £13,500. ono
Private Seller:Contact number: 07970 073816 or 07970 555146

Not mine BTW but an example of what you could get.

An older 3.2S is also within your price range. 3.2S manual
Manual, 58,000 miles, Silver. ABS, Alarm, Central locking, Climate control, front & side airbags. 6 Speed. Metropole blue power hood & interior. Electric leather seats. 6 Disc cd changer. With Hardtop & wind deflector. FPSH. Excellent condition. £13,500. ono
Private Seller:0208 2495086 or 07880 558855

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

It seems that the S2000 is the popular choice, but I like JBS's suggestion of the Boxter.

Curiously enough, I'd ruled out the Boxster out on cost as I assumed that it was too expensive. I can live with everyone thinking "he couldn't afford a 911!"

I've driven a Boxster in anger around a track, and I remember thinking the 997 C2 handled better!!

rallycol

iTrader: (4)

S2000 not many around,and the missus has one

what would scooby do

Boxter

Fabioso

Boxster or S2000 would probably suit best from what you've said!

I think both give reasonably good boot space for a 2 seater sports car.

RAJ27

I would go for a Porsche Boxster S. How could you not turn down a great car from a well respected marque for Mondeo money?

It would probably go down better with the Mrs too! Also the Boxster is more practical if need be.

Dracoro

Boxster will be older for the same £, will cost considerably more to run and in all likelyness be more unreliable (and the costs will then really spiral!). I just had my yearly service on my S2000 at £160 from Honda. Do you want me to tell you how much my mate with his boxster has just paid for his yearly service??!!!!!!!

Regardless, with these type of cars, always get what you *like* the most. the rational judgement side of things are bonuses

JullieBentStom

I'd agree that a Honda is likely to be more reliable and cost more to service (although you can lower these by using some of the excellent independents that exist).
However Boxsters are reliable like most Porsches given the appropriate service history it's just that they aren't as bullet proof as Hondas.
Extra costs are likely to be offset by much lower depreciation over your term of ownership.
It's no suprise that a 997C2 handled better than a Boxster in the opinion of the thread starter. They are an exceptional car.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Honda reliability with their "bulletproof" engines? One of the directors at work had a MY03 S2000 and the engine let, needing a full replacement 6 months into ownership!!! Yes, it was run in correctly and yes there was oil in the engine, and funnily enough the VTEC engine that "never fails" was replaced very quickly and the paperwork authorised with little fuss!

That said, I read that the pre-01 Boxster engines can let go as well due to cracked bore liners!!

Dracoro

Another misquote.

A honda engine has never "gone" as a result of VTEC failure. It's the VTEC bit that has never failed, not the engine as a whole.

Anyway, it happens but less likely to with a Honda.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Fair enough, about the VTEC.

I do like Hondas (even though it's a little cliched to have a Chinese guy own a modified Honda, I will still keep my CRX as a track car!), and I have been in an S2000 used in anger around a track and was very impressed.

Basically I've seen what the Boxster and S2000 can do on track, but some test drives need to be arranged now to check what they are like on the road!

JullieBentStom

Honda is relatively bulletproof compared to the Porsche with it's RMS problems. Although if you buy a car that's 5 years old that's never had the oil seal problem it itsn't likely to start in your ownership.

Boxster is without rivals IMO in terms of handling sweetness and 'liveability', particularly fitted with the hard top.

LG John

You know, you can probably pick up old ZM roadsters for that kind of money. Facking ugly but faster than an S2000 or boxter

EvoBarry

Also, the quoters always forget to add "within the warranty period" to the VTEC failure claims. Its a very reliable (and fairly simple mechanical) system but there have been failures over the years.

S2000 is a good car, been tempted by one for a few years but after driving one I was left a little nonplussed. "They" weren't lying when they talked about a lack of midrange were they... I would certainly get a test drive to see what you thought of it. And I'd definitely compare it to a Boxster, I've driven an S and it was very nice

Dark Blue Mark

Andy, be good to see you on the S2000 owners forum

Barry - it has same if not more performance in the mid range than any standard N/A 2 litre, and after 6k it has MUCh more. I had my first one ofter a well tweaked STi 5 and it just takes a bit of adjustment. Just keep it on the boil. On a track or open road there's not much more fun you can have for the money. But you either like it you don't and the Boxter S is the one to have if you want more torque etc. I'd choose it over the S for a motorway car - but still think the S gets more respect. People still ask what mine is.

The S can be made to look good:




And go faster too

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Sorry chap, not my bag!!

The only beemers I would consider are either the M Coupe (I love those bread van looks) or the uber-sensible 330d

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Mark, I have to say your car looks sweet!

wilffive

Try a Boxster and see what you think.

Found the 2.7 a bit flat. S is better but still didnt really thrill. Both capable machines though - probably bit too capable for their own good.

What about 350Z - I havent tried one myself but must be pretty okay

Stevesbluewrx

iTrader: (4)

Tang,

I would go for a S2000 myself buddy. Great engines on them too.
But what about these too mate?
Astra Coupe
Corvette C5
BMW Z4
MINI S
Saab 93 Aero

If you don't like them mate I'll eat my leather mask.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Cheers Steve, I think the S2000 is the way forward, although if I get a sudden attack of being sensible, I think the Saab 93 or Audi A4 convertible will be on the list!

I can't have the Astra as the sales manager at work as one. The C5 is too juicy for me to use as a commuter car, the BMW is ruled out in post #24 and the Mini is too small (camp) for my ample frame!!!

scoobynutta555

Don't regard the Elise as anything other than a complete toy? Sorry, but what utter crap! I had one for several months (s1) and did nothing but commute in one. More smiles per miles than virtually any car on the road. You can fit a surprising amount of stuff into an Elise if you wanted. 49 mpg motorway driving on nul fuel? I have to ask myself WTF I have an Impreza at all these days when I remember the Elise. Ideal for a commute if you ask me, so relaxing driving position and great mpg.

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Having wedged my ample frame in and out of Elises in the past, I'm not sure I could leave with it day in and day out. If I were replacing my track car, then the Elise would probably win hands down!!