Im in a bit of a strange position car wise now, i sold a Mk1 MX5 back in 2022 to move on to a Lotus Elise but im not using the Lotus enough and its £20k sat in the garage doing nothing most of the time.
I dont get the urge to drive it im not sure why but did with the MX5.
I do have the £20k to spend but im thinking of buying 2 cars with it, a comfy daily estate for family stuff and an MX5 too, but thats not set in stone.
I do fancy an NC around £10k which would be ideal really but cant help thinking about the ND too.
I did fancy doing a sensible Turbo conversion to a MK1 or buying one done but thats a bit of a minefield.
Im around 6 foot tall, quite broad, think thats probably the limit size wise for one?
Just wondered what you chose and why if you had a similar dilemma.
I sold my supercharged NA about three years ago and have been lucky enough to be able to drive a Caterham and and Elise belonging to a friend whenever I fancied ever since. In October I bought an ND. While it’s not as pure, and not as fast, it’s so much less of a pain in the ■■■■ to use frequently. More practical, more comfortable, far easier to just pop to the shops in, drop the roof on (or put it up when the weather changes - wouldn’t even bother with the Catherham unless the weather was set fair). No worries about where to park etc. Just the perfect every day sports car.
The NA was great, but ended up costing me a fortune to get it perfect and keep it that way, and I was still worried about something costly or annoying happening whenever I took it out. The ND has been faultless. It’s got the Super 200 kit so as quick as my NA - although it doesn’t feel it as it’s much more civilised.
I’m 6’4” and fit comfortably in the ND with Jass lowering rails. I’m planning a 2500 mile journey over seven days later this year and not worried about it.
I was very lucky to pick my ND up fully upgraded for just over your £10k budget, but it was a bit of a distress sale for the guy selling as he was moving abroad. I’d say try and NC and an ND. Pros and cons. For me the ND felt so much more modern, but also more like the NA.
Yes being able to just reach over and put the roof up in seconds is a massive bonus, i love being out all year round as well as long as its not raining.
I would fancy a BBR car, there are a few floating around including a Turbo converted one on Autotrader but im not sure what to make of them as a company from what ive read.
Budget can be stretched either way really, so i could spend the lot on an ND but i dont think thats necessary personally from what i can see price wise.
My experience with BBR has been absolutely fine, but then I haven’t had any issues. They’re not a massive company, and they’re very busy, so they’re not always quick to respond to emails, and they’ve not necessarily been on the customer relations courses bigger companies might. I think they’re as good as any other tuning company I’ve dealt with - aside from the exceptional Fast Forward Superchargers in the states.
I decided to go for a normally aspirated car this time as they’re just generally a bit lower stress and lower maintenance, and I’m planning for it to be my daily driver. Not to say that there’s anything wrong with the turbos, but you start getting down a more extreme upgrade path if you’re not very disciplined (in my experience).
The red ND turbo on Autotrader has been there for about six months. No idea why, but may be worth a look and a cheeky offer if you’re nearby. There’s also a white on on pistonheads for a similar price. Looks like that one has quite nasty hood rub which is a pity. There have been a handful of Super 200s for sale over the six months I’ve had my eye on them but not all that much cheaper then turbos, despite the cheaper conversion.
Id probably look into a 184 Bhp model and that might be just enough for me to enjoy as im not into racing or track days. The 220 conversion for these looks good though for the money really.
The ND2 is still a bit of a stretch to your budget. Cheapest non mega miles non write off ones are about £15k.
Yes i didnt realise it was 2018 that the hp increased but its not a deal breaker to be honest.
Looking at prices it probably makes more sense to buy the 160 version and send it to BBR for the 200 upgrade.
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