I find myself recently looking at buying a newer MX5 NC, not really interested in an MX5 ND, but over the last week or so I find I might also be turning to another make for a fun 2nd car. I am looking at Audi TT, never had one never driven one. Maybe another Japanese sports car but a 2/4 seater with boot ot hatch, I need a bit more flexibility for the future than the MX5 can currently offer in space and capacity. I am currently undecided in all honesty but just wondering and looking for a bit of a pointer towards a fast fun to drive car. MPG running costs, can handle 3.0 engines if need be but like a lot of people the car tax changes are somewhat alarming on big engined cars.
If you have been through this dilemma what did you buy ?
I too wanted a car with more seats and boot space so bought a 1965 Ford Mustang. MPG is likely going to be a killer with its 4.7L V8, but at least it’s tax exempt
I bought a 3.0l BMW Z4. Thinking the power would be enough to keep me entertained.
It was a good car, but i never loved it. Back with a NC3 now & much happier.
Stay with the MX5 and watch for rust! I had an SLK, a quality car, but rust on the rear subframe can be an issue. The handling was very soft, great on motorways. I have a few Z4s—no rust worries, but electronic nightmares! Audi TT looks as if engine access is not easy and again a complex and expensive car when it goes wrong…
I’ve had all sorts. The test for me is whether you want to go out in it just for the sake of driving. You do in an Elise, you do in a Caterham, and you do in a decent MX5. I haven’t ever felt that in anything else affordable other than a hot R53 Mini 20 odd years ago. I thought a quick version of the last mini would tick the “fun of an MX5 but a bit more practical” box. It didn’t. I’m back in a 5.
After 25+ years of MX5 'ing we are looking at something a little more practical, but still a convertible. Only options seem to be Mercedes (not that keen to be honest), or possibly an A3 convertible which I would prefer, but they seem to be quite rare…will keep driving the ND until we find something…
No idea how long the conversion would take to pay for itself, but I bought the car with my eyes open so am happy to live with 10-20mpg. Plus, knowing my luck I’d convert it and then LPG prices would rise.
Seat Leon Cupras are great. Lighter than the Golf R, still very practical, and have that 2.0 EA888 engine. Also the cheapest 300hp used hatchback you can find.
Thanks for the updates, food for thought, keep them coming please.
I am considering an Audi TT but like the look of the Audi convertible that RichardN has, that is in the mix now. I think if I SORN the MX5 over winter and keep it, been my daily, and then a more flexible car for winter time, then SORN that in summer and bring the MX5 out in summer, then I can manage the car tax costs.
I will take a look at the SEAT too, a new one to consider amongst a few suggestions from friends.
I had a test drive in an Audi TT along with a test drive of an MX5. Both a similar price. I loved the TT but it wasn’t a convertible. I could have lived with that but I do love a convertible so chose the MX5 in the end. I haven’t any regrets
Been out in it this morning and with the roof down & wind in the hair nothing beats an MX5. Going to make a decision one way or another in the next few weeks, off to try an Audi TT on Wednesday too.
MK1 Lotus Cortina…excellent car! I drove a MK1 GT in the 70s, twin Webers, 4 branch manifold, Piper cam (i think) my goodness was it fast! (for the 70s obviously) I can only imagine how quick the lotus version is.
Me too (Mk1 Cortina GT in the early 70s). Loved that car, it was my first decent car after a couple of Minis. For a young guy in his early 20s it was perfect.
