I sold my Z4 and want a change

If your after younger and performance with roof of driving there isn't much out there for less than 10k. What's your budget? Will it be an everyday car or a weekend toy?

My dads got an F-Type 'S' and that's a lot of fun, no issues whatsoever in the 3 years he's had it, servicing is reasonable for a Jag.

If I had 10k to spend on a weekend toy then my choice would be a VX220 (I am biased as I have one already), but 10k would buy you a nice Normally Aspirated version, but it wouldn't be young, it would be at least 10 years old.

A quick search on Auto Trader for anything that is 2 seats, Convertible, 2l engine or above with 0-60 8seconds or less, with a 10k budget brings up mainly MX5's but as others have said after having a Zed you might find it less than inspiring.

The new Fiat is basically an MX5 with a Fiat body and if you were looking for more fun then the Abarth would be the only version I would consider.
 
As many have said it seems that to have something different will wither require a compromise on age, performance or reliability for similar money, or a big jump in price to get something better all round.
I test drive the new MX5 a few months ago just to see what they're like and i was somewhat underwhelmed, a bit too slow and lacking the feeling of earlier generations imo.

I guess it's only when looking to change that we realise just how good these zeds are compared to much of the competition! :)
 
Thanks everyone, there's lots to think about, I just discovered that they do an MX5 with a hard top folding roof.
 
BAM said:
What about Nissan 350Z or 370Z. I keep looking at these but cant make up my mind. Any views?
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They are good , 350Z is a great car , very rewarding to drive .It a car like the Z in the way it drives , everything responds to strong positive input , if your changing gear it's not 1-2-3 .. it is 1-N-2-N-3..... .. streeing the same ..take it by the horns and chuck it in ... Engine , gearbox are bullet proof ... tin worm is the enemy , its all about checking for rust with them .
 
I had a Mx-5 2.0 mk3 (2008) , it was fine but nothing special about it, the engine was basically from a mondeo and it didn't sound of much, not quite enough performance, sold it after 9 months.
 
I sold a 3litre Z3 to buy an MX5 a few years ago. It was a top of the range Sport auto with the folding hardtop. I think you would be really disappointed with a small engined vehicle after the experience of a straight six. The Mazda did everything right in many respects but there was no sense of occasion when driving it. Wouldn't you miss the burbling rumble of the Z's engine? My guess is that within a short time any financial gains you make will not make up for what you have lost.
I'm in my 70s now and bought a low mileage E85 2.2 as a Summer car. I'n really enjoying my return to the marque. I have also owned an E89 Z4 and a Cayman amongst other cars. Our personal preferences differ greatly but If I were looking for something more up to date I would be looking for a good E89. But then we are all different.
 
G-A-R-Y said:
Have any E85/6 owners tried the newer Mazda MX5, I've just sold my 2.5si and have been looking for something a bit younger.
I thought about SLK's but I think they are too big.
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Yes mate, drove the MX5 and the Fiat 124.

Summary:
Fiats a bit of fun, nice bit of poke, not worth the money though!

MX5 easily the best drive youll ever have,
EVER!!
Interiors nice, dealer feedbacks good, price is good, response is amazing, steering feel is 'The Benchmark' seriously its amazing, bang on point!

You'll get people criticise engine size (People who haven't even sitting in the car).
Seriously thinking of getting a used low millage one in 6months.
 
I currently own a new shape MX-5, a 2.0 litre sport-nav, & while it's power is not huge the car is light & very responsive. I have driven older MX-5's but I honestly prefer the new one to the older models. I am just about 6ft & it is a bit snug so taller guys may have trouble fitting in! I have also owned a Boxster S until this time last year & found it overrated & had an uncanny knack of extracting lots of money from your wallet for jobs that would be peanuts on other cars. It handled well & the brakes were good, power was okay but no more in my opinion.
I have just joined this forum & am on the lookout for a 3.0 litre Z4, as others have said there isn't a lot of choice out there just now but the overall package of the Z4 looks good & I can't wait until I get my own now.
 
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