Oppo, help me pick a roadster!

"Out, but with a W - has found the answer" (belg) 04/26/2016 at 17:47 • Filed to: MR2, MX-5, Roadster, Z4, MGF, Speedster, Elise, SL, TR6

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Great minds of Oppo, I need your help and collective wisdom! If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be graduating in a couple of months, which means I’ll be able to get a car. Main usage will be weekend drives and roadtrips, plus the occasional trip to the store. Preferably RWD, light and nimble. Budget is €15-20k (European market), so sadly no 507 for me.

I’ve created a longlist, but since I don’t really have a lot of experience with these cars (of them, I’ve only driven the MR2 and the (ND) MX-5), I thought I’d ask you about your experiences, so I can hopefully create a shortlist. Any input is greatly appreciated, I’m especially looking for the following things:

How is it to drive?

How is it to live with?

Reliability?

Running costs (repairs, fuel, ...)?

And, perhaps most importantly: Will I fit? I’m 1m92 (6'3) with a 34" inseam. As a reference, I fit in the ND MX-5 with about 1" to spare.

Toyota MR2 (ZZW30) - €9000

Post-facelift (2003 & up), to avoid the pre-cat failures. MR-layout, very direct steering. Luggage space is non-existent, unless you leave the spare tire at home. Cheap.

Mazda MX-5 (NC) - €16000

The answer? Would be a 2009+ 2.0l, since I don’t really like the styling of the pre-facelift model.

Smart Roadster - €8000

The definition of small and nimble. Cheapest to buy and run. Questionable reliability and waterproofing. Allegedly horrible semi-automatic gearbox.

BMW Z4 (E85) - €16000

One of the 6-cylinder models (2.2i, 2.5i, 2.5si, 3.0i, 3.0si). Post-facelift, or a pre-facelift one with the white turn signal option. More refined than most of the other options. Possibly something between a cruiser and a sports car?

MGF - €9000

Would be the Trophy 160. British reliability.

Opel Speedster - €17000

Barebones motoring. Possibly too much car to handle without a lot of experience?

Lotus Elise (S2) - €23000

See Opel Speedster, but more expensive. Over budget but doesn’t depreciate.

And then there are the left-field choices:

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) - €16000

Brute 90s cruiser. Early ones are eligible as oldtimer, enabling low taxes and insurance. Limited availability of manual transmissions.

Triumph TR6 - €15000

Possibly the only classic British roadster I’ll fit in? Quite reliable and extensive parts availability, but unsafe by any modern standards.

So, that’s it, the floor is yours. I’m also open to suggestions that are not on the list. Thanks!

Chasaboo > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:49

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The TR6 is still just hot sex to me. Everything else looks like it’s trying too hard.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:52

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The masochist in me screams Elise.

EL_ULY > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:54

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Z4 because bias :]

3.0 or ///M only though

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:54

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The Benz is what I’d pick for a convertible 2 seat sports car, which shows that I don’t get the point of a convertible 2 seat sports car.

StoneCold > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:56

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The Opel is one of my import dreams.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:57

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That Merc is badass! What about Karmann Ghias?

Also I do like those Opel Speedsters too, just my two cents.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:57

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Go for the R129. They truly are an amazing car. In fact, I may be picking one up on Saturday.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > EL_ULY 04/26/2016 at 17:57

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Problem is we’re taxed on engine displacement here. The 1.8 in the MR2 or Elise would ~350/year, the 3.0 would be almost 900/year. Might be worth it though.

At the other end of the spectrum, the smart’s 0.7 would cost 70/year.

Land_Yacht_225 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:58

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I wouldn’t recommend an R129 right off the bat, but since you brought it up yourself...

They’re awfully posh, and comfortable too. It’s far more a cruiser than a sports car like all the other stuff on your list. Not reliable either, but if you’re only driving it on the weekends I think it should be reasonable, especially an SL500 or 300. Those V8s have been around forever and are fairly reliable. The real potential problem with the R129 is the roof hydraulics...so you buy one with a hard top, put the cloth roof down and just keep it there.

I recommend the (probably) worst choice (reliability and dynamics wise) because it’s the only thing you, with your height and leg length, will not have to contort unpleasantly to get in and out of.

Cé hé sin > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:58

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Smart or MR2 if you can put up with the lack of practicality and can fit in. The gearbox in the Smart is fine but beware water.

Good luck finding a decent TR6 at that price. If you want a car of this vintage, an MGB would be a better bet. Neither would be any good as a daily driver because rust, reliability and wanting to stay alive

DynamicWeight > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 17:59

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Elise! Go big while you go home!

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 04/26/2016 at 18:00

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The decent convertible Ghias are out of budget, but they are certainly things of beauty.

Cé hé sin > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 04/26/2016 at 18:02

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Karmann Ghias are rare, most of them went to America.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Land_Yacht_225 04/26/2016 at 18:04

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You should check the MGF forums, they pride themselves in having an unreliable car. Is it doable to work on an SL yourself?

EL_ULY > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:04

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Oh man I forgot about that. That’s such a lame rule. Lol my dad would be paying killer taxes on his 7.3L V8 work truck

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/26/2016 at 18:05

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There is something to be said for imperviously wafting up an Alp, rather than going into full-attack mode.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Cé hé sin 04/26/2016 at 18:10

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I usually pack light, so it should work out. Now to convince the girlfriend she doesn’t need two suitcases for a week away...

It’s the lower end, but there are quite a lot of seemingly decent ones out there for €14-20k (almost all of them US imports), and perfectly restored ones for €24k.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > EL_ULY 04/26/2016 at 18:13

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Work vehicles are exempt from the regulations, so he’d be paying 130/year. There are some American trucks on the road here (even saw a Raptor last year), but they’re hilariously mismatched with our roads. If you’d get a car with the 7.3 however, you’re looking at 6500/year.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 04/26/2016 at 18:15

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I just saw your post, hope it works out!

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > StoneCold 04/26/2016 at 18:17

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They are an affordable Elise, somewhere in between the S1 and S2 technically. More practical as well apparently, but that’s not saying much.

EL_ULY > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:19

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wow! That is insane taxes!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:21

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Thanks!

C62030 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:22

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R129. Just ‘cause I love Mercedes. I would say the Speedster, given all the hours spent with it in NFS Hot Pursuit 2 on the GameCube, but Lord, is it ugly.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > C62030 04/26/2016 at 18:25

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I’d rather call its looks something of an acquired taste, but you’re not wrong.

bryan40oop > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:36

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adf

duurtlang > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:51

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Being able to fit your above average hight makes this a bit more difficult.

As a disclaimer I’ll add that I haven’t driven any of these. But you’ve got a few more options.

DKerstan > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 18:55

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Of the cars on your list I would say either the Z4 or the Elise. I would also suggest a used Porsche Boxster. My roommate owns one, and it is a fun nimble and surprisingly quick convertible. Looking at Autotrader UK there are many available for early 2000s models for around 5k. Or you can go newer for around 15k. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv…

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > duurtlang 04/26/2016 at 19:00

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Roll-over safety be damned, I can see over the windscreen! I’d actually love a Cappuccino, but RHD-only and probably the same size issues as with that Copen.

Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll put the S2000 and the GT on my list. (My mom is looking at getting the BMW, so I can always drive it there. XK and 350Z are too heavily taxed.)

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:02

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The 6 cylinder XJS didn’t suffer from the same issues that plagued the V12s, and there are manual ones out there.

Porsche did cabrios of the 944 and 968 but I have no clue what prices are like.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > DKerstan 04/26/2016 at 19:04

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Sadly, they’re quite a bit more expensive on the mainland (The UK is petrolhead heaven as far as secondhand car prices are concerned). The 986 would be within budget, but I can’t get over the headlight design on those.

Elumerere > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:06

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No Boxster?

They’re cheap and will last a long time, if taken care of.

Amoore100 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:09

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The Swedes have never made a ‘sporty roadster’ in their lives, but on the other hand Italy has a long history of two-seat speedsters. This one might not be very speedy, but it does have a few things going for it nonetheless.

Ok, so the Barchetta will never handle like a Miata because of its FWD Punto chassis, but I have heard that it is surprisingly agile despite this and is rather reliable due to the simple and ordinary drivetrain. Not sure if you’ll fit or if you like the somewhat polarizing looks, but it is another choice to consider ;)

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 04/26/2016 at 19:14

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Always loved the XJS(C), but the 6-cylinder convertibles are quite rare and a lot more expensive for some reason. High mileage 944/968s start at the top of my budget.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Amoore100 04/26/2016 at 19:18

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You should check out Top Gear’s ‘Three Wise Men’ special, Hammond liked it quite a lot! I think it’s rather elegant, but if I’d ever go Fiat, it’ll probably be (the original) 124 or Coupé Turbo.

C62030 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:19

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I’m biased against them, though. It’s based on the Elise, which I have always found really terrible-looking. The Tesla Roadster improved on it massively.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Elumerere 04/26/2016 at 19:20

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Only the 986 fits within budget, and I’m not really won over by its headlight design (same story as with the Z4: clear turn indicators help somewhat). Good suggestion though!

Leadbull > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:26

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I’m 6'3" with the same inseam. I’ve only driven two of those - the MR2 and the Z4. I fit fine, and they both drive great! I’d say the Z4 is more of road trippable car, though. I own a Z3 though, so I might be biased...

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > C62030 04/26/2016 at 19:27

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The Tesla is an improvement in the looks department over the S2, especially in black, but I quite like the S3 Elise myself.

derf > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:29

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The Opel or the Elise would be a blast if you don’t mind bare bones. Z4 also a good choice, and BMW is good about space for taller drivers.

As for stuff you haven’t mentioned, a 987 Boxster could be great if it fits the budget.

Amoore100 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:36

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Haha, that’s where I took the inspiration! I had thought of older Fiats but I figured they might be more cramped/less reliable. Anyways, just remember that it’s your call in the end so you should choose something that will not only make you happy but also be somewhat easy to live with.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:37

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If you want something reeeally unique you could probably buy and import an old Camaro or Mustang for a fraction of your total budget.

As far as running costs, parts for those are likely still cheaper than that Merc even after you factor in overseas shipping.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 04/26/2016 at 19:46

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Probably the most unique way to get bankrupt by buying fuel. There’s a surprising number of Mustangs for sale in Western Europe, they’ve always been a popular grey import, Camaros not so much. Corvettes were actually available through the dealer here, so that’s another option.

oneavejoe > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 19:52

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Z4. I have the 2003 3.0.

Advantages-

Decent storage, common engine parts, engine bay makes working on them easy, more of a everyday cruiser than the sharper handling cars on your list, more reliable than you think.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 20:04

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yes but look how pretty it is in that dark red

C62030 > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 20:05

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The S3 is a lot better, but I think it’s still far too insectile. The S2 looks like a screaming YF Sonata gone horribly wrong.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 21:20

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Opel, Lotus or.... 914

I like that silhouette.

boxrocket > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 04/26/2016 at 23:48

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Miata.

Alternately, Volvo C70. Yes, it’s FWD, but the turbo motors are a hoot!

Are Mustangs legal/available? Newer ones are very roomy (seats up to 4 in relative comfort) for the class.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > boxrocket 04/27/2016 at 03:28

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Lots of Mustangs available, especially in Germany, where they have a strange obsession for American iron. The newer ones (<25y old) are taxed to hell and back though.