Austin Healey Sprite

[Bryan Allman]

How about this :-

Austin 7 Mulliner two-seater sport special (repro) For Sale (1930) on Car And Classic UK [C526990]

Ideal for popping down the shops - even better for a trip to the pub, and will certainly draw interest ........ and if the wife really likes it, then a few VSCC events and a whole new circle of friends

 

[wemorgan]

Thanks everyone for the responses, it's much appreciated

The Sprite is more what my wife wants than what I want, but I did ask, so was told. But if no classic car is suitable then a nearly new (<10yrs old) would also do for us both. Kit cars, track cars and other extreme choices are off the list, as I know only I'd enjoy it.

Looking at the nearly new options then the list goes something like, MX5, S2000, SLK, SL depending how much I want to spend/waste.

The current R172 SLK has proved so popular I'm tempted to try another, but this time a R171. The 350 being the sensible choice but 55 are now also in budget. If I'm feeling brave then a SL R230 would be fun, but I suspect my wife would fit it a bit long to manoeuvre etc.

All this is some time off yet. The classic car would take me a while to find, but if it's a new car then usually I can find what I like within a few weeks.

Much food for thought.

 

[st13phil]

Looking at the nearly new options then the list goes something like, MX5, S2000, SLK, SL depending how much I want to spend/waste.

The current R172 SLK has proved so popular I'm tempted to try another, but this time a R171. The 350 being the sensible choice but 55 are now also in budget.

The S2000 can be great fun, but it feels quite raucous by comparison to the SLK, and it can also be very tail happy, especially in the wet. The SL is more of a cruiser than a sports car, but none the worse for that if it's what you want.

My wife's SLK350 is a laugh to drive, but needs a surprising amount of rev's to make really good progress. Either go for a pre 2006 car or 2009-on for cheaper VED, but out of those the 2009-on facelift cars are much nicer (and more powerful). The 55 is another proposition altogether. You know you want one

 

[gaz_l]

The current R172 SLK has proved so popular I'm tempted to try another, but this time a R171. The 350 being the sensible choice but 55 are now also in budget.

55 - you know you want to Will . The trouble is, after the diseasel I fear the ruinous fuel consumption would put you off driving it. Use even a fraction of the performance and sub-20 MPG is a way of life, unfortunately..

If you want a shot in mine let me know and we'll try and work something out. We could do swapsies? I suppose I shouldn't slag off the CDI never having driven one!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[After Shock]

Has a Porsche 944 been missed off for a reason or have I not read the thread properly?

I love them. Regret selling my 1986 coupe. Safe, sound, reliable. Quick and fun. Still an easy to us everyday car too!

 

[wemorgan]

Has a Porsche 944 been missed off for a reason or have I not read the thread properly?

I love them. Regret selling my 1986 coupe. Safe, sound, reliable. Quick and fun. Still an easy to us everyday car too!

Thanks for the suggestion. However I've had a 944 S2 before. I quite liked it, but it fell in the middle ground for me: not as light/fast as an Elise, not as cheap to own as a MX5. Plus, now more importantly my wife doesn't like the look of them. Sorry. There is a logic somewhere in this process, even if only I understand it.

 

[wemorgan]

The 55 is another proposition altogether. You know you want one

55 - you know you want to Will . The trouble is, after the diseasel I fear the ruinous fuel consumption would put you off driving it. Use even a fraction of the performance and sub-20 MPG is a way of life, unfortunately..

If you want a shot in mine let me know and we'll try and work something out. We could do swapsies? I suppose I shouldn't slag off the CDI never having driven one!

Cheers. I think you're both right. I am tempted to scratch that V8 itch.

The car would only be for occasional use, so mpg is less important. It would typically be used when the weather was too bad to ride my bike and for those w/e trips.

 

[After Shock]

Thanks for the suggestion. However I've had a 944 S2 before. I quite liked it, but it fell in the middle ground for me: not as light/fast as an Elise, not as cheap to own as a MX5. Plus, now more importantly my wife doesn't like the look of them. Sorry. There is a logic somewhere in this process, even if only I understand it.

No worries. We all have differing tastes. Hmmmm. I'll re read your tick box's. (Did you post them) and chip in.

I used to lovvvve Austin Healey's.....

Kit car Cobra???

 

[st13phil]

Cheers. I think you're both right. I am tempted to scratch that V8 itch.

The car would only be for occasional use, so mpg is less important. It would typically be used when the weather was too bad to ride my bike and for those w/e trips.

Uh-oh

 

[NDFR]

3.5ltr V8 MGB

The only car I ever had that I was truly sad to see go, wish I still had it.

 

[wemorgan]

The current R172 SLK has proved so popular I'm tempted to try another, but this time a R171. The 350 being the sensible choice but 55 are now also in budget. If I'm feeling brave then a SL R230 would be fun, but I suspect my wife would fit it a bit long to manoeuvre etc.

There look to be quite a few R230 SL 500 for sale within my budget. Curious, as I thought they were quite rare.

Question: Are these cars difficult to sell as they're not as cheap to run as the 350 but not as prestigious as the 55 AMG? To my mind they seem to offer a decent balance of performance and affordability.

Value for money the SL looks better than the SLK. I guess maintenance costs scare many buyers off.