Looking for a new motor

[NICKYB]

Hi All,

I think the time has come to sell my much loved CLK 230K Convertible.

I have been looking at a few cars and decided to go for another convertible but maybe a 2 seater...

For the last week I have been looking at:

Porsche Boxster
BMW Z4
Honda S2000

I will only have arround 10k to spend and all of the above seem to be in reach. (JUST)

Any other ideas?

Is there anything to lookout for on the above cars?

To be honest I was dead against the boxster as they are quite common now, however after seeing a few in black or yellow they have really grown on me!

 

[wemorgan]

Does the SLK not float your boat? I think the 32AMG would be in budget too

 

[NICKYB]

Love the new shape SLK but the older version just looks a little
Feminine.....Sorry owners

Does anyone agree?

 

[wemorgan]

Love the new shape SLK but the older version just looks a little
Feminine.....Sorry owners

Does anyone agree?

I must admit I agree too, though the SLK32AMG does give off a slightly different image.

But anyway, any of the original 3 cars you mention look good to me. It could be fair to categorise them into; drivers, imagine & value options, respectively. I'm more a value man myself, so the S2000 would most likely get my vote.

 

[rossyl]

A Porsche is a bit of a legendary brand - but you'll have a Boxter, not even a Boxter S...so you might feel as if you've got a poor mans 911. But then again, if you driven it and like it , why not. I've not idea the maintenance costs, but I imagine they'd be higher than the other two?

Honda S2000, a good car but dependant on colour can look a little girly. A great car, and i imagine more affordable to run. But it depends how much you are concerned about Brand, as this is the weakest of the three.

BMW Z4. Dependant on whetehr you fall in love with the Porsche, this would be my choice. Great styling, quick car and is definitely a blokes car.

I'd say Porsche or BMW.

 

[NICKYB]

I also want to go for one that would keep its value...I seem to bet board after 3 years so would not want to loose too much in the 3 years.

 

[NICKYB]

Cheers Rossyl, i agree it is a poor mans 911....but then again i am a man and i cant afford the 911 lol....so quite right!

To be honest im 25 at the moment so im sure all would put a smile on my face!

 

[HumberMart]

Just beware of the very hard ride on the Z4 (sports spec).

When I tested one I thought "what's all the fuss about? the ride seems fine to me"

.....6 months later I could live with it no longer and it had to go.

To put it into perspective, the Crossfire is also known for a hard ride, but we had both at the same time, and the Crossy was like a limo in comparison.

Thought about a Crossfire?

 

[gary350]

Love the new shape SLK but the older version just looks a little
Feminine.....Sorry owners

Does anyone agree?

no

 

[st4]

My cousin has a Z4 2.2i and its a great wee car and don't find the ride at all harsh. I'd go for that or an S2000 IMHO. Porsche costs can be very dear.

Are Nissan 350 Zs in reach, interesting cars.

 

[NICKYB]

Cheers chaps....no the 350z is a little out of reach....
The crossfire could be an option - My unlcle had one when the 1st came out....went to a meeting - 2-3 hours up the motorway and my back was f**ked for 2 days!

 

[Charles Morgan]

I have owned two Boxster S (one 986 and one 987) and driven the base models of each too. They are brilliant cars to drive, with precision of handling, excellent ride, glorious engines and in every way but one, fantastic new cars to own. However, I would not touch a cheap secondhand one as they have well documented issues, an engine that is sealed in making checking and maintenance expensive and with a tendency when things go wrong to cost an arm and a leg. A full Porsche / reputed Independent service history is essential as is a full warranty.

Never liked the Z4, and of the three you mentioned the Honda is good, poor low down torque but zinging engine, rather underwhelming interior, but one critical point in its favour - it has a Vtec engine that is reliable and well nigh unburstable. Frankly, if spending my money, this would be the one to buy secondhand.

 

[stevieb15]

Get an R129 SL, prices are so low now I can't see them going much further which seems to tick one box, two seat convertible another, and comfortable another.
The V8 also gives stunning performance, bullet proof mechanics, ultra reliablilty and very little rust.
For your £10k you should get one in great nick, low miles, panoramic roof and FSH

 

[NICKYB]

I would love an SL, but the older versions just dont do it for me....i agree they are great cars but i think they look a bit dated now. Unfortuanly the newer version is just too much...

Its looking like the s2000 would be the best option, this is however my least favorate....very bland looking with bland interior (saying that i saw a very smart metalic blue one yesterday)

 

[st4]

I would love an SL, but the older versions just dont do it for me....i agree they are great cars but i think they look a bit dated now. Unfortuanly the newer version is just too much...

Its looking like the s2000 would be the best option, this is however my least favorate....very bland looking with bland interior (saying that i saw a very smart metalic blue one yesterday)

Its a timeless design the S2000 which has dated well. The interior is a bit utilitarian but the engine very reliable and strong and supposedly great cars to drive.

£10k must get you a lot of MK2 Mazda Mx5 too.

What about a 209 CLK or 208 55amg or even an M3 beemer

 

[martin_a]

What do you want it for? As a daily runner? As something to pose in or something that's actually sporty?

If you are interested in performance have a look at an Elise or even the VX220 as driving machines.

m.

 

[NICKYB]

insurance wont allow M3 OR AMG.....Im 25....but unbeleivably had a decent quote on the boxster.....

 

[st4]

Clk500?

 

[NICKYB]

I have a clk at the moment, i fancy a 2 seater - somthing a little smaller / sporty but a daily runner......
Could not handle the elise on a daily basis...great for weekends though.

 

[mykulmerc]

Love the new shape SLK but the older version just looks a little
Feminine.....Sorry owners

Does anyone agree?

Yes, agree!