[Pranav]

Hahaha...loving the conversations here !!

Hey Lakes, my budget is only like 10-15 K max 

[Lakes]

Hey Pranav, well can understand, just the super 7 is no compromise sports car or clubman. i don't know what to think about the MX5 but they have been around a long time and have like a cult following of what seems to be a mixture of women & old men like myself , that probably used to want or had old oil leaking rattly British sports cars like the MG's Midgets Healeys Morgans & so on.
the good thing about the MX5 is its long runing so parts should be easy, they should hold there value. the bad thing about that type of design is it will be very flexy so to speek as no roof for support so they would flex around a lot, the clip on hard roof does not support as its not part of the body. but they could not be too bad as i have seen some with EFI Chevy V8's.
if i was in the market for a car like that i think i would look at the Honda s2000 as i think Honda build really good motors, they are a quality car a friend of mines wife drives one she has had it for almost 10 years still looks great and performs strong. just expencive to maintain like $3,000 for a new clutch

[Dazzler]

I like the S2000 also John but doubt you would get a 2nd hand one for 10 or 15K (over 70K new I think)   RX8 are real bargain 2nd hand too at mid 20's compared to big $$ when new but bit too thirsty for us.

[Lakes]

think your right Dazz just don't think you would get a very good MX5 in the $10k to $15K braket & with that type of car with the miles one in that price range would have up would be very loose could possibly have cracks from metal fateague. but it's just what i think. i've driven old MG TC's, MG B's, old Jag XK's sports, a m8 used to have an old XK 150 sports car with tripple side draught webbers welded the doors up to try to stop body flex  . we had to hop in could not open door. but it flew was a fast Car, he was from GB had it set up like the D type. in them day's we did not have a maxium speed limit. when you got to the sign with the black strip that mean no fixed speed limit. at high speeds is when you learn all about body flex
cheers

[Dazzler]

I can see the appeal of something like an MX5 but if we wanted a fun two door would probably go a coupe of some sort as get better value and Trish and I both have to watch our exposure to the sun  (and not the same issues with body flex) 

[Ultralights]

My MX5 cost me $17k  had 160'000 km on it, limited edition first of the 6 speed models. 1.8 ltr vvt engine.  Had it for 2 hrs now.  They are very solid for a roadster, and there is good reason why there is plenty of em around. Very reliable and do what they are designed to very well, go around corners.  Driving it is almost telepathic, you just think about taking a corner and the car just does it.

When it comes to ownership costs, it's still a Mazda. Parts are everywhere if you ever need them, and relatively cheap.   I wouldn't worry about things like flexibility being a convertible,  it's a modern strong car designed from day 1 to be a brilliant roadster. It was never a coupe or hardtop converted to a soft top.

Take the other for a drive and see what suits you! But the 5 is simple and most importantly. massive amounts of FUN and a blast to drive.

[Pranav]

Hmm..yeah guys, I spent some time in Car sales today...

Honda S2000 would be a great car, but I really long for a top less one ! not so much in to racing..infact that's why I even considered an Astra convertible as it could seat 4 people if need comes...but reading your suggestions...it will be stupid to get one instead of MX 5.

and yes, the specs tell that Mazda would need less fuel too

I came across in car sales a few MX5's that were 1998 - 2002 build..around 12-13 K and run only like 100000 Km.

I am amazed by it's resale value, a new car is somewhat under 50 K and a 10 - 12 year old one is still 15 Km...that's I think is good.

Unfortunately, I am trying to buy one though.

[Dazzler]

I like car shopping Pranav..  except for the final bit (never much fun if you are trading which i usually am....) o/k if cash buyer though 

[Lakes]

Good thinking, my friends wifes Honda s2000 is topless soft top. but he said it loves to drink fuel 98octain, i think she drives full bore everywhere .
only thing i don't like about topless is you are at the mersy of the eliments, & other drivers. like i've Ridden motor bikes a while & in same possition. like smokers can throw out a fag & hit you in the face. you might be stopped under a tree at the lights & a bird might go poo on you  , or a truck might hit a big puddle & swoosh. but thats life. i might be getting soft.
i also think the Mazda would be a good buy just take your time don't rush in.

[Pranav]

Wow ! I test drove a MX5 this weekend.

To be honest, it was the first time I stepped in a car this low ! I felt being on the floor.  It was scary somewhat the first few moments.

But the car was easy to drive, just nice.

Cant wait to buy one !

[Dazzler]

I've driven a huge number of different cars in the last 35 years but never an MX5 (I might have to try one )

[i30RWAB]

Really late on this one but.......................................................Mazda. I had the pleasure of spending some quality time in an MX5, and the images are indelible.

[Dazzler]

There was a red MX5 with a black vinyl roof (not a hardtop) parked on the corner of our road with a For Sale sign on it today $7,200... It was raining or I would have taken a photo.. Looked a little tired from a distance. Guessing it was an early 1.6ltr model (alloys looked like after market ones I think) 

[Pranav]

Hehe..thanks Dazz..

I liked a 1999 MX5 done around 100 K km's.

On sale for 11000 $, hmm..might go with something like that, will try to bargain a bit too. 

[asathorny]

Get a Lotus super7. the real thing!

Nah, you want the Mercedes 'S' class, top of the range with forward looking infra red.    Mr Clarkson says it's the best car in the world, nuff said then