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Which 2 seat roadster?
#1506990
09/09/2014 21:10
09/09/2014 21:10
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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OK, the time is nigh. I really fancy a 2 seat roadster of some kind, budget around 7k, less is better.
Main shortlist...
350z S2000 Boxster S Z4 3.0 TT V6 GTV V6 Spider Z3M (if you can find one in budget) SLK 350 (again iffy on the budget)
Other possibilities..
VX220 MR2 roadster Barchetta
Now, I know the VX isn't a roadster really, but I quite like them.
Truth is, I could probably live with any of the above, my main problem is I'm not really sure what I want to use it for. It'll be a fun/weekend car, I'd quite like the Mrs to be able to use it, (which sort of rules out the more track orientated types), I'd like a bit of comfort myself, but then I want to trackday it and, all being well, take it to the ring next year. the eagle eyed will also be saying...wheres the MX5? That's about the only thing I am sure of, I don't want an MX5.
So, rambling post aside. Pros and cons if anyone has any experience of the above please. Or any other left field ideas welcome.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507015
09/09/2014 22:46
09/09/2014 22:46
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Ah, other considerations. Must be standard, can't be bothered doing power mods or taking on someone elses 'project'.
I think I need to drive as many as possible and eliminate some. Wife isn't keen on the S2000, and to be honest, if the Vtec kick is as they say, I think that would scare her to death!
Still I wouldn't rule it out till I've driven one.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507025
09/09/2014 23:14
09/09/2014 23:14
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,313 North Wales
Theresa
Former Presidentessa Club member 58
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Former Presidentessa Club member 58
Forum Fossil
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 23,313
North Wales
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No experience of any of the others except the Alfa V6 Spider and Barchetta. The Barchetta is an excellent little car and I don't think you'd regret owning one. You'd have to get used to left hand drive of course, but other than that, I think you'd love it
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507058
10/09/2014 07:04
10/09/2014 07:04
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,486 London Tan
technics
I need some sleep
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I need some sleep
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,486
London Tan
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3.2 boxter s is a highly rated car and the better looking one too. Speak or pm Edz he owned one for a while not too long ago.
In my opinion 350z and TTv6 are numb, but like you say ultimately test driving as many as you can is going to make your decision a little easier and you can start to make a shortlist.
Good luck and keep us posted, will be interesting to hear how you get on.
Last edited by technics; 10/09/2014 07:05.
Now in the 400+ bhp club!
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: technics]
#1507070
10/09/2014 10:19
10/09/2014 10:19
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,821 Bath
Fishy_Dave
I need some sleep
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I need some sleep
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,821
Bath
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We have a Boxster S and rate it very highly. My wife drives it most of the time but I'm always happy to borrow it. It sounds good (important to us), has been reliable, not bad on fuel (31 mpg av.), parts are pretty reasonable and I can work on it myself. The boot space is excellent too making it a good car for a long weekend away, to the 'ring for example. As a track machine there are better but as an all rounder I think it's hard to beat.
Corvette C6 (manual of course)
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507074
10/09/2014 11:17
10/09/2014 11:17
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Nello
Unregistered
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Nello
Unregistered
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Boxster if money not the issue or Barchetta if it is for me from that list. What about an Elise?
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507086
10/09/2014 13:43
10/09/2014 13:43
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,192 Bristol, UK
Hovedan
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,192
Bristol, UK
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S2000 is a great car, but, the rev happy engine does insist on being driven up in the rev range for most response, otherwise it can be somewhat lethargic pulling away. And if you're up in the rev range (which is addictive), it will come at a cost of mpg. Significantly!! Then there's the appalling vision both front and rear. I have a customer who got rid of his after 3 months for mostly these reasons. He bought an Mr2, which his good lady loves.
Barchetta's. I've owned 4. Great little cars. But not a track toy.
Porsche 3.2 wins it hands down for me.
Like others have said, keep us posted.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: Theresa]
#1507091
10/09/2014 14:08
10/09/2014 14:08
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DanDan
Unregistered
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DanDan
Unregistered
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No experience of any of the others except the Alfa V6 Spider and Barchetta. The Barchetta is an excellent little car and I don't think you'd regret owning one. You'd have to get used to left hand drive of course, but other than that, I think you'd love it There are a few converted right hand drive Barchettas for sale on various websites at the moment
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507118
10/09/2014 18:03
10/09/2014 18:03
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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I have to say, this all started when I discovered the price of Boxter s's had fallen to sub 5k in some cases.
Doing research on them throws up the IMS and RMS issues, so that prompted looking at everything else.
So far I've pretty much decided to buy everything on my list at one point or another :-)
Research so far...
The S2000 is the sensible choice. Fast and reliable but it just doesn't grab me in any way. Maybe a drive in one will change that.
The 350Z again, is a solid sensible choice, but the roadster isn't a pleasant shape with the top up. (yes, I'm a being a tart about it!)
Z4, stylish, if a bit marmite, Runflats and a dodgy ride quality by all accounts.
TT V6 Potential Dash issues, and even the Mrs thinks its 'soft'.
GTV V6, Again, not a shape I like with the top down
Z3M Long in the tooth now and the Mrs wouldn't drive it, "It's a hooligans motor..." Perfect for me then !
SLK 350 this is the wifes choice, and I have to say it does make sense, fast (in a straight line) , folding hard top, (handy in Harlow!), and you can hustle it round a track with a little coaching.
I think it's most likely to come down to a fight between the Z4, Boxter S or SLK if we can find one.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507138
10/09/2014 19:27
10/09/2014 19:27
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Well, it might be a little while longer yet. The taxman may have something to say about my budget!
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507175
10/09/2014 22:26
10/09/2014 22:26
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Shifty
Unregistered
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Shifty
Unregistered
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All three are good looking cars, the merc offers a litte more security and class IMHO
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507189
10/09/2014 23:15
10/09/2014 23:15
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Shifty
Unregistered
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Shifty
Unregistered
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Saying that a z4 has torn past the pub I'm sitting in and it sounded lovely!
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: Liquid]
#1507201
11/09/2014 00:13
11/09/2014 00:13
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suba
Unregistered
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suba
Unregistered
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S2000...some good ideas there buy most are cars with the roof chopped off rather than a dedicated roadster. The s2000 is quick, sexy and not made anymore with Jap reliability plus tuning potential if need be. Oh and its definitely in budget just get an 04 plate onwards as it has better kit and looks nicer S2000 tuning potential, really? Aside from supercharging (lots of money), or changing the gear ratios there's not much there that is easily accessible for a tuning perspective. I don't get the vtec 'kick', they just make a load more noise and go a bit faster. I can't see them being too lairy for your wife to drive unless she revs the nuts off it the whole time. Good fun on track though as long as set up right (suspension all fully adjustable for camber, toe, etc.) pretty raw car for everyday use - depends if that is what you are after. Boxster s would get my vote, with s2000 coming 2nd.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507314
11/09/2014 21:31
11/09/2014 21:31
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,705 Harpenden
sugerbear
Je suis un Coupé
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Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,705
Harpenden
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Saying that a z4 has torn past the pub I'm sitting in and it sounded lovely! The 3 litre I hope. I had a run out in Shabba's one and it was nice. Lacks the turbo shove in the back but still very quick (plus rear wheel drive). It lacks an limited slip diff but those can be added if you have the money. The Si version of the 3 litre is slightly quicker as well (but also lacks the limited slip diff). The 2.5 is a detuned six cylinder as far as I can tell. The Z4 just because it sounds good, handles well and has surprisingly good MPG for a big engined car. (watch the hood motor which can get flooded because the drain holes get blocked).
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507428
12/09/2014 17:20
12/09/2014 17:20
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095 Berkshire
AnnieMac
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,095
Berkshire
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507429
12/09/2014 17:31
12/09/2014 17:31
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Take an age, and an industrial angle grinder to get the top down on that.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: AnnieMac]
#1507438
12/09/2014 18:21
12/09/2014 18:21
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,144 Southampton, Hants
Roadking
Club member 1809
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Club member 1809
Forum is my life
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,144
Southampton, Hants
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An Italian car with electrical issues. Who'd have thought it.
"RK's way seems the most sensible to me". ali_hire 16 Dec 2010
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: AnnieMac]
#1507441
12/09/2014 19:18
12/09/2014 19:18
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Beautiful car though! Personally I can't stand convertibles, they look like prams. When it is really hot the top of your head fries. When it rains they leak. And they are so easily vandalised. I used to think that, especially in this country, but had my mind changed when I bought a Westfield, completely on a whim. It was a totally useless car in every respect except one, driving fun. It's marmite I agree, and we're heading into winter, so probably won't get the top down much for a bit, but convertible it is for me.
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507632
14/09/2014 02:57
14/09/2014 02:57
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,486 London Tan
technics
I need some sleep
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I need some sleep
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,486
London Tan
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Do you know what Lotus stands for?
Now in the 400+ bhp club!
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507682
14/09/2014 17:57
14/09/2014 17:57
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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TbirdX
Unregistered
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Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious Fix It Again Tomorrow 'Orrible Rubbish Drive? :-)
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Re: Which 2 seat roadster?
[Re: ]
#1507724
14/09/2014 21:07
14/09/2014 21:07
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,638 Berlin
barnacle
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
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Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,638
Berlin
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