MGF VVC, BMW Z3, MR2 Roadster...

Guy's,

What with it nearly approaching summer I've been thinking about getting myself a convertible for a laugh.

I've been looking toward BMW 2.8 Z3's, Toyota VVTi MR2's and VVC MGF's.

Now, they all kick out similar performance stats, but the one I'm most interested in is the little MGF. Mainly because the VVC model only kicks out about 145BHP yet still clocks a low 7's 0-60 and top speed of 130MPH.

Whereas the BMW kicks out 193BHP yet only just out performs the MG, and then I don't know if I like the engine being up there at the front.

Don't get me wrong, they are all pretty much hair dressery sorts of cars, but I think the MGF kicks out slightly better heritage and soul than the BMW and the Toyota.

Also, there's the price, the Z3 2.8 cost's around £5000 for a decent one, and the same goes for the MR2 Roadster I'd be looking at. They might even be a bit more expensive once again.

The MGF however is looking at costing around £2500 or so, and that's with FSH, low-ish mileage, and a full MOT.

To me it seems the contest has been won hands down by the underdog, but what do you lot think?

Has anyone owned any of these cars, or can anyone offer a better convertible that's out there? I know everyone's screaming 'Spider!' but they go for a fair whack more than what my budget would allow. And I'd be looking at the GTV styled 3.0i V6 which would DEFINITELY be more than my budget could allow,

In an ideal world I'm looking at spending about £3000 maximum. I do have a bit extra kicking around that I would have toyed with if deciding on either the Z3 or MR2 but in all honesty I'd rather not spend more than I have to on one of life's 'cheaper' convertibles.

I was toying with the idea of a Boxster but after Lisa laughed at me when I told her how much they were I backed down,

Even then, the only half decent and affordable Boxster (Is £8000 affordable?! ) would be the 2.5, which has 204BHP and awful stats in performance.

So anyway, convertibles, roadsters, cabriolets etc, all opinions and advice welcome and appreciated.

Cheers,
Darren

Originally Posted by Darren156

I've been thinking about getting myself a convertible for a laugh.

Sounds like a great swap, Darren. I say go for it.
But don't get an MG, whatever you do.



Oh.

Why not?

Originally Posted by Darren156

Why not?

Because they are a nightmare for reliability.. If you are going to get an MG convertible, make sure its the TF and not the F. The TF fitted with the 1.8 VVC engine is good for 155bhp and about 6.5s 0-60, not slow at all.

What about the previous edition MR2 with a targa top? Also you've completely forgotten about the MX-5 which is an awesome little car. The 1.8 is quick and so much fun. I drove an MX-5 1.8 and a Merc SLK 320 AMG in the same day and had ten times more fun in the MX-5!

Originally Posted by Darren156

Why not?

I was kidding, darling.
Your post appears to be asking a question and answering it, all in one breath, that is all.

How's the 156?

I'm with Pud - MX5s are great little cars.

MX 5 Love em to bits a bit girlie, but then most small convertibles are.
The MR2 is a superb motor, my bro has one and although its not, it feels quicker than my 156, and I am sure on the road would show it a clean set of heels!!!
What about a Westfield or Caterham - Lotus 7 replica, they are awesome, even with a poxy engine they just fly, and the handling has to be experienced to be believed, think motorbike with 4 wheels and your there - IMHO the purest motoring sensation
1998 Locust Kit Car not caterham westfield locost lotus on eBay, also, Kit Cars, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 23-Mar-08 18:20:00 GMT)
one in bristol, go and have a look test Dazza
WESTFIELD WHITE on eBay, also, Kit Cars, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 28-Mar-08 19:15:00 GMT)
robin hood kit car on eBay, also, Kit Cars, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 28-Mar-08 17:59:24 GMT)

What ever you do, don't buy a MR2 Roadster. The 1.8 engines are terrible, feel rough and un-refined, poor power output. The car feels cheaply mate with lots of horrible dash plastics. The drive is okay but nothing special.

I think Toyota and Fisher Price collaborated on the car, it's part of the 'My First Sports Car' range.

Convertibles are, how do I put this delicately?

A bit........



.....feminine (IMO of course )


and not to mention of course our living in completely the wrong climate.

I did drive a convertible in the states, which felt right on the wide open roads and 90 degree heat, but over here i'm not convinced.

I did see an eedjit woman driving an MG the other day and it was just a few degrees above freezing, but she had the roof down, and was wrapped up with a huge scarf and big winter jacket

I would steer away from the MG due to the reliablility issues as well. The Z3 IMO is ugly.

My dad has an MX5 and its a great car, if a bit feminine.

Personally I would get an Alfa spider, or a TVR if funds allowed. Some of the wedges and S series are good value, and even Chimaera's are getting cheap..

Darren you must have lots of space to keep all of these cars..

Luckily I do have a fair whack of space,

I have a garage, 2 spaces in front of it, 2 spaces next to 'The fence', and another space outside the house where Lisa parks her Punto.

So yeah, space isn't all that much of an issue, plus with the upcoming potential summer I thought I might spoil myself a little, what with doing a million hours overtime over the last few months,

...

Tart!

To quote John McEnroe "you cannot be serious, man!"

You stand accused of condoning crimes against motoring. Your sentence is 6 months without remission in an MGF.

I thought you had a girlfriend? Why would you even consider one of these...**** cars? With all due apologies to any genuinely gay AOers I mean this in a purely motoring sense.

MX5 - soft top, not hairy-chested but just about acceptable because it walks-the-walk and we all know it does.

Westfield - cheap alt to a real 7 and in budget. Hard to live with - too hard-core for you perhaps on an everyday basis? But you don't keep them long so I go for that too.

Failing that, I suppose an old Golf or 3 series cabrio might give you the wind-in-the-hair "thrills"( ) you seek this summer!

Want some serious fun
Get a TVR Chimeara
You may be surprised what you can pick one up for.... i was! and i bought one.

You won't go quicker for the money.

Funnily enough Rob I was looking at one on eBay last night for about £7000 which I didn't think was all that bad, but still quite a way over my budget unless I save for a while.

How's the 156 going Darren?

Well mate thanks!

Although there's been a couple of occasions where I start her up in the morning and she cuts out, Maybe that's for another thread though,

What about a Barchetta? It looks 1 millions times better than an MX-5 as well as being fairly cheap to run.

Try a bit of petrol in her

What about the Merc?