[Wolverine]

As I’ve recently sold my ZX-6R (Boo!) due to lack of use, and owing to the theme of some recent threads, I’m eyeing up something to replace it. So I’m canvassing the hive mind for ideas.

Up front, it needs to be 4-wheeled, and drop-top. I actually fancy a Boxster 986, in yellow (for the sake of nostalgia and not because I have lost my mind). But I think for £5k, I’m not getting into one of those.

So, what would be top of your shopping lists at this end of the market?

[Bryans69]

Obvious choice would be the Boxster or MX5, but you'll probably be scraping the barrel at the price. Early MX5's have a big rust problem as well.

MGF worth looking at. Ran once recently for a couple of years, only sold as not ULEZ. Cheap to run, reliable (check head gaskets been done), and easy to work on if you do need to do anything.

I guess MR2 is another option. Probably a sharper drive, but not boot space whatsoever, which may or may not be important

[555GGM]

That money should get you in to a nice 3.0l Z4 - e85, so around 2004/2005 but plenty of nice examples about....

Something like this (just needs larger wheels IMO!):

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285853351137?itmmeta=01HYNH5640BWNRF64ZCH9FJ6KF&ha sh=item428e2ffce1:gycAAOSwrYpmPlzG&itmprp=enc%3A AQAJAAAA4H9MWNGHIMNY1S0t%2BsZ5mZhuV%2BURiUVMf%2BOA xt6eKIXiGr2OU0gUdBMk4xjXvH7z49sSRzBRN152%2F5dTydK0 ZdzbbTk%2BawFvBhXQV1%2BgjhYLtWqXRXEo71nxECa3j4nyGO DWGIPzo72P9b7uMxW20h6HCHjW63nwEbIgw5PFrWJoou81Mr8l mgF3rkMmXUg4XUqdaXWbeZkxdpyxMK%2BbbdIv2%2FbyrEXyb7 pDF7C4FQMjQr9IRo6ZRLtpq60stkjQF25olyt1ADxibTT1NUT8 uOoVKpZO3eZ68HVA7KdeYJ%2F3%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4zilLH1Yw

[XAlp]

A friend had one of these - I followed him once in my old S2000 roof down - the Merc sounded tremendous - quick too

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405029301226

[Wills2]

I doubt my Z4C is worth more than £8000, I'd look at convertible one of those myself, but if I had more money to spend I'd look at an S2000.

I think for 5k you've got to be lucky and find a bit of a bargain privately as there will be plenty of mutton dressed up as lamb.

[Wolverine]

Some good suggestions so far, thanks!

Originally Posted by Wills2

I doubt my Z4C is worth more than £8000, I'd look at convertible one of those myself, but if I had more money to spend I'd look at an S2000.

I think for 5k you've got to be lucky and find a bit of a bargain privately as there will be plenty of mutton dressed up as lamb.

Agreed this is a bit of a minefield at this price point but as it would be a toy and occasionally used I wouldn’t like to chuck more at it just yet.

Also agree an S2000 would be a great shout, and I’ve wanted one since I had my Civic, but I’d be looking at 2-3x my budget to get into a decent one of them which counts it out for the foreseeable.

[boba-fett]

S2000 will be a shed for 5K.

MX5 NC I've seen some Venture editions going for around this money.
Mini Cooper s convertible, not sure about a JCW at this money
BMW 635d convertible a lot of car for the money and really nice
E46 330 Convertible (or a 320cd if you are tight)
Audi TT Roadster
Brera Cab

[Wolverine]

Originally Posted by boba-fett

S2000 will be a shed for 5K.

MX5 NC I've seen some Venture editions going for around this money.
Mini Cooper s convertible, not sure about a JCW at this money
BMW 635d convertible a lot of car for the money and really nice
E46 330 Convertible (or a 320cd if you are tight)
Audi TT Roadster
Brera Cab

Yeah, agree on the S2k vs the budget.

A good list there! Should keep me occupied for the weekend!

I had thought about a 350Z roadster, but again I think budget is too small and I’ve got no idea whether it fits the brief as I hope.

[Pond]

E85 Z4 with either the 2.5 or 3 litre N52.
N52 engines go on forever and don't care about mileage (as long as looked after) apparently.

Very, very well thought of by pretty much everybody who has had one (I haven't but hang around with those that do).

For £5,000 you are almost in early E89 Z4 territory. But for that money it will probably be a dog and they are not exactly a sportscar (on our second one now).

Or a rusty old Z3, if that floats your boat!

[un1eash]

350z is too heavy to have real fun throwing it around and just look at the road tax costs. E85 is a good shout if you can get a clean one within budget, springs are made of chocolate which snap for fun and make sure it doesn't have run flats.
Have owned both but would most likely go for a MK3 MR2 or MX5 now.