Tempted to buy a new car

[dave964]

And I mean properly new.

Much as I like the Alfa Spider I bought in March, I am getting a bit sick of it having to go back to the roof specialist every other month (although this time, despite having failed on me twice in succession, it's worked perfectly for them hundreds of times all week........). It has however convinced me I like convertibles.

When I bought the Alfa, I discounted MX5s because I wasn't a big fan of the style - at least, not the ones in budget. But I do like the current (Mk4?) ones from 2015 on and I'm tempted.

Looks like a 2015 one is ~£16k, but you can get 2017s with pre delivery mileage for ~£21k which means I'd probably do that. I have never been tempted to buy a new car before - depreciation makes it feel like I'm basically just burning money. But - having 4 cars which are far from new (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007) means at least one of them always needs something (Need to repair the Aston sat nav so it pops up from the dash at the weekend) - and the idea of a brand new warrantied car - and a japanese one at that, which should be fairly reliable - is pretty appealing! Even if the difference between the Alfa sale price and the new MX5 price will basically be what I'd lose in depreciation in the coming years..........

I would want to sell the Alfa first, which means I probably need to wait until Spring anyway - so I have plenty of time to change my mind in that time. I'm interested in peoples opinions though - I know we have at least one MX5 fan on here!

 

[Kyodo]

More than one MX5 fan on here Dave. Personally I'd also look at a Mk3.5, perhaps with the retractable hard top so long as it's the six speed 2.0 version. There'll be less to depreciate .We nearly did but to be honest, it didn't really feel any different to the 18 year old Mk2 car we were selling. They are great cars but in our case, you know already that we chose something different with the TT and we got so much more car for our money. All you can do is drive them and see for yourself. Let us know what the new MX5 is like. If it's anything like earlier cars, you'll simply drive & enjoy, no hassle, no worry.

Are you taking your Aston to the CL open day tomorrow?

 

[dave964]

Are you taking your Aston to the CL open day tomorrow?

I've not heard about that, so no! But probably couldn't anyway - the Alfa is at Dorking, so a train there and drive back uses up a few hours in the morning. And if I feel brave, I will take the centre of the dash out of the Aston to replace the gears on the sat nav.

 

[mon the fish]

I get what you say about new cars, but we've got a 2006 Z4 3.0si and it's been great - absolutely zero issues and just works. Had it for 4 years now and for what it is it's brilliant - the joys of 3-series underpinnings I suppose.

Apart from depreciation, the one thing that puts me off new cars is the turbo engines now. Our Z4 has a fabulous, smooth big straight six. Prpbably one of the best mass-produced engines ever IMO. The equivalent now in power terms is a turbo 4, with a flat torque curve that doesn't encourage you to rev it out. Yes it uses less fuel and has lots of torque low down, but I just find these engines boring

 

[geoffpfc]

More than one MX5 fan on here Dave. Personally I'd also look at a Mk3.5, perhaps with the retractable hard top so long as it's the six speed 2.0 version. There'll be less to depreciate .We nearly did but to be honest, it didn't really feel any different to the 18 year old Mk2 car we were selling. They are great cars but in our case, you know already that we chose something different with the TT and we got so much more car for our money. All you can do is drive them and see for yourself. Let us know what the new MX5 is like. If it's anything like earlier cars, you'll simply drive & enjoy, no hassle, no worry.

Are you taking your Aston to the CL open day tomorrow?

+1

I took my MKI MX5, it's a special edition "Merlot" with 35k miles, to the MX5 National Meet at Gaydon in September, which is why I was not at the Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone, and the number of tuning options for the Mk3.5 are amazing from turbochargers to superchargers, some subtle mods and some which are definitely not subtle:shocked:

I shouldn't say this:grin: but IMHO this event was a better event than the FOC National at Danesfordetrol:

 

[Mike01606]

I get what you say about new cars, but we've got a 2006 Z4 3.0si and it's been great - absolutely zero issues and just works. Had it for 4 years now and for what it is it's brilliant - the joys of 3-series underpinnings I suppose.

Apart from depreciation, the one thing that puts me off new cars is the turbo engines now. Our Z4 has a fabulous, smooth big straight six. Prpbably one of the best mass-produced engines ever IMO. The equivalent now in power terms is a turbo 4, with a flat torque curve that doesn't encourage you to rev it out. Yes it uses less fuel and has lots of torque low down, but I just find these engines boring

I fallen rapidly out of love with our 2007 Z4!
The roof packed up which is common, even guaranteed and I’ve just spent a day removing the entire roof and relocating the pump into the boot.
I have the famous BMW ‘trifecta’ to fix next (again) which means the ABS pump has to come to pieces and then a leak on the vacuum pump to sort...
Underpinned by a 3 series but unfortunately built in the US :thumbsdown:

Ps does anyone want to buy it? It looks lovely [emoji4]

Dave, I like the new MX 3 also.....maybe a bit girly though?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sssdu01]

I have a MX5 MK1 BBR turbo model . One of the nice things about it is that its so simple and sort of basic. Parts dont cost much and its cheap to service

No aircon ---- if its hot put the roof down
No power operated roof ---- undo catch and push roof back takes about 5 seconds
No ABS --- learn to drive
No "advanced stability systems" --- its not fast doesnt need them
A bit slow --- adds to the fun as you can thrash it a bit more without accidentally going into "licence loosing" territory.

My conclusion is that if you buy a new MX5 you end up with a cheap convertible thats a bit of fun, use it as a daily, dont worry where you park it, enjoy Jap reliability. Also at this end of the market you could get the "poverty spec" model which might save you some money, and will make the depreciation aspect a bit more comfortable, as resale value is going to be pretty much the same regardless of spec, but just make sure you get a color that has good resale.

I am also told that when you fit an LSD they can be drifted with ease but I dont know how to drift a front engined RWD car :grin:

 

[geoffpfc]

I have a MX5 MK1 BBR turbo model . One of the nice things about it is that its so simple and sort of basic. Parts dont cost much and its cheap to service

No aircon ---- if its hot put the roof down
No power operated roof ---- undo catch and push roof back takes about 5 seconds
No ABS --- learn to drive
No "advanced stability systems" --- its not fast doesnt need them
A bit slow --- adds to the fun as you can thrash it a bit more without accidentally going into "licence loosing" territory.

My conclusion is that if you buy a new MX5 you end up with a cheap convertible thats a bit of fun, use it as a daily, dont worry where you park it, enjoy Jap reliability. Also at this end of the market you could get the "poverty spec" model which might save you some money, and will make the depreciation aspect a bit more comfortable, as resale value is going to be pretty much the same regardless of spec, but just make sure you get a color that has good resale.

I am also told that when you fit an LSD they can be drifted with ease but I dont know how to drift a front engined RWD car :grin:

I find that my MX5 is quite easy to drift - sometimes it happens without me trying to :shocked:

l had a session with an outfit "Learn2Drift" at Brands Hatch - immense fun:thumbsup:

 

[A348W]

I had a 2008 Z4 3.0 si. Absolutely hated the car and couldn't wait to get rid of it.

1) The suspension was so harsh it actually hurt my back, even on short runs. My 348 by comparison is sooo much nicer.
2) I'm not sure which engineer thought it was a good idea to put the electric motor for the hood in the hood well, which is also the drain for the hood, but they need a good kicking. £1,500 plus fix and a common problem. Its a hydraulic electric operated hood, so the pump could have been put in the boot and the micro hydraulic lines routed accordingly. (As said above)
2) front trailing arm rear bushes. Wear out V quickly. Easy fix but...
3) on run flats it tram tracked like nobodies business. Apparent cure is to fit normal tyres, but then you need to do something if you get a flat. Not to mention the cost of replacing all four tyres.
4) Engine felt fairly gutless for an inline 3 ltr. It just felt strangled. I had a older 528 some years before which felt much better!

If I was looking again, on your budget, on my list would be:
- Mazda 5. Somebody does a Jag V6 conversion for the early ones which is suppose to be V good.
- Fiat 124. Be interesting to compare with the new MX5 as different engines.
- BMW 1 series? Looks tidy, but would want to drive it and get a decent sized petrol engine, so possibly scarce?

Nearly new maybe ( I have no idea about price on these things)
- 370Z
- Audi TT...I don't cut hair and they also have their issues. :grin:
- SL,
- 4 series,
- Lexus,
- Mustang etc.!!!

Or buy a Porsche Boxster for £5k. Drive it until it blows up, then buy another. You could do that for a few years, but you would have to bee seen in a Boxster :laugh:

 

[dave964]

...Or buy a Porsche Boxster for £5k. Drive it until it blows up, then buy another. You could do that for a few years, but you would have to bee seen in a Boxster :laugh:

They are soooooo dull, I wouldn't even consider one!

Having spent all week at the roof specialist - where the roof apparently worked perfectly - I collected the car on Sat morning. The roof was already down, and closed first time when I got home.
Tried to open it yesterday after work and it failed in exactly the same way. A second attempt was successful. So I guess it needs to go back to the specialist yet again when I can be bothered.
Or maybe I need to do some diagnoses myself - it always fails at exactly the point the roof lid opens fully. I think it does something with the flaps on the lid at that point, so my guess is that is failing - might start taking a look myself. I still think the garage need to fix it - since I have paid them to fix it several times in the past already - but that might be quicker if I can tell them how it's failing.

 

[Kyodo]

They are soooooo dull, I wouldn't even consider one!

The best 'normal' car I have ever driven, they haven't been the benchmark for nothing! You don't know what you're missing :tongue3: :grin:

 

[dave964]

The best 'normal' car I have ever driven, they haven't been the benchmark for nothing! You don't know what you're missing :tongue3: :grin:

Too many years with Porsche I think (9 with a 964, 5 with a 996 turbo). They are competent but for me, they lack soul - in fact the fact that you say 'normal' is kind of my problem with them. That's how they feel!

On the other hand, I bet the roof is more reliable....

 

[MoreThanPolish]

I think the right Boxster is a hoot and an absolute bargain.

Yes, the 2.5, especially in paddle version is dreadfully feeble, but I had a debadged 2.7 from Porsche when I was a journo and thought it was a 3.2.

Powerful, went where it was pointed, comfy and well engineered and tested. Which is why the roofs still work.

For the money the older 2.7s and even 3.2s are going for now they are becoming disposable cars and a sound buy, if you're lucky. If not, they fetch decent spares money. An easy choice over a Mazda IMHO.

I've had Porsches for 20+ years now, if you get the right one they do have soul, which means most of them over 20 years old.

 

[dave964]

I think the right Boxster is a hoot and an absolute bargain.

Yes, the 2.5, especially in paddle version is dreadfully feeble, but I had a debadged 2.7 from Porsche when I was a journo and thought it was a 3.2.

Powerful, went where it was pointed, comfy and well engineered and tested. Which is why the roofs still work.

For the money the older 2.7s and even 3.2s are going for now they are becoming disposable cars and a sound buy, if you're lucky. If not, they fetch decent spares money. An easy choice over a Mazda IMHO.

I've had Porsches for 20+ years now, if you get the right one they do have soul, which means most of them over 20 years old.

So not a Boxster then :tongue3:

A few months ago, I drove my g/f's 2.7 (manual) for a week. I didn't consider Boxsters when I bought the Alfa - for the reasons I've given already - but did think that a week using her car might convince me that I'd made a mistake and should have considered them. After all, the build quality would be better, they are quicker and they are RWD.

Within a couple of days, I knew I'd made the right decision to ignore them and it didn't change over the following week. For me, the Alfa looks far better and is more fun to drive - albeit slower.
Much as I would happily set fire to my roof if I carried matches - I still wouldn't consider selling the Alfa and buying a Boxster. One of the important things I considered when I bought the Alfa was that it needed to be a car I would use, and I genuinely think that might be a problem with the Boxster. In fact, it was even a bit of a problem towards the end of my 996 turbo ownership and I had less cars then!

The Mazda may not be the answer, but I suspect they are fun - and reliable - so in Spring who knows.

From the Alfa forums, I am beginning to think that perhaps my definition of "roof not working" is wrong. I assume that if I try to open / close the roof, it should open / close. But it seems I may be being slightly optimistic, and if it opens after 5 attempts then it's worked..... "Broken" means I've tried 10 times and had to resort to manual open / closing......:laugh:

 

[sssdu01]

I considered a Boxster when they first came out , but just couldn't bring myself to buy a car where you cant open the cover and get spanners on the engine. I know its daft,:laugh::laugh: but I blame my dad as he got me Meccano when I was little.

Got an Elise instead and boy I was pleased you could get spanners on the engine ...... it happened a lot !!!

 

[Kyodo]

They are competent but for me, they lack soul - in fact the fact that you say 'normal' is kind of my problem with them.

I see your point but when I said 'normal', I mean a do it all car, an everyday car. One you can actually drive from A to B rather than A to A. It can live outside, it'll always start. It's not normal in the way a typical car is, more the fact that you can treat it normally and it'll continue to deliver whilst asking for very little in return. I'm sure you know what I mean!

But yes, each to their own. However, very very few cars have real 'soul'. I think you have one but it's not the Alfa, Cayenne or even the Aston, it's the one that lives in your garage* :dude:



* even if it is the, ahem, wrong colour... :tongue3:

 

[dave964]

But yes, each to their own. However, very very few cars have real 'soul'. I think you have one but it's not the Alfa, Cayenne or even the Aston, it's the one that lives in your garage* :dude:



* even if it is the, ahem, wrong colour... :tongue3:

It's a lovely colour :tongue3:

The 360 definitely has something - driving it is still an event, and I still find it an exciting car to drive even after several years of ownership.

The Aston is obviously very different but it still has something. It just feels classy when you drive it, and feels special to me.

The alfa is cool, no question - I like the fact that it's a bit quirky.

The Cayenne is...... er........ yeah, that one has nothing. :laugh:

 

[MalcH]

More than one MX5 fan on here Dave. Personally I'd also look at a Mk3.5, perhaps with the retractable hard top so long as it's the six speed 2.0 version. There'll be less to depreciate .We nearly did but to be honest, it didn't really feel any different to the 18 year old Mk2 car we were selling. They are great cars but in our case, you know already that we chose something different with the TT and we got so much more car for our money. All you can do is drive them and see for yourself. Let us know what the new MX5 is like. If it's anything like earlier cars, you'll simply drive & enjoy, no hassle, no worry.

My ex-missu has a 2011 plate Black Edition from new. Red with a black folding roof. She has zero roof issues to my knowledge.
Not sure what mileage she has done in it but it has been pretty much good. We (when we were married) had a 1998 MK2 1.6 from new which she gave to my daughter and only went about 3 years ago. Again bullet proof and with a manual roof.

I fallen rapidly out of love with our 2007 Z4!
The roof packed up which is common, even guaranteed and I’ve just spent a day removing the entire roof and relocating the pump into the boot.
I have the famous BMW ‘trifecta’ to fix next (again) which means the ABS pump has to come to pieces and then a leak on the vacuum pump to sort...
Underpinned by a 3 series but unfortunately built in the US :thumbsdown:

Ps does anyone want to buy it? It looks lovely [emoji4]

Dave, I like the new MX 3 also.....maybe a bit girly though?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I find that my MX5 is quite easy to drift - sometimes it happens without me trying to :shocked:

l had a session with an outfit "Learn2Drift" at Brands Hatch - immense fun:thumbsup:

That MKII I mentioned with just a 1.6 was easy out and back rear. Bloody marvellous car to drive and you can drive it as only has about 100bhp. Proper drivers car.

 

[Murph7355]

...And if I feel brave, I will take the centre of the dash out of the Aston to replace the gears on the sat nav.

Slight aside but this really is easy to do. Just be sensible and methodical.

Edited to add - you don't need to take the whole dash out. You can do this just by removing the satnav portion IIRC. Videos are on the AstonMartin Bits website/youtube.

 

[dave964]

Slight aside but this really is easy to do. Just be sensible and methodical.

Edited to add - you don't need to take the whole dash out. You can do this just by removing the satnav portion IIRC. Videos are on the AstonMartin Bits website/youtube.

Yep, I did it and it was very easy. Getting the sat nav out is literally a 5 minute job.
Now I can continue to not use the sat nav but at least know it opens :wink3: