Character is code for unreliable. Watch the scene with the E type in the movie Gumball Rally.
Character is code for unreliable. Watch the scene with the E type in the movie Gumball Rally.
British cars? I owned a Bugeye Sprite for 22 years. Hung out and wrenched part-time at a British repair shop that specialized in Lotus and Jaguar. Lived the life, would be tempted to sell body parts (yours) for a series 3 Lotus 7. In retrospect, all were dog barf for mechanical integrity. Italian? Shudder... you will need those fab skills! Japanese? Maybe. Owned 3 spinning triangles and killed every one. M2s' are getting long in the tooth. German? Not in your price range unless BMW. The answer? It is the Answer... there is an NC PRHT in the garage right now. Legos for big kids.
I have 6 Triumphs,so I'm a little biased towards brits but I just picked up a 2002 Mercedes SLK, hardtop convertible with 45K miles for $7600. 195HP supercharged 4, rock solid corporate engine good for 200K miles. Got it over the winter and parked it, going on the road next week. The little bit I've driven it, it seemed to have all the right stuff ( but not quite the same as the 349HP AMG version I scared the wife in).
I see them with under 100K for $5-$7,000 on flea bay and CL all the time.
mike h
I have 2 in the garage that fit your criteria. 1. 1978 MGB with a Rover 3500 V-8 conversion. 2. 1990 Mazda Miata with a Ford 302/T-5/8.8 conversion.
There are countless fun cars out there for $10k, so you ultimate decision will be a difficult one. Whatever you choose, it should be fun "shopping" for your new toy.
Datsun roadster.
Mr2 with a 2zz swap or a mwr turbo is the Correct "answer".
not a single Z3 in the mix?
Unusual cars, huh?
I wonder how cheap you could pickup an NA/NB Miata with a blown motor for? If cheap enough, you might be able to swap in a K24 for under your budget:
https://kmiata.com/products/ultimate-k24-miata-swap-conversion-package
^^^Talk about a fun and unusual combination! It would also give you something to wrench for a while, but should be reliable once completed.
the cappuccino is cute. The beat needs a wingectomy
Re the Miata vs an MG or Triumph. Do you want to work it or drive it?
You might be able to find a decent 914 for less than $10K
My, what a question.
I wish I knew the perfect suggestion.
About how long are you to keep it?
Today is a nice, but will you be driving it in the snow?
Are you going to mod it?
Miata or Z3. They cost the same nowadays.
Maybe I should help spell it out for you...
FlightService wrote: My, what a question. I wish I knew the perfect suggestion. About how long are you to keep it? Today is a nice, but will you be driving it in the snow? Are you going to mod it?
In reply to mad_machine:
I thought the Beat had an Alfa SV look to it
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I thought this was going to be a joke thread. There's lots of options (90 miata, 91 miata.... 2001 miata... 2008..), but I'd highly suggest an NC.
Buddy got a damn-near-perfect one a few weeks ago for $5200. '06 Grand Touring 6spd with 100k.
For 10k you can go even newer and nicer. Forget the other options.
350Z? Early models around going for less than $10K
Good deal on a AP1 S2K. These are a load of fun.
S2K
How much 914 does 10k get you? I haven't looked in a while. (Personally, I'd go NA/NB miata + turbo)
You. Guys. Are. Hilarious.
The convertible will be replacing my motorcycle as a summertime vehicle. Too many little old ladies trying to run me off the road, and I value my skin right where it's at...
I would like something with reasonable performance, at a decent price. However, I've been driving pickup trucks and Suburbans my whole life, and I really haven't a clue as to what to look for in a small car. All I know is that I like quirky, out of the ordinary stuff, and I am not afraid to wrench on things. The convertible part is a requirement, because I know I'm gonna miss the bike. Other than that, I'm just trying to learn.
How about a bugeye with a bike motor. You know, 200 bhp in a 1k # sprite would be entertaining.
They are getting a little thin on the ground for under $10K, but a TR6 may fit the bill. Sure, you'll have to wrench on it a bit, but if you find a nicely sorted one, they can be pretty reliable and robust.
Recon1342 wrote: You. Guys. Are. Hilarious. The convertible will be replacing my motorcycle as a summertime vehicle. Too many little old ladies trying to run me off the road, and I value my skin right where it's at... I would like something with reasonable performance, at a decent price. However, I've been driving pickup trucks and Suburbans my whole life, and I really haven't a clue as to what to look for in a small car. All I know is that I like quirky, out of the ordinary stuff, and I am not afraid to wrench on things. The convertible part is a requirement, because I know I'm gonna miss the bike. Other than that, I'm just trying to learn.
You're ditching the motorcycle because it is unsafe. While I've never been on a motorcycle, other than a dirtbike here or there in a parking lot, I honestly didn't feel like I was all that visible in my Miata. I leaned on the horn enough for soccer moms that couldn't see me that the horn saved me from at least 3 accidents.
That leads me to why I'm not looking for an LBC (Little British Car) right now: If I got hit in an MGB, I'd likely be dead. Miata's--even old Miata's--are quite safe. Same can be said for Z3/Z4's, Boxsters, 350's, etc. A 914? Nope.
Just something to consider.
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