What with Rich's thread on reliable daily classics and Randy's thread on 'would you drive your first car now', coupled with the good weather, I've been pondering what the most reliable, cost effective and with some style open top sports car would be?
The obvious choice would seem to be a S1 Mazda MX-5 but I wondered if any of the old faithful British sports cars could be considered reliable; for example, MGBs are always priced well but are they a nightmare to own (DaveW?)?
Any thoughts of the cheapest, reliable, way to drive around with the roof down in style over the summer is?
Simon, Having owned a couple, I'd go with the Mazda. Recently, I also seem to be spotting quite a number of the now discontinued last incarnation of the MR2 softop
I know it's slightly left field and reliability would have to be seen in relative terms but I have a mate who drives a TR4 on a daily basis. OK his is a good one but in many instances, they seem to offer more car for the money than a 'B' (and I speak as a big MG fan)
I bow to any comments Dave W may have re MGs but I always found that it was a case of knowing what they were and what that entailed. The sometimes crude spec ( eg Armstrongs, etc) could be an advantage in that, access notwithstanding, they were/are easy to work on and parts are plentiful.
My major concern with the B was the body and rot/ rust problems. Curiously enough, I also have a good friend who drives a Daimler SP250 "Dart" Again I know they can be patchy but his goes really well and is also his daily driver in the summer. A big plus is the distinctive look and rarity value G
PS What about the Vauxhall VX220- suffered because of the badge but a heck of a lot of car?
I'd have to say that while the VX220 and the MX-5 are the obvious choices, they simply feel too modern for what I want. I have no doubt that the Mazda would be reliable and I could pick one up at a very nice price; however, I feel like I want something classic-ish.
I like the TR4 idea but the prices of them are really high for a reasonable one.
It doesn't have to be show quality - just tidy and reliable.
1.8 VVTi engine 140 Bhp (as used in the Elise) Weight 940Kg LSD as standard 6 Speed box
I'm biased as I've had one for 3 years, hood down all the time including winter.
Mine is used daily, also abused from time to time, last week did 100+ miles round the new GP layout at Silverstone, the did the MCC Exeter centenery trial the same weekend (650+ miles)
The only down side is there is bugger all luggage space, enough for 2 soft day bags, makes a 2 seater Mog look roomy in the back, and the hood is too stiff to put down below 3 degrees C, but its fine after the heaters been on a bit, almost forgot, it's crap in the snow too!
