OK, the time is nigh. I really fancy a 2 seat roadster of some kind, budget around 7k, less is better.

Main shortlist...

350z
S2000
Boxster S
Z4 3.0
TT V6
GTV V6 Spider
Z3M (if you can find one in budget)
SLK 350 (again iffy on the budget)

Other possibilities..

VX220
MR2 roadster
Barchetta

Now, I know the VX isn't a roadster really, but I quite like them.

Truth is, I could probably live with any of the above, my main problem is I'm not really sure what I want to use it for.
It'll be a fun/weekend car, I'd quite like the Mrs to be able to use it, (which sort of rules out the more track orientated types), I'd like a bit of comfort myself, but then I want to trackday it and, all being well, take it to the ring next year.
the eagle eyed will also be saying...wheres the MX5? That's about the only thing I am sure of, I don't want an MX5.

So, rambling post aside. Pros and cons if anyone has any experience of the above please.
Or any other left field ideas welcome.

S2000...some good ideas there buy most are cars with the roof chopped off rather than a dedicated roadster. The s2000 is quick, sexy and not made anymore with Jap reliability plus tuning potential if need be. Oh and its definitely in budget just get an 04 plate onwards as it has better kit and looks nicer

Ah, other considerations. Must be standard, can't be bothered doing power mods or taking on someone elses 'project'.

I think I need to drive as many as possible and eliminate some. Wife isn't keen on the S2000, and to be honest, if the Vtec kick is as they say, I think that would scare her to death!

Still I wouldn't rule it out till I've driven one.

No experience of any of the others except the Alfa V6 Spider and Barchetta.

The Barchetta is an excellent little car and I don't think you'd regret owning one.

You'd have to get used to left hand drive of course, but other than that, I think you'd love it

For me, having to put the lady in a car with some of my input it would be the z4 or boxster s.

Z4 is modern looking/fell and should be alittle more refined than the others.

The boxster really is quite a easy going car to live with i reckon. I have been driving a 2.5 around recently and seems well built. Soft enough for our rubbish roads and good for a spirited drive. The "s" i can imagine being a fantastic drive. The interior is alittle dated though is looking at an older model and history is a must.

3.2 boxter s is a highly rated car and the better looking one too.
Speak or pm Edz he owned one for a while not too long ago.

In my opinion 350z and TTv6 are numb, but like you say ultimately test driving as many as you can is going to make your decision a little easier and you can start to make a shortlist.

Good luck and keep us posted, will be interesting to hear how you get on.

We have a Boxster S and rate it very highly. My wife drives it most of the time but I'm always happy to borrow it. It sounds good (important to us), has been reliable, not bad on fuel (31 mpg av.), parts are pretty reasonable and I can work on it myself. The boot space is excellent too making it a good car for a long weekend away, to the 'ring for example.
As a track machine there are better but as an all rounder I think it's hard to beat.

Boxster if money not the issue or Barchetta if it is for me from that list. What about an Elise?

S2000 is a great car, but, the rev happy engine does insist on being driven up in the rev range for most response, otherwise it can be somewhat lethargic pulling away. And if you're up in the rev range (which is addictive), it will come at a cost of mpg. Significantly!! Then there's the appalling vision both front and rear. I have a customer who got rid of his after 3 months for mostly these reasons. He bought an Mr2, which his good lady loves.

Barchetta's. I've owned 4. Great little cars. But not a track toy.

Porsche 3.2 wins it hands down for me.

Like others have said, keep us posted.

Consider the v6 slk320 as well. I've had a couple lately and a good one (clean underneath and round arches) will be available for 4k. Lovely smooth v6 and noise!

There are a few converted right hand drive Barchettas for sale on various websites at the moment

I have to say, this all started when I discovered the price of Boxter s's had fallen to sub 5k in some cases.

Doing research on them throws up the IMS and RMS issues, so that prompted looking at everything else.

So far I've pretty much decided to buy everything on my list at one point or another :-)

Research so far...

The S2000 is the sensible choice. Fast and reliable but it just doesn't grab me in any way. Maybe a drive in one will change that.

The 350Z again, is a solid sensible choice, but the roadster isn't a pleasant shape with the top up. (yes, I'm a being a tart about it!)

Z4, stylish, if a bit marmite, Runflats and a dodgy ride quality by all accounts.

TT V6 Potential Dash issues, and even the Mrs thinks its 'soft'.

GTV V6, Again, not a shape I like with the top down

Z3M Long in the tooth now and the Mrs wouldn't drive it, "It's a hooligans motor..." Perfect for me then !

SLK 350 this is the wifes choice, and I have to say it does make sense, fast (in a straight line) , folding hard top, (handy in Harlow!), and you can hustle it round a track with a little coaching.

I think it's most likely to come down to a fight between the Z4, Boxter S or SLK if we can find one.

Wait a few more weeks/months and get your choice even cheaper

Well, it might be a little while longer yet. The taxman may have something to say about my budget!

All three are good looking cars, the merc offers a litte more security and class IMHO

Saying that a z4 has torn past the pub I'm sitting in and it sounded lovely!

S2000 tuning potential, really?

Aside from supercharging (lots of money), or changing the gear ratios there's not much there that is easily accessible for a tuning perspective.

I don't get the vtec 'kick', they just make a load more noise and go a bit faster. I can't see them being too lairy for your wife to drive unless she revs the nuts off it the whole time. Good fun on track though as long as set up right (suspension all fully adjustable for camber, toe, etc.) pretty raw car for everyday use - depends if that is what you are after.

Boxster s would get my vote, with s2000 coming 2nd.

The 3 litre I hope. I had a run out in Shabba's one and it was nice. Lacks the turbo shove in the back but still very quick (plus rear wheel drive). It lacks an limited slip diff but those can be added if you have the money. The Si version of the 3 litre is slightly quicker as well (but also lacks the limited slip diff). The 2.5 is a detuned six cylinder as far as I can tell.

The Z4 just because it sounds good, handles well and has surprisingly good MPG for a big engined car. (watch the hood motor which can get flooded because the drain holes get blocked).

How about a Maserati? Reserve is £7,400

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MASERATI-...=item4adbbbb8f0

Take an age, and an industrial angle grinder to get the top down on that.

Beautiful car though! Personally I can't stand convertibles, they look like prams. When it is really hot the top of your head fries. When it rains they leak. And they are so easily vandalised.

An Italian car with electrical issues. Who'd have thought it.

I used to think that, especially in this country, but had my mind changed when I bought a Westfield, completely on a whim. It was a totally useless car in every respect except one, driving fun.

It's marmite I agree, and we're heading into winter, so probably won't get the top down much for a bit, but convertible it is for me.

One good thing about convertibles, they tend to be low mileage. Do you like the Lotus Elan? I don't know anything about them except they look nice. I've just looked up Westfield cars - they do look a bit impractical - but fun! If I had £7,000 to spend on a car I think I would like an electric blue coupe plus in showroom condition with a sunroof and special alloys.

Do you know what Lotus stands for?

Yeah and FIAT stands for?

Yeah. And Ford stands for? (This one only works in French...)

Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious

Fix It Again Tomorrow

'Orrible Rubbish Drive?

:-)

Nearly! It's "Fabrication Ordinaire; Réparation Difficile"

But what does Nick Clegg stand for...?

Back on topic, I think the 3.0 Z4 is gorgeous.

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