Reliable Small Sports Car

[emmysw]

Could anyone advise me on which small sports car is a reliable buy?  I'm looking for a used car along the lines of a MGF or an MX5 for around �5,000 but would ideally like something a little different to those cars?  Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

[Skids]

Whatever you do, don't buy an MGF or anything made by Rover. The MX-5 would be your best bet. But, if you want something different how about a Ferrari 360 Spyder, a Porsche Boxter, a Mercedes CLK, a BMW Z3, a Lotus Elise, a Vauxhall V220, a Toyota MR2 Roadster, an Alfa Romeo Spider.

[Cockney_si]

Toyota MR2 or Honda C-RX with the convertable roof....Don't think you'll get a Ferrari or a Porshe Boxster for around �5000 though.....

[Rooser]

You could go old school and get a sprite or something like that

[Impret-Sir]

Good luck finding a 360 spyder for �5K!!, or any of Skids suggestions in fact, apart from maybe the Alfa.  The MGF is in fact an OK car, not brilliant, but one of Rovers better efforts. They handle quite well, being mid engined,and the VVC model is quite rapid. Plus there are lots about so you can be choosy. For sure, the default choice of affordable sports car is the MX5, for lots of good reasons, they are terrific to drive, if not that quick, and are famously reliable. But you are right, they are very common, and like you I would not buy one for that reason. If you definately want a soft top its very difficult, without going outside your price bracket, maybe a Fiat spyder, (LHD only) or a Caterham or Westfield  7? You might find one of the lower spec BMW Z3s for around that price, but they are a sore disapointment to drive. You cant afford a TVR or a Morgan..... you could consider something classic, TR6 perhaps, (I would avoid old MGs), and contrary to popular belief the TR7 convertable was a good car. Or what about one of the many kit cars available? Of course you can buy soft top Escorts, Astras, 206s etc, but to my mind they are not really sports cars. Oh dear, looks like you are back to that MX5 again!

[Impret-Sir]

After a bit more thought, ive come up with some more good choices! A Mk 1 Toyota MR2 T-Bar would fit the bill, great to drive and very reliabel. Getting a bit long in the tooth now of course, so would need careful checking and a good service history, but the engines can do huge mileages, 200.000 has been known by the owners club, and they are not known for rust. The targa panels can leak around the seals at this age, so look for soggy carpets. Ive owned two of these great little cars, and loved them both. The Mk2 was bigger and faster, but lost all the 'chuckability' of the early model. Any Fiat X19s that are still running should have been restored and well cared for, they are fun little things, beware the dreaded rust and mechanical gremlins, particularly in the electrics. But top of the list should be the Suzuki Cappuccino, truly an MG Midget for the 20th Century. Nippy, good handling, distinctive looks, and technically very clever. They dont tend to be used as every day cars, so dont generally have huge mileages, and are very reliable anyway. Your only problem might be finding one, as they did not import that many into this country, but a few turn up in the autotrader. All of these cars should be available for around the five grand mark, and offer good smiles per pound value!

[tali122]

mx5 is best but unoriginal bet.