Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 15:53:21 GMT
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Well folks, this won't quite have the same opulence and excess that HoTWire's thread had, but it's something I need some suggestions for, as ultimately I'm stumped. Next summer, I plan on a trip around Europe in a car which is yet to be purchased. My criteria are: Over 20 years old unless very cheap to insure Less than 2.0 engine if under 30 years old (crazy tax in Ireland) Fun to drive Decent on the motorways Reasonably comfortable Less than £3k (the lower the better) Won't break down every 10 mins. My girlfriend will be accompanying me, so 2 seats are all that is required, and a little boot space for clothes & comedy souvenirs. At the moment, the main contender is this: (not actual pic) 1990 Mazda MX-5 going cheap in my local area. Will go "classic" over here on 1st April 2010 which means I can get insured. 198000kms on the clock which is a bit iffy! It's BRG with tan leather and a black hood. I think it's a V-special so I imagine it has an LSD? I am also considering: Mk1 MR2 T-bar: Apart from this, I'm stumped really. I sold my Mini project on Saturday to make the space, so all help and suggestions much appreciated
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Last Edit: Sept 30, 2009 17:32:42 GMT by Mark
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Sept 28, 2009 16:26:36 GMT
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Sounds like an ace idea, where is euro are you planning to visit? Personally I would go for an MR2 great fun to drive and it's got a 4age in the back. Plus they still arnt that expensive to pick up. Does it have to be RWD? 205 CTi Golf Cab Caviler convertible Astra GTE convertible
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Last Edit: Sept 28, 2009 16:30:10 GMT by Robinxr4i
Sierra - here we go again! He has an illness, it's not his fault.
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Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 16:35:20 GMT
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Cheers for the reply Robin. It doesn't have to be RWD no, but none of the smaller hatchback based models really do it for me! I don't know why.
The spin we're planning will be about 10000 miles. It's basically doing a big ring of europe and visiting a few places in the middle along the way! Still has to be nailed down.
I drove Nevs MR2 when I was in the UK, and really enjoyed it. However, I drove an MX-5 last weekend and I think I enjoyed it a little bit more. Obviously, it's down to individual cars etc, but the MX-5 is easy to turbo apparently ;D
This is probably going to be the gf's car for a while before and after too.
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Last Edit: Sept 28, 2009 16:36:11 GMT by Mark
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Sept 28, 2009 16:40:32 GMT
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BMW E30
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Sept 28, 2009 16:43:30 GMT
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not sure if its the sort of thing your looking at but.................. scimitar SS1 1600 cc, (Escort engine) open top, about 1.5 - 3K buys you a nice example
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Someone just shot the elephant in the room.
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Sept 28, 2009 16:46:02 GMT
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You'd be able to buy a really tidy Mk1 MX5 for that money.. It's where I'd want to be sat out of the cars listed if I was doing another 10,000 in it
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...proper medallion man chest wig motoring.
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nugget
Part of things
Posts: 840
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Sept 28, 2009 16:47:23 GMT
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And think of the Irish tuning possibilites with an Escort engine lol. I think a nice MX5 or Mk1 Mr2 like you say would be the best for 3K. I'd love to do it in a 635 CSi though.
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Sept 28, 2009 16:52:44 GMT
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escort cabriolet?
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miaspa
Part of things
Posts: 829
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Sept 28, 2009 16:54:45 GMT
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Get something with aircon, done similar in a Midget and Alfa and some days roof down in the sun is just far to much. Nice to wind the roof up whack the fridge on and just cruise.
Will be going to Rome in the Pao next year,(the aircon still works) just need to get the three weeks off I need one week each way. ;D
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Found my flashing Pao again.
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Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 16:55:03 GMT
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bigkris - E30s. My weakness. I miss my 318iS, absolutely fantastic car. It's such a pity they never put that engine in the convertible. There is a lovely 320i Convertible on the bay at the mo: cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-BMW-320I-CONVERTIBLE-GREY_W0QQitemZ250502404671If there was longer left, I'd be very very tempted. Escort cabrio wouldn't really be my scene I don't think. Remember the Mrs has to like it too ;D Autofive - that's the kind of suggestions I'm looking for! Out of the box. I know absolutely nothing about the SS1 though. I guess it could look pretty cool slammed on the right wheels in black! ben711200 - It was the most logical thought, but I want to see if there is anything I'm missing. I hadn't even considered an E30 for instance!! Nugget - a 635CSi would be epic, but I think topless fun would still pip it! miaspa - I had considered a Midget, but the reliability held me back. I know the A series backwards, so I also know how curse word they can be!!!
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Last Edit: Sept 28, 2009 16:56:04 GMT by Mark
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Sept 28, 2009 17:01:05 GMT
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what about an audi 80?
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Sept 28, 2009 17:04:03 GMT
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or is the convertible called the coupe?
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Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 17:15:56 GMT
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Good suggestion - would be reliable enough. Weren't they mostly 2.6's though? Pic of the MX-5 in question btw
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Last Edit: Sept 28, 2009 17:16:20 GMT by Mark
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Sept 28, 2009 17:25:00 GMT
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to be honest i have no idea just thinking of cars for you to rule out. I'm sure their was a 2ltr though? celica?
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Sept 28, 2009 17:28:47 GMT
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why is there no merc soft-tops in this list yet?
no doubt its because theres none within budget, but still, i shall persist!!!!
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MrT
Posted a lot
Just who did Mr Hitler REALLY think he was kidding?
Posts: 1,773
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Sept 28, 2009 17:31:53 GMT
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So, you want a 2 seater softtop with a 2 litre engine that's around 20-30 years old that's fun do drive, a comfortable motorway cruiser, reliable in the main and under £3000? Then I present to you the only real option - the Triumph TR7 convertible...
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Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 17:33:39 GMT
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bigkris - the Audi cabrio does look really nice, and I liked the Audi 80 I drove. One to consider SS - I was thinking of a Merc SL, but you need 6k to get a nice one, they do about 20mpg and they are very wallowy unless all of the suspension is in tip top condition. I want to hit those alpine roads in a flurry of tyre squeal ;D
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Mark
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,097
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Sept 28, 2009 17:36:15 GMT
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MrT - I have a confession - the TR7 has never really done it for me The TR4 however... Oooohh baby
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Sept 28, 2009 18:07:38 GMT
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so what are you pointing towards at the moment?
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,258
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Sept 28, 2009 18:35:08 GMT
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I did a eurotrip with a few mates in a 1989 Ford Escort Cabriolet. With glasses and a hat on (latter dependant really) it was great. I remember driving from the south of France via the Riviera straight to Barcelona non stop bar fuel stops. The fact that I wasn't tired is saying something. I couldn't say the same about the Espace 2.0 with AC . In your position I would also go for a Mazda MX-5.
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