What will I upgrade to from a Mazda MX-5?
I'm currently driving a Mazda MX-5 and loving it. It makes me smile every time I drive it. But with the latest payrise I'm contemplating an upgrade. Is there anything that will give the same driving experience or at least very close to and also be faster? I'd be thinking of spending up to about €50,000, but can be less or slightly more if I feel it's worth it. And no, doesn't have to be brand new, but like the MX-5 I want that amazing driving feeling and something that's reliable (or bulletproof as the MX-5 is).
John Duggan (Stillorgan)Feb 2013 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
You're in an enviable position. We're assuming you'd like to stick with an open-top car and rear-wheel drive. The Irish market isn't exactly flooded with €50,000 sports cars that match that brief so in your position we'd seriously consider importing from the UK.
Fabulous cars that fall within your budget include:
- Honda S2000 - very reliable and huge fun, though even newest ones are getting on now
- Lotus Elise - one of the most engaging road cars at any price; you could afford a relatively new one with the more reliable Toyota engine
However, we'd put our own money into a Porsche Boxster. You should be able to afford one of the last of the just replaced generation Boxster S. It's very quick, genuinely brilliant to drive and reliable too.
What do you think?
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D