I've an empty garage.....

ba_barabus

....and I'm thinking of looking for some fun and you're welcome to help me as I'm lacking ideas.

Criteria:

• Must be 2000 reg or older. Engine size or fuel isn't a concern.
  
• Max budget is €3,000 but that's for a turn key car that needs nothing. It'll strictly be for spring/summer use.
  
• Something needing some light work at less money will be very welcome but the car must be driving as I've no trailer to bring it home.
  
• Bonus points if it can take a child seat but not a deal breaker.
  
• Saloon, coupe, hatch or convertible considered.
  
• If you have something feel free to link it or PM me.
  
• Good parts supply

Current thoughts:

• Current ideas are an MX-5, our 4th wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I bought one for our wedding to restore and keep but sadly some of Dublins finest felt it was better killed on a joyride a week after I got it. Mazda Ireland gave us one for our wedding. We'd both like one.
  
• MGF, I had one, I loved it, it was rubbish but at a throw away price.
  
• Looking an an SLK 230 but know very little about them and wary of Merc parts prices.

Please don't take those cars to mean I won't consider others, I'm an open book right now as to ideas.......that's why I'm here!

I've not looked at any of this stuff in years so no idea on values or what to look out for.

colm_mcm

Has to be an MX5 really.

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Has to be an MX5 really.

Are good ones out there in budget, especially with pop up headlights?

Or are a Mk2 a good improvement?

The one I had was a 1990 Euno with a Nardi kit, dark green with cream interior and wooden steering wheel. I bloody loved it.

I test drove an auto at the time and hated that so it would have to be a manual.

colm_mcm

My in-laws had an automatic mk2, it was quite slow.

Peter T

Early mk4 gti golf or audi tt ? I'm in a similar boat to yourself , recently sold one of my toys and now looking for something a bit more care free to own and maintain

ba_barabus

Peter T wrote: »

Early mk4 gti golf or audi tt ? I'm in a similar boat to yourself , recently sold one of my toys and now looking for something a bit more care free to own and maintain

I'd not say no to either tbh

ba_barabus

Well a full day of searching online has revealed nothing

Peter T

Seems to have dried up a bit. I dont know how many cars i've seen over the past few months and said "If i had the space and cash spare id buy that" now i have both those and nothing interesting is up for sale. Maybe we will see a few up for sale after the summer, the whole covid situation may have turned people off selling for the moment

ARGINITE

An early Toyota MR2 Roadster or MK1.
You'll find it hard to get a good MX5 in Ireland for under 3K you could have a look in the UK better selection there.

If you're feeling brave this

Volvo 480
Audi 100
Alfo Romero 145
FIAT CINQUECENTO
Alfa 146

ba_barabus

Peter T wrote: »

Seems to have dried up a bit. I dont know how many cars i've seen over the past few months and said "If i had the space and cash spare id buy that" now i have both those and nothing interesting is up for sale. Maybe we will see a few up for sale after the summer, the whole covid situation may have turned people off selling for the moment

I've noticed in the past few weeks GOOD cars aren't appearing and a lot of what is appearing has insane prices.

ARGINITE wrote: »

An early Toyota MR2 Roadster or MK1.
You'll find it hard to get a good MX5 in Ireland for under 3K you could have a look in the UK better selection there.

If you're feeling brave this

Volvo 480
Audi 100
Alfo Romero 145
FIAT CINQUECENTO
Alfa 146

I could be wrong but apart from the Fiat I don't think any of those can drive home which is an important factor for me, no trailer you see. But I'm liking the suggestions.

Notch000

Mx5 all the way, get a Mk2 1.8 with LSD & 6 Speed, 10th AE, ICON?. RS models etc
seem to be getting rarer here on the adverts sights but still plenty really cheap in UK

ba_barabus

Notch000 wrote: »

Mx5 all the way, get a Mk2 1.8 with LSD & 6 Speed, 10th AE, ICON?. RS models etc
seem to be getting rarer here on the adverts sights but still plenty really cheap in UK

I'm usually well for importing but the NOX tax on top of VRT now kills my budget when transport is added in. A huge pity but there ya go.

Sexual Chocolate

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-celica-vvtli-190-jdm/24619075

These can be fun and are quicker than you think.

ba_barabus

Sexual Chocolate wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-celica-vvtli-190-jdm/24619075

These can be fun and are quicker than you think.

Yes to the car but no to that particular one. Looks rough

Sexual Chocolate

ba_barabus wrote: »

Yes to the car but no to that particular one. Looks rough

It does yes but you could get a gem for under 2k, there worth keeping any eye on.

Here something completely different

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/1995-toyota-carina-gti/24033919

unkel

230SLK should be yours for around the EUR2k mark

Recently serviced, so you should be able to drive it, but the car is on a DL reg and located in Co. Clare, so no surprise it has no NCT

Linky


Also spotted a BMW Z3, but seller has terrible feedback. Would be more fun to drive than the Mercedes

You could of course get another MX-5 or MG-F, both great wee cars but the Mazdas are generally overpriced and life's too short to get the same car twice imho!

AMKC

Peugeot 205 GTi if you can find one or a Renault 5 Turbo.

ba_barabus

unkel wrote: »

230SLK should be yours for around the EUR2k mark

Recently serviced, so you should be able to drive it, but the car is on a DL reg and located in Co. Clare, so no surprise it has no NCT

I have spoken to the seller who is currently away on holidays but it sounds like a promising lead.

ba_barabus

AMKC wrote: »

Peugeot 205 GTi if you can find one or a Renault 5 Turbo.

For €3k?

ba_barabus

Dog cock red MX5 just gone up online, I was all for it until I realised the owner is flipping it after getting the tax book

Can anyone see anything to watch out for?

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/mazda-mx-5/25235756

jim salter

ba_barabus wrote: »

Yes to the car but no to that particular one. Looks rough

VVTL-i are a nice car.

The one linked (the silver one) is for breaking.

I know of another that is well sorted and the owner may be convinced to sell. It's owned by a mechanic and has been under wraps for about 4 years

ba_barabus

jim salter wrote: »

VVTL-i are a nice car.

The one linked (the silver one) is for breaking.

I know of another that is well sorted and the owner may be convinced to sell. It's owned by a mechanic and has been under wraps for about 4 years

What year is it Jim? I'm just very conscious of insurance. PM me more details if you want.

jim salter

ba_barabus wrote: »

What year is it Jim? I'm just very conscious of insurance. PM me more details if you want.

I *think* it's a '99...I can't be sure.

Haven't spoken to the fella in about a year.

Will see if I can find out for ya.

passatman86

Some ideas and odd ones lol

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/suzuki-swift-sport-2007-1-6-vvt-125-bhp/25134370

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-sport-clio-197-2-0/24793797

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mini-cooper-s/25074480

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagen-golf-gti/25088790

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/smart-roadster-brabus-convertible-price-drop/24723267

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-318ci-m-sport-convertible-all-electric-nct/24817097

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/peugeot-205-cj-junior-1989/24445334

ba_barabus

passatman86 wrote: »

Some ideas and odd ones lol

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/suzuki-swift-sport-2007-1-6-vvt-125-bhp/25134370

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-sport-clio-197-2-0/24793797

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mini-cooper-s/25074480

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagen-golf-gti/25088790

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/smart-roadster-brabus-convertible-price-drop/24723267

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-318ci-m-sport-convertible-all-electric-nct/24817097

https://www.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for-sale/peugeot-205-cj-junior-1989/24445334

Lovely cars but only the last one meets the criteria.......but that colour

passatman86

Depending on your insurance you could put them in your partners name and drive on open insurance one nct'd and taxed

ba_barabus

passatman86 wrote: »

Depending on your insurance you could put them in your partners name and drive on open insurance one nct'd and taxed

I've a classic car policy and they'll be going on that.

farna_boy

Just an FYI, depending on the car and insurer, you might be able to get a classic policy on something newer than something 20 years old.

I have a 2002 Audi TT 225 on a classic policy with Carole Nash since last year so it might be worth asking that question too if you do see something slightly newer.

selectamatic

ba_barabus wrote: »

I've a classic car policy and they'll be going on that.

You might struggle to put a celica on it so.

Mx5's tend to be allowed.

Dedicated facebook groups will have the most options for ya. Very few cars like what you're after are going up on donedeal or adverts.

I'd imagine there's a mx5 Ireland page. And 3k is a pretty healthy budget.

3k might even get ya a clean e36 convertible a 325 might be beyond budget though. There's a very good e36 e46 facebook group too.

I know you said 2000 or older (this is 2007) so just to feed your ideas box - it’s in your price range and a cabrio - you might find a 98-00 version over the summer being advertised



https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-9-3-cabriolet-1-8-automatic-new-nct-/22898724

ba_barabus

selectamatic wrote: »

Dedicated facebook groups will have the most options for ya. Very few cars like what you're after are going up on donedeal or adverts.

I'd imagine there's a mx5 Ireland page. And 3k is a pretty healthy budget.

3k might even get ya a clean e36 convertible a 325 might be beyond budget though. There's a very good e36 e46 facebook group too.

Can you recommend a couple of the good Irish facebook groups for the MX5 and the E36/46?

I've gone on a few of the forums I knew from years back and they've all died a death.

selectamatic

ba_barabus wrote: »

Can you recommend a couple of the good Irish facebook groups for the MX5 and the E36/46?

I've gone on a few of the forums I knew from years back and they've all died a death.

Ya unfortunately forums are mostly dead.

E36 owners club Ireland

E36 E46 owners club Ireland

Autostadt.ie on facebook


Are the 3 I'd use. I'm sure a wanted ad might get ya some leads.

I'm not a member of any mx5 ones but from a quick search

mx5 Ireland info/trade
IRE mx5

Appear to be the main 2.

ba_barabus

selectamatic wrote: »

Ya unfortunately forums are mostly dead.

E36 owners club Ireland

E36 E46 owners club Ireland

Autostadt.ie on facebook


Are the 3 I'd use. I'm sure a wanted ad might get ya some leads.

I'm not a member of any mx5 ones but from a quick search

mx5 Ireland info/trade
IRE mx5

Appear to be the main 2.

Perfect and thank you

jim salter

So, is there a big benefit in having classic insurance?

For example AXA minimum premium is €333 and you have to have a daily driver insured also (for comparison, my Evo VII (2003) is €640 for the year and is my daily driver.)

just trying to figure out where the saving is (if that what your purpose is)

ba_barabus

jim salter wrote: »

So, is there a big benefit in having classic insurance?

For example AXA minimum premium is €333 and you have to have a daily driver insured also (for comparison, my Evo VII (2003) is €640 for the year and is my daily driver.)

just trying to figure out where the saving is (if that what your purpose is)

Oh far from it, I'm not trying to save money. I just like having an extra car or two to waste money on

Currently on my driveway is a 2013 Avensis (daily), 2006 Beetle (just to work with when I'm bored), 2013 Rav4 (family hack) and a 1993 R19 RSi I restored over the winter.

unkel

jim salter wrote: »

So, is there a big benefit in having classic insurance?

My last renewal was EUR289 fully comprehensive on my Porsche. And that's without having a normal car (but being a named driver on the family car that my wife has insurance on)

Add another classic car fully comp and it's usually about EUR100 for the year, so you could have 7-8 cars insured for under a grand in total

Restricted mileage though, mine are only 3k km per year per car I think, but you can usually get up to 10k km per year

colm_mcm

Maybe consider a Mitsubishi FTO. I’ve had a few and they’re a cracking car.
Not sure how many insurers do them on Classic but it’s def possible.

jim salter

unkel wrote: »

My last renewal was EUR289 fully comprehensive on my Porsche. And that's without having a normal car (but being a named driver on the family car that my wife has insurance on)

Add another classic car fully comp and it's usually about EUR100 for the year, so you could have 7-8 cars insured for under a grand in total

Restricted mileage though, mine are only 3k km per year per car I think, but you can usually get up to 10k km per year

And if one is not fortunate to have the option to be a named driver on another policy? To satisfy a lot of the classic policies one has to have a daily driver (or at least the appearance of a daily driver) and a limit of 3k (or 5K) Km per year.

As we all know keeping a classic running sn't cheap (let a lone 7-8 classic cars).

Again, having a 2003 Evo 7 as a daily with no milage restrictions fully comp for €640 (for me) is more economical (i do not have the option of being a 'named driver' on another policy so in order to get a quote for €289 I would have to have another car with an insurance policy and be restricted to 3k Km's per year).

BUT, as the OP pinted out, the reasons are not for money savings.

unkel

That's a good deal you got on your insurance jim salter. And I'd say you'd have difficulty getting classic insurance on your Evo from any of the normal Irish providers even if you did have a second car / daily driver too. They do not like Japanese cars in general and there seem to be very few exceptions.

Duke O Smiley

http://www.backroads.ie/forums/showthread.php?30120-Fs-1999-mx5-1-6-nb

This might be worth a look. Seems a well sorted and honest car, a little room for cosmetic improvements but well within budget. Original Irish with a nice reg too

RobAMerc

MX5's are not fast ( they might feel it sometimes but they are not. )
1.6 MX5's are really slow - the best thing about the 1.8 is the torque, you could just stick it in 3rd and drive it like an auto in town, but tis still not fast.
NA ( Mk1 ) MX5's do rust badly on the sils but it can be fixed fairly easily.
NB ( Mk2 ) Rust on the frame rails ( a redesign for crash protection ) is a major issue and terminal

Having said that the MK2 is a bit of a step up from the MK1 in that big people say they fit better, and there is a proper boot. I think they are more refined also, if thats what you are looking for.

I'd still have an NA 1.8, and in fact I do !

The MX5 group on facebook should help you find a reasonable one for you budget I think - you might need to spend a bit on it over time. but the joy of MX5's is you'll be able to do most of it yourself.

unkel

I agree with your points RobAMerc, but basic sporty convertibles like the MX-5 or MG-F, while not fast, can be a lot of fun when driven aggressively and the revs are kept high. But of course you know this already

I drove the absolute bollocks out of my MG-F the two years I had it. Near the 7k rev limiter all the time (with mechanical sympathy, never with a cold engine and I regularly changed the oil and filter myself too). That K-series engine doesn't do much below 3k, but well above and it sings!

If I were the OP, I'd get something different this time though. He likes small sporty convertibles. I'd get a Z3.

unkel

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

http://www.backroads.ie/forums/showthread.php?30120-Fs-1999-mx5-1-6-nb

This might be worth a look. Seems a well sorted and honest car, a little room for cosmetic improvements but well within budget. Original Irish with a nice reg too

Just read the ad, and that looks great value for money. Car just passed the NCT too. If I hadn't my Porsche I'd be fierce tempted (but would probably be disappointed like the seller)

colm_mcm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-karmann-2-0-convertible/25228209

Spotted this in bangernomics

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-karmann-2-0-convertible/25228209

Spotted this in bangernomics

I could be wrong but I think that engine is one which Renault quickly deleted off their sales charts. It's terrible. I'm amazed to see a car with it still around.

In other news I have been kicking the tyres on a BMW E36 and been impressed. The seller was a really nice guy and we have agreed to talk in the future when he has completed some work on the car.

ba_barabus

unkel wrote: »

Just read the ad, and that looks great value for money. Car just passed the NCT too. If I hadn't my Porsche I'd be fierce tempted (but would probably be disappointed like the seller)

I'm not going to lie it's a great looking car and if it was a 1.8 I'd be more interested but it just isn't doing it for me for some reason. I'm going to blame the engine.

TheW1zard

Rx8

unkel

TheW1zard wrote: »

Rx8

You'd do extremely well to find one on a 2000 reg or older

unkel

ba_barabus wrote: »

I'm not going to lie it's a great looking car and if it was a 1.8 I'd be more interested but it just isn't doing it for me for some reason. I'm going to blame the engine.

I'd bloody love to go buy that one and drive it all over the mountains at the weekend. Pity I lost my classic insurance for now

BorneTobyWilde

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mk1-audi-tt-quattro-stunning-example/24718493?campaign=3







Would be nice

unkel

I had one of those too. Beautiful car, very well made and gorgeous interior. Launched 25 years ago as a concept car, but still looks fresh. Dull to drive though. The quattro system has no soul. I'll take a much slower MG-F or MX-5 over it any day. Sold mine within months and got a Boxster instead.