Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Thing is, I really don't do much of either haha, but probably slightly more road than track, given i haven't done a track day since I sold my m3 back in 2012.

Mini was certainly something I considered, but not really exciting enough.

I think an m3 or Cayman is what I ultimately want, but can't justify the extortionate insurance, so I'll take a look again in 2017 and see how the land lies.

A gt86 is probably exactly what I need, just wish they had a slightly more exciting engine, not more powerful, just more exciting.

Have you driven one? I like the GT86, it's a good car, not a stonking engine but pretty fun.

Not driven one, but a light, front engine, rear drive coupe is pretty much what I'm after ultimately.

Not really light but have you thought about a nicely specced Z4 3.0. Usable, plenty of power and with a couple of light mods could be suitable for trackdays. They've also seemed to have bottomed out value wise and good ones are starting to rise again.

Early MGF in red or brg with the VVC motor and those minilite looking wheels.

Massively undervalued for what's a thoroughly decent, very pretty little car.

Also they're good for practicing changing headgaskets.

Really, have you owned one? Head gasket issue was sorted. Amazing that the race series cars never had the problem. Issue could be from the rad cap, to a headgasket change and not bleeding the air out of the system. Not using a decent gasket, use the landrover kit that includes all the gaskets and new bolts. Finally move the thermostat to the radiator with the kit. Job jobed. Or just get a MK3 MR2.

Many can't tell if they have the VVC engine!

I've had 2. I like them.

But then I like Metros too.

I don't like the 118bhp motor in anything, it gets all gruff and horrid at 5000rpm meaning you change up early all the time to avoid it, which rather defeats the point of a sportscar. I reckon it very nearly spoils the Elise.

The VVC is better in that respect. Obvs what you really need is an R400 spec motor on roller barrel throbble botties, or a Civic Type R swap, but that's a different price point.

I never really got on with the seating position of an MGF and always thought why bother when the MX5 was around. I will admit that there is something about a tuned k-series though. VHPD's always proved very fun if a little fragile.

Am being a bit of a contray cock at the mo.

Nowt wrong with the K series engine, have fitted one to a40 farina for shits and giggles. Bought a 1.4 gti that habeen rolled and came to the conclusion that was a stupid engine to put in as I'd have to mess about too much with the look of wheels andbrakes so went for the 1.1 sohc multipoint for fuel economy and it returns 55 odd to the gallon. Fun to drive too and it is so lightwieght.

Not a fan of the metro, don't really know why. Think it because the the Fiat 127 sports and gt were so much better, also owning a banham kit car the tt look alike was a fucking bad idea.

The MGF was maligned about headgaskets and most of the time engines that wereover heated were fucked and people doing gaskets fitted cheap poor qualits gaskets or didn't replace ingine bolts that go through the engine and are single use.

And who did the supension and handling of the MX5?

Me too. Horrible position for a little sports car. Ruined it for me, but I suppose some lower slung seats might improve it. A shame, because they have all the right qualities on paper. Heaps of guys use them as track only cars at mgs on track.

Not sure but as the MX predates the MGF by at least 6 years I'm of the opinion that Mazda got it right before MG did anything with the F.

The Lotus Elan predates the MX5 by 25 years, is nicer to steer and the engine sweeter...

I agree you sit too high in the MGF. Nostalgia still keeps tapping me on the shoulder and telling me to get one tho.

I don't disagree with you but we're now comparing two different types of cars; the main difference being that I could afford an MX5 or an MGF but even a tatty Elan +2 is getting expensive now. A Sprint would be the one to go for but you could buy a new MX5 for the same cost. Hell you could buy a well sorted NA MX5 for the cost of a Lotus Twin Cam engine.

A twink head, you mean.

nods

The twink in my Ginetta cost £12k. And that was a few years back.

Quick tho.

Which Ginetta have you got? G4?

Did have. :(

Nice. They've always been a rare thing. Now rare and expensive!

Don't think MX5 / MGF in same league imo...

Any love for first generation RX7s and Honda S2000s? I see plenty still rolling around over here and both look a giggle. The RX7 in particular seems to have weathered the passage of time well from a looks perpective.....I love a rotary too...

Would love a Mk1 RX&. In fact I'd like to own any rotary engined Mazda at some point just to say I've done it. UK RX8's look incredible value now. Just got to make sure you buy it and sell it before it needs a rebuild.

I really like the MK1 - super clean lines and they're really tiny!

RX8s seem to have been cheap for ages but they're just a bit too much of an ugly duckling for me.

And I like basic cars....(at least for pissing around with.)

I don't think anyone is suggesting that.

My wife's uncle has 3! A late sprint, an s2 droptop and a 26r. And enough engines, gearboxes and bits to build another 5. I've got my eye on the sprint. There's more room in that than a +2. Good value at the moment too

A girl I used to live with on aus had a 7. Awesome little thing. Great fun.