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Summer car

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    Summer car

    Hi folks. I suppose as a lot of you are long term contractors some of you will have toy summer cars. I've just been told that my autistic son's transport to school (90 mins+) each way is not going to be sorted before the end of the summer term, so, given I'm stuck doing an epic school run I figure I may as well swap my boring and practical Ford Galaxy for something more fun temporarily.

    Looks like a reasonable nick MX-5 can be had for ~£3k-£6k. Anything else I should look at?

    Ideally:

    Don't want to depreciate a massive amount over the summer
    Convertable
    2 seater
    Bonus points for ULEZ compatibility - in case I decide to keep it a bit longer - I'm just on the edge of the ULEZ zone
    Bonus points for an automatic (I know I know, but there's a big chunk in the middle where I get stuck in traffic)

    What do the panel recommend?
    And the lord said unto John; "come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

    #2
    Originally posted by b0redom View Post
    Hi folks. I suppose as a lot of you are long term contractors some of you will have toy summer cars. I've just been told that my autistic son's transport to school (90 mins+) each way is not going to be sorted before the end of the summer term, so, given I'm stuck doing an epic school run I figure I may as well swap my boring and practical Ford Galaxy for something more fun temporarily.

    Looks like a reasonable nick MX-5 can be had for ~£3k-£6k. Anything else I should look at?

    Ideally:

    Don't want to depreciate a massive amount over the summer
    Convertable
    2 seater
    Bonus points for ULEZ compatibility - in case I decide to keep it a bit longer - I'm just on the edge of the ULEZ zone
    Bonus points for an automatic (I know I know, but there's a big chunk in the middle where I get stuck in traffic)

    What do the panel recommend?
    Any convertible you buy now will be peak price and worth a grand or so less if you sell in the autumn compared to this time next year.
    merely at clientco for the entertainment

    Comment


      #3
      You’re probably right, but unfortunately my time machine is broken….
      And the lord said unto John; "come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

      Comment


        #4
        Jaguar XK mk2. Aluminium body, good MPG. Good low mileage 4.2l drop top for around £12K, paddle shift or auto. If you can afford it stretch to £15K for the face lifted 5.0l.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by b0redom View Post
          Hi folks. I suppose as a lot of you are long term contractors some of you will have toy summer cars. I've just been told that my autistic son's transport to school (90 mins+) each way is not going to be sorted before the end of the summer term, so, given I'm stuck doing an epic school run I figure I may as well swap my boring and practical Ford Galaxy for something more fun temporarily.

          Looks like a reasonable nick MX-5 can be had for ~£3k-£6k. Anything else I should look at?

          Ideally:

          Don't want to depreciate a massive amount over the summer
          Convertable
          2 seater
          Bonus points for ULEZ compatibility - in case I decide to keep it a bit longer - I'm just on the edge of the ULEZ zone
          Bonus points for an automatic (I know I know, but there's a big chunk in the middle where I get stuck in traffic)

          What do the panel recommend?
          can't go wrong with Japanese.
          Why 2 seater though?

          Also. As reliability isn't on your list, have you thought about a classic (you won't get automatics, but the possible lack of power steering will distract you from that )?
          See You Next Tuesday

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by NigelJK View Post
            Jaguar XK mk2. Aluminium body, good MPG. Good low mileage 4.2l drop top for around £12K, paddle shift or auto. If you can afford it stretch to £15K for the face lifted 5.0l.
            Waaaaay over budget. I'm not replacing my car, I'm buying something fun (and preferably ULEZ compliant).
            And the lord said unto John; "come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by Lance View Post

              can't go wrong with Japanese.
              Why 2 seater though?

              Also. As reliability isn't on your list, have you thought about a classic (you won't get automatics, but the possible lack of power steering will distract you from that )?
              2 seater because it'll only be used when I'm taking the boy to school or the swimming pool, or occasionally on my own. I've got 3 kids so anything with the whole family will need my Galaxy (which is why it got bought in the first place). I've not seen anything fun and more than 2 seater at a reasonable price point - happy to have my mind changed though.

              Classics are a no go. They're not ULEZ compliant, and I don't really want to have to deal with it overheating/breaking down with an autistic child on board.
              And the lord said unto John; "come forth and receive eternal life." But John came fifth and won a toaster.

              Comment


                #8
                There is zero fun anywhere to be had on a 180 min school run.

                The only car criteria you need is air-con that works. Start with that.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by b0redom View Post
                  Hi folks. I suppose as a lot of you are long term contractors some of you will have toy summer cars. I've just been told that my autistic son's transport to school (90 mins+) each way is not going to be sorted before the end of the summer term, so, given I'm stuck doing an epic school run I figure I may as well swap my boring and practical Ford Galaxy for something more fun temporarily.

                  Looks like a reasonable nick MX-5 can be had for ~£3k-£6k. Anything else I should look at?

                  Ideally:

                  Don't want to depreciate a massive amount over the summer
                  Convertable
                  2 seater
                  Bonus points for ULEZ compatibility - in case I decide to keep it a bit longer - I'm just on the edge of the ULEZ zone
                  Bonus points for an automatic (I know I know, but there's a big chunk in the middle where I get stuck in traffic)

                  What do the panel recommend?
                  I see where you're coming from: I'd like a bit of fun on a daily drive for me and the boy.

                  Might I suggest a Beetle convertible?

                  https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/us...le/convertible

                  They seem to be in your price range and offer a little bit more flexibility.

                  I loved having my Beetle hire car back in the early 2000's-ish. Great fun. I had a red one. Happy days driving back and forth from Oxford to Milton Keynes.... it's not often that you'll hear that.

                  Good luck with your choices.
                  ---

                  Former member of IPSE.


                  ---
                  Many a mickle makes a muckle.

                  ---

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by b0redom View Post
                    Hi folks. I suppose as a lot of you are long term contractors some of you will have toy summer cars. I've just been told that my autistic son's transport to school (90 mins+) each way is not going to be sorted before the end of the summer term, so, given I'm stuck doing an epic school run I figure I may as well swap my boring and practical Ford Galaxy for something more fun temporarily.

                    Looks like a reasonable nick MX-5 can be had for ~£3k-£6k. Anything else I should look at?

                    Ideally:

                    Don't want to depreciate a massive amount over the summer
                    Convertable
                    2 seater
                    Bonus points for ULEZ compatibility - in case I decide to keep it a bit longer - I'm just on the edge of the ULEZ zone
                    Bonus points for an automatic (I know I know, but there's a big chunk in the middle where I get stuck in traffic)

                    What do the panel recommend?
                    https://2cev.co.uk/buy-new/

                    "A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims, but accomplices," George Orwell

                    Comment

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