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Seven heaven?
As an ageing juvenile of 62, it is only in the last 10 years I have enjoyed a Midget and an MGB Roadster. These have been gone a while but my eye has been taken recently by :-
1) Caterham Classic Sprint 140BHP. 1.6 (1994) in blue and yellow; a convertible with side exhaust (just like an AC Cobra). FSH with only 35k miles. I haven't been to see it as I know I might be smitten and not able to stop myself buying. I'm 6' tall so entry may be a problem and I know it will be like a go-kart and only suitable for local trips. It looks gorgeous but is £10.5K
2) MX-5 1.8i S (01 51) in silver with leather and only 28K miles. I have seen this and it has been on the forecourt for over 2 months which tells me the price is far too high at £6,500 More suitable for an older person and better for long distances and getting bits of luggage in.
What would you be taken with and what problems should I look out for in going ahead with test drives and what about the prices?
1) Caterham Classic Sprint 140BHP. 1.6 (1994) in blue and yellow; a convertible with side exhaust (just like an AC Cobra). FSH with only 35k miles. I haven't been to see it as I know I might be smitten and not able to stop myself buying. I'm 6' tall so entry may be a problem and I know it will be like a go-kart and only suitable for local trips. It looks gorgeous but is £10.5K
2) MX-5 1.8i S (01 51) in silver with leather and only 28K miles. I have seen this and it has been on the forecourt for over 2 months which tells me the price is far too high at £6,500 More suitable for an older person and better for long distances and getting bits of luggage in.
What would you be taken with and what problems should I look out for in going ahead with test drives and what about the prices?
Asked on 24 October 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
Have you ever driven a Caterham? That is a serious question. It’s a bit like riding a motorbike lying down without a helmet. Unless you are only ever going to use it in the sunshine, I suggest you pick a rainy day for your test drive. That’s like riding a motorbike while holding an umbrella. An MX-5 is more suitable for someone at the end of middle age, and better for long distances and getting bits of luggage in. But the one you describe is a bit expensive. If you were considering £10,500 for the Caterham, then better to find an MX-5 Mk III 2.0 Sport 6-Speed with the Eibach suspension improvements. You could live with that. And even take it to track days without worrying if it was going to rain on the way.
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