Best used sports car for £5k?

I'm after a used sports car for £5000. I want something that will have a soft top and give me driving pleasure for my retirement. We were thinking about a Mazda MX5, or a BMW Z3, or even a Mercedes SLK 230. What do you suggest?

Asked on 12 June 2014 by David Collins

Answered by Honest John
A Mazda MX5 is a sports car. The other two are attractive two seat roadsters, not sports cars. Z3s are looking good value as long as you don't mind the lousy steering. SLKs can have problems with the roof opening mechanism. If buying an MX5, check very carefully for rust. Details of all in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar
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A great sports car. Incredibly nimble. Responsive steering. Easy to live with day to day. Comparatively inexpensive to run. Roof is easy to fold down.
 

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