Perfect 2nd car to complement the Z
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From: Manchester, UK
I can't believe nobody has mnetioned the Honda S2000. It just got voted best Roadster by Auto Express and got voted best sportscar (above the Boxster) and best gearbox (I think) in the top 100 satisfaction survey.
They are absolutely awesome!!
They are absolutely awesome!!
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From: London, UK
From what I've read the handling is a bit skittish (exactly my problem with the Tuscan), and the engine doesn't really kick in until you're revving it's nuts off. Gear change is supposed to be the best ever though. I just want something more raw, with incredible handling like a real little race car, something that's huge fun at low speeds as well as fast. The S2000 would be on my shortlist if I had to chose a reliable, everyday convertible (along with the MX5 - had one and loved it), but the point of me chosing a 2nd car is that it doesn't have to be comfy and have a boot and an electric roof. The more lightweight and raw car 2 is, the more I'll appreciate the Z's comfort levels when I get in it 
Have you considered a motorcycle? Light weight, lots of power, precise steering, etc.
Back in the "dark ages" (the 60s) my car was a T-bird vert and my second vechicle was a Triumph 650. After marriage & more sedate vehicles my 2nd or 3rd vehicles were street bikes.
Back in the "dark ages" (the 60s) my car was a T-bird vert and my second vechicle was a Triumph 650. After marriage & more sedate vehicles my 2nd or 3rd vehicles were street bikes.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: London, UK
been looking
1 Lotus 340R, although the price is in Z territory plus some.
2 Lotus Espirit
3 Lotus Elise 2
(hmm... Lotus, Lotus, Lotus...)
4 Pretty much any old MG convertable sports car
regardless I think you need to have a play at Palmer Sport, it'll make you feel better...
then you should maybe look at one of the ultimate cars??? XXX
2 Lotus Espirit
3 Lotus Elise 2
(hmm... Lotus, Lotus, Lotus...)
4 Pretty much any old MG convertable sports car
regardless I think you need to have a play at Palmer Sport, it'll make you feel better...
then you should maybe look at one of the ultimate cars??? XXX
Last edited by rich Zed; May 6, 2003 at 10:03 AM.
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From: London, UK
Rat's Z - Nah, I hate bikes. I'm sure they're great fun, but I just hate the whole image and having to wear all that leather in the summer, eurgh. I'd rather get a horse! 
(no really, that would be cool).
Rich-
But the 340R is sooo ugly....
Any old MG? Had a couple in the past and much as I loved 'em I'm looking for something that handles well... This has got to be a 100% driver's car. MG's are fun in a noisy emotional way, but for something that you get in and feel completely connected with, I still can't think of anything to beat the Elise.
Cobra's? Now funnily enough I was thinking about this the other day, after realising how cheap a lot of the kit car ones are. Ceratinly would be a fun summer's day car, but all my cars so far have been of the brute power in a straight line variety, and although that is awesome fun, I am not gonna learn to be a better driver blasting in a straight line and slowing right down at the bends.
Incidentally, I took my Tuscan in to have it's geometry set up today (full 3D alignment), and it has changed the handling massively. The geometry was severely out. Now it really squats down to put the power down when you accelerate, and the steering is just so much more confidence inspiring, plus it feel much more planted at high speeds. I'm getting an 'Advanced TVR Driving' 4 hour session from Ride Drive (http://www.ridedrive.co.uk) for my birthday next week, and I'm hoping that will show me what I'm missing with this car. I see it sort of as marriage counselling for me and the Tuscan, one last shot at making things work out before I start the divorce proceedings!
(no really, that would be cool).Rich-
But the 340R is sooo ugly....
Any old MG? Had a couple in the past and much as I loved 'em I'm looking for something that handles well... This has got to be a 100% driver's car. MG's are fun in a noisy emotional way, but for something that you get in and feel completely connected with, I still can't think of anything to beat the Elise.
Cobra's? Now funnily enough I was thinking about this the other day, after realising how cheap a lot of the kit car ones are. Ceratinly would be a fun summer's day car, but all my cars so far have been of the brute power in a straight line variety, and although that is awesome fun, I am not gonna learn to be a better driver blasting in a straight line and slowing right down at the bends.
Incidentally, I took my Tuscan in to have it's geometry set up today (full 3D alignment), and it has changed the handling massively. The geometry was severely out. Now it really squats down to put the power down when you accelerate, and the steering is just so much more confidence inspiring, plus it feel much more planted at high speeds. I'm getting an 'Advanced TVR Driving' 4 hour session from Ride Drive (http://www.ridedrive.co.uk) for my birthday next week, and I'm hoping that will show me what I'm missing with this car. I see it sort of as marriage counselling for me and the Tuscan, one last shot at making things work out before I start the divorce proceedings!
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From: London, UK
Originally posted by girlracer
I'm getting an 'Advanced TVR Driving' 4 hour session from Ride Drive (http://www.ridedrive.co.uk) for my birthday next week, and I'm hoping that will show me what I'm missing with this car. I see it sort of as marriage counselling for me and the Tuscan, one last shot at making things work out before I start the divorce proceedings!
I'm getting an 'Advanced TVR Driving' 4 hour session from Ride Drive (http://www.ridedrive.co.uk) for my birthday next week, and I'm hoping that will show me what I'm missing with this car. I see it sort of as marriage counselling for me and the Tuscan, one last shot at making things work out before I start the divorce proceedings!
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From: UK
Whoa there!!!
Have I missed something here???
Divorce proceedings! Am I reading this right?
You're not happy with the Tuscan?
I thought it was a marriage made in heaven - Have I misunderstood? What's so bad?
Have I missed something here???
Divorce proceedings! Am I reading this right?
You're not happy with the Tuscan?
I thought it was a marriage made in heaven - Have I misunderstood? What's so bad?
Thread Starter
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From: London, UK
Giles, keep up!
The Tuscan's great in a straight line, but it's no fun in corners because it's so skittish. I like to blast through the bendy bits, so I'm looking at getting an Elise. It's also way cheaper than the Tugger, which means I can still afford my Z.
The Tuscan's great in a straight line, but it's no fun in corners because it's so skittish. I like to blast through the bendy bits, so I'm looking at getting an Elise. It's also way cheaper than the Tugger, which means I can still afford my Z.
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From: UK
Oh I see...
IMHO the Elise is a little too basic. My RSK had the same seating position - legs straight out in front & it's not the most comfortable way to drive. I'm still not too sure about the width of the sills either, or the contortions to get in & out with the hood still in place.
Sorry - just my opinions, don't mean to be a kill-joy
The handling is spot on though
IMHO the Elise is a little too basic. My RSK had the same seating position - legs straight out in front & it's not the most comfortable way to drive. I'm still not too sure about the width of the sills either, or the contortions to get in & out with the hood still in place.
Sorry - just my opinions, don't mean to be a kill-joy
The handling is spot on though
Thread Starter
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From: London, UK
No, you're right Giles - it is very very basic. But it's gonna be used 100% for fun, for summer blasts through the countryside and trackdays. I actually found it incredibly comfortable to drive because everything was right where I wanted it to be. I'm 5' 4" and 8 stone, so for me the driving position was custom built perfect. My legs were not straight out, I had a perfect amonut of room - in fact I have never felt so entirely connected to a car. It was like my body had a car shaped shell!
I don't see why people complain about being small - it's fantastic for driving sports cars. I suppose it's not so great if your legs are short, but it's weird, I have friends a couple inches taller than me who drive with the seat further forward. Thanks DNA!
It's a bugger to get in and out of though! LOL. I'm going to have to practice my Dukes Of Hazzard style entrance (privately).
I don't see why people complain about being small - it's fantastic for driving sports cars. I suppose it's not so great if your legs are short, but it's weird, I have friends a couple inches taller than me who drive with the seat further forward. Thanks DNA!
It's a bugger to get in and out of though! LOL. I'm going to have to practice my Dukes Of Hazzard style entrance (privately).
Last edited by girlracer; May 11, 2003 at 02:00 PM.
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From: IL
here's another to throw in the mix
http://www.thesmart.co.uk/index.html
Looking at that picture on the right makes me think the car has a handle you can use to pick it up!
The left car is the normal Smart car, which has a higher body style.
http://www.thesmart.co.uk/index.html
Looking at that picture on the right makes me think the car has a handle you can use to pick it up!
The left car is the normal Smart car, which has a higher body style.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: ENGLAND
Sally,
A guy I work with has a 160 that colour but with red roof.He has only had it a few months but is selling it.
Brilliant drivers car but too low for our crap roads & speed bumps.He also gets cronic back-ache (seat is fixed) I suppose if all you want is a weekend toy it will be O.K.
Personally I am sticking with my 94 MX5 Roadster, cheap & cheerfull but takes some beating on the twisty bits.
A guy I work with has a 160 that colour but with red roof.He has only had it a few months but is selling it.
Brilliant drivers car but too low for our crap roads & speed bumps.He also gets cronic back-ache (seat is fixed) I suppose if all you want is a weekend toy it will be O.K.
Personally I am sticking with my 94 MX5 Roadster, cheap & cheerfull but takes some beating on the twisty bits.
Thread Starter
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From: London, UK
Hi Paul,
Oh yes, they're definitely raw .. but it's gonna be very much a weekend toy (well, after October 
) so that's ok with me.
Anyway - can you please send me the details of your friend's 160? I might be interested if it's not too far out of my budget.
Cheers
Sally
Oh yes, they're definitely raw
.. but it's gonna be very much a weekend toy (well, after October ) so that's ok with me. Anyway - can you please send me the details of your friend's 160? I might be interested if it's not too far out of my budget.
Cheers
Sally