|
Ha, go for it!
I am loving it although I've ended up driving it much more than envisaged due to a work secondment dragging me off the train for a few months. This involves a 3 hour twice weekly commute on motorways and fast A roads.
Mines the 220BHP 2.5 si Sport, so slightly lowered "M" sports suspension and comfy sports seats. For a more supple ride, the SE is a better choice but it depends on the sorts of roads you intend driving on.
If you are looking at the E85 / E86, 2003 - 2009, please see my comments below. For the later E89 with the hard folding roof, I don't have any real experience of these.
Engine wise, the 2.5 and 3.0 6 cylinder are smooth and powerful and not a lot will beat you in a sprint from the lights - or the more critical 50-70 overtaking surge. I also drove a 2.0 litre and if you want more of a tourer and are not so worried about out and out speed and acceleration than they are good motor. The M and Alpine are hugely quick, but quite rare and more expensive to buy. Equipment is pretty basic - cup holders would be nice but the heating and stereo is good for the year.
Things to look for: Roof works properly and ideally the pump has been relocated into the boot. Wheels and tyres are all in good condition and the power steering works properly. Any stickiness (Not tramlining) is a major bill. Check the car sits level and doesn't crash through the bumps, as that requires new bushes to correct. Springs are often changed, so check the ride height is correct. Make sure the exhaust has not been modified, as it gives them a nice throaty roar when accelerating and a horrible drone at motorway speeds...
Insurance is about £240 a year for us.
We are off to the lakes in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to the drive up, but maybe not the local roads so much! |
|