Fancy going topless for £1500?

Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it than getting out on the open road in your very own convertible sports car. If the idea of the roof down and the wind in your hair sounds appealing this blog might just be for you.

I have chosen two great little sports cars; the infamous mk1 Mazda mx5 and the British built MGF, both of which can be yours for less than £1500.

The Mazda Mx5.

The mk1 mx5 is the undisputed daddy of the sports car world. The lightweight perky little two seater does almost everything a sports car should. The minute you slide into the cabin, it feels “right”, is perhaps the only way to describe it, everything in the cabin is where you expect it to be. Avoid the 1.6 and go straight for the 1.8 which delivers the kind of performance you expect; the gear changes are quick and precise, enabling you to get the best out that 4 cylinder engine. The Mx5 is superbly balanced and has more than ample amounts of grip in the corners, enabling you to push it through the tightest bends at high speeds and not fear for your life. It also has one big ace up its sleeve, it’s phenomenally reliable. These cars go on forever so don’t be afraid to buy one with high mileage as long as it’s been looked after it will continue to be a fun summers toy for many years to come. In fact a friend of mine has an mx5 covered over on his drive for ten months of the year, including throughout the harsh winter, and has been doing so for the past six years, yet every summer it never fails to fire up on the first turn of the key.

What to look out for?

Mechanically these cars should be fine, although check that the car has not been thrashed every day of its life; a tired gearbox and clutch will indicate if this is the case. Unfortunately the biggest killer of any old mx5 is rust so check the front and rear wings for obvious signs that rust has set in and if it’s too bad simply walk away. There are plenty on the used market so be picky and find a good one. Also check the condition of the canvas hood, they generally last well but over time they will need replacing and it’s at least a 250 pound job, so factor this in when buying. It is also worth remembering these are sports cars, so you never quite know if an over enthusiastic driver has put the car on the wrong side of a hedge in its time, so check carefully for signs of dodgy accident repairs. There are a few grey imports of the MX5 under the name “Eunos”, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, in fact there often cheaper than the one with Mazda badges on, just make sure it has all the relevant paperwork with it.

And now for the MGF

I have mentioned previously on Autohouse that I have owned one of these before, it was only the crippling insurance costs that forced me to sell, ultimately down to my age. I have always had a bit of a soft spot for the MGF since I drove one when I was 16 on a private road and subsequently ended up buying one. I personally think it looks better than the MX5, but of course that is only my opinion and there will be many that disagree. There is a definite sense of “old school” engineering when you drive it; the clutch is fairly heavy, as is the gear change and you can hear the engine rasp and fizz as you drive, partly due to the fact you sit right in front of the engine. It handles well on twisty roads, partly due to its mid- engine layout, although it isn’t as razor sharp as an mx5. If you go for the VVC, which is the one you want, in terms of straight line speed it is faster than the mx5 and also it revs to a fantastic 7000 rpm.

What to look out for?

There is a golden rule when buying any MGF, check the “head gasket” has been done. The rover K series engine is nicknamed “the kettle” by many motor traders as they’re always on the boil. Always ask for full documented evidence that this has been changed to the later updated gaskets and the head skimmed because otherwise it could cost you at least £750 to sort out. It’s vital that the water levels are checked regularly to avoid the gasket going again, other than that it is generally a reliable car. Check that all the electrics work and the condition of the roof is good, especially the back plastic window. It would definitely be advisable if you can get one with a full service history to do so as unfortunately the MG does not have the bullet-proof reliability of the Japanese Mazda, but if you find a good one it will provide loads of fun on a summer’s day for very little money.

The alternatives

Although they may not be true sports cars, they still are a perfect way to get the sun on the top of your head.

Alfa Romeo spider




A very good looking Italian convertible, if you can stretch to the v6, definitively go for it. Although for this budget the more modest 2.0 seems more likely. Check for regular servicing and cambelt changes.

Saab 900 convertible.

Whether it’s the classic shape or the new GM designed shape, both are very good looking and reliable. Super quick in turbo form and there is space for two in the back.

BMW 3 series convertible





A good late 90’s 3 series convertible can now be yours for £1500. It seats four, the straight six engine is silky smooth and it looks good.

Audi cabriolet



A good mid 90’s cabriolet, fantastic German build quality, imposing looks and strong engines, all for a little over a £1000.

Fiat Barchetta

A very pretty, handmade Italian two-seater. Not one for real hard drivers as its front wheel drive and underneath it’s basically a Fiat Punto. Only comes in left hand drive.