Low budget fun second car
Discussion
feef said:
There is also the option of forced induction on the MX5 once you get bored of it's modest performance
I love mine and am still getting used to it's 225bhp now
Indeed, my first one was supercharged when I first got it, reckon it was running about 160 bhp (it was a cheapo JR setup) and it was a fair bit punchier, must be fantastic fun with 200+.I love mine and am still getting used to it's 225bhp now
TameRacingDriver said:
The MR2 would likely be my choice of this trio though. I used to own a Turbo, and it was an utterly absorbing, visceral experience and for me is in a different league to the other choices. Although the handling isn't the best, the steering and overall feel of driving the car is just superb and feels really exotic. Nothing like nailing the throttle coming out of a bend, and feeling the back end squat down and the car grip and launch towards the next corner. The noise the engine made was exciting and the car itself very reliable and quite reasonable to run. It will definitely feel more special than the others. Fuel economy is not the best, but its an old-school 240 bhp turbo so what do you expect. In fairness, even if the budget couldn't stretch to a Turbo, I'd still take the N/A model over the others, it's still 170 bhp and will easily match the Clio in a straight line, even if it did struggle a little in the corners (although in the hands of a good driver, might be a different story).
I did have a brief drive of a Mk3 and it feels nice to drive, but the engine sounds very tame as standard, like the MX5 it's only just quick enough, and I can't really seem to warm to the looks of the thing, but it's definitely worth having a go of one.
This. I did have a brief drive of a Mk3 and it feels nice to drive, but the engine sounds very tame as standard, like the MX5 it's only just quick enough, and I can't really seem to warm to the looks of the thing, but it's definitely worth having a go of one.
You can buy and insure a Rev 2 turbo in good condition within budget. Half for an NA.
TameRacingDriver said:
Out of the choices in the OP, I'd definitely take either the MX5 or MR2 over the Clio.
I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
First time I've heard that. In what sense? I've never felt it to be anything other than extremely pointy and quick to turn in.I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
Patrick Bateman said:
First time I've heard that. In what sense? I've never felt it to be anything other than extremely pointy and quick to turn in.
Fairly typical FWD trait really IMO, same as my FN2 Civic, the only FWD I've had that didn't really feel too nose heavy was my old DC2, but probably because it was so well set up. The 182 does have fast and pointy steering but you can certainly feel the weight in the nose at times. The 172 (mk1) seemed to me to have a slower rack which made it feel even worse in that respect (but it was more compliant).Patrick Bateman said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Out of the choices in the OP, I'd definitely take either the MX5 or MR2 over the Clio.
I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
First time I've heard that. In what sense? I've never felt it to be anything other than extremely pointy and quick to turn in.I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
In its power delivery.
Most of what he says is legit actually - although my 172 was impeccably reliable and my steering wheel hadnt melted (unusual)
Id argue the mx5 isnt any more focused - its just rwd and has terrible brakes so its more exciting on roundabouts
Patrick Bateman said:
I have a scorpion exhaust on mine and it does make a half decent sound when you're high in the revs, as far as 4 cylinders tend to go anyway.
Its an engine that needs working to sound good - in the megane even more so (sounds like a fighter jet through a 3" milltek once you get past 4-5k under load though)Re mx5 brakes - its a 90s jap car,they all have crap brakes because it was 20years ago
Right DickP, your talking to a sub £3K second/ fun car specialist here! I've always had at least one on the go over the last 5 years, and I've loved (and had no significant bork) from each one.
-mk1 or mk2 MX5 1.8 (or indeed the sweet, revvy 1.6) are your safest bet. £2K will buy all the MX5 you'll ever need, it'll never go wrong, and it'll bring you joy in all weathers. Check sills/ front suspension tops for rot, not much else to consider. I don't generally advocate uneccesary mods, but the sports exhaust on my BRG mk1 transformed/ enhanced the experience significantly- recommended.
-mk3 MR2 is one of the top VFM cars out there right now. Get a 2003> (IIRC), I got burned with an early 1ZZ engine in a 140 Gen7 Celica... mk2s also rule, and are looking more spiffing with each passing year (to my eye). I'd want a Rev5 onwards for various reasons. Mk3 chassis often compared favourably to more expensive/ prestigious stuff...
-E36 318is still represents the best value shed I've ever owned (mk1 MX5 aside) at £695 for a mint, low miles example. Couldn't believe my luck. With up to £3K you could be in a 328 that hasn't been a victim of the drift scene. A near 200hp BMW 6-cyl coupe with a nice chassis- great cars.
-Z3, get a post-facelift (2000>) with a 6-cyl engine, ignore the naysayers. Get the biggest engine you can- 2.8 very doable for £3K. I hated these as much as the majority of PHers do until I fell into one, completely won me over. Top-down 6-cyl noise is hard to come by at this price point. Have a mint one in the garage right now with lots of 'M' bits, hard to believe I paid sub £2K when I'm sat on the blue electric leather seats...
-Clio. Lots of people say 'Clio' to these kind of questions. Never driven one, never wanted one, sure they're pretty good.
-Gen7 Celica (must be 2ZZ/ 190/ VVTLi), now getting the recognition it deserves due to sub £3K prices. Believe me when I say it's not a million miles away from a DC2 Integra (I've owned both). Best all-rounder for the money, and utterly reliable. Locum Optometrist who works for me has been putting minicab miles on his all over the South-East in the last few years. A dead battery led to an RAC man telling him it had zero oil in it (NEVER serviced), still running faultlessly. Like the SW20 MR2, it's starting to look sharper again.
-EP3 Civic Type R- £3K now buys a sub 100K miles CTR, which seems a bit mad to me. I'd have one over a Clio, but then I'm a big Jap-centric. Friend of mine went to one of these from an EK9 Type R, we all thought he was mad, but ended up loving the EP3. You can't buy a revvy old NA hatch like this (from Honda anyway) now.
-mk1 or mk2 MX5 1.8 (or indeed the sweet, revvy 1.6) are your safest bet. £2K will buy all the MX5 you'll ever need, it'll never go wrong, and it'll bring you joy in all weathers. Check sills/ front suspension tops for rot, not much else to consider. I don't generally advocate uneccesary mods, but the sports exhaust on my BRG mk1 transformed/ enhanced the experience significantly- recommended.
-mk3 MR2 is one of the top VFM cars out there right now. Get a 2003> (IIRC), I got burned with an early 1ZZ engine in a 140 Gen7 Celica... mk2s also rule, and are looking more spiffing with each passing year (to my eye). I'd want a Rev5 onwards for various reasons. Mk3 chassis often compared favourably to more expensive/ prestigious stuff...
-E36 318is still represents the best value shed I've ever owned (mk1 MX5 aside) at £695 for a mint, low miles example. Couldn't believe my luck. With up to £3K you could be in a 328 that hasn't been a victim of the drift scene. A near 200hp BMW 6-cyl coupe with a nice chassis- great cars.
-Z3, get a post-facelift (2000>) with a 6-cyl engine, ignore the naysayers. Get the biggest engine you can- 2.8 very doable for £3K. I hated these as much as the majority of PHers do until I fell into one, completely won me over. Top-down 6-cyl noise is hard to come by at this price point. Have a mint one in the garage right now with lots of 'M' bits, hard to believe I paid sub £2K when I'm sat on the blue electric leather seats...
-Clio. Lots of people say 'Clio' to these kind of questions. Never driven one, never wanted one, sure they're pretty good.
-Gen7 Celica (must be 2ZZ/ 190/ VVTLi), now getting the recognition it deserves due to sub £3K prices. Believe me when I say it's not a million miles away from a DC2 Integra (I've owned both). Best all-rounder for the money, and utterly reliable. Locum Optometrist who works for me has been putting minicab miles on his all over the South-East in the last few years. A dead battery led to an RAC man telling him it had zero oil in it (NEVER serviced), still running faultlessly. Like the SW20 MR2, it's starting to look sharper again.
-EP3 Civic Type R- £3K now buys a sub 100K miles CTR, which seems a bit mad to me. I'd have one over a Clio, but then I'm a big Jap-centric. Friend of mine went to one of these from an EK9 Type R, we all thought he was mad, but ended up loving the EP3. You can't buy a revvy old NA hatch like this (from Honda anyway) now.
JQ said:
Absolutely cracking cars - if you can find one without a melted steering wheel and wheel arch rust, they're a bundle of fun.
They are good, but like the Clio (and CTR in all honesty) I wouldn't have one as a second car, essentially they are just a coupe Fiesta. They do handle well, but they just aren't exciting enough to consider as a second car IMO. I would always suggest a little RWD coupe or roadster for this reason, because they are totally different to your every day car.I really like my FN2 for example (which you likely wont get for budget anyway), the engine is cracking and it's certainly a fairly fast car, but I'm already bored with it after a string of MX5s, MR2s, BMWs and a 350Z, and I felt the same way about every other FWD car I've had since owning a RWD car of any description. I know its not the be all and end all of driving but it's sufficiently different enough that it feels good to use and makes you think about your driving more.
TameRacingDriver said:
JQ said:
Absolutely cracking cars - if you can find one without a melted steering wheel and wheel arch rust, they're a bundle of fun.
They are good, but like the Clio (and CTR in all honesty) I wouldn't have one as a second carPatrick Bateman said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Out of the choices in the OP, I'd definitely take either the MX5 or MR2 over the Clio.
I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
First time I've heard that. In what sense? I've never felt it to be anything other than extremely pointy and quick to turn in.I had two RS Clios and would not describe them as cheap to run on account of their fragility, poor build quality and iffy reliability. I also don't think they're as good to drive as people make out. They feel very nose heavy, and the engine whilst punchy is a harsh, rough old lump to use with a uninspiring noise. The driving position is terrible and and the steering wheel is a joke, looks like it belongs in a bus and melts in the sun. Overall despite what it's fans say, it really is just a hotted up shopping trolley and would not consider one as a second car, it's really more meant as a daily driver that can be hustled a bit.
tter of clio.I don't think there fragile or unreliable , I doubt there are many people who have been stranded due to the clio its more like annoying little things not working.
In my case the boot unlocks when it feels like it.
The steering wheel can be replaced and the drivers seat can be lowered and they seem to withstand rust far better than the jap equivalents.
JQ said:
TameRacingDriver said:
JQ said:
Absolutely cracking cars - if you can find one without a melted steering wheel and wheel arch rust, they're a bundle of fun.
They are good, but like the Clio (and CTR in all honesty) I wouldn't have one as a second carI owned a CTR for nearly 4 years and loved it. It was also brilliant, nothing ever went wrong or bad ever happened however if it was a second car, I'd like it to be special in some way. The CTR is superb day-to-day car and is fun on vtec but it never felt special, just moderately quick and very well engineered.
The Clio was fast and a decent drive although the driving position I found awkward. In many ways the Clio and CTR are similar however the engineering of Honda feels like its several leagues above.
Instead of the Clio, I'd consider a 306 Rallye which is a brilliant drivers car and one of the best FWD cars I've driven. The only two I'd place above it are the ITR and the Lotus Elise.
My current second car was never actually planned (sounds like I've just had a kid
). I've got a fairly heavily modded RB5 which is a experience to drive. I actually bought the car as a daily car with the intention of keeping it for 6 months however I've ended up owning it for quite a few years now. It's raw, visceral and very quick. Combine its raw (read harsh) and uncompromising approach it's a great car to drive. Clearly there are plenty of cars that offer a better driving experience but she's part of the family and is brilliant in her own way.You can pick up a decent Impreza classic within your budget but insurance is high (depending on your age) and they drink fuel. Still parts are very reasonable and abundant and there are lots of places that have experience of them.
Mk2 MR2. An NA is cheap to run, cheap to fix, and feels like a proper sports car. Parts are cheap - leather seats etc are easy to source and are 4 bolts, a doddle to fix. Pop up lights. They look awesome with staggered 5 spoke alloys a la F40. People go on about snap oversteer but even in my ham-fisted lead footed ownership, I didn't find it at all. Except in snow, with balding tyres, which was an absolute blast 
A tip, if it's not garaged - get a turbo engine lid. They have louvres over the grille which stops rain dripping on the alternator, a common issue. Room enough in the boot for bags or shopping. Mine had a removable sunroof, which was handy for collecting the family Christmas tree. I really miss mine. For a £1000 car, it was an absolute hoot. OK it'll have an older registration letter than a clio, but then again you won't be driving a compromised modified French shopping car.
And a clean one shouldn't lose any money at all.
A tip, if it's not garaged - get a turbo engine lid. They have louvres over the grille which stops rain dripping on the alternator, a common issue. Room enough in the boot for bags or shopping. Mine had a removable sunroof, which was handy for collecting the family Christmas tree. I really miss mine. For a £1000 car, it was an absolute hoot. OK it'll have an older registration letter than a clio, but then again you won't be driving a compromised modified French shopping car.
And a clean one shouldn't lose any money at all.
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