Fun little run-around
Discussion
I need a winter thing to get me to the station when the roads are too icy for my bike and too salty for the Elise. I don't like duffer or boring cars, but I want something secondhand, cheap to buy, insure and run, but that can still put a smile on my face. Needs to be able to take 3 child seats on a rare occasion. Do I need a Panda 100hp or how about a Skoda Citigo (had one as a hire car and thought it was quite charmer and sounds a bit like a flat 6 when you give it the beans), plus I like the no-frills approach. What else should I consider?
Just looked at Citigos and they are holding their value rather too well I suspect...
Ford Puma? can't stretch to a Racing Puma but I believe the boggo one is still reasonably good fun. Suspect there are lots of very tired examples about thought that would cost quite a bit to keep on the road
Ford Puma? can't stretch to a Racing Puma but I believe the boggo one is still reasonably good fun. Suspect there are lots of very tired examples about thought that would cost quite a bit to keep on the road
That makes a little more sense.
mine has to isofix points in the back, which would make it handy. they did do a 5dr, but they're rocking horse poo rare.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=154...
That's my carpool.
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/2...
The AA seemed to like it too.
mine has to isofix points in the back, which would make it handy. they did do a 5dr, but they're rocking horse poo rare.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=154...
That's my carpool.
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/2...
The AA seemed to like it too.
Budget?
I've been looking around at MINI Coopers, specifically the S in the early R53 shape, although I suspect a Cooper would be just as fun.
Guess it depends what you mean by little. I probably care more about price than size.
So on my list was also an e46 325, although the compact 325Ti does seem a good bet too.
If I wasn't doing many miles then the RX-8 would also be on the list.
Other cars I've been thinking of, Celica 190, Ford Probe or even a Cougar (V6's for the last two).
I've been looking around at MINI Coopers, specifically the S in the early R53 shape, although I suspect a Cooper would be just as fun.
Guess it depends what you mean by little. I probably care more about price than size.
So on my list was also an e46 325, although the compact 325Ti does seem a good bet too.
If I wasn't doing many miles then the RX-8 would also be on the list.
Other cars I've been thinking of, Celica 190, Ford Probe or even a Cougar (V6's for the last two).
300bhp/ton said:
Budget?
I've been looking around at MINI Coopers, specifically the S in the early R53 shape, although I suspect a Cooper would be just as fun.
Guess it depends what you mean by little. I probably care more about price than size.
So on my list was also an e46 325, although the compact 325Ti does seem a good bet too.
If I wasn't doing many miles then the RX-8 would also be on the list.
Other cars I've been thinking of, Celica 190, Ford Probe or even a Cougar (V6's for the last two).
Budget 4.5 ish max. Good point on the size, I guess I want little because I want low running costs ideally, as a 3rd car. 325s are therefore out, as is the RX-8! Celica is a good shout. I don't think the Probe and Cougar have aged that well at all, although the Cougar was always praised as lovely to drive on the road (but not the track)I've been looking around at MINI Coopers, specifically the S in the early R53 shape, although I suspect a Cooper would be just as fun.
Guess it depends what you mean by little. I probably care more about price than size.
So on my list was also an e46 325, although the compact 325Ti does seem a good bet too.
If I wasn't doing many miles then the RX-8 would also be on the list.
Other cars I've been thinking of, Celica 190, Ford Probe or even a Cougar (V6's for the last two).
Wishbones and various other gubbins. Flat bottom chassis makes it v hard to wash bits that just sit underneath a 'normal' car. I know some people use theirs in winter but I don't think a light, fat tyred mid-engine car with no abs or tcs makes for much of a winter hack even without the salt issue!
TREMAiNE said:
I definitely recommend the CitiGo
Never fails to put a smile on my face and sounds superb!
Took mine on a track day recently... Though it wasn't best suited to the track its probably the most fun track day I've ever done - and it still achieved 39mpg!!!!!
I'd second that, I suspect it's the most fun you're going to get for 60bhp, 4 seats and 50mpgNever fails to put a smile on my face and sounds superb!
Took mine on a track day recently... Though it wasn't best suited to the track its probably the most fun track day I've ever done - and it still achieved 39mpg!!!!!
problem with the citigo is it might be most fun with the bhp and mpg, but it isn't really very cheap (although as it is much newer than the others and built to VW standards it might still prove cheaper over the course of a few years, especially factoring insurance in. Suspect they wont depreciate too badly as they are perfect 'just past test' fodder as well
zebedee said:
Budget 4.5 ish max. Good point on the size, I guess I want little because I want low running costs ideally, as a 3rd car. 325s are therefore out, as is the RX-8! Celica is a good shout. I don't think the Probe and Cougar have aged that well at all, although the Cougar was always praised as lovely to drive on the road (but not the track)
You can buy a very nice 325ti for 2k, it will return an easy 30mpg and more isn't difficult to achieve. May be worth another look as they are a hoot to drive. Agree on the citigo/mii/up
Had an Up as a hire car in Tenerife which was great fun. Thought it may be a holiday romance, but then got a Citigo as a courtesy car last month, and even driving the mundane roads in traffic it was fun. Nippy, sounds good, easy to park, super low running costs.
Had an Up as a hire car in Tenerife which was great fun. Thought it may be a holiday romance, but then got a Citigo as a courtesy car last month, and even driving the mundane roads in traffic it was fun. Nippy, sounds good, easy to park, super low running costs.
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