Cheap fun for the twistys?
Discussion
BenLowden said:
172 Cup, or a 182 Cup if you want air con, ESP and ABS (the 172 Cup has none of these but it also adds 80kg).
I've never had so much fun for so little, although I'd also consider a Mk1 MX-5 but I'm yet to drive one. Dare I say the Clio would be more reliable and won't rust although a proper cambelt/depasher/water pump change at a reputable specialist will set you back £700-800 so check its been done recently.
How much ?I've never had so much fun for so little, although I'd also consider a Mk1 MX-5 but I'm yet to drive one. Dare I say the Clio would be more reliable and won't rust although a proper cambelt/depasher/water pump change at a reputable specialist will set you back £700-800 so check its been done recently.
I paid £600 with dan at sjm.
Telecaster, I too live on the edge of the Peak District and no what you mean exactly by the roads.
Apart from my brand new Octy estate, I've also got a couple of cheapies on my drive, an MG ZS V6 180, 88k on the clock and cost £400
But I've also got an Audi A4 B5 1.8T Quattro Sport, bought for.... £400
Plenty of grip (especially for winter weather around here - it's on proper Bridgestone Blizzak winter tyres)
And just enough go to keep it real, but interesting.
Harking back through my mental records, the best fun I had was in a Cinquecento Sporting, small enough to have enough road space no matter where it was driven, and a hoot to drive flat out (almost) everywhere, momentum being everything.
Apart from my brand new Octy estate, I've also got a couple of cheapies on my drive, an MG ZS V6 180, 88k on the clock and cost £400
But I've also got an Audi A4 B5 1.8T Quattro Sport, bought for.... £400
Plenty of grip (especially for winter weather around here - it's on proper Bridgestone Blizzak winter tyres)
And just enough go to keep it real, but interesting.
Harking back through my mental records, the best fun I had was in a Cinquecento Sporting, small enough to have enough road space no matter where it was driven, and a hoot to drive flat out (almost) everywhere, momentum being everything.
CountZero23 said:
+1
Clearly the best option is an early Boxster S. You could have had this off him for 5k and you'd be sorted.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Didn't realize decent S's were that cheap now.
If you check the thread I'd already considered a Boxster S, but the servicing and maintenance of a Porsche scared me off. That plus the random parking situation I have.Clearly the best option is an early Boxster S. You could have had this off him for 5k and you'd be sorted.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Didn't realize decent S's were that cheap now.
200Plus Club said:
I'm on edge of peak District and will be out in Derbyshire tomorrow in my go kart (mr2 roadster)
Ping a pm and you can have a drive if insured 3rd party on other cars. Bend it mend it etc applies. It's a lot of fun.
That looks great! What wheels and suspension setup are on that?Ping a pm and you can have a drive if insured 3rd party on other cars. Bend it mend it etc applies. It's a lot of fun.
I still think the Clio's are a bit overrated sure you can't go faster for less cash but they aren't actually that fast and have a lack of torque
I previously had a 172 and now have a Polo Gti *which is definately not a track car* and I found the Clio's all stripped out and caged up, suspension, tyres etc were significantly slower even though I had terrible and reduced braking as well as being the driving equivalent of a retard today.
I previously had a 172 and now have a Polo Gti *which is definately not a track car* and I found the Clio's all stripped out and caged up, suspension, tyres etc were significantly slower even though I had terrible and reduced braking as well as being the driving equivalent of a retard today.
CABC said:
A mag (Autocar i think) did a wet test last year. lateral g, stopping etc. GT86 on stock tyres came last on all metrics. Except every journo wanted the keys to that car at the end of the day for playtime.
I can see why - they are great to drive, but don't fit the budget of the OP sadly. 
TheJimi said:
A Clio more reliable than an MX5?!
Yes really, drop the stereotypes, French cars are very reliable, German cars aren't, Fords don't need to be repaired daily, everything is backwards.Ok honestly, I think Peugeots have iffy electrics, Renaults though, particularly the RS Clios, are solid.
The biggest issue on the Mk2 Clio, as far as I know, is that the sunroof sometimes lets in water which then damages some expensive electrics (alarm module or body module or something) but the RS cars don't have sunroofs. Can't speak for diesel engines but the petrols are good, F4R in particular.
Ok they might be more prone to minor wear and tear than some other cars, they may creak and squeak and the exhausts may be made of brie and fit poorly, but the wheels keep turning.
Although I will say that mine at least seems to be a bit fussy, faster some days than others, not sure if it's humidity related, might be down to using a single MAP and no MAF for air charge. But it still works, it's just not as fast.
Edited by scarble on Thursday 23 June 09:11
scarble said:
Yes really, drop the stereotypes, French cars are very reliable, German cars aren't, Fords don't need to be repaired daily, everything is backwards.
Ok honestly, I think Peugeots have iffy electrics, Renaults though, particularly the RS Clios, are solid.
The biggest issue on the Mk2 Clio, as far as I know, is that the sunroof sometimes lets in water which then damages some expensive electrics (alarm module or body module or something) but the RS cars don't have sunroofs. Can't speak for diesel engines but the petrols are good, F4R in particular.
Ok they might be more prone to minor wear and tear than some other cars, they may creak and squeak and the exhausts may be made of brie and fit poorly, but the wheels keep turning.
Although I will say that mine at least seems to be a bit fussy, faster some days than others, not sure if it's humidity related, might be down to using a single MAP and no MAF for air charge. But it still works, it's just not as fast.
Nonsense. Ok honestly, I think Peugeots have iffy electrics, Renaults though, particularly the RS Clios, are solid.
The biggest issue on the Mk2 Clio, as far as I know, is that the sunroof sometimes lets in water which then damages some expensive electrics (alarm module or body module or something) but the RS cars don't have sunroofs. Can't speak for diesel engines but the petrols are good, F4R in particular.
Ok they might be more prone to minor wear and tear than some other cars, they may creak and squeak and the exhausts may be made of brie and fit poorly, but the wheels keep turning.
Although I will say that mine at least seems to be a bit fussy, faster some days than others, not sure if it's humidity related, might be down to using a single MAP and no MAF for air charge. But it still works, it's just not as fast.
Edited by scarble on Thursday 23 June 09:11
Mazdas are more reliable than Clio's. End of discussion
k-ink said:
200Plus Club said:
I'm on edge of peak District and will be out in Derbyshire tomorrow in my go kart (mr2 roadster)
Ping a pm and you can have a drive if insured 3rd party on other cars. Bend it mend it etc applies. It's a lot of fun.
That looks great! What wheels and suspension setup are on that?Ping a pm and you can have a drive if insured 3rd party on other cars. Bend it mend it etc applies. It's a lot of fun.
200Plus Club said:
Looks cool. I dropped mine 30mm on tein springs kyb shocks. Perfect for fast road.
I don't have much experience with French cars, but did drive a friend's Clio Sport once. I could see the appeal. What I couldn't see was by how much I was exceeding the speed limit, because the speedo didn't work. In fact, on a ratio of most things broken to age of car, it would have been a long way in front of 2nd place (probably another friend's Ford Falcon).
A turbo well matched to an engine and chassis is hard to beat. CT20b, 3SGTE and SW20 would have been my pick.
A turbo well matched to an engine and chassis is hard to beat. CT20b, 3SGTE and SW20 would have been my pick.
Telecaster_ said:
Not everyone's cup of tea, granted, but should be fun none the less.
Excellent choice. You will have fun. The only car my daughter laughed out loud in during a test drive. the post-purchase suggestion of an MGZS180 is also a good one -great car with imperfections/ character now at "disposable" prices.
MR2 or Crossfire.
2 things before you hit reply.
1) The s
tting dog gag is old and also a fairly common design now. Spoiler up it looks great, certainly a lot of compliments.
2) Despite Jeremy Fartsons review, the handling on the Crossfire is very sound. The weight of the car, easily offset by the M112 block inside its engine bay, means its planted at high speeds and in tight corners. The steering, whilst is true has an element of numbness, does not lack feedback at all, and certainly does not leave you concerned about what your car is doing.
Both cars are peanuts now. My preference would be the XF. Its a very livable car, plenty of space, plenty of modern comforts like heated seats, aircon etc etc, very sturdy car and of course, cheap to buy. You can get a good example automatic for around 3K. Manuals for around 5.
And no, the gearbox's are fine in both instances. It will see of most competition speed wise stock. With a very small amount of money, circla 500, you'll bring out the true potential of the M112 block. If your concerned about the ride being soft, which it isnt, then a set of shorter springs can be had for around 150 squids.
Of course if you go SRT-6 then you've bought a monster of a car.
2 things before you hit reply.
1) The s
tting dog gag is old and also a fairly common design now. Spoiler up it looks great, certainly a lot of compliments.2) Despite Jeremy Fartsons review, the handling on the Crossfire is very sound. The weight of the car, easily offset by the M112 block inside its engine bay, means its planted at high speeds and in tight corners. The steering, whilst is true has an element of numbness, does not lack feedback at all, and certainly does not leave you concerned about what your car is doing.
Both cars are peanuts now. My preference would be the XF. Its a very livable car, plenty of space, plenty of modern comforts like heated seats, aircon etc etc, very sturdy car and of course, cheap to buy. You can get a good example automatic for around 3K. Manuals for around 5.
And no, the gearbox's are fine in both instances. It will see of most competition speed wise stock. With a very small amount of money, circla 500, you'll bring out the true potential of the M112 block. If your concerned about the ride being soft, which it isnt, then a set of shorter springs can be had for around 150 squids.
Of course if you go SRT-6 then you've bought a monster of a car.
Edited by SloppyClock on Tuesday 28th June 16:00
Edited by SloppyClock on Tuesday 28th June 16:00
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