Best Car for under 3000??
Discussion
I think the v8 would be abit of overkill and im sure insurance would be insane!
The 182 seems to be the best bet, with the st a close second,
What models with as standard kit should i be looking for??
As ive found a standard 182, cup 182 and trophy 182
Whats the pros and cons?
I hadnt really thought about honda civics mainly because surely at that price they would of been trashed around abit?
The 182 seems to be the best bet, with the st a close second,
What models with as standard kit should i be looking for??
As ive found a standard 182, cup 182 and trophy 182
Whats the pros and cons?
I hadnt really thought about honda civics mainly because surely at that price they would of been trashed around abit?
I think hot hatch is the way to go with it, maybe tempted to go a little bigger in terms of size, just finding one which is the an all rounder.
Peug 205? Clio 182/172 fiesta st, polo gti? All have the hot hatch pedigree,
If i could id go for the new fiesta ecoboost, but id rather buy the car outright
Peug 205? Clio 182/172 fiesta st, polo gti? All have the hot hatch pedigree,
If i could id go for the new fiesta ecoboost, but id rather buy the car outright
LeoZwalf said:
No, never. They always end up buying what they really wanted in the first place before they even asked on here, usually something dull or sensible (depending on how you look at it) rather than the ridiculous suggestions offered on PH.
Well i want nothing dull or sensible. I want a tasty car for the year! But a v8 is abit much! Kozy said:
ATR for sure.
Pros
Can pick up a decent example for £2k, leaving a nice sum left over for general maintenance or a set of coilovers.
Frenetic 2.2 VTEC engine is an absolute hoot.
LSD gearbox. No arguments, this is an absolute must for a FWD.
Sublime steering. No other saloon car touches this thing for feel and feedback it makes everything else feel numb, even my MX5.
Fantastic handling. It's got an even better chassis than the DC2 Integra. OK, it's also got an extra 250kg, but the same DNA flows through it.
It's comfortable. The Recaros are superb, the Momo steering wheel is the same one found in the Ferrari F355 and the interior is generally one of the best available from Hondas of that era, very well screwed together.
It feels special. Stuff like fast Golfs (and all the VAG derivatives) don't feel special. They just feel like a shopping car with a bit of grunt, but the same lifeless steering and mundane chassis that's been hopped up with a set of stiffer springs. The ATR thing just feels special all the time, whether you're stuck in traffic or giving it death down a B road.
It's got schizophrenia. When you're pootling, it's quiet, it's reserved, it'll return reasonable fuel economy. Give it a poke though, wake up that second cam and it'll make noises like a touring car and make you grin like a Cheshire cat.
It's big. Much bigger than an Evo/Impreza. Good if you need rear passenger space. Huge boot too.
Cons.
It'll drink when you hoon it (but what won't).
It's low geared, so high RPM on the motorway compared to rivals.
It's noisy. No sound deadening (4 teh litewieghts y0) so road noise is high at speed.
The rear seats don't fold. (Good for handling though)
It looks a bit dated.
Cheap insurance.
Im struggling to find any! Pros
Can pick up a decent example for £2k, leaving a nice sum left over for general maintenance or a set of coilovers.
Frenetic 2.2 VTEC engine is an absolute hoot.
LSD gearbox. No arguments, this is an absolute must for a FWD.
Sublime steering. No other saloon car touches this thing for feel and feedback it makes everything else feel numb, even my MX5.
Fantastic handling. It's got an even better chassis than the DC2 Integra. OK, it's also got an extra 250kg, but the same DNA flows through it.
It's comfortable. The Recaros are superb, the Momo steering wheel is the same one found in the Ferrari F355 and the interior is generally one of the best available from Hondas of that era, very well screwed together.
It feels special. Stuff like fast Golfs (and all the VAG derivatives) don't feel special. They just feel like a shopping car with a bit of grunt, but the same lifeless steering and mundane chassis that's been hopped up with a set of stiffer springs. The ATR thing just feels special all the time, whether you're stuck in traffic or giving it death down a B road.
It's got schizophrenia. When you're pootling, it's quiet, it's reserved, it'll return reasonable fuel economy. Give it a poke though, wake up that second cam and it'll make noises like a touring car and make you grin like a Cheshire cat.
It's big. Much bigger than an Evo/Impreza. Good if you need rear passenger space. Huge boot too.
Cons.
It'll drink when you hoon it (but what won't).
It's low geared, so high RPM on the motorway compared to rivals.
It's noisy. No sound deadening (4 teh litewieghts y0) so road noise is high at speed.
The rear seats don't fold. (Good for handling though)
It looks a bit dated.
Cheap insurance.
I mean it looks like a sleeper which i like but ive heard mixed things about atrs, they arent particualrly quick compared to others of this group and the gearbox issues?
I may just be finding bad examples, but is it a nice all rounder?
FD3Si said:
As someone who bought a 172 cup 6 months ago, and loves the way it drives, I'd buy something that's not a farking Clio.
It took some convincing(I have had a long line of cheap and uber reliable but fun Japanese cars), but the drive sealed it - it's an absolute hoot. However, it breaks more than any other car I've ever had. I did all the neccessary checks and got a mid priced one with lowish mileage, a newish clutch, had had the belts done, decent service history etc etc.
Since then it's been constant niggles.
- Speedo sensor died
- Rear brake pad fell out
- Airbag light constantly on/off, depending on how log it is since I last wiggled the passenger side wire
- Clutch self adjuster died
- 25k old clutch died spectacularly on me last week (on the way to get it looked at)
- Thermostat has just snuffed it
- Hesitation when cold ('they all do that, sir')
And other small niggly bits I've forgotten. Nothing major, other than the clutch, but it just seems like there's constantly something wrong with it.
Before this we had a slightly tatty DC2 Integra - in the three years and tens of thousands of miles we put on it, it snapped a bolt on the AC compressor. That's it.
Wonderful to drive, rubbish to own, IMHO.
How was the integra with rear passenger space? It took some convincing(I have had a long line of cheap and uber reliable but fun Japanese cars), but the drive sealed it - it's an absolute hoot. However, it breaks more than any other car I've ever had. I did all the neccessary checks and got a mid priced one with lowish mileage, a newish clutch, had had the belts done, decent service history etc etc.
Since then it's been constant niggles.
- Speedo sensor died
- Rear brake pad fell out
- Airbag light constantly on/off, depending on how log it is since I last wiggled the passenger side wire
- Clutch self adjuster died
- 25k old clutch died spectacularly on me last week (on the way to get it looked at)
- Thermostat has just snuffed it
- Hesitation when cold ('they all do that, sir')
And other small niggly bits I've forgotten. Nothing major, other than the clutch, but it just seems like there's constantly something wrong with it.
Before this we had a slightly tatty DC2 Integra - in the three years and tens of thousands of miles we put on it, it snapped a bolt on the AC compressor. That's it.
Wonderful to drive, rubbish to own, IMHO.
Ive been looking at the facelift integras with not much luck under 3grand,
The old one just look abit too outdated
Kozy said:
It cost the same to insure as my £400 2.0 TDDI Mondeo estate.
Maybe the Mondeo was just hideously expensive to insure?
Also cheaper than the newer model 2.4 Type S, Mondeo ST220, BMW 530i and something else similar (another circa 200bhp Saloon) I was considering at the time but forgot what it was.
The 530 isnt a bad idea, i shall have a look for them! Maybe the Mondeo was just hideously expensive to insure?
Also cheaper than the newer model 2.4 Type S, Mondeo ST220, BMW 530i and something else similar (another circa 200bhp Saloon) I was considering at the time but forgot what it was.
Edited by Kozy on Monday 24th November 12:05
I presume they will be fully kitted and quite reliable
Kozy said:
It cost the same to insure as my £400 2.0 TDDI Mondeo estate.
Maybe the Mondeo was just hideously expensive to insure?
Also cheaper than the newer model 2.4 Type S, Mondeo ST220, BMW 530i and something else similar (another circa 200bhp Saloon) I was considering at the time but forgot what it was.
The 530 isnt a bad idea, i shall have a look for them! Maybe the Mondeo was just hideously expensive to insure?
Also cheaper than the newer model 2.4 Type S, Mondeo ST220, BMW 530i and something else similar (another circa 200bhp Saloon) I was considering at the time but forgot what it was.
Edited by Kozy on Monday 24th November 12:05
I presume they will be fully kitted and quite reliable
FD3Si said:
Passenger space is definitely acceptable, although roof line is pretty low, so not for super tall people.
Boot is humungous though!
When you say facelift, I'm which do you mean? There was a mild facelift in '98 along with some chassis/brake tweaks, and there's no way you would get a reasonable DC2 for 3k. You may be able to get a leggy '96 though (we sold ours for under 3k a couple of years ago) The '98 does feel a bit sharper, but we didn't think it was worth the extra premium.
That car was the best car my other half or I had ever owned. Strong as an ox, utterly dependable, cheap to run, massively practical, quick enough to be fund, hugely rewarding to drive, sounded sublime (with the top off the airbox), and a chassis that truly deserves the reverence it gets.
I'm considering either an ATR or Gen7 Celica to replace the Clio. 3k should get a decent Gen7 VVTLi Celica which are supposed to be a very entertaining drive
And its not the dc2 it is the newer integra, Not sure the exact model just doesnt have the older looks as the dc2 does. Boot is humungous though!
When you say facelift, I'm which do you mean? There was a mild facelift in '98 along with some chassis/brake tweaks, and there's no way you would get a reasonable DC2 for 3k. You may be able to get a leggy '96 though (we sold ours for under 3k a couple of years ago) The '98 does feel a bit sharper, but we didn't think it was worth the extra premium.
That car was the best car my other half or I had ever owned. Strong as an ox, utterly dependable, cheap to run, massively practical, quick enough to be fund, hugely rewarding to drive, sounded sublime (with the top off the airbox), and a chassis that truly deserves the reverence it gets.
I'm considering either an ATR or Gen7 Celica to replace the Clio. 3k should get a decent Gen7 VVTLi Celica which are supposed to be a very entertaining drive
Atr has been mentioned on here as well, that looks like a good all rounder, but maybe abit to much for me to begin with,
Could you link me a dc2 you are refering too and ill have a look into it
iloveboost said:
No idea how old you are or whether you intend to go on a trackday or what running costs you can afford or justify. It depends on you really as there is no 'best car' for £3K. I mean it's all subjective based on your own experiences of what you've driven, what you drive, what you like and dislike.
I think a 2.0 Fiesta ST would be a good first hot hatch and they should be £3K for a half decent one by now. Cheaper (in theory) maintenance costs than a Clio 172/182 with similar performance in the real world and similar reasonable insurance to a Swift Sport. Also in every Fiesta from the last generation the handling is good and all the controls feel well weighted and linear. Downsides for me are slightly excessive road noise and not much leg room. Similar to the Puma 1.7 but slightly faster, more expensive and slightly thirstier. Also far less likely to rust and safer.
If you want to go on the occasional track day a front engined rear wheel drive old sportscar like a 944 could be great to drive just with some coilovers. You've got to budget more for fuel though. Also repairs and maintenance could easily cost ££££ a year if you're 'unlucky'.
Ill be 23 when i buy the car, so nothing very excessive,I think a 2.0 Fiesta ST would be a good first hot hatch and they should be £3K for a half decent one by now. Cheaper (in theory) maintenance costs than a Clio 172/182 with similar performance in the real world and similar reasonable insurance to a Swift Sport. Also in every Fiesta from the last generation the handling is good and all the controls feel well weighted and linear. Downsides for me are slightly excessive road noise and not much leg room. Similar to the Puma 1.7 but slightly faster, more expensive and slightly thirstier. Also far less likely to rust and safer.
If you want to go on the occasional track day a front engined rear wheel drive old sportscar like a 944 could be great to drive just with some coilovers. You've got to budget more for fuel though. Also repairs and maintenance could easily cost ££££ a year if you're 'unlucky'.
And id prefer a more reliable car than a 944 with some modern features! Im sure an st can be good fun on a track too with the right suspension and tyre setup.
Are the clio 182 that much more than a st to maintain? And you mention a suzuki swift, i dont think any one has yet? Thoughts?
R2T2 said:
The Fiesta ST is a "warm hatch" rather than a full hot one.
The 530i is the car I would've bought if I could've afforded the running costs at the time, which I couldn't. So got my T-Jet which you can have for about 3k. But it's in no way a hot hatch.
I'd be looking long and hard at something like a 330i, 530i or a 540 as there's not much that can match it.
I would agree its not a full hot hatch, but a very warm one! The 530i is the car I would've bought if I could've afforded the running costs at the time, which I couldn't. So got my T-Jet which you can have for about 3k. But it's in no way a hot hatch.
I'd be looking long and hard at something like a 330i, 530i or a 540 as there's not much that can match it.
Has anyone had any experience with any of these big bmws.
The 5series always takes me back to james bond, of which i presume it would be that model!
Squirrelofwoe said:
I'd echo this, I paid under £2k for mine 18 months ago and it has been superb.
Mine came with a Mongoose exhaust and a Typhoon induction kit and the sound is incredible. Also worth pointing out is the fantastic driving position, which is unlike any other saloon car I have driven.
I had a DC2 Integra for a couple of years prior to the ATR and the Accord is every bit as involving to drive. As it was also going to be used for the work commute I sought out one with air-con and the optional arm-rest and the only thing I feel like I'm missing is a 6th gear on motorways.
I'm not sure what else I could get for the same money that offers everything the ATR does. The only downside (from a practicality point of view) is the non-folding rear seats. The boot is cavernous, but due to the fixed bulkhead does become a problem with longish items. An example was a trip to purchase decking planks- we managed to get 7 into my ATR, before squeezing the remaining 32(!) into my mates Clio 172...
In fact that Clio 172 also transported (at different times) mattresses, a dishwasher, a cooker, a washing machine, a fridge-freezer, and a garden bench. All the while acting as a mobile tool shed. I would highly recommend one to anyone wanting a fun alternative to a van
I would be happy with either at that the OP's budget, so much bang for your buck- I prefer the ATR as a drivers car but would take the Cliosport if I did a lot of load carrying. The Clio did eat exhausts though.
We have it down to a good few cars now! Just a few questions about all of themMine came with a Mongoose exhaust and a Typhoon induction kit and the sound is incredible. Also worth pointing out is the fantastic driving position, which is unlike any other saloon car I have driven.
I had a DC2 Integra for a couple of years prior to the ATR and the Accord is every bit as involving to drive. As it was also going to be used for the work commute I sought out one with air-con and the optional arm-rest and the only thing I feel like I'm missing is a 6th gear on motorways.
I'm not sure what else I could get for the same money that offers everything the ATR does. The only downside (from a practicality point of view) is the non-folding rear seats. The boot is cavernous, but due to the fixed bulkhead does become a problem with longish items. An example was a trip to purchase decking planks- we managed to get 7 into my ATR, before squeezing the remaining 32(!) into my mates Clio 172...
In fact that Clio 172 also transported (at different times) mattresses, a dishwasher, a cooker, a washing machine, a fridge-freezer, and a garden bench. All the while acting as a mobile tool shed. I would highly recommend one to anyone wanting a fun alternative to a van
I would be happy with either at that the OP's budget, so much bang for your buck- I prefer the ATR as a drivers car but would take the Cliosport if I did a lot of load carrying. The Clio did eat exhausts though.
172 clio
182clio,
You say it goes through exhausts, i have been reading about a milltek exhaust system if i was to go for one of them,
Worth the money and hassle of having more problems?
Atr
I shall have a look at those ones you mentioned, but that rear seat issue im sure will be an issue at some point im sure... But i could just purchase a trailer to carry any items that id need to fit.
Would there be anything in particular to look for on the atr? That may be a problem
Dc2
Popped up again, any thing i should be looking for with these? Problems wise when searching? And anything that i could do to it to be that little bit more special? Exhaust, suspension etc
rb5er said:
I think you are thinking of the 7series.
Depends what you want from a car, nice engine if you get a V8 but not an agile hot hatch to drive.
Think the ATR is a good shout if you can insure one. The BMW is a boat to drive compared.
I shall have a look to see if i can get insured and get back with prices Depends what you want from a car, nice engine if you get a V8 but not an agile hot hatch to drive.
Think the ATR is a good shout if you can insure one. The BMW is a boat to drive compared.
They are very cheap, what problems should i look for with the vtecs?
AndrewCrown said:
I hadnt even thought of any of these but alfas have reliablity problems no? Insurance isnt a problem so much as i have abit of leverage with it as long as the car isnt ridiculous.
And i have a mate who has a a3 and its falling apart! Old one but i didnt expect it at all!
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