What are your cheap fun cars?

[Mr Scruff]

Like many my daily driver has to be something sensible - my Seat Leon is worthy but dull. However, and again I suspect similarly to many, I don't want to give up my petrolhead roots just because I need to be sensible much of the time; I want a fun car to play with, remind me why I enjoy driving.

Out and out speed isn't a big factor here (I have a motorbike for that) so I've been looking at French hot hatches - y'know, the standard stuff - 306 Rallyes, 205 GTis, Clio Willams, Mk2 Golf GTi. Anything I've forgotten (I know, I know, MX-5...)?

Only criteria is that it needs to be around the £2k mark and it needs to put a smile on your face. What have other people got in the garage for cheap thrills?

[GPS M-Jet]

How about a 106 Rallye?

[Chrisw666]

AX GT

Puma

Sport Ka

Saxo VTS

MX5 (there I did it)

[Zeemax_Mini]

I genuinely would suggest an MX5 - I'd never tried one until I bought one locally for £350, which after £40 of bushes etc had a full years MOT. Absolutely not fast (at all) but SO predictable and controllable that you can just end up sliding around roundabouts etc and slow speeds if you really want to provoke it. That's its key to me really, that I don't have to be flying to enjoy it - especially in the wet, even at 20mph I can just give it a little flick and some power and end up laughing to myself in the car as I'm going sideways!

Dom

[_Batty_]

and about £500 change for and epic euro trip

[DannyVTS]

My Clio 172?

[Haig]

What about the latest addition to the PH fleet - a Puma? Looking at getting one of these myself to turn into a track toy. Excellent chassis, cheap as chips to maintain and insure, and you can buy a really good example for your budget. OK, so it's not particularly quick, but what it lacks in performance it makes up for in entertainment.

[Mr Scruff]

I do like the MX-5s, the only thing I find is that I'm a little tall for them, top of my head sticks out over the top of the windscreen... Wife and I have had two, 1.8 and a 1.6. Not gonna rule one out mind...

Puma I couldn't get comfortable in, unsure why but meant I wasn't happy really chucking it about as a result. Did about 1,000 miles in one over a summer so gave it a decent bash but I just didn't click with it.

Preludes seem a little, well, sensible?

172 is an interesting suggestion, didn't realise they'd become so cheap!!

[Chrisw666]

Mr Scruff said:

172 is an interesting suggestion, didn't realise they'd become so cheap!!

If you search hard enough (and insurance isn't a problem) the a cup should be in or around the budget. I was quoted almost twice the price to insure an E39 M5 for one though.

[300bhp/ton]

Mr Scruff said:

Like many my daily driver has to be something sensible

Why?


Seriously, there are a lot of interesting cars out there that can achieve very sensible abilities but still be fun.

Are you doing mega mileage?

Mr Scruff said:

- my Seat Leon is worthy but dull.

Then maybe consider something different and better suited to your needs and your wants.

I know you are asking about a 2nd car. But I see no point in spending 95% of your driving time in something dull and boring when you don't need too.

Mr Scruff said:

However, and again I suspect similarly to many, I don't want to give up my petrolhead roots just because I need to be sensible much of the time; I want a fun car to play with, remind me why I enjoy driving.

Out and out speed isn't a big factor here (I have a motorbike for that) so I've been looking at French hot hatches - y'know, the standard stuff - 306 Rallyes, 205 GTis, Clio Willams, Mk2 Golf GTi. Anything I've forgotten

I don't really have anything against any of these. Apart from the fact that in my view they are all a little boring for a weekend car or toy (unless you are going to prep it for track/competition work). These are more daily drivers.....

Mr Scruff said:

Only criteria is that it needs to be around the £2k mark and it needs to put a smile on your face. What have other people got in the garage for cheap thrills?

I think £2k gives quite a wide range of choice.

Sticking with the hatch theme. A Rover 200BRM. Not an average Rover 200, this one comes equipped with a LSD, close ratio box, uprated suspension, uprated brake servo and quick rack steering. Along with some nice styling additions and a custom interior. It's also a rare car with only around 500 left on UK roads. It's pretty quick and handles very very well. Not quite Integra Type R levels, but a lot closer than many like to claim (or believe ).


That said, I still think even a BRM is more of a daily than a weekend car. I think I'd be looking at classics, kits and something a little more different such as coupes and sports cars.

To that end, these are all possibles:

1985 Rx7 FB series3 (1986)
77,000 miles £1,400
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3009408.htm


Mazda RX7 FC Turbo (1990)
95,806 miles £1,895
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2877839.htm


Lexus (Toyota Soarer) Twin Turbo (1993)
168,000 miles £1,295
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3048290.htm


Lotus Excel SE 1987 (1987)
87,000 miles £2,695
Lotus Excel SE 1987 (1987)
87,000 miles £2,695


Marlin Roadster
£3,300
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2970691.htm


Mg-f 1.8 vvc Convertible (1999)
96,000 miles £1,495
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2969209.htm


MG Midget 1500cc (1976)
75,000 miles £1,575
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2934922.htm


1982/x TR7 FH coupe, with 3.5 V8 engine (1982/X)
72,000 miles £2,200
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2384162.htm


Tr 7 V8 (1981)
64,000 miles £1,550
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2953827.htm


Triumph spitfire 1500cc (VGC) (1979)
86,000 miles £2,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3026175.htm


Blue Rev 3 T-bar (1994)
109,000 miles £1,600
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3045417.htm


Subaru Impreza WRX STI (1996/N)
89,000 miles £1,695
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3039427.htm


Rover MG Montego EFi (1990)
40,515 miles £2,750
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2994739.htm


Rover P6 Manual 3500S (1972)
42,000 miles £2,495
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2859432.htm


Rover 220 Coupe Turbo Modified (1993)
£1,200
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3033721.htm


GTV 2.0 T-Spark 16v Phase 2 (1999)
87,000 miles £1,600
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2946876.htm


BMW (E36) 328i COUPE AUTOMATIC (1997)
82,100 miles £1,995
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2972648.htm


BMW 325I SE E30 (1990)
129,000 miles £1,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3042641.htm


Chevrolet Camaro T-Tops Coupe For Sale (1997)
66,000 miles £2,250
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1256013.htm


Coupe 20V Turbo - Ferrari Rosso Red, Tan Leather, Massive History (1997)
117,000 miles £1,195
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3021570.htm


Jeep Cherokee 2000 TDI Only 82000 miles (2000)
82,000 miles £2,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2995070.htm


1980 GTM Coupe (1980)
18,808 miles £2,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3019224.htm


PORSCHE 911 TURBO COVIN REPLICA (1971)
£2,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2968449.htm


FORD CAPRI 2.8i FOR SALE (1985)
102,000 miles £2,150
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2771919.htm


LANDROVER DISCOVERY 300 TDI OFF ROADER (1995)
160 miles £1,200
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3048941.htm


MGB GT (1979/T)
118,000 miles £1,750
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2916093.htm

• EVO 1 GSR - GREAT BARGAIN** (1993)

70,000 miles £2,250
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2948744.htm


Nissan 200SX S14a (1999)
£2,499
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2803788.htm

• REDUCED - NON-TURBO 2.5 24v SKYLINE** (1993)

£1,999
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2430263.htm


Pontiac Firebird Formula (1988)
£2,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1846465.htm


EXCELLENT ORIGINAL EXAMPLE (1982)
79,832 miles £1,950
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3017378.htm


You might find these on ebay:

[300bhp/ton]

DannyVTS said:

My Clio 172?

You bored of it already?

[Jw Vw]

DannyVTS said:

My Clio 172?

That looks lovely Danny

My cheap fun cars would be.

Puma 1.7
Clio Williams
E36 328I Sport
Accord Type R
106 Rallye
MK2 Golf GTI

[Playsatan]

I've had a couple of 106 gti's and with out a doubt they are the best fun car I've ever driven.

First one was brand new in 98, last one was over 10 years old by the time I got hold of it and had been through a few too many owners but was cheap and suited my needs at the time. Although it was carrying a few battle scars and over 100k miles it was still a hoot to drive. My mates all laughed at me but after having a shot then went out and bought their own.

Buy on condition, check the floor and inner wings for tin worm and make sure it's not been modified and you'll be onto a winner.

Oh, very easy to sell on when you've had your fun too, nother mate offered me what I paid for it after 10 mins in the driver seat. It wasn't even for sale at the time.

[Mr Scruff]

300bhp/ton said:

I think £2k gives quite a wide range of choice.

Sticking with the hatch theme. A Rover 200BRM. Not an average Rover 200, this one comes equipped with a LSD, close ratio box, uprated suspension, uprated brake servo and quick rack steering. Along with some nice styling additions and a custom interior. It's also a rare car with only around 500 left on UK roads. It's pretty quick and handles very very well. Not quite Integra Type R levels, but a lot closer than many like to claim (or believe ).


That said, I still think even a BRM is more of a daily than a weekend car. I think I'd be looking at classics, kits and something a little more different such as coupes and sports cars.

To that end, these are all possibles:

Thank you, always appreciate it when someone puts that amount of time into a response (I know that sounds sarcastic, it's genuinely not!).

Regarding why my daily driver has to be sensible - there are a number of reasons. Principally it needs to be a car my wife can drive, which limits it in terms of size (she's only little and won't drive anything larger than the Seat), and also means that NCAP ratings are very important. My company car allowance rules also stipulate that it needs to be less than 10 years old and have more than 2 seats. Whether I agree or disagree with these rules is irrelevant, I'm client-facing that they're the rules, there are no exceptions. My Merc 190 was my daily driver but if fills exactly 0 of these requirements, hence it has to go.

I don't do mega miles but enough to mean I keep an eye on fuel economy. Considering this brief the Seat is a very good compromise but that's the point, it's a compromise. I don't think I'm unique in that respect.... Most modern cars tend to leave me a little cold.

There are some very good suggestions there mind, and ones I'll ponder a little more. The idea of not having a roof appeals somewhat... I do like my hot French hatches too.

[Chris71]

DannyVTS said:

My Clio 172?

Looks very shiny! If it's as clean mechanically as it is aesthetically then that strikes me as a bit of a bargain for £2k. The only thing I would suggest is if it's a dedicated weekend car rather than a daily driver then a sports car (prefereably an open one) can provide a more intense hit IMHO.

My affordable fun car history goes something like:

Quantum 2+2 (still owned technically!)
Porsche 924S (bought for £1900 IIRC)
Mazda Eunos Roadster RS-Ltd (tad out of the £2k budget, but you can get other Mk1 MX5s for that sort of money)
Sylva Leader 400 (bought for the princely sum of £1,300)

Of those, the Sylva was the purest toy. It may have all the aesthetic appeal of a dishwasher, but it has to be one of the most focused driver's cars you can get for £2k. Mine was a bit short on creature comfortsm, but it was a well-spec'd example mechanically, with a gorgeous Fiat Twincam engine in. Admittedly it had the sort of reliability record you might expect from a 1980s kit car built with 1970s British Leyland and Fiat/Lancia bits, but it was fun.

[300bhp/ton]

Mr Scruff said:

Thank you, always appreciate it when someone puts that amount of time into a response (I know that sounds sarcastic, it's genuinely not!).

Regarding why my daily driver has to be sensible - there are a number of reasons. Principally it needs to be a car my wife can drive, which limits it in terms of size (she's only little and won't drive anything larger than the Seat), and also means that NCAP ratings are very important. My company car allowance rules also stipulate that it needs to be less than 10 years old and have more than 2 seats. Whether I agree or disagree with these rules is irrelevant, I'm client-facing that they're the rules, there are no exceptions. My Merc 190 was my daily driver but if fills exactly 0 of these requirements, hence it has to go.

I don't do mega miles but enough to mean I keep an eye on fuel economy. Considering this brief the Seat is a very good compromise but that's the point, it's a compromise. I don't think I'm unique in that respect.... Most modern cars tend to leave me a little cold.

There are some very good suggestions there mind, and ones I'll ponder a little more. The idea of not having a roof appeals somewhat... I do like my hot French hatches too.

Thanks

You make some fair points about company car use/allowance. It does sort of restrict your options a bit I agree.

[alfa pint]

Mk1 MR2 would be my first thought, MX5 the second.

Never liked french hatchbacks, although I understand the havering for a 205 GTi.

[Mr Scruff]

Where's the best place to buy kitcars then? Few people have mentioned them and they appeal to my 'something impractical in the garage to tinker with' side!

[300bhp/ton]

Mr Scruff said:

Where's the best place to buy kitcars then? Few people have mentioned them and they appeal to my 'something impractical in the garage to tinker with' side!

There's quite a good kit car section in the PH classifieds. ebay is another one and there are a couple of kit car magazines (usually get them from WH Smiths) which have cars for sale plus ads for places too look.

Some will say half the fun in a kit is building it. And I sort of agree. But I also see no reason and have no issues if you want to buy a ready built one.

Most kit cars are pretty simple using Rover or Ford parts for a lot of them. This means they are all nuts and bolts and things like brakes and many suspension components are all off the shelf items. Insurance is also often silly cheap on kit cars too.

[Chris71]

Mr Scruff said:

Where's the best place to buy kitcars then?

Bear in mind, £2k is definitely towards the lower end of the kit car market. If you're thinking of Westfields and the like you're going to need to start at around double that budget.

But, there are things around ... the older GTMs (forerunners to the Libra you might have heard about), the Quantum 2+2 (very well thought out, practical cabriolet, but less overtly sporting than many kits), Sylva Leader, Dutton Phaeton, maybe a Minari or two if you can find them...

Here's some inspiration more or less keeping to your budget:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3034390.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2905458.htm [This one is out of budget, but you can find them down to the hundreds...]
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3019224.htm [These actually seem to have gone up! Not the smartest example around, but gives you an idea...]
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2961667.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3042165.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3019618.htm [I rather like the look of this one!]