Best car for under £2k?
Discussion
Sline said:
Mk2 Golf 16v?
Mildly controversial but I can't think of a single reason to buy a Mk2 GTI these days now that the 306 GTI-6 is down at similar money.The 306 is faster, handles with a bit more vigor, it's more comfy, it's certainly as well built, similar practicality etc, etc
Tsippy said:
FTO? R32 Skyline? RX8s should be falling into that price bracket soon too I would have thought based on recent horror stories (friend was offered £2k p/x on his 56 model 
Other friend was REFUSED a p/x on his 54 model because apparently the dealers cannot shift them on!)
I thought you were sniffing something, then had a look and found this: Other friend was REFUSED a p/x on his 54 model because apparently the dealers cannot shift them on!)http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Peanuts...
SD1992 said:
It appears that the insurance man does not like the hot hatches (ST170, Leon Cupra) or the Fiat Coupe at all. The 200SX doesn't seem too bad (£1700) but for some reason I am still not too keen on it.
I am not sure about the MX5 either, as I do need something reasonably practical.
An older, higher mileage Integra can be had for around £2300, but the Accord seems to be a lot less. What are they like?
And by fast, I mean something that can be driven round a twisty road / track quicker than my old 1.6 Astra and my current 1.8 Mondeo, and that will accelerate well in a straight line, and overtake with ease. The Golf doesn't really seem like that sort of car. And yes, I have thought of that, but considering the performance of the cars now won't be anything like it was when the car was made, I would rather get opinions from people who have first hand experience with the cars.
P.s. I don't want anyone getting the impression that I am a boy racer from this! I just want a car that I can learn to drive "properly" in.
£2k gives you a fair bit of choice. Just depends what you fancy and why really. Insurance is likely to be a pain no matter what though. As a rule classics and kits offer good value in this respect so it might be worth considering them, or at least pricing them up. I am not sure about the MX5 either, as I do need something reasonably practical.
An older, higher mileage Integra can be had for around £2300, but the Accord seems to be a lot less. What are they like?
And by fast, I mean something that can be driven round a twisty road / track quicker than my old 1.6 Astra and my current 1.8 Mondeo, and that will accelerate well in a straight line, and overtake with ease. The Golf doesn't really seem like that sort of car. And yes, I have thought of that, but considering the performance of the cars now won't be anything like it was when the car was made, I would rather get opinions from people who have first hand experience with the cars.
P.s. I don't want anyone getting the impression that I am a boy racer from this! I just want a car that I can learn to drive "properly" in.
So following that logic have a look at Ginetta's. The G33(?) seats 4 and uses Ford running bits. Different and fun. A Lotus Éclat might be an option too if you can find one or even an early Excel.
Classic saloons like an 1850 Dolomite or Triumph 2000 might be worth a look too. Not so fast stock but quite a bit of easy tuning potential.
Modified Morris Minors would also be worth looking at for a bit of sideways rwd fun.
More mainstream cars.
Sadly rwd is more of a rarity. Look for a Jaguar XJ6 (XJ40 shape), either 3.6 or 4.0 manual (autos are ok too). A lot of car for the money and old enough to be counted as a classic these days.
I had a 200SX (S13). It was very good and really quite fast. No idea on prices thee days though. Similar cars would be a Z31 300ZX or a late 280z. Even a Gen 1 or 2 RX-7 might be worth a serious look as many where 2+2's. Porsche 924's and 944's would fit into this category too. The 924 isn't hugely quick, but I reckon it'd be 100 times more fun than any Astra.
Even more modern:
MG ZS180. My bro had one of these, very capable cars. Not quite an ITR, but damn close considering the money.
Rover 200 BRM. LSD and close ratio gearbox. More comfy than an ITR but damn near nearly as capable.
Other Rovers:
220 or vvc Tomcat
620 or 820 coupe turbo
Or if you more retro keep an eye out for an MG Meastro or Montego Turbo.
Celica 2.0 GT or Preludes might be worth a look too.
E30 or E36 318IS or a 323i.
if you consider an mx5, i was also considering an mr2 rev2 turbo at the same time - you'll get a good standard or modified one for £2k
i don't want to come across with all the fanboyism for the E36 328, but when i was lookin at N/A 944's, 200sx's, civics, mr2's etc. etc. the bmw was the one car that was consistently, comparably cheap insurance wise, with a good rep for reliability, understressed engine etc. which, when on a performance/practical car budget, is fairly important.
i'd like to reel off a list of classics + left field cars like 300 but if your budget is like mine and tight, the thought of expensive back order parts, general reliability or lack of are off putting
i don't want to come across with all the fanboyism for the E36 328, but when i was lookin at N/A 944's, 200sx's, civics, mr2's etc. etc. the bmw was the one car that was consistently, comparably cheap insurance wise, with a good rep for reliability, understressed engine etc. which, when on a performance/practical car budget, is fairly important.
i'd like to reel off a list of classics + left field cars like 300 but if your budget is like mine and tight, the thought of expensive back order parts, general reliability or lack of are off putting
535i? Tend to be less than a 3 series to insure too.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C216038/
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Should be some E34 535i out there with a manual if you prefer.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C216038/
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Should be some E34 535i out there with a manual if you prefer.
dylan0451 said:
if you consider an mx5, i was also considering an mr2 rev2 turbo at the same time - you'll get a good standard or modified one for £2k
i don't want to come across with all the fanboyism for the E36 328, but when i was lookin at N/A 944's, 200sx's, civics, mr2's etc. etc. the bmw was the one car that was consistently, comparably cheap insurance wise, with a good rep for reliability, understressed engine etc. which, when on a performance/practical car budget, is fairly important.
i'd like to reel off a list of classics + left field cars like 300 but if your budget is like mine and tight, the thought of expensive back order parts, general reliability or lack of are off putting
The way I see it. Any car over 12-15 years old stands a similar chance as a 30 year old one. i don't want to come across with all the fanboyism for the E36 328, but when i was lookin at N/A 944's, 200sx's, civics, mr2's etc. etc. the bmw was the one car that was consistently, comparably cheap insurance wise, with a good rep for reliability, understressed engine etc. which, when on a performance/practical car budget, is fairly important.
i'd like to reel off a list of classics + left field cars like 300 but if your budget is like mine and tight, the thought of expensive back order parts, general reliability or lack of are off putting
Classcs can be fine, even more sonic you choose something mid 70's onwards which are far more akin to modern motors. Parts can be cheap and easy to get for many too, just make sure you know the score on the models you are looking at. E.g.Triumph TR7 bits, you can almost everything brand new off the shelf for them still, so it's arguably easier and quicker to get bits for than it is a new SEAT Ibiza.
Baryonyx said:
If you can get a mechanically sound mk2 Golf it shouldn't give you much trouble if the components are maintained well. I've heard of some of them having trouble with the Bosche electronic fueling systems, but this would be a minor worry. Having looked for mk2 Golf GTI's with my brother recently, I've found out how hard it is to locate a decent one. The ones in the sub £2K bracket are pretty crap, with rust eating them away. And then there is the issue that because it's an old, iconic car some are hideously overpriced.
They're nippy in a straight line, but will seem slow if you're used to modern hot hatches. However, they are sublime in the bends.
Just to clear up a few points in this post:They're nippy in a straight line, but will seem slow if you're used to modern hot hatches. However, they are sublime in the bends.
Bosch K-Jet is mechanical fuel injection.
It's found on early 8v GTIs and all 16v GTIs.
The 8v moved onto electronic fuel injection with the system known as Digifant.
a lot of love for the 328i here.
hopefully when i come to sell mine, it'll be quick to sell then.
not that I can see myself wanting to sell it. best all rounder car I have ever owned tbh, if I could think of something better for even 4 times the cost I might, but so far nothing even comes close
hopefully when i come to sell mine, it'll be quick to sell then.
not that I can see myself wanting to sell it. best all rounder car I have ever owned tbh, if I could think of something better for even 4 times the cost I might, but so far nothing even comes close
Got to be another vote for a 328 from me too, nothing that isn't wear and tear has gone wrong on mine and it is a joy to drive. A friend has a Corrado G60 and it's a very nice car too, he paid 1000 pounds for it, but it did need a supercharger rebuild and a bit of freshening up.
Mercedes 190E Cosworths just about drop into your price bracket, although I don't know much about them; http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2120519.htm
I would also consider a Subaru Legacy GTB. They seem to be expensive to run and the one I had for 3 days blew a big end bearing pretty sharpish. Bloody quick though!
Mercedes 190E Cosworths just about drop into your price bracket, although I don't know much about them; http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2120519.htm
I would also consider a Subaru Legacy GTB. They seem to be expensive to run and the one I had for 3 days blew a big end bearing pretty sharpish. Bloody quick though!
SD1992 said:
Wow, thank you for all the replies! I will set to work tonight with insurance comparisons, and get back to you soon 
I certainly did not expect this much input!
If you are looking at kits or classics then the best insurance deals will be from specialists rather than comparison websites. Being a member of an owners club might get you some discount too with such cars. I certainly did not expect this much input!
I know of a friends RX8, 231 model, bit miley, £1995.
My choice, for an 'all round' car would be another of these, if you want to fly under the radar -
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2630866.htm
For a daily, I'd certainly take one over almost any crusty old Mk2 Gti.
My choice, for an 'all round' car would be another of these, if you want to fly under the radar -
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2630866.htm
For a daily, I'd certainly take one over almost any crusty old Mk2 Gti.
Baryonyx said:
SD1992 said:
Since it is such an old car, are they reliable? And are they actually that fast?
If you can get a mechanically sound mk2 Golf it shouldn't give you much trouble if the components are maintained well. I've heard of some of them having trouble with the Bosche electronic fueling systems, but this would be a minor worry. Having looked for mk2 Golf GTI's with my brother recently, I've found out how hard it is to locate a decent one. The ones in the sub £2K bracket are pretty crap, with rust eating them away. And then there is the issue that because it's an old, iconic car some are hideously overpriced. They're nippy in a straight line, but will seem slow if you're used to modern hot hatches. However, they are sublime in the bends.
How reliable are they, well put this way between my own collection, my brother and half a dozen mates we have owned in excess of 20 mk2 GTIs over a 8 year period and in that time the cars have proved largely reliable and all have had between 100-250k miles on them.
For the £2k you can get a good usable GTI and i do find later 1989> 8v to be the most user friendly an cheapest to run for those not interested in tinkering/tuning engines but for maximum driving fun the 16v with its wider rev range and good gearing/power band is great for blasting along A/B roads in 2nd>4th
That said at £2k id be tempted to look at Seat Ibiza Cupras as a modern equivelent of a mk2 golf but with a 20vt engine, Air con and other creature comforts but still maintaining a significant chunk of the driving experience.
dave
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