Fun car wanted for up to £4,000 - advice please!
Discussion
Hi guys and gals,
After a long period of not having been on here (due to the shame of having owned a *coughs* diesel), I am now on the hunt for a fun car, that will feel and look special and make me smile when I drive it. The plan is to buy a cheap and economical car for daily use, and something fun but reliable too for use on days off for driving pleasure and occasional track days, up to around £4,000 (but the cheaper the better!)
My initial two thoughts have been the BMW E36 M3, or the Toyota R2 GT T-Bar, with the latter obviously being considerably cheaper.
Obviously the BMW is going to be considerably faster, but will it be lots more fun? I like the look of the MR2 and although an older car, the reliability seems second to none from what I can figure out in line with Toyotas more current vehicles.
This is going to sound wrong however I type it, but I also want to lose my "ring" virginity (!!) and plan to get over there either last minute this year, or next year without fail. Therefore reliability has to be good as well as I don't fancy getting stranded overseas!
Any advice on either of the above in terms of real life running costs, or any other vehicles you could suggest that you think fit my requirements would be greatfully recieved. I have sold my previous car and have "cash on the hip" so am ready to buy!
Thanks a lot guys in anticipation of your help and advice in this matter!
Paul
After a long period of not having been on here (due to the shame of having owned a *coughs* diesel), I am now on the hunt for a fun car, that will feel and look special and make me smile when I drive it. The plan is to buy a cheap and economical car for daily use, and something fun but reliable too for use on days off for driving pleasure and occasional track days, up to around £4,000 (but the cheaper the better!)
My initial two thoughts have been the BMW E36 M3, or the Toyota R2 GT T-Bar, with the latter obviously being considerably cheaper.
Obviously the BMW is going to be considerably faster, but will it be lots more fun? I like the look of the MR2 and although an older car, the reliability seems second to none from what I can figure out in line with Toyotas more current vehicles.
This is going to sound wrong however I type it, but I also want to lose my "ring" virginity (!!) and plan to get over there either last minute this year, or next year without fail. Therefore reliability has to be good as well as I don't fancy getting stranded overseas!
Any advice on either of the above in terms of real life running costs, or any other vehicles you could suggest that you think fit my requirements would be greatfully recieved. I have sold my previous car and have "cash on the hip" so am ready to buy!
Thanks a lot guys in anticipation of your help and advice in this matter!
Paul
Both great though different cars, you should consider the MR2 Turbo which, if in good condition or state of modification, should be nearly as fast as the M3.
I would say the MR2 is much more fun though as a a whole, while the M3 has got the awesome engine. Either will cost a bit to run on the track as they are not quite light cars.
I would say the MR2 is much more fun though as a a whole, while the M3 has got the awesome engine. Either will cost a bit to run on the track as they are not quite light cars.
Thanks Chris, great advice.
Wanacoop - I don't really know anything about the S3 but imagine anything TVR to be costly to run an maintain. I had a quick look and couldn't see anything in my price range (even a slightly tatty one is asking 5k.
Isee - I have always liked the look of the RX8 but have heard quite a few horror stories about reliability and them not being that fast or fun to drive, but don't know first hand.
Wanacoop - I don't really know anything about the S3 but imagine anything TVR to be costly to run an maintain. I had a quick look and couldn't see anything in my price range (even a slightly tatty one is asking 5k.
Isee - I have always liked the look of the RX8 but have heard quite a few horror stories about reliability and them not being that fast or fun to drive, but don't know first hand.
Having owned a few E36s and an MR2 Turbo I'd take the E36. I just prefer the way they drive, I found the MR2 didn't have the best turn in and the suspension struggled with our roads. I was faster down most country roads in my 328i Sport than in the MR2 Turbo.
The MR2 did feel more of an event to drive though.
What about a Sierra Cosworth, E30 325is, RX-7 or 944?
The MR2 did feel more of an event to drive though.
What about a Sierra Cosworth, E30 325is, RX-7 or 944?
PompeyPaul said:
Thanks Chris, great advice.
Wanacoop - I don't really know anything about the S3 but imagine anything TVR to be costly to run an maintain. I had a quick look and couldn't see anything in my price range (even a slightly tatty one is asking 5k.
Isee - I have always liked the look of the RX8 but have heard quite a few horror stories about reliability and them not being that fast or fun to drive, but don't know first hand.
I hear you mate, but having driven one recently and coming off a BMW M6 as my past toy I wsa amazed at how entertaining it seemed. The engine revs to 8250 (and is VERY eager to do it too) is about the size of my fist (ok a slight exaggeration on my part), makes the centre of gravity very even and the car light (meaning the cost of tracking is very low). It's one of very few cars that are trackable in stock form imho. Also they will be almost 10 years newer than the BMW M3 you are bound to consider so reliability is in favour of the RX8 here.Wanacoop - I don't really know anything about the S3 but imagine anything TVR to be costly to run an maintain. I had a quick look and couldn't see anything in my price range (even a slightly tatty one is asking 5k.
Isee - I have always liked the look of the RX8 but have heard quite a few horror stories about reliability and them not being that fast or fun to drive, but don't know first hand.
What you need is to buy smart and make sure the car starts with no problems after the engine has been warmed up. if it doesn't- walk away.
If you need any more convincing. type in rx8 vs M5 in youtube
Disclaimer: I may be a bit biased, but I plan on buying one myself as a tracktoy in near(ish) future.
P.S. they aren't slow, they jsut appear slow, due to comfort I guess.
Out of the two choices I'd personally go with the M3 but i'm pretty sure money would be needed to get it up to scratch.
If I had 4k to spend on a toy though it'd most likely go on a stage 1 200sx from someone on the sxoc forum. Suspension will have been likely had some money spent on it, 270 odd bhp, no traction control, LSD as standard, Rwd, under 1300kg and if my experience is anything to go by then reliability is second to none.
If I had 4k to spend on a toy though it'd most likely go on a stage 1 200sx from someone on the sxoc forum. Suspension will have been likely had some money spent on it, 270 odd bhp, no traction control, LSD as standard, Rwd, under 1300kg and if my experience is anything to go by then reliability is second to none.
les3002 said:
Having owned a few E36s and an MR2 Turbo I'd take the E36. I just prefer the way they drive, I found the MR2 didn't have the best turn in and the suspension struggled with our roads. I was faster down most country roads in my 328i Sport than in the MR2 Turbo.
The MR2 did feel more of an event to drive though.
What about a Sierra Cosworth, E30 325is, RX-7 or 944?
Yeah the Cosworth is a bit of an iconic car, but not many around for that sort of money.The MR2 did feel more of an event to drive though.
What about a Sierra Cosworth, E30 325is, RX-7 or 944?
I don't know much about the RX 7 - reliability good?
My concern with the 944 would be general running and repair costs a bit, but happy to be told otherwise?
I wouldn't put an M3 and an MR2 n/a in the same league personally. I drive an MR2 GT now and although it is great fun it's not even as quick as my old E36 328i so an M3 would eat it for breakfast.
In terms of fun both cars are about on a par. The MR2 needs a good revving to make it work and if you're feeling lazy it can be quite tiring to drive on pace as you're forever at the top of the rev range. The 328i was a lot torquier (real word?) and felt like it had more grunt but on the flip side if you were feeling energetic it wasn't as dramatic and fun.
I love the novelty of the MR2, having the engine behind you, only 2 seats and the fact that non petrolheads often think it's more special than it is. The BMW felt stronger and more trustworthy on longer drives.
IMO the M3 would win in pretty much every scenario other than running expenses. S2000's are becoming close to your budget now which I would pick over an RX8 or even a Scoob. An MR2 is a 2 grand car really unless you want a very nice turbo in which you could find one for 3Kish and spend the difference on goodies
In terms of fun both cars are about on a par. The MR2 needs a good revving to make it work and if you're feeling lazy it can be quite tiring to drive on pace as you're forever at the top of the rev range. The 328i was a lot torquier (real word?) and felt like it had more grunt but on the flip side if you were feeling energetic it wasn't as dramatic and fun.
I love the novelty of the MR2, having the engine behind you, only 2 seats and the fact that non petrolheads often think it's more special than it is. The BMW felt stronger and more trustworthy on longer drives.
IMO the M3 would win in pretty much every scenario other than running expenses. S2000's are becoming close to your budget now which I would pick over an RX8 or even a Scoob. An MR2 is a 2 grand car really unless you want a very nice turbo in which you could find one for 3Kish and spend the difference on goodies
PompeyPaul said:
Thanks for the imput Dave.
Hayden - I quite like the look of the S2000 but not many around at my budget, at least not within my budget as it stands.
What are peoples views on a mk 1 Civic Type R? Gets a great write up on parkers - any actual experiences welcome again!
Not too far off your budget - http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/882176-my-99-berli...Hayden - I quite like the look of the S2000 but not many around at my budget, at least not within my budget as it stands.
What are peoples views on a mk 1 Civic Type R? Gets a great write up on parkers - any actual experiences welcome again!
Well the E36 M3 Evo and the MR2 Turbo are pretty well matched on paper in terms of their accelerative properties at least.
M3 / MR2
0-60: 5.4 / 5.2
Top Speed: 155 / 163
1/4 mile: 13.7 / 13.5
You'd struggle to find anything faster for sub 4k that for sure. Being turbocharged, the MR2 is easier to tune if thats your bag.
My experience of owning an MR2 has been both great fun and frustrating. Yes they are reliable, but even the youngest ones are over 10 years old now so problems will arise. That said there are plenty of parts suppliers and specialists to offer support. They do need to be well set up and good tyres are a must, their reputation for being unforgiving is somewhat over blown but there is certainly an element of truth to the horror stories, at the end of the day its a powerful, mid engined car and needs to be driven like one.
As has been mentioned earlier, everytime you drive the MR2 it feels special. The low seating position and the way the interior wraps around you is the first thing you notice, the next thing you pick up on is the sound of a Garrett turbocharger spooling away about 12" behind your head Great car more than capable of surprising modern metal.
Alternatives I'd consider would be the Mazda RX-7, Alfa Romeo GTV6 and the Celica GT4
M3 / MR2
0-60: 5.4 / 5.2
Top Speed: 155 / 163
1/4 mile: 13.7 / 13.5
You'd struggle to find anything faster for sub 4k that for sure. Being turbocharged, the MR2 is easier to tune if thats your bag.
My experience of owning an MR2 has been both great fun and frustrating. Yes they are reliable, but even the youngest ones are over 10 years old now so problems will arise. That said there are plenty of parts suppliers and specialists to offer support. They do need to be well set up and good tyres are a must, their reputation for being unforgiving is somewhat over blown but there is certainly an element of truth to the horror stories, at the end of the day its a powerful, mid engined car and needs to be driven like one.
As has been mentioned earlier, everytime you drive the MR2 it feels special. The low seating position and the way the interior wraps around you is the first thing you notice, the next thing you pick up on is the sound of a Garrett turbocharger spooling away about 12" behind your head
Great car more than capable of surprising modern metal.Alternatives I'd consider would be the Mazda RX-7, Alfa Romeo GTV6 and the Celica GT4
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