Are "What car's" still allowed? If so...

[TAHodgson]

Right then guys, as the title, i'm after something new, got around £2,500, could push to £3k.
MUST be 2.0 litre or smaller, diesels considered, but only do around 8k miles p/a, so no real need.
Nice to drive, obviously, with plenty of scope for performance modification, and will cope with a few track days.
Practical-ish, always lugging mates and parts for dads business about, so hatchbacks really.

Been looking at 306 GTi-6's
Panda 100HP's
& MK2 Golf GTI's

No need to suggest MX5, as me and my dad share one anyway!!

Cheers

[CampDavid]

A very good Gti-6 and you're done. Panda is awesome but not really a track car

[TAHodgson]

I've seen a few mint 306's but they're approaching the top end of my budget, and I don't know If I could justify that on what's essentially going to be an 11 year old car, despite how good they are

[harryowl]

205?

[TAHodgson]

harryowl said:

205?

Again the age thing... And i've not heard brilliant things about their reliability? Could be wrong though

[Zebrs]

Clio 172 mk2 or cup derivative. Job done.

[ajprice]

3 series compact? It's a hatch for lugging stuff, rwd for track stuff. BMW engine tuning should have potential.

[chriscoates]

Zebrs said:

Clio 172 mk2 or cup derivative. Job done.

This.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3129519.htm

[TAHodgson]

Sorry to write the Clio off almost immediately, but I have driven one, and while I loved the way it drove (A 182 with both packs) I just couldn't get comfortable in the thing!

[blearyeyedboy]

Alfa 147? A bit fragile, mind, not very tuneable...
BMW 3 series Touring? It'll have done a lot of miles though.
Focus ST? Will squeeze in at under 3 grand.
Civic Type R? Just gets under budget.
Lexus IS200? Very reliable even at high mileage, but also heavy on fuel and you'll only get the saloon at your budget.
Skoda Octavia vRS Mk 1?

[TAHodgson]

I think I am really seriously going to start looking at 306 GTI-6's, a friend owns one so will see if I can have a go in it first.
Any more suggestions?