Run around type car and a fun car.

[sagt550]

I'm thinking that when I come to change my car, rather than just try to get one car that does everything (usually badly) maybe getting a run-around/snotter etc and then something that can be driven for drivings pleasure. My initial thoughts were spending something like £2k on some day to day thing that wouldn't cost the earth to run but could still do 10-15k a year and the rest on a lotus elise or equivalent.

Question is, what would you get for £2k ? Is £2k the right amount to spend ? Any other pitfalls ? Does this approach work out super expensive ?

Still early days, just be interested if anyone else has done the same. My budget wouldn't huge - i.e. £10-£15k...

[Astra Dan]

Well I got my Mk4 Astra SRi for £2k. Sub-100k miles, one owner from new. All usual toys inc working A/C.
I've taken it from 85k to 111k in just over 2 years. Fitted new cambelt kit on purchase and the engine has not missed a beat.
I've added things like later lights and cruise control, but the basic car itself is untouched and flawless. The Mk4 is regarded as good handling compared to previous models, and have no rust issues. It's got plenty of grunt and returns around 35MPG on my 46 miles commute.

[irf]

honda accord type R. yes i am biased but if you buy one thats been well looked after they can be reliable while providing plenty of thrills and they seem to be going very cheaply nowadays for some reason. not very quick in a straightline but impressive in the bends, moreso with a few mods.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

You would get a nice Jag X300 for £2k, or a Volvo 850 T5 estate. Or 1 of each : )

Both fun and practical.

[duckson]

Same/similar to myself.
Bought a 52 plate Focus 1.8TDCi which does 50+mpg anywhere its driven and intend to get a VX220/VXT for a 2nd car. Insurance through CCI is mega cheap for a limited mileage policy (eg 3k a yr, garaged, mirrored NCB from Focus policy is £276 on the VX220 with CCI).