If you had 5k?

[mookie01]

Hello, im new to the forum and have got 5k to spend on a motor I am 22 and have 3 years no claims so insurance isn't really a problem, what other cars are there in this price range with a decent performance (150BHP minimum). I am currently only considering 2 cars either a mini cooper s or a clio 172/182, would anyone care to shed any light.

[pacman1]

Insurance at your age will surely be an issue, can you give us a budget for that?

[mookie01]

im not talking about trying to get insured on a lambo or anything like that, i mean im talking a budget of 5k for the car and probs up2 1.5k on the insurance.

[okie592]

corsa

[LawAys]

Seat Leon Cupra R? 225bhp..

Depends what you need. Are you after outright performance, handling, practicality, etc?

[mookie01]

looking for something fairly practical so would have to be an all rounder, not too bothered in straight line speed, just decent 0-60 and handles well. i like the mini's as they are fun to drive and seem pretty solid cars.

[mookie01]

oh and i do like the seats i used to have an arosa sport 1.4 16v 100BHP

[theboyfold]

Clio 172/182 for that sort of money. If its a good one there isn't anything better.

[ambuletz]

For you, a clio RS. for me, I'd get a mint 7th gen celica.

[soad]

Integra Type-R (DC2)?

[torquespeak]

FRP.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3556784.htm

[mookie01]

not a fan of the frp doesn't seem to be alot of car for the money, i do like the integras tho

[sparks_E39]

E46 330. Insurance likely to be £800ish.

[chris182]

I am also 22 and have 3 years no claims and I have a Clio 182 and it's fantastic! I'm not sure of your definition of not an issue for insurance, mine was about £1k for this year which is not too unreasonable I suppose.

ETA: mine was £5k for mint condition from a main dealer with 30k on the clock so that amount of money will get you a beautiful example

[FisiP1]

sparks_E39 said:

E46 330. Insurance likely to be £800ish.

[tamore]

XJ6 or XJS. had the latter about your age and it was fantastic. running costs are a little more murderous than they were 15 years ago though!

[mookie01]

i do like the renaults but just worry tht it will fall apart or be worth 20p after 3 years, the mini's seem to be well built and have a low depreciation value, how true is this?

[chris182]

mookie01 said:

i do like the renaults but just worry tht it will fall apart or be worth 20p after 3 years, the mini's seem to be well built and have a low depreciation value, how true is this?

Well for what its worth, mine has been rock solid for the year and a bit I've had it. Most people who complain about the build quality don't own one or are on about the interior etc, mechanically they are pretty sound as far as I can tell.

[Special K]

chris182 said:

mookie01 said:

i do like the renaults but just worry tht it will fall apart or be worth 20p after 3 years, the mini's seem to be well built and have a low depreciation value, how true is this?

Well for what its worth, mine has been rock solid for the year and a bit I've had it. Most people who complain about the build quality don't own one or are on about the interior etc, mechanically they are pretty sound as far as I can tell.

I've had my 182 for nearly 3 years and racked up nearly 16k in that time, not much mileage I know but in the time I've had it I have only needed regular oil changes, a set of tyres and a couple of bulbs and I've done three track days in it too. In my experience with French cars they hold up well to the abuse you can throw at them