What car - fun for £4k
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm brand new to the forums, though I've been popping in over the past few months for a bit of window shopping and info trawling. Now I'm into a new, stable and decent-paying job, it seems I'm actually in the market again - hence the signing up!
I thought I'd use this opportunity to gain some opinions on the options I'm exploring.
I'm currently 23, and have have had two cars; my first car being a mk1 MR2. It was an absolutely excellent car, and I fell in love with it - responsive engine, light and direct steering, low driving position, perfect balance and relatively unique on the roads; very go-kart-esque. It was a head-turner, and so much fun to drive. Plus there were pop-up headlights.
Unfortunately, it rusted itself apart and had to go, so I'm currently driving a 53 plate Mondeo which I hate with a passion. It was a rushed decision made through poor research and an over-correction in terms of (perceived) reliability. Over the past 9 months, I've been plagued by every major issue, including sticky calipers, dead wheel bearings, drop-link issues and MORE rust. The whole experience has put me off Fords entirely, since it always feels like it's about to fall apart.
Thankfully, my work situation has now changed and my daily drive consists of a 4 mile round trip to the train station, meaning I can now buy something fun for the weekend without having to worry so much about practicality, economy or wear.
I have a prospective budget of around £4k (MAYBE more) with the goal to purchase in the next few months - though I will not be rushing a decision this time. I'd like something fun and nippy to drive, with the ability to make me grin and make any drive feel like an adventure – preferably a good-looker or something with a sporty flare. I'm hoping you guys will have ideas.
I'm not that fussed about straight line speed, though it would be welcome if available; economy isn't so much of an issue either, though I'd appreciate a respectable MPG and low tax. Reliability will be a priority, since I can't stomach having to constantly repair major 'common faults' anymore. Insurance will also be a consideration, but most of my quotes seem to come out within reach (even on an 08 Astra VXR!).
I have two options confirmed in my mind:
My first option is a mk3 MR2 – Good examples are within budget with a few niceties available: leather seats, OEM twin exhaust, etc. From what I've read, they seem reliable and have few major faults (though I'd be looking to avoid the pre-cat killer). Very good-looking IMO, but I'm a little worried about getting through winter in it. Owner comments would be good.
Mazda MX5, mk1 or mk2(?) - Again, highly rated and people seem to love them. They have an appeal to me for the same reasons as the MR2, and the classic feel is welcome. I'm worried about rust and overall wear since I want to be free of it, it seems to be a common issue. It's also a common car, which is both good and bad. There's always plenty available, and parts will be cheap, but I'd like something that stands out a bit – choice mods can always be employed.
There are a few hatches that I could consider, though they're much of a muchness to me – I'm hoping that there will be few suggestions to point towards the good'uns. One that's caught my eye recently is the Swift Sport; I haven't done enough research on these to understand the pro's/cons, but a few threads on here certainly praise how well they drive, and my housemate loves her standard 1.3 (I'll be asking for a test drive soon). Fiesta ST's are also nice, but I'm unconvinced on how well it's put together.
As I said, any owner comments would be welcome for the cars I've listed, and I'm really looking to hear the ideas/suggestions from those more in the know - curve balls welcome. Even though I have been lurking for the past few months, I am new; please don't hesitate to point me in the right direction if I'm in the wrong place or do something against protocol. I'll be more the better for it.
What does everyone think?
UPDATE: 19/10/13
I have just been to see a Suzuki Swift Sport, which is within budget with 40k miles on the clock.
I have to admit, I liked the car itself. The gearbox is very nice with a short and slotty shift, and it's a good looking car. That said, the one I have viewed was in a fairly bad way; it hadn't been serviced since 14k miles (two years and 25k ago) and I didn't even get to test drive it due to one flat tyre, with two others torn and bulging. Alloys were equally shoddy, and imperfections in the paintwork, interior, etc just spoilt it.
Ran screaming.
I'm still looking for inspiration, though the MX5 and MR2 (unfortunately) have been categorically ruled out - I have been disallowed one, and I get the reasoning behind it. As a daily driver, it's probably not sensible.
Due to the forces that be, a hatch will be on the cards more than any other. Same criteria - Swift sports, Zetec S's and others that are similar. Something with a sporty edge.
Mini S is definitely still a possibility.
I'm brand new to the forums, though I've been popping in over the past few months for a bit of window shopping and info trawling. Now I'm into a new, stable and decent-paying job, it seems I'm actually in the market again - hence the signing up!
I thought I'd use this opportunity to gain some opinions on the options I'm exploring.
I'm currently 23, and have have had two cars; my first car being a mk1 MR2. It was an absolutely excellent car, and I fell in love with it - responsive engine, light and direct steering, low driving position, perfect balance and relatively unique on the roads; very go-kart-esque. It was a head-turner, and so much fun to drive. Plus there were pop-up headlights.
Unfortunately, it rusted itself apart and had to go, so I'm currently driving a 53 plate Mondeo which I hate with a passion. It was a rushed decision made through poor research and an over-correction in terms of (perceived) reliability. Over the past 9 months, I've been plagued by every major issue, including sticky calipers, dead wheel bearings, drop-link issues and MORE rust. The whole experience has put me off Fords entirely, since it always feels like it's about to fall apart.
Thankfully, my work situation has now changed and my daily drive consists of a 4 mile round trip to the train station, meaning I can now buy something fun for the weekend without having to worry so much about practicality, economy or wear.
I have a prospective budget of around £4k (MAYBE more) with the goal to purchase in the next few months - though I will not be rushing a decision this time. I'd like something fun and nippy to drive, with the ability to make me grin and make any drive feel like an adventure – preferably a good-looker or something with a sporty flare. I'm hoping you guys will have ideas.
I'm not that fussed about straight line speed, though it would be welcome if available; economy isn't so much of an issue either, though I'd appreciate a respectable MPG and low tax. Reliability will be a priority, since I can't stomach having to constantly repair major 'common faults' anymore. Insurance will also be a consideration, but most of my quotes seem to come out within reach (even on an 08 Astra VXR!).
I have two options confirmed in my mind:
My first option is a mk3 MR2 – Good examples are within budget with a few niceties available: leather seats, OEM twin exhaust, etc. From what I've read, they seem reliable and have few major faults (though I'd be looking to avoid the pre-cat killer). Very good-looking IMO, but I'm a little worried about getting through winter in it. Owner comments would be good.
Mazda MX5, mk1 or mk2(?) - Again, highly rated and people seem to love them. They have an appeal to me for the same reasons as the MR2, and the classic feel is welcome. I'm worried about rust and overall wear since I want to be free of it, it seems to be a common issue. It's also a common car, which is both good and bad. There's always plenty available, and parts will be cheap, but I'd like something that stands out a bit – choice mods can always be employed.
There are a few hatches that I could consider, though they're much of a muchness to me – I'm hoping that there will be few suggestions to point towards the good'uns. One that's caught my eye recently is the Swift Sport; I haven't done enough research on these to understand the pro's/cons, but a few threads on here certainly praise how well they drive, and my housemate loves her standard 1.3 (I'll be asking for a test drive soon). Fiesta ST's are also nice, but I'm unconvinced on how well it's put together.
As I said, any owner comments would be welcome for the cars I've listed, and I'm really looking to hear the ideas/suggestions from those more in the know - curve balls welcome. Even though I have been lurking for the past few months, I am new; please don't hesitate to point me in the right direction if I'm in the wrong place or do something against protocol. I'll be more the better for it.
What does everyone think?
UPDATE: 19/10/13
I have just been to see a Suzuki Swift Sport, which is within budget with 40k miles on the clock.
I have to admit, I liked the car itself. The gearbox is very nice with a short and slotty shift, and it's a good looking car. That said, the one I have viewed was in a fairly bad way; it hadn't been serviced since 14k miles (two years and 25k ago) and I didn't even get to test drive it due to one flat tyre, with two others torn and bulging. Alloys were equally shoddy, and imperfections in the paintwork, interior, etc just spoilt it.
Ran screaming.
I'm still looking for inspiration, though the MX5 and MR2 (unfortunately) have been categorically ruled out - I have been disallowed one, and I get the reasoning behind it. As a daily driver, it's probably not sensible.
Due to the forces that be, a hatch will be on the cards more than any other. Same criteria - Swift sports, Zetec S's and others that are similar. Something with a sporty edge.
Mini S is definitely still a possibility.
Edited by Bambulus on Saturday 19th October 17:26
Save up another 3K and buy this
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Deferred gratification is always better.
Wish I fitted in one.
Never mind- I can always squeeze myself on a sports bike
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Deferred gratification is always better.
Wish I fitted in one.
Never mind- I can always squeeze myself on a sports bike
That's not 3k more that's 3.5k more pretty much double the original budget, if you are going to play that game a £5.5k VX 220 is a closer bet:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Simon
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Simon
Motorrad said:
Save up another 3K and buy this
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Deferred gratification is always better.
Wish I fitted in one.
Never mind- I can always squeeze myself on a sports bike
I've been deferring for the past half-year, I'd like my gratification now! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
Deferred gratification is always better.
Wish I fitted in one.
Never mind- I can always squeeze myself on a sports bike
Patience isn't a virtue.Would quite happily have an Elise if I could, not sure if I'd fit in it myself! There was always a lovely little number parked along my old commute which always caught my eye.
Idontdrinkrsmoke said:
Toyota celica 190? Or maybe a Hyundai Coupe - low insurance and could probably get a 2007 SIII for your budget.
Celica would be one I'd look at, not a bad shout (though I remember insurance being quite high, will have to look again). Coupe isn't to my taste I think, bit bland.simonrockman said:
That's not 3k more that's 3.5k more pretty much double the original budget, if you are going to play that game a £5.5k VX 220 is a closer bet:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Simon
Oooooh. Me likey. I don't think insurers will likey though http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Simon
Certainly a head-turnerm44kts said:
R53 Mini Cooper S?
I've just picked up a low mileage well spec'd one on a '53 plate for £4350. It pretty much ticks all of your requirements, I absolutely love driving mine.
That is a damn good shout, I've heard comments on how the sport minis drive. I'll look into that.I've just picked up a low mileage well spec'd one on a '53 plate for £4350. It pretty much ticks all of your requirements, I absolutely love driving mine.
Idontdrinkrsmoke said:
S14 Nissan 200SX.
Lots of mods available if that's your thing. Personally I prefer standard.
Bit garish for me, mods aren't really my thing either unless subtle and very well done. I've seen one around here and there and have no doubt it can shift, not to my taste I'm afraidLots of mods available if that's your thing. Personally I prefer standard.
Thank you all for the responses so far! Not bad ideas, not bad at all.
MGF / TF. Spend half your budget, save on insurance. Don't rust. So cheap they are almost free.
Keep it for a few years and sell at a profit. They are where MGBs were a few years ago and look what they sell for now. Properly quick in VVC and 160 form and do 35mpg.
No competition really. MX5 for the money will be slow, uneconomical and rust epically.
Keep it for a few years and sell at a profit. They are where MGBs were a few years ago and look what they sell for now. Properly quick in VVC and 160 form and do 35mpg.
No competition really. MX5 for the money will be slow, uneconomical and rust epically.
The_Burg said:
MGF / TF. Spend half your budget, save on insurance. Don't rust. So cheap they are almost free.
Keep it for a few years and sell at a profit. They are where MGBs were a few years ago and look what they sell for now. Properly quick in VVC and 160 form and do 35mpg.
No competition really. MX5 for the money will be slow, uneconomical and rust epically.
I was looking at them as part of the roadster trio - MR2, MX5 and TF. Keep it for a few years and sell at a profit. They are where MGBs were a few years ago and look what they sell for now. Properly quick in VVC and 160 form and do 35mpg.
No competition really. MX5 for the money will be slow, uneconomical and rust epically.
I'm hesitant towards MG/Rovers in general, due to the infamous head gasket problems and the fact that MG went under. I kind of dismissed it very quickly because of that. I also think it's a bit dull looking (personally), but can see the appeal in terms of performance - in fact I didn't realise how equipped they were.
I will have a closer look, the prices are pretty good.
Gh45 said:
Man asks for what 4k car people post >5k car shocker
I was kind of expecting it Always nice to see what's just out of reach, for reference and all.
Fiat Coupe 20Vt you can pick one up for £600 get a low mileage insurance quote avoid over boosted turbo mods unless you want to melt the pistons, check out Fiat Coupe owners club site, use Italian car specialists like Motormech in Birmingham. If it hasn't had a cam belt changed recently get it done. An up and coming modern classic with 220 bhp with a sound to die for (Especially if you remove the rear box)4 seats half decent boot and Brembo brakes! Italian styling at a budget price.
rallycross said:
MR2 roadster post 2004 6 speed model, if you liked the mr2 mk1 you will love the mk3!
james_gt3rs said:
I had this dilemma! Ended up in a mk3 MR2 for £3k. I've driven a mk1 and it is wonderful, and the mk3 is every bit as fun, really comes alive when you drive it fast.
Exactly my thinking, I loved my mk1 despite all that went wrong, and the more I see of the mk3 the more I like.Just out of curiosity, what is the mk3 like to deal with during extreme wet weather or winter?
I only owned my mk1 during spring/summer and I was always fully aware that winter was looming on the horizon. It probably influenced my getting of Mondy as much as any other factor, which, to it's credit, dealt with severe weather very well.
Cooper S Works
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Edited by Escy on Sunday 1st September 23:40
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