Fun to drive, cheap to run - what car

[vsabljic]

Another what car topic. Looking for a fun car, low horsepower (insurance!), good on fuel and with not too firm suspension. It should be rather new. Used on B roads, daily. Only mainstream brands (no Lotus or something like that, because I am not in UK).

My first idea (of course!) was MX5 NC, but I simply do not fit in one (6'4). I own a hothatch and it is fun, but I would like to spend less money on maintenance (18inch wheels, mpg, insurance because of horsepower).

I have never driven one, but Mini Cooper R56 should be good to drive? Idea is to get something with around 100bhp, not too old… I have really no other ideas. Twingo RS is great fun, but the suspension is rock hard, same with C2 VTS. Any suggestions? Please no VAG cars (Lupo GTI bit too firm and not many around). I remember even the basic mk1 Focus was fun to drive, but new one seems quite ordinary…

Thanks!

[vsabljic]

And looking to spend under 10k, but not a limit if I like the car…

[ajprice]

Well under £10k and its the old shape now, but Panda 100hp? Should be softer riding and cheaper to insure than a 500 Abarth.

[kiethton]

GTM Libra?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/k...

[vsabljic]

kiethton said:

GTM Libra?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/k...

Looking for something with a dealer network in Europe

[LuS1fer]

Suzuki Swift Sport?

[CallorFold]

Recently been looking at one for the girlfriend - Renault Clio 1.2 TCE - 100bhp.

A remap to that small turbo can apparently bring things up to 120bhp.

Worth looking into for a cheap hatch back with a little more oompfh than your usual 1.2


ETA: Easily had for well under 10k!

[tomsugden]

Fiat Panda 100hp

[vsabljic]

tomsugden said:

Fiat Panda 100hp

Great toy, but not sure if I would want to go somewhere with Panda

[5hero]

My abarth 500

[AuthurDaley]

Hi,

In theory, with regard to running costs, a swift sport of fiesta ST/zetec S would be the best bet. Not specialist to work on and cheap parts as per my understanding. Twingo 133 is also an option.

I am yet to drive/expereince a Panda 100, but if reliability is good, that would also be a firm choice. They look quite cool!

With regard to Mini, if on runflats the ride can be harsh so they need swapping out. I do not think they are as reliable as they above also, and parts as not quite so cheap, but still worth a look for the extra power and some of the spec's avaliable on the cooper S.

10k should get you any of those cars with a few bags of change!

Good luck.

[vsabljic]

Edited by vsabljic on Thursday 6th February 22:41

[RedAndy]

MR2 40mpg, 140bhp 950kg 7 seconds 0-60 and a chassis to kill for!

or a celica. same as above, but with back seats and a very generous boot.

[RobM77]

RedAndy said:

MR2 40mpg, 140bhp 950kg 7 seconds 0-60 and a chassis to kill for!

or a celica. same as above, but with back seats and a very generous boot.

Same as above? The Celica's much heavier and front wheel drive

My suggestion would be an MR2 or MX5 with an aftermarket seat - you should be able to get much lower to help you fit.