So, I'm after a weekend fun car...... Budget 3-4k

[f1nn]

So, I'm going to buy something over the next couple of months to give me an escape from the diesel company car I cover 35k year in.

My budget is 3k, but this could (will) creep to around 4k.

I'm after something useable, but borderline modern classic.. I'm thinking...

Integra Type R DC2. Always had a thing for them, but concerned about finding a non rotten, standard(ish) example. I don't want to buy a stter that sours the experience, although I'm happy to spend a few quid to keep a car tip top.

Corrado VR6. That sound. Would want a manual in standard form. This probably is the best compromise of what I'm looking for with hopefully the best chances of finding something half decent.

Clio 172 Cup. Awesome little cars, and IMO the RS range is the last old school hot hatch. Bottom end of budget should find something looked after and half decent.

Clio 182 Trophy. Probably the must fun package I've ever driven so I'm keen on this one. Might be struggling at top end of budget to get something nice, and I notice a lot are missing the Sachs dampers which is the point of the car surely?


What I'm looking for is something fun and responsive to drive. Outright performance is unimportant, but I suppose looking at the above, 7ish seconds to 60, height teens to 100 and 135-145 top speed is about right but not a deal breaker.

Fuel economy unimportant as it will cover so few miles, which makes me think that I might be being a little un adventurous, although I bet the VR6 can drink a fair bit.

I'm confident with the spanners, so happy to tinker, and I'd prefer something with cheap and plentiful spares so don't want something too left field.

I'm 35, married with a 5 year old, so while I'm not against a 2 seater, it would make it trickier to get the OH involved. Could put her in the boot.

MX5 are great, but just don't think I could get away with one.

Any other suggestions?

[Mr Roper]

e30 325 sport.

[f1nn]

See, I would happily have an e30 325i sport, but I think they are now out of my budget and anything half decent starts at around 5 unless someone can show me otherwise.

Also how do these fair with rust?

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

That was exactly what I was going to say Mr roper!

An event to drive, easily worked on, plentiful spares, that six makes an immense noise and they are smart enough to take to work on Fridays too.

[f1nn]

Is it weird that I'm more tempted thy the rather lovely 325i touring in the classifieds than the sports?

[JFReturns]

EP3 Civic Type-R
Mk1 Audi TT [225]
Smart ForFour Brabus
Fiat Coupe Turbo
Any busso V6 Alfa Romeo
Mazda RX8
Chrysler Crossfire
TVR s series or wedge (or save more and fix up a ropey Chim)

A few wildcards there. I think the cars you already listed are better but at least something to consider.

The Crossfire seems to have a poor reputation, something to do with SLK underpinnings, but to me they seem cracking value.

[Welshbeef]

S2000 if as you say 2 seats are ok
E36 M3 Evo or just the base 3ltr M3
Passat W8
Jag XKR/XJR X300 that's the v8 one.
E39 M5
E55 W210/S210 non supercharged
Civic Type R
Focus ST
Fiat Coupe 20 V Turbo
Boxster S
944 Turbo or S2

[f1nn]

With regard to the Hondas, EP3 and s2000 are possibilities.

Looked at RX8's, is the driving experience worth the (potential) reliability concerns?

E36 m3, yep love them, but prices have firmed up massively so anything half decent is north of my budget.

944 s2' same as above,.

Boxtster, yeah would definitely consider one if it was presentable enough, even a 2.5.

Audi TT mk1. This is what my missus has suggested. I do like them, and while I'm not going to bash them for being golf based, as I don't see that as an issue really, are they an engaging drive once the novelty has worn off?

I'm not trying to change the world with my meagre budget, but want to have a good experience I can look back on a nod be glad I did it.

[Mr Roper]

Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

That was exactly what I was going to say Mr roper!

An event to drive, easily worked on, plentiful spares, that six makes an immense noise and they are smart enough to take to work on Fridays too.

I was lucky enough to drive a mates 325 round the ring some years back. It still brings a smile to my face.

Cracking cars.

[s m]

f1nn said:

See, I would happily have an e30 325i sport, but I think they are now out of my budget and anything half decent starts at around 5 unless someone can show me otherwise.

Also how do these fair with rust?

325ti?

Less rusty than an E30, sound nice, meets all the performance stipulations and quite practical with the hatch.

[ewan221]

£4k might get you an early JDM 350z

[JFReturns]

f1nn said:

With regard to the Hondas, EP3 and s2000 are possibilities.

Looked at RX8's, is the driving experience worth the (potential) reliability concerns?

E36 m3, yep love them, but prices have firmed up massively so anything half decent is north of my budget.

944 s2' same as above,.

Boxtster, yeah would definitely consider one if it was presentable enough, even a 2.5.

Audi TT mk1. This is what my missus has suggested. I do like them, and while I'm not going to bash them for being golf based, as I don't see that as an issue really, are they an engaging drive once the novelty has worn off?

I'm not trying to change the world with my meagre budget, but want to have a good experience I can look back on a nod be glad I did it.

Apologises for quoting the whole post, I'm on me phone and cba deleting bits...

In relation to your RX8 question; for your budget I'd be looking at one with a fresh rebuild, or alternatively, buy one with a failed engine and get it rebuilt (~£2,500 iirc) yourself. Everyone agrees the RX8 is a beautifully balanced car that handles great, MPG not an issue for you, reliability concerns dealt with.... Sounds like a contender

[Jasandjules]

MR2 Turbo T-Bar.

[rb5er]

I have seen Racing Pumas go for near your upper budget.

A real special rarity compared to the rest.

[CountZero23]

Lotus Elan SE.

In budget, fun, fast, stunning and a bit different.

[Axionknight]

Honda S2000, tax and insurance can be a bit of a stinger but they are cracking cars.

[Welshbeef]

Clio Williams 1/2/3
Pug 1.9 GTI
R5 GTTurbo
Lotus Sunbeam Talbot
2.8 Capri
SD1 Vitesse

[f1nn]

I had a few Saxo VTR/S when they first came out, so I've done the 106 rallye/GTI thing really.

Plus my neighbours would have a fit if I Parked that outside.

It's got to look semi presentable.

[gforceg]

There are pros and cons to the Corrado idea. Some parts are easy to get, other bits less so.

They do sound great and absolutely charge along at higher speeds.

They aren't that bad on fuel. I went for a 90 mile blast recently on mixed A and B roads and despite hoofing it in a few places where I knew I was safe to give it some, it averaged 32mpg for the trip. Hardly a deal breaker. Probably bad around town but why would you drive it around town?

They are a bit more of a GT than the others you mention and I certainly don't see it as a back road scratcher. Brilliant on fast open roads and long journeys where comfort is just as important as pace.

[xstian]

How about an Audi S2 as a little bit of a left field choice.