New kid on the block

[Jbadman06]

Good afternoon fellow petrol heads.

After months of browsing PH i've decided to join the forums.

My names Jack and im from West Sussex England. I'm only 19 but ive been an avid petrol head since childhood. Up until recently i drove a MK5 Fiesta Zetec s in colorado red. Then it failed its MOT... badly... So now unfortunately im driving around in an A-B, S reg clio. Not the most fun i've had unfortunately.

Which brings me on to my first outcry for advice and help... In december i should be getting a company car meaning i no longer need the clio. However, i want to have a fun weekend car. I'm open to all suggestions but i think my budget is going to be around the £5000 mark. My insurance shouldn't be too bad as by the time i can afford said 'fun' car, i'll be 20 with a years no claims and 3 years driving experience. Any suggestions welcome!

Cheers!

[Eighteeteewhy]

MX-5

Welcome along.

[jamesedwards]

Welcome!

Clio 182 with plenty of change
Or
Mazda MX-5 with plenty of change.

Next thread

[Jbadman06]

Thank you

Never considered the 182 despite hearing that they're good drivers cars. As for the MX-5, i drove one of my friends who has a 1.6 import. Awesome fun but id miss being able to have people in the back. Still an option though for sure

[jamesedwards]

I've just bought a very tidy 182 FF and absolutely love it. It's quick no denying it and handles extremely well. People complain about the interior build quality being poor but having come from an old Peugeot it seems absolutely fine to me. Suppose it rather depends what you're used to. Auto lights and cruise control with decent mpg on top...Ideal. Would highly recommend.

[Jbadman06]

Really appareciate the advice.

Whats the market for them like? Say a decent mileage, FSH and Mot. What sort of money are they going for? I've had a brief look at them before but never really thought about it seriously

[TimmD]

VX220, I got a nice one, OK it is cat D, for less than your budget.

It is a proper 2nd car and should be insurable for you.

They write these off when almost anything happens, so don't be scared of the status, rather look at the condition.

Join the VX220 forum and ask lots..

I had a Clio Trophy before it and it was good but not an event in any way and I never once looked back at it after a good drive..

[jamesedwards]

Most people, myself included, would recommend a full fat 182 with the cup packs. So you get the benefits of better seats and other bits that were stripped out of the cup, but with the cup suspension. The cup is only 20kg lighter and isn't worth losing all the bits.

You could get a decent 182 FF for less that 3k. Mine has 78k, FSH, belts changed, paint is immaculate as is the interior and I paid slightly less that 3k after making an offer.

[Jbadman06]

jamesedwards said:

Most people, myself included, would recommend a full fat 182 with the cup packs. So you get the benefits of better seats and other bits that were stripped out of the cup, but with the cup suspension. The cup is only 20kg lighter and isn't worth losing all the bits.

You could get a decent 182 FF for less that 3k. Mine has 78k, FSH, belts changed, paint is immaculate as is the interior and I paid slightly less that 3k after making an offer.

Hmmm. Definitely food for thought. Sounds like a great price for what you got. If i could get one similair that leaves me with an extra £2k for insurance and possible some discreet modifications

[johnthesifu]

I would go for a 172 over a 182 simply because theres no difference in the real world performance and they both have the same amount of equipment. Some people prefer the dual exhaust on the rear which is why they go for the 182, not worth the price difference imo.