What cheap to run, fun runabout?

[JagXJR]

Can anyone think of a cheap to run, nice looking (not boring box) quick runabout? I am looking for another car to add to the stable but am struggling for inspiration.

Budget up to £3k

Cheap road tax and economy

0-60 less than 10 seconds to keep up with traffic

Must be a nice looking car and not run-of-the-mill

Must be comfortable and not require a contortionist to get in it



Only one I have found so far is the Smart Roadster, this would be great if it wasn't such a struggle for my (disabled) partner to get in it!

Surely there must be other interesting cars?

[CoolChimaera]

Try a mk2 MR2. The MR2 is fun, fast(ish), and they look good.

[JagXJR]

What are they like to tax and insure?

Thanks

[JagXJR]

This looks ok

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

And this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Wonder what they are like to run cost-wise?

[IanCress]

Cheap Cooper S? Not without their faults and depends how you define 'comfortable'.

[defblade]

MX-5?

[jc84]

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-eurocars/fiat-p...

[Matt UK]

Your partner's ability to get in / out sounds like a priority.

Does that rule out cars with low seats / low roof lines?
Does it need to be higher up than a sports saloon car for ease of access?

Bit more detail and we'll find something!

[Jim AK]

Suzuki Swift?

Good looking imo seems to handle well & will be reliable I should imagine & a choice of 3 or 5 door for your partners ease of access & highish seating position.

Think it's 11 secs to 60 tho!!

[amstrange1]

Clio 172/182?

[IanMorewood]

You won't get cheap tax/insurance with fun to drive and easy to get in and out of, certainly not in your budget anyway.

Fun, fast, fairly frugal, FRENCH, easy to get into; Renault Megane rs225 cup.

[wd888]

vw lupo gti.

[TheHound]

Lexus IS200

[CoolChimaera]

JagXJR said:

What are they like to tax and insure?

Thanks

Not sure about either. But I know that its cheap

[Dannbodge]

E36 328i?

Tax is £230 a year and insurance is good (I'm 24 and paid £400 last year)
Economy will do 26ish round town and mid 30s on long runs.

[loose cannon]

Fiat panda 100bhp
Twingo gt 1.2 turbo both fun to drive and will easily keep up with traffic
And cheap to run

[itcaptainslow]

You'll get the best of the best MG ZR's for that.

[Uncle John]

Alfa 147, try for the JTDm 16v, different, quick and frugal.

[cirian75]

thats a great colour for a Fiat Coupe

[MissChief]

cirian75 said:

thats a great colour for a Fiat Coupe

UGH!. MUCH worse looking with black painted wheels.

Would get a Leon Cupra 180 for that easily. Might be worth looking for something 'old school' and find a good 306 GTI-6/Rallye?