2nd car for 2-3K. Recommendations please

[Hole Digga]

Hi all,

I've got a company car (BMW 116 ED Plus) for the weekly commute, and although I enjoy driving it, I want a fun second motor. Something that will retain value, maybe appreciate a little, bit like 106 rallye's have.

It has to be fun. Quick. Under 3k.

So far my options are:

Clio 182
106 GTI
Saxo VTS (not VTR)
BMW 330ci Sport
Subaru Impreza Turbo (probably all trash at this price range)

Any opinions, alternatives much appreciated

Thanks Jon

[dzernski]

At this risk of stating the obvious:
MK 2 mx5 with the 6 speed 1.8

[irocfan]

Maybe not FUN but a Crossfire is great value and quickish

[Hole Digga]

I've driven an MX5, lovely little motor, but a bit to popular for my liking. Should have added quirky to my list of requirements

Crossfire - I'll have a look. Thats the same underneath as a Merc CLK I think?

[Hole Digga]

I've driven an MX5, lovely little motor, but a bit to popular for my liking. Should have added quirky to my list of requirements

Crossfire - I'll have a look. Thats the same underneath as a Merc CLK I think?

[Drew106]

You'd get a very nice Mk1 MX5 for that money.

Extremely fun, lovable, loads of mods available, loads of cheap parts available & pop up lights

They're not going to go down in value and goods ones will certainly appreciate. Just watch for the dreaded car killer - RUST.

[Hole Digga]

Drew106 said:

You'd get a very nice Mk1 MX5 for that money.

Extremely fun, lovable, loads of mods available, loads of cheap parts available & pop up lights

They're not going to go down in value and goods ones will certainly appreciate. Just watch for the dreaded car killer - RUST.

I know...pop up lights! :P

Perhaps my budget would allow for me to buy a welder, and a flatbed full of metal sheeting for repairs

I'll have a look at them, thanks

[anonymous-user]

I'd go for a Mk3 MR2 in that budget, yiu can get a nice facelift for that price. The Mk2 and Mk1 mx5 put me off due to rust issues. The mr2 will be what I pick up in the next few months for summer.

[irocfan]

Hole Digga said:

Crossfire - I'll have a look. Thats the same underneath as a Merc CLK I think?

with the Crossfire think of it as more of a GT and you'll probably like it better. It's heavily based on the mk1 SLK but it does have a fair chunk of boot-space the the coupe

[caelite]

dzernski said:

At this risk of stating the obvious:
MK 2 mx5 with the 6 speed 1.8

Another vote for MX5, although I'd go for a 01-04 mk2.5 (the VVT engine is neato) 1.8. 6 speed comes with LSD. £2-3k will buy you a really nice one (I paid £1700 for mine about 3 weeks ago). They MK2s rust as bad as the MK1s but if you catch it early its easily treated (as opposed to holed through like a lot of MK1s are now).

MR2s are also a good choice, MK2's are the sweet ones imo the MK3s where a bit soft and less practical (smaller boot).

DONT buy a £2-3k Subaru, thats a trap I have fallen into more than once, those cars are just not reliable once they get older/slightly abused.

BMW 330Ci is a great motor, as is the 325Ti compact, just make sure you get a manual the older auto's can be a nightmare. They are also a lot softer than a MX5 or MR2, better as a daily driver really.

Edited by caelite on Friday 10th March 18:31

[twizellb]

Hole Digga said:

I've driven an MX5, lovely little motor, but a bit to popular for my liking. Should have added quirky to my list of requirements

Crossfire - I'll have a look. Thats the same underneath as a Merc CLK I think?

Mercedes-Benz slk.

[thewildblue]

If going for an MX5...look for a MK2 RS over a 2.5 VVT. The RS is the same power, better spec and quicker as its lighter and has a better final drive ratio.

Ive currently got a MK3 MR2 as my daily. Great fun. Before that I had a 2.5 Sport and before that a MK2 RS. Ive had others as well, but for the budget these fit in. In order of preference I would go RS-MR2-VVT.

Though if I was buying a second fun car for 3k I think I would buy another RX8. If you like quirky. ;-)