A fun car for ~£5k

[ajstan]

Afternoon!

I've lurked around on this site for many years, but today, I need your help!

I want to replace my Saab 9-3 2.8 which is costing me a fortune in tax/permit parking.

I've got a slightly funky set of requirements and I'm fully aware I'm considering a set of completely different cars. I don't really have any set requirements, I don't commute in the car, I may not use the car for 2-3weeks at a time and my annual mileage is barely 2000miles.

What I'm aiming for is:
- Something fun to drive
- Something I can fit in - I'm 6'5"
- I'd prefer it was under 201g/km c02 so I don't get stung by the c02 based permit parking charge where I live.


What I've considered
- An MX5 was my default choice. Turns out I don't fit, not even close either!
- BMW Z4 is another option. For £5k I'd probably be looking at a 2.0. I've spent my life feeling that a 4pot BMW is the epitome of fail. Should I get over myself?
- Mini Cooper S mk2 seems like a good choice. I've just never had much love for the modern minis.
- Volvo c30 t5 is likeable, but costly. Also, not especially good according to reviews.


Has anyone got any suggestions or opinions on my current shortlist?

[GrumpyTwig]

Some kind of Clio, 197 up are too high on the co2 but 182/172 are great fun;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

I fit but I'm 6'1 but worth a go, just as much fun as anything rwd in that price bracket.

[ZX10R NIN]

Alfa Giulietta Veloce

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Megane RS F1 R26 a bit more fragile than the above but if you want fun then it's right here.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Clio RS Lux (with the Cup Chassis) as above but more robust, but being 6'5 sit in it to make sure you can get comfortable

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Mito Quadrifoglio these are an underrated fun car (again only sitting in it will tell if you're comfortable)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Corsa VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Grande Punto Abarth (I'd probably take it's Alfa cousin with more power but they're a fun car)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Z4 2.5i good car but not as much fun as the above.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf GTI not fun but competent

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A3 S Line Posher version of the above

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

JCW Mini Cooper

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

There are no bad cars out of the above it depends on how much fun you want the Renaults are the best drivers car the Mito makes you laugh the Punto is more composed than you might think it will all depend on what you want from you car.

All the above are below 200g/km

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 25th September 01:29

[300bhp/ton]

What about something pre Co2 rated? Classic Impreza Sti maybe. Might even find a Fox Mustang or new age one in budget still.

[MorganP104]

I'm with you on 4-pot Bimmers (the hallowed E30 M3 excepted, obviously).

I see you've shortlisted a Z4, but are worried that you won't be able to get a straight six within your budget.

Have you considered one of the meatier Z3s? Not the Z3M (far too much money), but they did do some chunky sixes, which may well be worthy of consideration.

[TheVole]

ajstan said:

- Volvo c30 t5 is likeable, but costly. Also, not especially good according to reviews.


Has anyone got any suggestions or opinions on my current shortlist?

I've got a C30 T5 with some go-faster bits:




Very likeable car. Expect 25-28mpg. Comfy, quiet (before I put an aftermarket exhaust on to release some 5-pot warble) and tuneable if that's your thing. They share a lot of parts with the mk2 Focus ST. No-one expects them to be as quick as they are. Stereo is excellent.

Faults I've found - parts can be expensive (I came from an MX5 though so I was used to parts being dirt cheap), understeer and brake fade on track (can be sorted with Focus ST 320mm brakes - they are a straight bolt-on), I find the steering to be a bit light, but again I've come from an MX5. No footrest can be a bugbear on very long drives. The R-Design seats tend to wear, there isn't really a fix for the suede-like T-Tec material apart from replacement panels.

Hope this helps!

Edited by TheVole on Monday 25th September 15:59

[ajstan]

Thanks for the replies!

Hadn't thought of the R26! I still can't make up my mind if I really like them or hate them. Not a massive fan of the other Frenchies or Alfas though.

Pre c02 is possibly the way to go. A Z3 is a very good shout. I actually saw one of those quite recently and loved it. I'll have to get to one nearby and see if I can fit - something which is appreciating in value has also got to be a good thing!

I did also finally drive a Mini Cooper S - seriously impressed with the driving experience in those!

[Speed 3]

I love the MCS, BMW have done a cracking job of retaining the original Mini chuckability with some modern comforts. Not sure what £5k buys you but be careful as the early iterations of each model (R53/R56) tend to have issues, only resolved as the model matures.

Please don't even contemplate a MiTo QV, genuinely the worst car I have ever owned (and that includes a Rover 214). So much wanted to love it but was delighted when it was written off.

[NiceCupOfTea]

If you are looking at Z4s, early 3.0 straight sixes come in under £5k. If you like Saabs, £5k would net you a very nice classic 900 turbo, or a convertible if that floats your boat. A nice e36 328 Sport or e46 330 Ci?

[ZX10R NIN]

Speed 3 said:

I love the MCS, BMW have done a cracking job of retaining the original Mini chuckability with some modern comforts. Not sure what £5k buys you but be careful as the early iterations of each model (R53/R56) tend to have issues, only resolved as the model matures.

Please don't even contemplate a MiTo QV, genuinely the worst car I have ever owned (and that includes a Rover 214). So much wanted to love it but was delighted when it was written off.

Funny you say that about the Mito I have two clients that love theirs, one who hated it but then went & bought a Punto Abarth Esseesse which he loves????

As I said each to their own, I personally like the Quadrifoglio but only a test drive will let you know what car works for you.

[Speed 3]

ZX10R NIN said:

Speed 3 said:

I love the MCS, BMW have done a cracking job of retaining the original Mini chuckability with some modern comforts. Not sure what £5k buys you but be careful as the early iterations of each model (R53/R56) tend to have issues, only resolved as the model matures.

Please don't even contemplate a MiTo QV, genuinely the worst car I have ever owned (and that includes a Rover 214). So much wanted to love it but was delighted when it was written off.

Funny you say that about the Mito I have two clients that love theirs, one who hated it but then went & bought a Punto Abarth Esseesse which he loves????

As I said each to their own, I personally like the Quadrifoglio but only a test drive will let you know what car works for you.

The handling was really fidgety despite the trick dampers but it was the woeful build quality, reliability and dealer experience that killed it for me. Gearbox lasted 15k and a host of other issues keeping it off the road for nearly a quarter of the days I owned made it a woeful ownership experience.

[TameRacingDriver]

Late EP3 Civic Type R?

[ZX10R NIN]

Speed 3 said:

The handling was really fidgety despite the trick dampers but it was the woeful build quality, reliability and dealer experience that killed it for me. Gearbox lasted 15k and a host of other issues keeping it off the road for nearly a quarter of the days I owned made it a woeful ownership experience.

I agree most of the dealers are woeful & lack the basic skill of communication, but the cars themselves seem to be robust last time I spoke to them one was on 68k & the other 51k (both use an Independent) the guy that bought the Punto had a couple of little problems but the dealer was making it hard work & he started to resent the car so it had to go.