Drivers car 5.5k

[jassihayre]

Hey Guys

Currently using a RS Clio 182 and fancy a change but not sure what to go for? Not overly bothered about practicality so could be two or more seats. Would like something manual, light and agile with some steering feel and reliable. Would consider something older as long as it doesn't fall to bits.

I know which cars I don't want - MX5, MR2, Z3, Z4, TT, Golf GTI / R32, E46 330, Fiesta / Focus ST, Astra / Corsa VXR, Mini Cooper any sort of Jag.

[DoubleD]

jassihayre said:

Hey Guys

Currently using a RS Clio 182 and fancy a change but not sure what to go for? Not overly bothered about practicality so could be two or more seats. Would like something manual, light and agile with some steering feel and reliable. Would consider something older as long as it doesn't fall to bits.

I know which cars I don't want - MX5, MR2, Z3, Z4, TT, Golf GTI / R32, E46 330, Fiesta / Focus ST, Astra / Corsa VXR, Mini Cooper any sort of Jag.

Can you get a boxster for that

[VAGLover]

jassihayre said:

Hey Guys

Currently using a RS Clio 182 and fancy a change but not sure what to go for? Not overly bothered about practicality so could be two or more seats. Would like something manual, light and agile with some steering feel and reliable. Would consider something older as long as it doesn't fall to bits.

I know which cars I don't want - MX5, MR2, Z3, Z4, TT, Golf GTI / R32, E46 330, Fiesta / Focus ST, Astra / Corsa VXR, Mini Cooper any sort of Jag.

Mazda 3 MPS?

[jassihayre]

Yep 04 2.8 Boxster, Megane R26 F1 and DC2 Integra Type R on short list. Not sure what would be more fun or what else to consider?

Not after fastest but fun factor.

[Chris_91]

EP3.

[DoubleD]

Boxster for me. 2 seats and roof off will always be more of an event.

[300bhp/ton]

VAGLover said:

jassihayre said:

Hey Guys

Currently using a RS Clio 182 and fancy a change but not sure what to go for? Not overly bothered about practicality so could be two or more seats. Would like something manual, light and agile with some steering feel and reliable. Would consider something older as long as it doesn't fall to bits.

I know which cars I don't want - MX5, MR2, Z3, Z4, TT, Golf GTI / R32, E46 330, Fiesta / Focus ST, Astra / Corsa VXR, Mini Cooper any sort of Jag.

Mazda 3 MPS?

Is that really a “drivers” car?? Surely not. It’s just a pokey built for practicality and family duties type of car.

Not saying it isn’t a good car. But an upright seating position and an interior optimised for passenger space are hardly attributes of “drivers” cars.

[300bhp/ton]

jassihayre said:

Yep 04 2.8 Boxster, Megane R26 F1 and DC2 Integra Type R on short list. Not sure what would be more fun or what else to consider?

Not after fastest but fun factor.

What sort of driving will it be used for? Is it a daily or a toy?

And what is your driving style? Smooth inputs, or do you like to throw something about?

And what types of roads. If you have lots of big open dual carriage ways. Then different cars will suit it better. And vice versa, small bumpy country lanes will suit other types of cars.

Any reason why you’ve discounted the cars in your op?

Two cars I think I’d like to mention.

-smart Brabus Roadster. Although the regular Roadster is pretty much the same thing, minus some styling changes.

Very nimble, compact and lightweight. They make an MX-5 feel quite big. Not all that speedy but cross country they are more than fast enough for sane use. Best thing is. They are so deplorable. Because they aren’t fast, you can thrash them and drive them really hard a heck of a lot.

They suit smooth driving and reward it. Some don’t like the gearbox. But to be honest I think it’s one of the best and most fun bits of the car. And arguably requires more skill to master than a regular manual.

They don’t suit big wide open fast roads though. And will feel slow mixed in with other cars.


-Subaru Impreza. The classics are pretty lightweight and smaller than you’d think.

And have far more hooligan handling than you’d think for a 4wd car. I also love the sound track of the flat 4. Hugely capable car and seriously quick cross country.

However the downside is. At normal speeds and normal driving they are a bit boring with a dull Jap interior. They only really come alive at speed. Which means to enjoy them, you’ll end up at silly speeds far too often.

[VAGLover]

300bhp/ton said:

Is that really a “drivers” car?? Surely not. It’s just a pokey built for practicality and family duties type of car.

Not saying it isn’t a good car. But an upright seating position and an interior optimised for passenger space are hardly attributes of “drivers” cars.

To be fair, apart from the Boxster , nothing else mentioned is a drivers car.
I just thought he might appreciate a left field Japanese hot Hatch
Point taken!

[Frankstar123]

350z?

[james_gt3rs]

DoubleD said:

Boxster for me. 2 seats and roof off will always be more of an event.

Amazing engine note too

[jassihayre]

Will be a daily driver but i'm on my own 95% of time with nothing to carry. Like taking B roads whenever possible and purchase may be called upon to do the odd trackday.

Had a look at Smart Roadsters several years ago and they suffer from lots of issues which is why I ended up with a MX5 that is now used solely for track days. Did enjoy roof down weekend hoons in the MX5 but its becoming more and more track focused which is why I was considering the Boxster but not sure having another convertible is sensible which is why having second thoughts about it.

The cars I discounted I've either had or tried and didn't like. I was all set on a DC2 but tried 2 and didnt think they were all that but could have just been the two I tried.

[Ahbefive]

Everything that I have read about boxsters pretty much points to them being a moneypit.

Of course it could be somewhat exaggerated but there seem to be thousands of tails of engine failure but also the engines seem to cost 2 or 3 times as much to rebuild as a regular car.

[HasToBeV8]

RX8?

[RacerMDR]

you would get a 3.2S Boxter for that .............high miles -but who cares

[aaron_2000]

S2000? Impreza 2000 Turbo/WRX, or maybe a 205 GTI? You could get this 205 which I think is near on perfect:

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

[jassihayre]

I scratched the 205 itch prior to the Clio. Was great fun but bit fragile as a daily. Think I would be worried all the time with a Boxster. Heard of one with IMS and RMS sorted only for shells/bearings in the bottom end going. Same with RX8.