Fun practical car with sharp steering under £3000 wanted

[Estates]

Hi everyone,

I have a van for work. I'm looking for a practical, fun car with sharp steering that I can run under a classic car insurance scheme for under £3000.

Shortlist:-
BMW E46 330i
Alfa 156 2.0 or 2.5
MG ZT 2.5
Ford Puma

Which would be best?

Thanks

[Xcore]

Mx5

[Harrison-91xcg]

MG ZS 180 over the ZT if you want decent dynamics.

Other than that Alfa 2.5 V6. Only heard good things and it's an Alfa.

[gp3000000]

I'd say the Alfa, but then I'm biased, owning three.

Have you driven a Puma? It sticks out (poorly) among your other choices. Many are badly rotten now too, although that could be said for the 156s too. The 147s never had the hit'n'miss rust issues of the 156, but same floorplan and handling.

[gp3000000]

Also the boot floor cracking issues are becoming apparent on all the E46 now, not just the M3. Even heard of a few 320d have been done now.

[Turbotechnic]

Alfa 156 gets my vote.

[Synchromesh]

I think you'll be disappointed by the BMW if sharp steering is what you want. All the BMWs I've owned (including an E46), had quite slow steering racks.

I haven't driven a 156 but my last car was an Alfa 147, which had a great front end, so perhaps one of those is worth a look? Mine was the Ducati edition, which has firmer suspension and the Q2 diff, but I believe they're good steers across the range.

[Leins]

Synchromesh said:

I think you'll be disappointed by the BMW if sharp steering is what you want. All the BMWs I've owned (including an E46), had quite slow steering racks

325ti is a better bet (Not an estate, but a practical enough hatchback)

Edited by Leins on Saturday 6th January 20:32

[Estates]

Thanks for feedback. Already had an MX-5, need something more practical. Puma sticks out like a sore thumb because its the first one i thought of. Read nothing but good reviews of it, especially 1.7. A friend had one so aware of rust issues. 330 appeals because of performance. Always fancied an Alfa. Not sure about 147. Forgotten about ZS - thanks for the reminder.

Also thought of Primera GT and Peugeot 306 GTI-6.

[HorneyMX5]

Mini Cooper S?

[Mr E]

Turbotechnic said:

Alfa 156 gets my vote.

I don’t recall the front end being particularly good on the V6 if I’m honest.

[Scobblelotcher]

If you could spend a little more a BMW 130i would be a great choice.

Impreza turbo
Renault R26 (incredible handling)
350Z (again slightly exceeding budget)

[quinny100]

Considered a Mondeo ST220?

[gp3000000]

Mr E said:

I don’t recall the front end being particularly good on the V6 if I’m honest.

It's lighter than the diesels and only 15 kg heavier than the Twinspark. Shouldn't make that much difference

[HustleRussell]

E36 BMW
Mk1 Focus or Mk3 Mondeo
Peugeot 306 or 406 (406 Coupé?)

These are normal practical cars just which happen to have lovely steering. Best enjoyed with a 4-cylinder Petrol engine for optimum lovely front end feel.

[HustleRussell]

Scobblelotcher said:

If you could spend a little more a BMW 130i would be a great choice.

ePAS?

[ZX10R NIN]

quinny100 said:

Considered a Mondeo ST220?

I'd say plus 1 to the above.

[MiggyA]

Estates said:

Thanks for feedback. Already had an MX-5, need something more practical. Puma sticks out like a sore thumb because its the first one i thought of. Read nothing but good reviews of it, especially 1.7. A friend had one so aware of rust issues. 330 appeals because of performance. Always fancied an Alfa. Not sure about 147. Forgotten about ZS - thanks for the reminder.

Also thought of Primera GT and Peugeot 306 GTI-6.

GTI6 is a good call, steers well with decent feel for a front wheel driver. Also isn't slow.

[Mr E]

gp3000000 said:

Mr E said:

I don’t recall the front end being particularly good on the V6 if I’m honest.

It's lighter than the diesels and only 15 kg heavier than the Twinspark. Shouldn't make that much difference

To be honest, mine had 130k on it at the end. Everything was worn

[CO2000]

HorneyMX5 said:

Mini Cooper S?

This with the back seats down or removed!