Looking for something quick, fun, reliable for around 2k

[Roamy]

Hello PHers

I will be looking for a car in the next few months and can't help but look already.
I have been out the country for a while but when I lived here I had a 315hp S14 which I loved. So I want to get something that's got a bit of pace and fun the drive but something I can commute in and fix myself.

I have been looking around and I see a lot of Audi TTs in my area as well as a lot of 3 series BWMs. They both suit my needs but I wonder if anyone has any other suggestions. I know the 1.8TT has 225hp and can be mapped to 265hp quite easily, but I would need to mod it to give it a more manly look. I do like the idea of a 3series, but not sure about repair costs and if they have all been ragged also not sure which one to get and they seem slow.

Anyway, would love to hear what you guys think.
Thanks

[Leicester Loyal]

Clio 172/182, Civic Type R EP3.

[Andy665]

Celica T Sport 190 - massively underrated

[coldel]

A rebuilt RX8 can be had for cheap money, great chassis and as long as you keep it maintained good for many more miles.

[culpz]

Leicester Loyal said:

Clio 172/182, Civic Type R EP3.

Best 2 for me.

The Clio's are generally more reliable than you might expect. The Honda's typically have the reliability thing cemented. Although, getting one of these at 2k in decent condition could be tricky. A 2k 172/182, on the other hand, should get you a pretty good one.

[ZX10R NIN]

Clio would be my first choice:

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

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

After that it would be a Celica T Sport:

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

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

My third pick would be the ST-170:

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

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

[Legend83]

I just bought a RX8 in very good nick for just under £2k (in fact it was actually £1.5k but I bunged a nice exhaust on for £400). Do your research, buy from a reputable specialist and you may well end up with the bargain of the century.

So far I have been physically unable to remove the grin from my silly little face.

[Roamy]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Would you guys suggest I buy private or from a garage when getting a car for this kind of price?

I know a garage might charge more, but there would be some kind of guarantee.

[ZX10R NIN]

Do your due diligence & find the best car you can, be it private or from a trader.

[cerb4.5lee]

From experience nothing will match your S14 for fun factor. I've not had anything since that was as much fun as mine was. Mine was only 250bhp aswell!

[Roamy]

cerb4.5lee said:

From experience nothing will match your S14 for fun factor. I've not had anything since that was as much fun as mine was. Mine was only 250bhp aswell!

Yeah I figured, ill get something quick again one day.

I think I am leaning towards an e46 330d at this point, not that I want a diesel but from what I see (and have been told) they are pretty quick and great of fuel.

That or a mk2/3 mx5.