£3k Budget - Second Car. Thoughts?

[Whitester]

Not been on these forums for a long time but there was always some good advice to be found!

Currently I drive a ‘65 plate Fiesta 1.25. Had this since I passed my test a year ago and I’ve loved it, even though I do find myself wishing for a little more ‘poke’, as it were.

The missus has now passes her driving test and it’s easier for me to get the train that it is for her to use public transport to work. I used to drop her off every morning then drive, now she takes the car and I get the train. It’s actually registered in her name and we share our finances, so it’s not like she’s stolen the car or anything like that. We always agreed this would be the case.

We also agreed that when this did happen it’d be me who gets a new car. The Fiesta is on long-term HP and I’m not wanting to do that again as I have a decent enough budget to buy outright. Initially, we were going to get her a little runabout, say a Fiat 500. But it didn’t make sense to shell out that money when we can get something more in budget. So we’re looking at used cars to me.

Now, considering that in the grand scheme of things I’ve had my driving licence for a blink of an eye, I don’t want to go mad. I know I could get a seriously quick motor for my budget, but I don’t quite fancy killing myself just yet and insurance costs need to be on the lower rather than the higher side. This rules out stuff like a Golf GTI or an MR2, I can afford the car but not the insurance and I think I need a hell of a lot more time on the road before I start going down that route considering my inexperience.

However, I’d dearly like to have something that is going to be more of a driving experience than the Fiesta has been. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean faster.

Diesel or petrol - depends on the car.

But absolutely must be a manual!

My research has left me with these thoughts:

1) BMW 3 Series, E36 or E46. I am not entirely sure what engine size would be best, but am thinking on the lower end.

2) VW Golf. Haven’t looked into this much but they’re recommended to me often. Test drove a new one and liked the heaviness that I felt.

3) Ford Focus MK2. Not my first choice but I know Ford well and would be quite okay with this.

I should say that I don’t intend for it to last me forever. Also, any long distance stuff can be done in the Fiesta. I don’t need any fancy stuff, it is all about the car and not about what gadgets it has. If I need any of that, I have another car.

I’m leaning towards the 3 series but I don’t know if it’s just a crazy idea?! Any suggestions and thoughts are most welcome

[Whitester]

And I have now looked and found I posted on the wrong forum. If a mod could move this to car buying for me, I’d be much obliged. Cheers

[Jim the Sunderer]

Small engined BMW or Golf isn't going to be fun.

You want an MX-5.

[schmalex]

If it's just the two of you, how about something a little leftfield like a BMW Z3 2.8? Many on here would scoff at them, having not driven them, but they are a fantastic fun car to blatt around in and look very good if you get a widebody.

something like this... https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Whitester]

Jim the Sunderer said:

Small engined BMW or Golf isn't going to be fun.

You want an MX-5.

I looked at MX-5s but I have read that there are a lot of problems with rust. Appreciated buying something for £3k is never going to be hassle-free but is it as much of a problem as I’ve been led to believe?

schmalex said:

If it's just the two of you, how about something a little leftfield like a BMW Z3 2.8? Many on here would scoff at them, having not driven them, but they are a fantastic fun car to blatt around in and look very good if you get a widebody.

something like this... https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Funnily enough I took a quick look at a Z4 but gave up straight away when I realised I would really struggle to find one in good nick for my budget. But a Z3... never even considered it. Will look, cheers!

[Whitester]

[redacted]

[daveco]

Jim the Sunderer said:

Small engined BMW or Golf isn't going to be fun.

You want an MX-5.

Pretty much this, if you plan on doing track days.

It won't be the quickest thing out there but you'll feel like you're going far quicker!

[Jakg]

Whitester said:

Funnily enough I took a quick look at a Z4 but gave up straight away when I realised I would really struggle to find one in good nick for my budget. But a Z3... never even considered it. Will look, cheers!

You might struggle to get one for less than £3k, but the going rate for an early 3.0 is about £3,500...

[Whitester]

Some quick insurance quotes for the like of a 330 and Z3 tells me that they think I’m living in dreamland if they’re going to insure me on them!

Although, you know, everyone else I know thought I was living in dreamland when I mentioned looking at BMWs.

Looking for an insurance group below 35 really. A 330 is just about squeezable

Edited by Whitester on Monday 17th September 17:23

[rossub]

Suzuki Swift Sport?

[schmalex]

In which case, how about something like an Alfa Spider or Coupe / GT?

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

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



Neither are as chuckle as an MX5 or as grunty as a Z3 2.8, but are very pretty cars indeed and will give a real sense of occasion

[moorx]

If you're considering an MX5, maybe an MR2 Roadster?

[200Plus Club]

moorx said:

If you're considering an MX5, maybe an MR2 Roadster?

I sold a track day ready mr2 for £1600 within hrs of advertising it. Tidy, solid subframe and non oil burning. Was thrashed within an inch of its life, and loved it. Beautifully fun cars, not practical for shop runs tho lol

[Jayho]

How about a E39 530i? Something I wish I considered when I was younger. Nice straight six and comfy cruiser. Would be miles better on your long journeys compared to the fiesta.

Other than that, something like a Suzuki swift sport or a polo GTi would be my choice for a small warm hatch. I think they usually come with quite a bit of kit too.

[Jasandjules]

Mr2 T-Bar?

[moorx]

200Plus Club said:

moorx said:

If you're considering an MX5, maybe an MR2 Roadster?

I sold a track day ready mr2 for £1600 within hrs of advertising it. Tidy, solid subframe and non oil burning. Was thrashed within an inch of its life, and loved it. Beautifully fun cars, not practical for shop runs tho lol

They are indeed (fun cars) - I have one Use the Celica for shopping, though!

Edited by moorx on Monday 17th September 19:42

[ZX10R NIN]

Nissan 350Z (You'll have to haggle)

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

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

SLK230

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

Alfa Bera

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

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

Volvo C30 T5

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

Focus ST-2/3

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

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

If you want a warm hatch then the Astra with the 1.6T engine is worth a look:

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

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

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

3.2 Audi A3 S Line (these normally come up with sensible numbers insurance wise.

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

330ci

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

Clio RS

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

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

2.8 Z3

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

2.5/3.0 Z4

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

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

[Whitester]

Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions here. Feeling that a Swift Sport would be in budget, reasonable insurance and a nice drive. Will check out more of the ither recommendations too!

What are our thoughts in these Corsas?

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

[ZX10R NIN]

Whitester said:

Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions here. Feeling that a Swift Sport would be in budget, reasonable insurance and a nice drive. Will check out more of the ither recommendations too!

What are our thoughts in these Corsas?

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

They're an okay car but if you're looking at those then take a good look at the 1.6T Astras I listed above.

[Shiv_P]

Whitester said:

Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions here. Feeling that a Swift Sport would be in budget, reasonable insurance and a nice drive. Will check out more of the ither recommendations too!

What are our thoughts in these Corsas?

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

Corsas are st, plenty of better options in budget!