Fun to drive warm hatch

[joshp99]

Hi all. I'm looking at selling my nb mx5 for something a bit more practical and economical, whilst still being decent fun in the twisties! I've got a budget of around £2.5k and have been looking at the likes of mk5 fiesta st's and panda 100hp's, however i've never driven any of these so was wondering if anyone on here has owned one or something similar. Cheers!

[Patrick Bateman]

I know you say warm but you can get a good Clio 182 for that money.

Get one that's had recent belts and they should be cheap to run, if a bit French.

[MyVTECGoesBwaaah]

Suzuki Swift Sport is worth a look, think they're in that bracket.

[DanielSan]

Swift Sport or Renaultsport Twingo 133. They're dirt cheap now

[mikeyr]

Think there have been two shed of the week articles on here recently about both the Suzuki Swift Sport and the Renault Twingo 133. Both best described as warm hatches, worth checking out the articles and the forum comments on them.

For the record I'm a huge fan of my Twingo 133, great fun! Whether you'd save much money in economy over your MX-5 though I'm not so sure.

As another poster said you could get a Clio 182 for that moment but that's a very different beast indeed. When I was looking for a warmish small hatch considered Panda 100, Fiesta ST and Suzuki Ignis Sport as well as Twingo 133.

[shake n bake]

Yaris T sport, I’ve got one and it’s a laugh to drive as it’s a very light car and a zingy little engine that like to rev.
Quite an analogue car to drive compared to a lot of modern stuff that feels slightly disconnected.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for the 182.

[DickP]

If you do opt for a 182, be mindful that they're getting on now and the suspension will need freshening up to get it handling well.

Fortunately in contrast to a lot of similar pace cars the 182 parts are not expensive.

[RossF1984]

I have just picked up a 2009 FN2 Type R with 91k and FSH for £2.6k.

Bargains to be had!!!

[ZX10R NIN]

Alternatives:

208 GTI

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

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

Mito Veloce 155

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

Grande Punto Abarth 155

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

Leon FR

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

Corsa VXR

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

Civic Type R

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

[Mr Tidy]

Or go for something totally different!

I bought a BMW E46 325ti Sport in 2014 in your budget.

Complete with a straight six 2.5 litre engine and RWD - it worked for me!

[ToothbrushMan]

The original Fiesta Zetec S could handle. if you cant find one and one that isnt a rust bucket you might do well to buy it. not sure if values of good ones are rising either.....

[VAGLover]

MyVTECGoesBwaaah said:

Suzuki Swift Sport is worth a look, think they're in that bracket.

This...beat me too it