Most fun car for sub-3k?
Discussion
A lot can change in a week. Only a week ago, I was still thinking about blowing 15k on a sports car when this was all over but with my wife's income (supply and perapatetic music teaching) effectively wiped out due to the current situation and a question mark over my own employment (still getting paid working from home right now but it's a small company and I have doubts about how long we can keep going at a fraction of capacity), that all seems a bit reckless and a bit of a folly. We still have some savings to fall back on and I'm confident that I can find alternative employment if I need to but I have two cars sat on the drive not going anywhere that I'm making payments on, which is a bit frustrating and I would rather not put myself in that situation again.
The sports car is still a dream that I hope to fulfill a few years down the road with a bit more financial security but right now, I think that something fun and interesting that I could buy outright and either won't depreciate or is cheap enough that if it breaks expensively, it's not the end of the world is more the ticket. You can get a very nice E46 330Ci or mk1 Audi TT quattro for 5k (both cars that I found very desirable and couldn't afford back in the day) but I'd probably choose to spend a bit less than that and they could both prove a bit expensive to run. I did own some cheaper cars in the early 2000s that were daily driven and all cost me less than 3k to buy that I really enjoyed (205 GTi, E30 325i, Corrado VR6) and they were absolutely fine. I'll keep one of my newer cars for family duties but all I really need for my own use is something fairly reliable and cheap to run with a reasonable boot that will do 30+mpg. Rear seats would be useful but not essential. That sub-3k budget was a happy hunting ground in the early 2000s, with pretty much all the 80s hot hatches in budget: XRs/RS Turbos, GTEs, R5 GT Turbos/Clio 16vs/R19 16vs , 205/309 GTis etc. Even Capri 2.8s, E30 325is, 944s, 200SXs and mk2 Escort RS2000s were still quite cheap if RWD was more your thing. I'd have another 205 GTi in a heartbeat but not for the prices that people are asking for them these days. So what are the most fun alternatives for 3k or less that meet the criteria?
The first two that come to mind are the Ford Puma 1.7 and Clio 182. I drove both when they were still fairly new with a view to purchase but didn't completely gel with either. Still, they both seem very well regarded and at current prices (especially the Puma, where even the nicest examples seem to be sub-2k), they would both definitely merit a second look. When XR Fords were never that good and are fetching strong money (even crappy mk5 Escorts), the Puma being so cheap is quite surprising and I have driven other Fords from that era that I enjoyed (mk1 Focus/Mondeo/Ka etc).
Other possibilities I guess could be an EP3 Civic Type-R (but leggy and a bit tired for this money?), mk1 Suzuki Swift Sport or Saxo VTR/VTS/106 GTi. Bearing in mind how popular they were at the time though, the Saxos/106s seem very few and far between, were always cheaply built cars and I was never a fan of the cramped pedal box compared to the 205.
Which of the above would be the best bet? Have I missed anything? Any RWD alternatives?
The sports car is still a dream that I hope to fulfill a few years down the road with a bit more financial security but right now, I think that something fun and interesting that I could buy outright and either won't depreciate or is cheap enough that if it breaks expensively, it's not the end of the world is more the ticket. You can get a very nice E46 330Ci or mk1 Audi TT quattro for 5k (both cars that I found very desirable and couldn't afford back in the day) but I'd probably choose to spend a bit less than that and they could both prove a bit expensive to run. I did own some cheaper cars in the early 2000s that were daily driven and all cost me less than 3k to buy that I really enjoyed (205 GTi, E30 325i, Corrado VR6) and they were absolutely fine. I'll keep one of my newer cars for family duties but all I really need for my own use is something fairly reliable and cheap to run with a reasonable boot that will do 30+mpg. Rear seats would be useful but not essential. That sub-3k budget was a happy hunting ground in the early 2000s, with pretty much all the 80s hot hatches in budget: XRs/RS Turbos, GTEs, R5 GT Turbos/Clio 16vs/R19 16vs , 205/309 GTis etc. Even Capri 2.8s, E30 325is, 944s, 200SXs and mk2 Escort RS2000s were still quite cheap if RWD was more your thing. I'd have another 205 GTi in a heartbeat but not for the prices that people are asking for them these days. So what are the most fun alternatives for 3k or less that meet the criteria?
The first two that come to mind are the Ford Puma 1.7 and Clio 182. I drove both when they were still fairly new with a view to purchase but didn't completely gel with either. Still, they both seem very well regarded and at current prices (especially the Puma, where even the nicest examples seem to be sub-2k), they would both definitely merit a second look. When XR Fords were never that good and are fetching strong money (even crappy mk5 Escorts), the Puma being so cheap is quite surprising and I have driven other Fords from that era that I enjoyed (mk1 Focus/Mondeo/Ka etc).
Other possibilities I guess could be an EP3 Civic Type-R (but leggy and a bit tired for this money?), mk1 Suzuki Swift Sport or Saxo VTR/VTS/106 GTi. Bearing in mind how popular they were at the time though, the Saxos/106s seem very few and far between, were always cheaply built cars and I was never a fan of the cramped pedal box compared to the 205.
Which of the above would be the best bet? Have I missed anything? Any RWD alternatives?
mbwoy84 said:
Clio 182. It's still one of the best cars for enjoyment that you can buy at any price point, so sub-£3k I don't think anything tops it or even comes close.
for RWD then MX-5 or MG TF are the only things that would really be worth a look that could be considered "fun".
Hmmm. Can you get an early NC MX5 2 litre for less than 3k? Wouldn't get another NB and they rust. Are the NCs better protected? My dad has a mk3.5 MX5 RC (2013) with the 1.8. Nice car but the early NCs weren't as well regarded? Wouldn't get a TF, I sold them new, so know they have issues. A late MGF VVC has some appeal but not as a reliable DD. Any thoughts on the Puma vs. the 182? Rust is the main issue with the Puma? Is it an issue with the Renault?for RWD then MX-5 or MG TF are the only things that would really be worth a look that could be considered "fun".
white_goodman said:
Hmmm. Can you get an early NC MX5 2 litre for less than 3k? Wouldn't get another NB and they rust. Are the NCs better protected? My dad has a mk3.5 MX5 RC (2013) with the 1.8. Nice car but the early NCs weren't as well regarded? Wouldn't get a TF, I sold them new, so know they have issues. A late MGF VVC has some appeal but not as a reliable DD. Any thoughts on the Puma vs. the 182? Rust is the main issue with the Puma? Is it an issue with the Renault?
The NCs can rust really bad underneath. I had a 2.0 Sport with stupidly low mileage and it was absolute minter inside and outside, but that was stupidly crusty underneath and I caught it whilst it was just surface. I love a 1.7 Puma and it's car I'd like to find a good example of (good luck!), take it back to an absolute minter and keep hold of it. Epic fun, but the Clio 182 has to be the greatest "proper" hot hatch ever made, has a LOT more power and is just the best bang for buck and far more fun than any MX-5 (and I've owned a fair few and get the appeal).
Clio's can rust, but nothing like the Puma or MX-5. Just buy one that's had the Cambelt and Dephaser Pulley changed recently.
danp said:
325ti if you’d like a reasonably practical RWD option.
Thanks. That's an interesting suggestion but to be honest if I was going BMW, I would probably just go with the E46 coupe, as they still look really sharp IMHO. 
I just know that they can have rust issues and get expensive to run as they get older. Looks like I really need to re-visit the 182, seems pretty unanimous and Catchpole, Bovingdon and Metcalfe all own them, which is a pretty weighty endorsement! Don't know why I didn't get on with it last time as they look cool and seemed just what I wanted "on paper" but the driving position was a bit odd, maybe the test route wasn't the best and it just seemed to lack the character of my 205, which preceded it. Still fancy seeking out a Puma too, as I've never had a "fast Ford" and they seem like they would be fun and fairly cheap to run. When they were all newish, I would have picked Type R-182-Puma in that order. That engine and the double wishbone setup edged it for the Honda for me but 3 grand to insure one in my 20s prevented me from buying one. I'm guessing a 3k Type-R will have led a pretty hard life though? Regardless, I'll look forward to getting out and testing some cars when I can, safe in the knowledge that it's a sound financial decision! Who knows when that will be though...ArmaghMan said:
A nice WRX Impreza.
Probably have to be gen 2 or later as the original 2000 turbos cant relly be found for under £3000 now.
Lol. Had a WRX Wagon for a couple of years. Fantastic cars and sold mine for around 3k (2004). Fancy something different and it was a bit "juicy". I'd be tempted by another but would have to go full-out and get a WRX STI Type UK I think, which would obviously be more. Good suggestion though. Difficult to beat for bang-per-buck. Probably have to be gen 2 or later as the original 2000 turbos cant relly be found for under £3000 now.
172 or 182, just sold one and you wont have more fun IMO for the money, some choice mods and they are an impressive package.
Although I loved my mx5 it wasnt the most exciting car tbh. Wasnt the best handling and not even remotely quick. That being said I loved it to bits and miss it the most out of the cars I've had, I considered it more of a cruiser though in standard form. If I own another it will be modified to turn it into something more exciting to drive.
Although I loved my mx5 it wasnt the most exciting car tbh. Wasnt the best handling and not even remotely quick. That being said I loved it to bits and miss it the most out of the cars I've had, I considered it more of a cruiser though in standard form. If I own another it will be modified to turn it into something more exciting to drive.
white_goodman said:
danp said:
325ti if you’d like a reasonably practical RWD option.
Thanks. That's an interesting suggestion but to be honest if I was going BMW, I would probably just go with the E46 coupe, as they still look really sharp IMHO. I just know that they can have rust issues and get expensive to run as they get older. Looks like I really need to re-visit the 182, seems pretty unanimous and Catchpole, Bovingdon and Metcalfe all own them, which is a pretty weighty endorsement! Don't know why I didn't get on with it last time as they look cool and seemed just what I wanted "on paper" but the driving position was a bit odd, maybe the test route wasn't the best and it just seemed to lack the character of my 205, which preceded it. Still fancy seeking out a Puma too, as I've never had a "fast Ford" and they seem like they would be fun and fairly cheap to run. When they were all newish, I would have picked Type R-182-Puma in that order. That engine and the double wishbone setup edged it for the Honda for me but 3 grand to insure one in my 20s prevented me from buying one. I'm guessing a 3k Type-R will have led a pretty hard life though? Regardless, I'll look forward to getting out and testing some cars when I can, safe in the knowledge that it's a sound financial decision! Who knows when that will be though...I looked at an early E46 328i Coupe but it handled like a barge compared to the 325ti Compact I bought in 2014 - and Compacts don't seem to suffer from as much rust as other E46s.
The 325ti also has a lower final drive ratio so accelerates almost as quick as a 330i.
Happy hunting anyway.
Mr Tidy said:
+1 for the 325ti Compact.
I looked at an early E46 328i Coupe but it handled like a barge compared to the 325ti Compact I bought in 2014 - and Compacts don't seem to suffer from as much rust as other E46s.
The 325ti also has a lower final drive ratio so accelerates almost as quick as a 330i.
Happy hunting anyway.
Thanks. Didn't actually know most of that, so good to know. I looked at an early E46 328i Coupe but it handled like a barge compared to the 325ti Compact I bought in 2014 - and Compacts don't seem to suffer from as much rust as other E46s.
The 325ti also has a lower final drive ratio so accelerates almost as quick as a 330i.
Happy hunting anyway.
I don't actually dislike the styling of the Compact, more that I really like the styling of the coupe but the better rust resistance and shorter gearing does make it a more interesting proposition and the straight six puts it over an MX5/MG/MR2 for me.white_goodman said:
Mr Tidy said:
+1 for the 325ti Compact.
I looked at an early E46 328i Coupe but it handled like a barge compared to the 325ti Compact I bought in 2014 - and Compacts don't seem to suffer from as much rust as other E46s.
The 325ti also has a lower final drive ratio so accelerates almost as quick as a 330i.
Happy hunting anyway.
Thanks. Didn't actually know most of that, so good to know. I looked at an early E46 328i Coupe but it handled like a barge compared to the 325ti Compact I bought in 2014 - and Compacts don't seem to suffer from as much rust as other E46s.
The 325ti also has a lower final drive ratio so accelerates almost as quick as a 330i.
Happy hunting anyway.
I don't actually dislike the styling of the Compact, more that I really like the styling of the coupe but the better rust resistance and shorter gearing does make it a more interesting proposition and the straight six puts it over an MX5/MG/MR2 for me.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...
If you can get away with 2 seats the MR2 roadster is fantastic fun, pretty solid mechanically and doesn’t rot like the mx5 - also has a chain cam (as does the 325ti).
Would an MR2 Roadster be too much of a compromise? Having owned 2 RS Clios myself, I would have to disagree that it’s the most fun car at any price point, it’s a good drive and you would enjoy it , but its nowhere near the most fun car even for £3k. That award goes to the MR2 Roadster. Not as fast, but you just wont care as it’s just so good to drive especially with a few inexpensive mods.
The MX5 is certainly worth considering too, and has a bigger boot and more practical.
If you need a conventional car though, the Clio 182 is probably the best shout. Or an EP3 CTR although I found the Clio more fun to drive even if the engine and gearbox were inferior. Celica 190 is also worth considering.
Or just spend £500 on a Puma with 12 months MOT. Virtually zero risk and they are a hoot especially for throwaway money.
The MX5 is certainly worth considering too, and has a bigger boot and more practical.
If you need a conventional car though, the Clio 182 is probably the best shout. Or an EP3 CTR although I found the Clio more fun to drive even if the engine and gearbox were inferior. Celica 190 is also worth considering.
Or just spend £500 on a Puma with 12 months MOT. Virtually zero risk and they are a hoot especially for throwaway money.
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