Fun weekend Car

[MiataBug]

Hello fellow Piston Heads users. hope your having a lovely day. First ever time posting and was hoping if I could get some suggestions. I'm looking to get a fun, reliable and driver focused cars that I can hoon around country lanes during my weekends. My budget is around £5-6K and added bonus due to the lovely Sadiq Khan it also has to be ulez compliant. I have been currently looking at Mazda 3 and 6 MPS but have seen a fair bit on internet that they can be unreliable. Any suggestions are welcomed

Thanks

[AmosMoses]

MX5

[MiataBug]

AmosMoses said:

MX5

Ah yes the Mx5 I already have a NC 2.0L fantastic little car use it as my daily

[Koolkat969]

Renaultsport Clio 172/182/200!

[eleveneleven]

Fiesta ST
Corsa/Astra VXR

[andburg]

Spend some money on forced induction for the mx5, use the rest to buy a shed for daily duties

[CarDoodle]

Is a Lupo GTi ULEZ compliant? It would a great companion to an MX5, as long as you have no need to ever carry any luggage in either car.

[Rustybits]

Sounds like you already run a fun weekend car as your daily?

What are you looking to get that your MX-5 doesn't offer?

[Mr Tidy]

It depends what you want.

If you like RWD, don't mind a 2 seater but want a bit more power maybe a 3 litre BMW Z4 would work.

If you want a bit more practicality and power perhaps a BMW 130i would be an option, or a 125i with a remap to 130i power.

I'm pretty sure they are all ULEZ compliant as my 2002 BMW E46 325ti was and my current 2005 E90 330i is.

[georgeyboy12345]

andburg said:

Spend some money on forced induction for the mx5, use the rest to buy a shed for daily duties

I like this strategy!

BBR do a supercharger kit fitted for just under £6k, which will take you to 250 bhp
https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-stage-one-mazda-mx...

Or the Super 225 NA kit for around £4.5k
https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nc-super-225

OR, take the car to Nippon Autospares in Derby, who'll swap a 2.5 from a Mazda 6 into it for £2750
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254517540615

then put these ITBs and high lift cams on it from BBR
https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nc-individual...

https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-high-performance-c...


Probably a good idea to sort suspension and tyres, possibly brakes, etc out too

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Saturday 28th May 23:11

[RoVoFob]

Mr Tidy said:

If you want a bit more practicality and power perhaps a BMW 130i would be an option.

I'm pretty sure they are all ULEZ compliant.

As the 130i is rear-wheel drive, it shares the MX-5’s balance and traction, but because it has way more power and torque and six cylinders it feels like more of a small GT car in comparison, being quick and agile enough on small roads and relaxed and comfy enough on A roads and motorways (provided you avoid/get rid of run-flat tyres, if fitted).

It also sounds great, has short gears (so you can rev it out on country roads without losing your licence) and is ULEZ exempt, too. Yes, I’m a fan; I’m on my third 130i…

I’ve driven a Mazda 3 MPS before and was frustrated with the wallop of turbocharged torque tugging the steering wheel around on a bumpy road and the unpleasant blare from the engine. These things are subjective, but for me the 3 MPS is quick but unenjoyable to drive.

[MiataBug]

Thanks all for the great suggestions, the 130i and the Mx5 BBR route sound like great choices. I'm also curious if anyone has driven the EP3 tyre R, or Subaru WRX hawkeye and what they were like to drive.

[RoVoFob]

MiataBug said:

Thanks all for the great suggestions, the 130i and the Mx5 BBR route sound like great choices. I'm also curious if anyone has driven the EP3 tyre R, or Subaru WRX hawkeye and what they were like to drive.

I’ve driven an EP3 Type R. The engine, ride and handling are great, with much more torque than I expected - though maybe it just feels that way because it’s light - though the driving position is overly high and I found the electric steering horrible; incredibly light and giving very little feedback. It put me off the whole car, as weighty and precise steering is a high priority for me.