Fun for 15k(ish)

[TechnoKnows]

...well up to 20k absolute max.

Current fleet
1.Transporter t5.1 which does everything.
- daily for last 5 years - reliable -cheap to run -holidays and camping -dog duties-everything else
2. Classic Mini
-full restoration almost complete -will never sell -sunny days only
3. Mini Clubman '12 1.6D
-wife's car -loves it
4/5. X2 motorbikes

Been driving the van for 5 years and yearning for something
-fun/eventful
-manual
-petrol
-cheapish to run (no top band tax or high insurance groups)
-won't be a rot box
-won't cost be a fortune in maintenance/parts
-be worth there or there abouts come the spring
-make a 10mi mixed city commute more pleasant than van
-would like to try some track days (never done before)
-handy down a b road blast
-doesn't need to be practical at all (but no kit cars)
- bonus points if it's different or interesting or Mini


A temporary bit of fun that can be moved on next year. To keep me interested over the winter months while I don't ride.
Plus I'm fed up of driving the van to work everyday

Previous ownerships of interest inc:
-v8 f type
-modified civic ep3 type r
-honda s2000
-clio 182
-mk7 Fiesta St
-mk 7 fiesta "red edition"
-205 gti

Currently thinking
-595/695 competizione (hard top or cabriolet)
-F56 Mini JCW (hard top or cabriolet)

Aged isn't particularly an issue but don't want something I'm having to check for rust or waiting for parts or generally worrying it might fail to proceed

Edited by TechnoKnows on Sunday 17th August 18:43

[Belle427]

Abarth 124 Spider maybe, may scrape into an ND MX5 too.

[ZX10R NIN]

Why spend so much? In some cases spending less makes the car more enjoyable.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...

GTC VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411015...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...

PS208 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506283...

These are pretty much depreciation proof for the time preiod you're talking about & you may find that because they're not a significant financial burden you actually keep them longer

[ChrisH72]

Not sire I'd pick a 2 seat convertible to run through the winter (I have one!).

Some kind of small hot hatch. 595 Comp isn't a bad idea. You might even get a more 'special' one like the esseesse 70th

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025070240...

Or for top budget an i20N

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025030698...

You've had a Fiesta ST. Maybe the latest mk8.5

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025071745...

Those should hopefully keep their money fairly well.

[ChrisH72]

Or yes, what ZX said.

That 208 looks great.

Not too much more for the 308 by PS

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025081153...

[TameRacingDriver]

JCW for 10k, chuck some JCW Pro coilovers on it, and 17s if it hasn't already got them, and pocket the rest or spend on extra mods. Absolutely loving mine, and I've had some nice cars in the past, such good fun on a B road.

[Matt_T]

How about a GT86 / BRZ?
I've never driven one but they seem like a fun layout
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18917833

[Matt_T]

...or a 350 / 370z
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16898984

[TechnoKnows]

ZX10R NIN said:

Why spend so much? In some cases spending less makes the car more enjoyable.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...

GTC VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411015...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507194...

PS208 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506283...

These are pretty much depreciation proof for the time preiod you're talking about & you may find that because they're not a significant financial burden you actually keep them longer

Yeah I should have said.
It really is a 0k-15k budget

208 is a solid choice, had one in the family when they were new on a silly cheap lease (remember those days) and it was brilliant

[TechnoKnows]

Thought I'd check back in
Took some advice from above and spent a bit less

Deposit down on a sub 10k, interesting(to me) little hatch that should be perfect to keep my entertained for a while and pick up some day to day duties

Mini R56 JCW 2011 1.6 N14 (yes yes I know)
Astonishing amount of service history, fully stamped book all at MINI and every invoice from the cars history
Fully specced JCW Inc bigger brakes, panoramic roof, heated screen, heated seats, fancy infotainment and some bits like H&K

Will share some photos when I've collected in a week or so

[NiceCupOfTea]

Nice - the late R56s were much better than the earlier ones. My dad had an R57S on a 12 plate that was a lovely spec and very nicely put together. Big car feel in a small car.

[TechnoKnows]

[NiceCupOfTea]

TechnoKnows said:

Looks nice. How much power do these have?

[TechnoKnows]

NiceCupOfTea said:

TechnoKnows said:

Looks nice. How much power do these have?

211 quoted
240-250 easily attainable if you so wish