£2k fun car

[F55MCS]

Once upon a time this would have been an easy question, alas

Budget is £2k and I m after something for the sole purpose of driving enjoyment. Not throwing big bills every 10 minutes would also be a bonus but recognise that there will probably be some of that at this budget. I am reasonably competent with the spanners.

I have no preference as to the type of car, just that it should be something that makes me smile. Doesn t even need to be fast if it s on a great chassis and handles well.

At the moment all I ve really been able to find are R53 Cooper Ss and Mk1 TTs (maybe a tad dull?) but welcome any other suggestions.

ETA: in no rush at all, so happy to wait for a good example of something.

[davek_964]

I know it's always the answer but fun at £2k surely is an MX5?

[paulguitar]

davek_964 said:

I know it's always the answer but fun at £2k surely is an MX5?

Case closed.

[chunkyjh]

Panda 100hp

[Matt_T]

Audi TT and fun are not things that go together.

You can pick up MR2s for £2k
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18836330

[davek_964]

Matt_T said:

Audi TT and fun are not things that go together.

As somebody who actually owns an Audi TT,







Yeah, I've got nothing. He's right.

[muppets_mate]

Matt_T said:

{Snip}
You can pick up MR2s for £2k

I would suggest an MR2 too. It meets the OPs brief of "sole purpose of driving enjoyment" and "Doesn t even need to be fast if it s on a great chassis and handles well".

They have a couple of well known issues, so best to check out any potential car.

Edited by muppets_mate on Tuesday 5th August 18:31

Edited by muppets_mate on Tuesday 5th August 18:32

[Tiglon]

I've bought 3 MR2's of similar age and condition as you'll get for £2k now. Engine's went pop on 2 of them withing a year, but to be fair one of them did get me to the Alps and back before it departed, which was more fun than I've had in any car before or since.

I also bought an R53 Mini Cooper S for £2.5k, and that lasted about 9 months before the engine was "beyond economically sensible repair".

Would happily buy another of either though... the supercharger wine of the Mini always brings a smile, and the MR2 is is just pure happiness for anyone who genuinely loves driving.

[Mark-BMW-E30-318is]

I'd make them an offer on this...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286735606460?_skw=BMW+3...

Who needs a sunroof?

[s p a c e m a n]

Clio sport

https://ebay.us/m/PU2pSu

Most fun I've had in a car in at least a decade

[Matt_T]

These are fantastic to drive - I deeply regret scrapping mine 10 years ago. I seem to recall that the 1.8 Zetec was a better drive then the ST170 due to having a sweeter gearbox.
They feel a lot faster than 113 bhp would suggest, in fact it felt faster than the 168 bhp Civic I bought to replace it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18898086

Edited by Matt_T on Tuesday 5th August 22:40

Edited by Matt_T on Tuesday 5th August 22:40

[Billy_Whizzzz]

I bought a Fiat 500 1.4 100hp convertible for our summer place recently for £2k and it is brilliant fun

[Gad-Westy]

£2k is a tricky budget nowadays so you might have to be slightly flexible on what you go for as good examples of anything might be few and far between. Might be worth keeping an eye out for some less obvious stuff.

You’d have to shop very carefully to find a good mx5 for £2k. It’s going to be a mk2 or mk3 at that money and you really need to look hard at the usual corrosion spots. I’m sure there are still some bargains out there though.

The focus above is actually a great idea. They drive superbly if they’re not too tired. Plenty out there so finding a good one should be possible. Sticking with the Ford theme, a Fiesta ST150? They seem less fashionable than the Clio 1x2 or indeed the R53 and I think you’d get a much better example as a result. I’m not convinced that £2k gets you an acceptable example of the mini or Clio.

Suzuki swift sport?
Citroen c2 vts?

[iguana]

I got a 130i with decent coilovers & exhaust for not much more £ last yr. They seem to have jumped up a grand tho as lots of YouTube folk have said what a bargain they are.

[Mark-BMW-E30-318is]

iguana said:

I got a 130i with decent coilovers & exhaust for not much more £ last yr. They seem to have jumped up a grand tho as lots of YouTube folk have said what a bargain they are.

Plus (like the lovely 325ti above) the power goes to the correct wheels!)

[TameRacingDriver]

paulguitar said:

davek_964 said:

I know it's always the answer but fun at £2k surely is an MX5?

Case closed.

No it isn't. I'd rather a MK3 MR2 full stop, but more especially at £2k where an MX5 will likely be a total rust bucket.

[AlexGSi2000]

MX5 / Z3

I was in the same situation a few months ago and opted for a 2.2 Z3 for just over £2k.
Was supposed to be a cheap bit of fun - it put a grin on my face as soon as I picked it up, which has invariably meant I've now thrown a load of money at it.
Best worst decision I've made.

Edited by AlexGSi2000 on Wednesday 6th August 12:21

[paul_c123]

I imagine at £2000 an MX5 will have a number of issues, many of which are solved by a MIG welder.

[Vsix and Vtec]

Gen 1 Ford Ka. The modern day Mini as far as I'm concerned. A wheel at each corner, light weight and simple to maintain. Keep on top of the rust, and its pretty much bullet proof on the stuff that matters. The handling is a hoot, and with some decent tyres on, you can chuck them around without troubling the speed limit. Lots around too.

[paulguitar]

TameRacingDriver said:

paulguitar said:

davek_964 said:

I know it's always the answer but fun at £2k surely is an MX5?

Case closed.

No it isn't. I'd rather a MK3 MR2 full stop, but more especially at £2k where an MX5 will likely be a total rust bucket.

Okay, case reopened.


I've had an MR2 Mk 3 and an MX5 NC. I liked them both. Maybe £2k is a bit too low for either, though.