100Hp opinions?

[ChevronB19]

I'm seriously considering changing my 06 MX5 Sport for a 100HP - I'm about to have a sprog (or rather the girlfriend is) and I can't face a diesel estate (although I admit an alfa sportwagon is tempting).

I want a replacement with 4 doors and 4 seats that still has a bit of PH appeal, while newish and reliable is also appealing. The MX5 is worth about 6K (06 with 55K), and I think I should be able to get an 07 Panda with about 30K for around 5K. I do a 30 mile round trip commute, and for long trips we can use the gf's C3 (hey, it avoids baby sick on my cars seats!).

Are they really as fun as people say? The tiny person will rarely be in it, but there needs to be that facility - I used to have a 205 GTi, and this seems to be the spiritual successor - a car you can thrash, have fun in, but not stupidly powerful to the point that you have to be in serious speed territory to enjoy yourself - I'm more into good handling and something that 'feels' fast.

Opinions welcome!

[Dan Friel]

The 100HP ticks all the boxes, but it's the sort of car you'll either love or hate. If you're going to be on your own most if the time, it could be perfect. Bigger problem with passengers (it's never going to be a practical family car).

It's cheap motoring, just don't pay too much for it in the first place. Pick and choose, and there's some bargains out there.

[mike9009]

Similar dilemma to me about two years ago. I went for a 1.6 1991 mx5 and a 2.4jtd alfa 156 sport wagon.

Love both cars, but I am looking at changing the mx5 for some sort of coupe, so I can at least take the pram and daughter out with me.......

By the way congratulations of your imminent arrival!

Cannot answer about the 100hp question though.... I am sure others may help or come up with other alternatives. Have fun looking......

Mike

[mad4amanda]

Agree with Dan on the price thing, My son had one at was great fun especially in town very nippy boot space a bit tight for modern super prams but passenger room we thought was ok .

[velocemitch]

it's not a 100hp but my wife uses a Bogo standard Panda for moving our grandaughter and fold up pushchair about and it does it perfectly. I'd say a 100hp would be a great choice

[robsco]

ChevronB19 said:

Are they really as fun as people say? The tiny person will rarely be in it, but there needs to be that facility - I used to have a 205 GTi, and this seems to be the spiritual successor - a car you can thrash, have fun in, but not stupidly powerful to the point that you have to be in serious speed territory to enjoy yourself - I'm more into good handling and something that 'feels' fast.

I can't think of a car off the top of my head I've had more fun in. The engine is cracking, really revvy and enthusiastic and they're very chuckable. They feel quick too; with the 6 speed 'box, the ratios are quite short so it tears through gears very impressively with a lovely accompanying rorty soundtrack. They're as close as I can think to a proper old school hot hatch.

[ChevronB19]

Thanks for the responses - I miss my old 205 GTi so much, and this seems to be the modern equivalent, albeit lower power. Tiny person will only be in it occasionally, and I can't face having a car that doesn't have some element of fun!

Decision made - I'm going for it (I have female approval as well) - one in grey, and preferably without ESP - if anyone spots any bargains (or knows anyone who wants a cheap Mk 3 MX5), let me know - the MX5 has to go first for financial reasons!

[Dan Friel]

Grey being the right choice, but all colours look good I think. Side airbags were an option, and I would have preferred these to ESP. Although ESP doesn't really interfere that often and certainly doesn't ruin the drive.

[Dan Friel]

Just to add that there's at least three low mile 09 plate cars on autotrader being advertised for under £6.5k. So buyable for £6k? Good value and provides an indication of what you should be paying for older cars.

[Targarama]

ChevronB19 said:

Thanks for the responses - I miss my old 205 GTi so much, and this seems to be the modern equivalent, albeit lower power. Tiny person will only be in it occasionally, and I can't face having a car that doesn't have some element of fun!

Decision made - I'm going for it (I have female approval as well) - one in grey, and preferably without ESP - if anyone spots any bargains (or knows anyone who wants a cheap Mk 3 MX5), let me know - the MX5 has to go first for financial reasons!

Why do people say this? It is front wheel drive, you're not going to be getting the back end out much, especially with a kid in the back. If you do then you're being reckless IMO. I have it and is does not affect the drive at all on a car with 100hp!

Moot point though, hardly any 100hps actually have this option so you shoal,den be 'troubled' by it.

Oh, one thing, think carefully about how hard the rear suspension is. No baby is going to sleep in a moving 100hp. I'm actually changing mine this spring, the only reason is the hard suspension/crap road combo.

[crostonian]

I agree with last post, I have bought and sold a few and the ride is definitely the worst aspect to what is otherwise a great little car. They feel far to hard and can get into a bouncing motion if you hit a series of bumps quickly, I was banging my head on the roof!

[Chris_VRS]

I've driven a couple & they are surprisingly fun providing you don't expect too much from them.
Quite buzzy @ motorway speeds due to the relatively low gearing & lack of decent sound deadening which would be tiresome on a long journey.

I decided against one in the end as the driving position felt a little cramped for me & as others have said the ride is uncompromisingly hard.

Saying all that I can see why people buy them.
I've seen this one in person & it's a great car for the price.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2473608.htm

[ChevronB19]

Targarama said:

Why do people say this? It is front wheel drive, you're not going to be getting the back end out much, especially with a kid in the back. If you do then you're being reckless IMO. I have it and is does not affect the drive at all on a car with 100hp!

Moot point though, hardly any 100hps actually have this option so you shoal,den be 'troubled' by it.

Oh, one thing, think carefully about how hard the rear suspension is. No baby is going to sleep in a moving 100hp. I'm actually changing mine this spring, the only reason is the hard suspension/crap road combo.

I'm fine with that. Thrashing it will be strictly without sprog of course. I know the suspension is hard - when sprog is in it it will strictly be for short trips only - will use the girlfriends car for that. I race a couple of cars with the HSCC, so don't feel the need for big power on the road, or oversteer, but I want something that's still fun!

[xyyman]

Bought mine last September and love it to bits. Ride was definateloy a bit choppy and, just as an experiment, changed the springs to Apex which has lowered it a bit and pretty much got rid of the choppiness, much more comfortable although it is a hard ride. In value for money terms, and practicality, you would have to go a long way to beat it.

[Giulia Reg]

Had my 100HP for just over two years and love it to pieces. The Panda ticks all the boxes for excellent build quality, equipment, reliability, low maintenance cost, good performance and BIG GRIN factor! The 100HP is not at home in town where there are an abundance of sleeping policemen or speed humps. The combination of really firm seat squabs and minimal suspension will soon have your spine complaining! Yes, the ride is hard and unforgiving but on the open road there is simply nothing in its class to catch it!