Good bets for an cheap but fun run-around?

[x12yhp]

Hey guys,

I am in the market for a nice new 911 but this leaves me in the situation of needing something cheap for a lot of the running around. I have thought through using it all the time and just accepting the need to do more polishing and paint repairing, but I would rather not.

I am thinking at a couple of grand, so just above the 'nasty' level. I do not mind a few miles as it is something which will be run into the ground. Something smaller or mid level is ideal and I want something which has at least a little poke so that I am not permanently wondering whether the accelerator is attached to something!! I had thought about a saxo vtr, 206 gti, ford puma... any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

[B17NNS]

My girlfriend has just picked up a 2000 Puma (black special edition thingy).

Cracking little car to drive and Looks so much more car than the £1600 she paid.

Not sure what money they fetch but the 106 GTi is well worth a drive as is the Ralye version.

Edited by B17NNS on Sunday 2nd January 19:54

[robsco]

Fiat Coupe? Alfa 145 Cloverleaf? And another shout for the Puma.

[Mr2Mike]

Clio 172 is in budget, but probably won't be a perfect example for 2k. Trouble is anything reasonably interesting at this price point is likely fairly old and abused, so ripe for imminent further costs.

[Ozzie Osmond]

x12yhp said:

I am in the market for a nice new 911 but this leaves me in the situation of needing something cheap for a lot of the running around. I am thinking at a couple of grand, so just above the 'nasty' level. I do not mind a few miles as it is something which will be run into the ground.

Sounds like the 911 is just chasing a dream which doesn't fit your real-world lifestyle. IMO it's better to buy one decent car which does fit. Or a car which fits plus a cheap convertible for the weekends. I can't see much joy in owning a big expensive car which rarely gets used.

[nobodyknows]

I have a 996 C2 Coupe & have a Clio 172 Cup as a daily driver (2ml commute) and hillclimb car. The 172 has not been the most reliable but is relatively cheap to fix & is so much fun! Having owned Fiat Coupes I would strongly recommend them.

[exgtt]

Mg zr 160? Bit chav but £2k might get you a 2003/4, lovely to drive, alright on juice. Should be in better Nick than a 172 for £2k, don't look bad in grey.

[muhuha]

Buy something silly silly (911) and something practicle because one time or another your guna want to go out with your mates or something. I just picked up a bmw e36 323i, cheap and reliable. Ill be buying a saxo as a fun car ontop of the bmw tho because i love them!

[x12yhp]

Thanks guys... had found the MG ZR as well... parts and all are easily enough accessed and don't cost too much?

The fiat is another one I will have a look at!

The reality is that a 911 is unlikely to be ideal for the majority of people for all occasions. But if I took that view with shoes I would likely have a nice sheepskin lined pair of wellies and nothing else... so id rather live the dream and have a cheapy to cover me when wellies are just not suitable

[philoldsmobile]

alfa 156 / 147, fiat coupe, Volvo C70, golf, or how about an old BMW 325i E36 or saab 9-3 and pocket some change? depend on priorities..

Edited by philoldsmobile on Monday 3rd January 00:26

[berni29]

Hi

I have a 993 and a Golf GTI Mk2 as a hack. This works well and was suggested to me by a 997 GT3 owner who also has one.

You do not want anything tooooo capable as it might detract from the enjoyment of the 911.

Berni

[LeeThr]

x12yhp said:

I had thought about a saxo vtr, 206 gti, ford puma... any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

Why VTR? Why not VTS? Find a tidy none-chaved version and there cracking cars. Really go as well. 206 GTI, really not the best engine. Havent driven one myself but always heard the engines just seem like they never really are on top form, always something lacking from the drive. But both of these you would have to try the driving positions as they are very unusual to anything else. Pedals very close together, very small and a lot more foreward than you think. 106 GTI's are quite good. But if you want to be old school, none of thoose have anything on the legendary 205 GTI.

If you want something a little bigger there's always the 306 GTI-6. Also if you have a few grand to throw around you could probably pick up a full m-tech E36 318 IS coupe. Another thought is always a Clio sport.

Im sure you will also get the standard PH awnser to these threads so I might as well say it now. But cant belive im about to say this.... MX5

[Eagerbeaver]

Ozzie Osmond said:

x12yhp said:

I am in the market for a nice new 911 but this leaves me in the situation of needing something cheap for a lot of the running around. I am thinking at a couple of grand, so just above the 'nasty' level. I do not mind a few miles as it is something which will be run into the ground.

Sounds like the 911 is just chasing a dream which doesn't fit your real-world lifestyle. IMO it's better to buy one decent car which does fit. Or a car which fits plus a cheap convertible for the weekends. I can't see much joy in owning a big expensive car which rarely gets used.

I'm not sure why you feel you can't use the 911 for "running around" in but don't listen to the advice above. You end up with a compromise which doues everything well but nothing outstandingly.

What's wrong with chasing dreams anyway - life would be dull without them. I find yesterdays chased dreams are todays reality.

One benefit of driving an old hack occasionally is that you get back into your nice car and really appreciate it.

[x12yhp]

I had a look at volvo and saab but there is little chance of getting my budget were I living on the mainland so definitely no chance in my local area.

Had a look at the fiat... no chance, unfortunately. There seem to be very few and all with stellar miles.

VTR came to mind instead of VTS because I can never find any VTS!

As for everyday use... I am uncomfortable parking my Boxster up kerbs and on built up residential streets so I am definitely not going to be happy with a good 911!

[LeeThr]

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2315346.htm <-- is that outside your budget?

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2187528.htm <--- very tidy low millage example, not stupidly modified like most either.

Edited by LeeThr on Monday 3rd January 11:51