2k Rally Car... Sort of.
Discussion
Wanted: Daily hack for short journeys in and around town, must be able to handle speed bumps, be fairly inexpensive to run, compact, reliable, relatively quick and darty and a minimum of four seats (I'm a breeder!).
Thinking: Petrol, manual, hot-hatch or similar.
Been considering: Mini Cooper S, Ford Puma, Ford Fiesta ST, Fiat Panda 100HP, VW Lupo GTI,
Mazda RX8 (bit low riding, and why so cheap?).
Your suggestions, experiences are welcome.,
Thinking: Petrol, manual, hot-hatch or similar.
Been considering: Mini Cooper S, Ford Puma, Ford Fiesta ST, Fiat Panda 100HP, VW Lupo GTI,
Mazda RX8 (bit low riding, and why so cheap?).
Your suggestions, experiences are welcome.,
I've had a Puma and seem to remember that tracking was easily put out of place by speedbumps. Might wanna google that because it was a few years back and my memory might be playing tricks on me.
Had both a Puma and a Cooper S so happy to give generic comments on both. Also went RX8 hunting a while ago, if you like rust and engine rebuilds then it's a winner (seriously though, I really liked test driving them but it's many, err...unusual, characteristics are easily found with a quick search. Still a car I'd like to own one day.
Had both a Puma and a Cooper S so happy to give generic comments on both. Also went RX8 hunting a while ago, if you like rust and engine rebuilds then it's a winner (seriously though, I really liked test driving them but it's many, err...unusual, characteristics are easily found with a quick search. Still a car I'd like to own one day.
These were rally cars - and cheap, as seen in SOTW https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-features-s...
Surely the most obvious choice would be a Suzuki Ignis Sport. Jacked up hot hatch, cheap as chips to run and you can get a clean one for half your budget.
Or an old Subaru turbo (Impreza or Forester) , although there is a LOT of luck involved as to whether or not it will bankrupt you as Scooby build quality is notoriously inconsistent, people who get good ones tend to love them, people who don't tend to be bankrupted replacing Swiss cheese drivetrain components.
Or an old Subaru turbo (Impreza or Forester) , although there is a LOT of luck involved as to whether or not it will bankrupt you as Scooby build quality is notoriously inconsistent, people who get good ones tend to love them, people who don't tend to be bankrupted replacing Swiss cheese drivetrain components.
You'd be hard pressed to get a Lupe GTI for the budget, but it's big sister, the Polo GTI will be doable and I'd think it would be a bit better riding due to its longer wheelbase.
The Panda100HP is not the best riding due in part to its limited suspension travel, so wouldn't cope well with speed bumps.
Cooper S, at least the R53 that I drove had a poor, crashy ride.
Puma could be a good shout, with that good ride/handling balance that fords from that era had.
The Panda100HP is not the best riding due in part to its limited suspension travel, so wouldn't cope well with speed bumps.
Cooper S, at least the R53 that I drove had a poor, crashy ride.
Puma could be a good shout, with that good ride/handling balance that fords from that era had.
paps said:
That'd keep the father in law happy, he's a Toyota fan.
Also liking the Ignis Sport as suggested earlier.
How about a Mini Cooper S on smaller wheels, 16s maybe?
Be careful with Cooper S's. The old supercharged ones I think are fairly bulletproof, but the generation between 07 and 13 I think have a PSA 1.6 turbo. It is a fantastic engine to drive & is fairly economical, but it does have some design faults which can result in timing chain failure. They are fairly easy to spot so don't let it put you off, just make sure to do your research before buying.Also liking the Ignis Sport as suggested earlier.
How about a Mini Cooper S on smaller wheels, 16s maybe?
caelite said:
Be careful with Cooper S's. The old supercharged ones I think are fairly bulletproof, but the generation between 07 and 13 I think have a PSA 1.6 turbo. It is a fantastic engine to drive & is fairly economical, but it does have some design faults which can result in timing chain failure. They are fairly easy to spot so don't let it put you off, just make sure to do your research before buying.
Yeah, budget only allows for the older S'charged models, plus I like my bonnet scopes functional. 
Anything to look for when buying an old mini?
Actually if you like Toyotas then how about a Corolla T-Sport? Pre facelift had the option of 3 or 5 door versions, only 3 door in the facelift. Should handle speedbumps, look totally anonymous yet with the screamer of the VVTLi engine should the mood take you. Easily available on budget.
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