Best Cheap Sporty Car (for a 20 yr old)

[MrCadno]

The Quattro TT is an option, have been looking at those, and most Bmw’s Are expensive on insurance just because of the brand. Also another question on mx5’s would anyone here say they’re death traps? Talking to my mate and he says I would kill myself in it, even if it wasn’t my fault. Opinions?

[RSTurboPaul]

MrCadno said:

The Quattro TT is an option, have been looking at those, and most Bmw’s Are expensive on insurance just because of the brand. Also another question on mx5’s would anyone here say they’re death traps? Talking to my mate and he says I would kill myself in it, even if it wasn’t my fault. Opinions?

If you're looking at the Mk1 (NA), they are small and even more invisible to everyone else than bigger cars.
They have basically zero crash protection (the early ones didn't even have door side impact bars).
Some don't have power steering.
They have no airbags.
They have no ABS, traction control, or any other electronic aids to save you.
Your head is level with 4x4's front bumpers.

The same can be said of the mk2 (NB) but some of them do have airbags IIRC. Still wouldn't save you if a Range Rover side-swipes you at a junction, though


That said, as a first RWD car, a decent suspension alignment and good tyres (along with sensible use of the right-hand pedal) mean very few squeaky-bum moments, even for a RWD-noob like myself.

Plus, TBH I quite like the fact that I know that I could literally not come back if I fk it up while out for a drive - makes me more cautious, and makes me value life more. Weird? Maybe, but it's quite refreshing to do something that Elf and Safety has not nannied to the point that you can do whatever you want without even thinking about the consequences of your actions.

[MrCadno]

Yeah that’s what I’m worried about, nearly got ran off the road today with someone not checking their blind spot before switching lanes. But I do love the thrill of knowing you could not come back from it, makes you as you said value life more. But also it’s more seat of your pants driving which I’m a fan of. Tbh the first car I had, mk2f polo, had no safety features, only a seatbelt 😂

[aka_kerrly]

If 2 seaters are acceptable then a Toyota mr2 has to be a contender alongside the mx5 and bmw z3/4 - a 6 cylinder version is well worth it even a 2.2.

How about things like :
E46 bmw 3 series coupes or convertibles
Mk5 golf GT 1.4 turbo supercharged
Seat ibiza fr/cupra 1.8t
Civic type S
Mercedes slk
Toyota Celica
Honda prelude

All worth looking at in my opinion

[MrCadno]

I was looking at the type s civic, how fast are they compared to the normal sport? Also with the mr2 was looking at those aswell, just the turbo ones are astronomically priced, are the standard gt ones still quick enough? And good list of cars there, will have a look into them, cheers bud

[300bhp/ton]

StuTheGrouch said:

Cold said:

Suzuki Swift Sport around 2007ish vintage.

Or even just the 1.5 variant

I know one of them has Sport in the name. But do either of these really hit the ‘sporty feel’ the op has asked for? Surely any hatchback seating position is never going to cut it make it feel sporty. Even if it handles half decently.

[300bhp/ton]

MrCadno said:

Hi, I'm 20 years old and looking to buy my next car, after having owned 2 polos i want something with a bit more power and more of a sporty feel.

I have a budget of between 2,000 and 3,000k and the insurance has to be reasonable, under 1,700 would be great.(i know its subjective to where i live, just roughly reasonable )

Have been searching for what seems like forever but have been pleasantly surprised with how much I can actually afford to insure. It won't be used as a daily driver, probably only around 2-3 days a week. Also would be a bonus if it makes my friends jealous ;P I'm on an automotive design course so we.re competitive with things like that

Budget summary:

Cost of car : 2,000 - 3,000
Insurance : < 1,700

Cheers Guys

If you want a sporty feel part of that will come from a low seating position. This will generally mean coupes and roadsters.

Some will be more fun than others and not all are speedy.

I echo the recommendation of considering classics. Insurance is often friendly on them. And maintenance can be simple. But choice might be limited for your budget.

There are however modern classics and even more modern offerings you might like to consider.

In no particular order:

Puma
Cougar
Celica (any shape)
MGF
MGTF
MR2 (and MK)
Prelude
CRX De Sol (very cool roof)
Sera
Soarer
NX100
RX7
MX5
Fiat Coupe
Alfa GTV
Rover Tomcat
Z3
MX-6
Probe
TT

[MrCadno]

Wow very nice list, don’t think an rx7 is quite in my budget &#128521; if you could choose any 3 out of that list as your favourites, which ones would you go for?

[300bhp/ton]

RacerMDR said:

I think MX5s are well liked because they're front engine, RWD and cheap relatively for that configuration.

I don't personally find them hugely interesting compared to something like a TR7 or Hillman Imp.

It's just for your age, it'll certainly be a lot more fun than a wrong wheel drive car :-)

Agree fully

Op might even find a TR7 or even an Imp in budget too.

[MrCadno]

The issue everyone is telling me is the fact the mx5’s have no safety equipment and are death traps, I would really like one, easy to maintain and really cheap for what they are. But don’t know much about them or how ‘safe’ they are.

[Matt_N]

BMW E46 Compact would be a good shout.

Decent build quality, they seem to suffer rust less than normal E46's do, they're a good steer, the 325 is a peach of an engine in that chassis, even the 4 pots seem to go and handle well. Some do find the looks a bit challenging though.

[mattwade24]

Renault Sport Clio 172/182 would be my choice. I can't remember them being too expensive to insure and they're great fun. Your budget should get you a nice one.

[StuTheGrouch]

300bhp/ton said:

If you want a sporty feel part of that will come from a low seating position. This will generally mean coupes and roadsters.

Some will be more fun than others and not all are speedy.

I echo the recommendation of considering classics. Insurance is often friendly on them. And maintenance can be simple. But choice might be limited for your budget.

There are however modern classics and even more modern offerings you might like to consider.

In no particular order:

Puma
Cougar
Celica (any shape)
MGF
MGTF
MR2 (and MK)
Prelude
CRX De Sol (very cool roof)
Sera
Soarer
NX100
RX7
MX5
Fiat Coupe
Alfa GTV
Rover Tomcat
Z3
MX-6
Probe
TT

That is a great list. Personally, from that list I'd be looking at Fiat Coupe, Puma (if you can find one that isn't rusty) and the MX-6 (for rarity value). Celica and Soarer are good shouts too

This caught my eye- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by StuTheGrouch on Thursday 23 November 10:24

[Torquey]

Slightly aside but have you done the man maths on a 2.2 Vx220?

They are not depreciating. £9k might buy you a reasonable 53 plate (last of the 2.2's).

Teso's loan website says:
£6000 borrowed over 5 years = £108/month.
I'm sure you'll lose some in interest etc but

Just a thought.

[culpz]

Torquey said:

Slightly aside but have you done the man maths on a 2.2 Vx220?

They are not depreciating. £9k might buy you a reasonable 53 plate (last of the 2.2's).

Teso's loan website says:
£6000 borrowed over 5 years = £108/month.
I'm sure you'll lose some in interest etc but

Just a thought.

That's weird, i'd recently thought about doing this. I know these are only gonna go up in value, no doubt, or at least get back what you paid for it at the end. Would be a riot to drive around in at the same time.

Cheapest one i saw was 9k though. So, not sure if you could really settle on just the going for the one that costs the least. Are they particularly pricey to run and maintain?

Sorry to derail the thread!

[300bhp/ton]

MrCadno said:

Wow very nice list, don’t think an rx7 is quite in my budget ?? if you could choose any 3 out of that list as your favourites, which ones would you go for?

Not sure I have a top 3. I’ve owned some on the list, driven others and others I’d like to own.

I had a TR7 when I was 20 and bought my 2nd one at 21 and then converted it to V8 power and still own it 16 years later.

I’ve also owned a smart Roadster for many years. Which frankly has been one of the most fun and enjoyable cars I’ve owned or driven. Sadly mine is laid up awaiting an engine rebuild at present.

The Mk3 MR2 looks great value for a fun and mostly cheap to run sports car. But does lack luggage room.

I believe the 1.4 last Gen Celica is meant to be very insurance friendly. Not the fastest. But should still be entertaining.

MX-5’s are great too. Although they don’t hit the sweet spot for me the same as some of the others. But highly capable and usable fun cars.

Btw when I said RX-7. I was thinking of a Gen 1. About the same size and weight as an MX-5 but IMO better looking and the rather cool wankle engine. Think they are getting rare these days though.

[300bhp/ton]

Matt_N said:

BMW E46 Compact would be a good shout.

Decent build quality, they seem to suffer rust less than normal E46's do, they're a good steer, the 325 is a peach of an engine in that chassis, even the 4 pots seem to go and handle well. Some do find the looks a bit challenging though.

Good little cars. But sporty... nope. Not in my opinion.

[Matt_N]

More sporty than a Cougar, Soarer or Probe I'd wager.

[300bhp/ton]

Matt_N said:

More sporty than a Cougar, Soarer or Probe I'd wager.

Might drive arguably better. But that’s different to feeling sporty or not.

Let’s face it. Modern performance SUV’s will easily drive better and perform better than an E46 compact. But it doesn’t mean they are going to feel more sporty.

[RacerMDR]

aka_kerrly said:

If 2 seaters are acceptable then a Toyota mr2 has to be a contender alongside the mx5 and bmw z3/4 - a 6 cylinder version is well worth it even a 2.2.

How about things like :
E46 bmw 3 series coupes or convertibles
Mk5 golf GT 1.4 turbo supercharged
Seat ibiza fr/cupra 1.8t
Civic type S
Mercedes slk
Toyota Celica
Honda prelude

All worth looking at in my opinion

ok so two years ago - I bought a Mk3 MR2........for 1000 of your English pounds.

I did precisely nothing to it, drove it with a few mates who had bought other things for 1k to Spa.............then to The Ring. 3 Laps and the home again via Dusseldorf for a rather good night out on the piss.

I don't know how you'll do on Insurance..........but your budget will definitely get you one of those!