Second car: cheap "hot" hatch

[Narod]

Hello,

Previously posted on here regarding my GR Yaris order ( https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=19... ).

I've decided to stick with the order, however I've started to think getting something alongside my BMW, and then possibly keep it on alongside the Yaris if I like it enough (for work drives or just popping to the shops). I'm not looking to spend a huge amount on it, talking about 2k, 2.5k absolute max for the car itself, whilst it has to be insurable, so nothing like a BMW or IS200 will fit with that.

So far I've been looking at between the Twingo RS (pre-facelift) and Suzuki Swift Sport (also pre-facelift, so the 125hp), and possibly a Mitsubishi Colt CZT. Looks like also an MX-5 NB 1.8 could be possible. Things that certainly aren't possible that I've tried are bigger hot hatches (thinking Civic Type R FN2/EP3, Clio 172/182/etc, Focus ST) based off both pricing and insurance.

Out of those, the only one I know what it's like to drive is a CZT, based on the fact I had a Colt in the past. Handling was certainly on the lairy side but that was some of the fun factor! Have I possibly missed anything that could be of interest, or should I be looking at trying one of those that I'm already considering?

Thanks!

[Terzo123]

R53 Mini Cooper S might fit the bill.

Plenty about in your budget.

[un1eash]

I had a mk2 Swift Sport from new back in 2009, it wasn't very fast and had a very basic interior but boy was it fun. You could throw it around and it changed direction so quickly, 10 times better the the C2 VTS it replaced.

[ChrisH72]

Probably the Swift Sport.

But if you like Toyota then why not look into a Celica. More of a coupe but it does have a lift up hatch and they're plenty practical. The 140 is okay and has enough go to be a fun, cheap car. You may find a 190 for that money. I had a T sport 190 for 3 years and it was a hoot.

[Narod]

ChrisH72 said:

Probably the Swift Sport.

But if you like Toyota then why not look into a Celica. More of a coupe but it does have a lift up hatch and they're plenty practical. The 140 is okay and has enough go to be a fun, cheap car. You may find a 190 for that money. I had a T sport 190 for 3 years and it was a hoot.

Hi, sorry for the late response. I took up your advice and found myself quite interesting in the Celica, went and bought one last week (a 140) and enjoying it loads, thanks for your suggestion! 190 was a bit much to buy / insure, but the 140 seems more than lively enough for what I want.

[Belle427]

Clio sport for me, cracking little go karts.

[ChrisH72]

Narod said:

Hi, sorry for the late response. I took up your advice and found myself quite interesting in the Celica, went and bought one last week (a 140) and enjoying it loads, thanks for your suggestion! 190 was a bit much to buy / insure, but the 140 seems more than lively enough for what I want.

Excellent!

I never tried the 140 but under 6k rpm it's essentially the same as the 190 but a lot of folk said it had better gearing so was quieter on the motorway.

Good luck with it. Just keep an eye on oil levels as they can burn oil and if it gets too low then its game over. Radiator is vulnerable to stone damage and brake calipers can get a bit sticky. But they're fairly cheap fixes and that engine is good for 200k miles if looked after.

[Narod]

ChrisH72 said:

Excellent!

I never tried the 140 but under 6k rpm it's essentially the same as the 190 but a lot of folk said it had better gearing so was quieter on the motorway.

Good luck with it. Just keep an eye on oil levels as they can burn oil and if it gets too low then its game over. Radiator is vulnerable to stone damage and brake calipers can get a bit sticky. But they're fairly cheap fixes and that engine is good for 200k miles if looked after.

Cheers for the advice, I heard about how it may burn oil but level is fine at the moment and will keep an eye on it, brakes and everything else seem good too!