Best B-road Blaster for under £7k?
Discussion
,well I had a similar amount of cash for a fun winter car to run alongside my vx , I’ve had Clio182 in the past ,great cars, but fancied something a bit different so went for the RS twingo as I wanted a small hot hatch . I’ve not been at all disappointed with it , ok it’s not fast but I think that adds to its character you can properly drive it any Rev out the gears without getting into silly speeds and more than fast enough for a B road . It sounds ok for a 4 cylinder when you Rev it out to 7k , good fun . I actually enjoy driving it as much as my vx220 turbo , speed it appears isn’t everything. And a slight bonus was it was 3k cheaper than a Clio 200 .Edited by Neil1323bolts on Tuesday 18th January 21:05
You can just about get into a mk7 fiesta ST for that money.
I’m not sure I’d want to be spending 7k on a car I don’t care about though so perhaps it’s worth going for one of the cheaper options on your list. If it’s country lanes where you’ll come face to face with Range Rovers then the smaller the better. Fun can be had with lesser cars and as already mentioned it’s not necessarily about power. My old Puma 1.7 was just as much fun as my Fiesta ST3 on the back roads. The only area the Fiesta wins is that the turbo gives it more effortless poke on short straights between tight corners. But with the puma a lot of the fun was having to work the engine and gearbox.
I’d probably look to the Swift Sport for the kind of use you describe.
I’m not sure I’d want to be spending 7k on a car I don’t care about though so perhaps it’s worth going for one of the cheaper options on your list. If it’s country lanes where you’ll come face to face with Range Rovers then the smaller the better. Fun can be had with lesser cars and as already mentioned it’s not necessarily about power. My old Puma 1.7 was just as much fun as my Fiesta ST3 on the back roads. The only area the Fiesta wins is that the turbo gives it more effortless poke on short straights between tight corners. But with the puma a lot of the fun was having to work the engine and gearbox.
I’d probably look to the Swift Sport for the kind of use you describe.
993kimbo said:
I don't have to have the dsg, but heard tales of Clio Gearbox woes, crunching from 2nd to 3rd and being expensive to fix.
197/200 Clio's do suffer from synchro wear between 3rd and 4th. This is caused by a failing slave cylinder, which doesn't fully disengage the clutch, thus resulting in synchro wear. How do I know about this? I just had the gearbox rebuilt, new slave and clutch on my 200 Cup.
It cost £800 inc VAT and I have to say, the gearbox feels fantastic now.
If you're deadset on a Clio 200 (why wouldn't you be, they're frigging fantastic to drive) then factor a gearbox rebuilt into your budget. Or spend a few pennies more on a car with the work done already.
I went for a Mini Cooper S Coupe with the updated ‘N18’ engine, but that was a slightly higher budget. You’d get the ‘N14’ engine for £7000, it seems like you need to keep a close eye on oil levels to avoid timing chain issues. There’s details on the Lohen website about the engines and some of the issues they can have - it doesn’t mean they will have them. Get these cars in Sport mode and they’re great fun on a B road, lots of steering feel and the car grips phenomenally and you can rev it out and not be too worried about your licence. Being the two seater with the active spoiler and being a fairly rare car makes it a bit more of an occasion over a regular Mini I think.
Apart from the obvious MX5, MR2 etc you could try something like an MG TF
Apart from the obvious MX5, MR2 etc you could try something like an MG TF
Had my FN2 Type R for about 5 years now and it's a proper hoot on the b roads, the engine and gearbox combo are fantastic!
Most are over 10 years old now so suspension, bushes etc will be starting to perish and affect the handling. I suspect this is why some people feel they aren't quite as sharp as they were expecting as I found out first hand this severely affects the handling.
Otherwise the Clio 197/200 would tempt me if I wanted something smaller
Most are over 10 years old now so suspension, bushes etc will be starting to perish and affect the handling. I suspect this is why some people feel they aren't quite as sharp as they were expecting as I found out first hand this severely affects the handling.
Otherwise the Clio 197/200 would tempt me if I wanted something smaller
Thank you again for all the advice, and again for all those links which I've visited - much appreciated.
I'm going to narrow it down to the Swift and the Renault (Clio or Twingo) as I love the idea of Jap reliability and I've always fancied a Renaultsport car.
Life is indeed too short too revisit cars I've already owned - Golf, MX5,Polo, Audi.
MR2 was a good shout as was the Mini, but I've never got on with the visibility in the Mini for some reason. 500 Abarth I couldn't get comfortable in and as I already own a Cayman the mid-engined MR2 might feel a bit samey. Had a few Alfas in the past also.
I'm not sure which Renault Clio to try? I've read the Cup versions are a bit hard-core on bad roads.
Also, whatever I buy, should it be from a dealer with a warranty or privately looked after? I tend to prefer private enthusiasts (obviously) but there aren't many for sale down here (Eastbourne). Fine if you want a Honda Jazz. Ha.
Thanks chaps.
I'm going to narrow it down to the Swift and the Renault (Clio or Twingo) as I love the idea of Jap reliability and I've always fancied a Renaultsport car.
Life is indeed too short too revisit cars I've already owned - Golf, MX5,Polo, Audi.
MR2 was a good shout as was the Mini, but I've never got on with the visibility in the Mini for some reason. 500 Abarth I couldn't get comfortable in and as I already own a Cayman the mid-engined MR2 might feel a bit samey. Had a few Alfas in the past also.
I'm not sure which Renault Clio to try? I've read the Cup versions are a bit hard-core on bad roads.
Also, whatever I buy, should it be from a dealer with a warranty or privately looked after? I tend to prefer private enthusiasts (obviously) but there aren't many for sale down here (Eastbourne). Fine if you want a Honda Jazz. Ha.
Thanks chaps.
993kimbo said:
Thank you again for all the advice, and again for all those links which I've visited - much appreciated.
I'm going to narrow it down to the Swift and the Renault (Clio or Twingo) as I love the idea of Jap reliability and I've always fancied a Renaultsport car.
Life is indeed too short too revisit cars I've already owned - Golf, MX5,Polo, Audi.
MR2 was a good shout as was the Mini, but I've never got on with the visibility in the Mini for some reason. 500 Abarth I couldn't get comfortable in and as I already own a Cayman the mid-engined MR2 might feel a bit samey. Had a few Alfas in the past also.
I'm not sure which Renault Clio to try? I've read the Cup versions are a bit hard-core on bad roads.
Also, whatever I buy, should it be from a dealer with a warranty or privately looked after? I tend to prefer private enthusiasts (obviously) but there aren't many for sale down here (Eastbourne). Fine if you want a Honda Jazz. Ha.
Thanks chaps.
I went for the RS200 Cup pack, the suspension is a bit stiff over bumpy roads, but as soon as you reach 5kRPM the whole car just makes sense. I don't use my Clio as a daily drive, so the suspension has never really become a problem. I'm going to narrow it down to the Swift and the Renault (Clio or Twingo) as I love the idea of Jap reliability and I've always fancied a Renaultsport car.
Life is indeed too short too revisit cars I've already owned - Golf, MX5,Polo, Audi.
MR2 was a good shout as was the Mini, but I've never got on with the visibility in the Mini for some reason. 500 Abarth I couldn't get comfortable in and as I already own a Cayman the mid-engined MR2 might feel a bit samey. Had a few Alfas in the past also.
I'm not sure which Renault Clio to try? I've read the Cup versions are a bit hard-core on bad roads.
Also, whatever I buy, should it be from a dealer with a warranty or privately looked after? I tend to prefer private enthusiasts (obviously) but there aren't many for sale down here (Eastbourne). Fine if you want a Honda Jazz. Ha.
Thanks chaps.
Go for a test drive in one, they're great fun and with intake and exhaust mods, they sound pretty good for a 4 cylinder.
Having owned seven Renaultsports, it would have to be a 172/182 for me. I sold my 200 after three months as I just didn't gel with it – they're more capable, but not as fun as a 1*2.
£7k will get you into a Megane, but they have significantly higher running costs. I've spent £4k on my 275 Cup-S in the last year, whereas the three 1*2s I had cost me peanuts to run in comparison. Yes the gearboxes can be prone to needing a rebuild so just budget for it (circa £700 I think) and you'll be fine.
You might find my article interesting from when I sold my 250 (have had another two Renaultsports since!) https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/au-revoi...
And here's the PH buying guide for the 172/182 https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/...
I'm even considering selling my Megane and buying another one – they're that good!
£7k will get you into a Megane, but they have significantly higher running costs. I've spent £4k on my 275 Cup-S in the last year, whereas the three 1*2s I had cost me peanuts to run in comparison. Yes the gearboxes can be prone to needing a rebuild so just budget for it (circa £700 I think) and you'll be fine.
You might find my article interesting from when I sold my 250 (have had another two Renaultsports since!) https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/au-revoi...
And here's the PH buying guide for the 172/182 https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/...
I'm even considering selling my Megane and buying another one – they're that good!
993kimbo said:
I'm not sure which Renault Clio to try? I've read the Cup versions are a bit hard-core on bad roads.
The 197 and 200 Cup versions are indeed stiff but the 172 Cup and 182 Cup are no less compliant than non-Cup versions.If going with a 1*2 don't worry whether it's a Cup or not and focus in finding the best example possible. Although 7k will get you into a nice 172 Cup which will have the best residuals of any Clio variant bar 182 Trophy, with some money left over for fettling.
Kicking myself for not snapping up this 172 Cup a couple of weeks ago https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12098750
As much as it pains me not to link to a car for sale on PH... this 182 Cup looks pretty good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165271054603
As much as it pains me not to link to a car for sale on PH... this 182 Cup looks pretty good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165271054603
Not surprised that 172 Cup sold quickly. B14s and Quaife are highly worthwhile mods and with just 43k miles it's guaranteed cheap motoring as the appreciation will likely cover much of the running costs.
The 182 Cup is not bad either but not as good a buy (assuming both cars are in comparable condition). Unlike the 172 Cup which has the ABS delete, lighter glass and is usefully lighter than non-Cup cars the 182 Cup is nothing more than a 182 without climate or xenons. Racing Blue is a very nice colour though!
The 182 Cup is not bad either but not as good a buy (assuming both cars are in comparable condition). Unlike the 172 Cup which has the ABS delete, lighter glass and is usefully lighter than non-Cup cars the 182 Cup is nothing more than a 182 without climate or xenons. Racing Blue is a very nice colour though!
Civic Type R EP3.
Bullet proof reliability, easy/cheap to maintain, lots of upgrades available, great handling and a lovely/addictive VTEC roar....not to mention quick with it. Buy a nice low mile and spec (premier edition if possible) and you'll easily sell it for more than you bought it for in a couple of years.
Swift also a great shout to be fair (I really like them)....but performance wise, they are a world apart from the likes of the clio's, meganes and other cars being discussed here.....In fact, I would go as far as to say that even the 'warmest' Swift Sport is still first and foremost a shopping/town car for the over 50's. The sort of fun you could have on a Sunday morning on a B-road will be somewhat limited by the 125bhp and fairly soft set up...where as the EP3 (for example) is true hot hatch with the 'right' DNA.
Bullet proof reliability, easy/cheap to maintain, lots of upgrades available, great handling and a lovely/addictive VTEC roar....not to mention quick with it. Buy a nice low mile and spec (premier edition if possible) and you'll easily sell it for more than you bought it for in a couple of years.
Swift also a great shout to be fair (I really like them)....but performance wise, they are a world apart from the likes of the clio's, meganes and other cars being discussed here.....In fact, I would go as far as to say that even the 'warmest' Swift Sport is still first and foremost a shopping/town car for the over 50's. The sort of fun you could have on a Sunday morning on a B-road will be somewhat limited by the 125bhp and fairly soft set up...where as the EP3 (for example) is true hot hatch with the 'right' DNA.
Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 19th January 17:28
MattyD803 said:
Swift also a great shout to be fair (I really like them)....but performance wise, they are a world apart from the likes of the clio's, meganes and other cars being discussed here.....In fact, I would go as far as to say that even the 'warmest' Swift Sport is still first and foremost a shopping/town car for the over 50's.
I think you’re selling the Swift a bit short here, the relative lack of performance over the Renaults may be important to some but it doesn’t stop the Suzuki being fun at sensible speeds. I’ve driven a Civic Type R and although it was engaging I was doing some pretty irresponsible speeds to get it to feel alive.The Swifts at the OP’s budget will have around 130bhp.
You’re true about one thing though, I was 50 when I bought my Swift…
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