new to all this - want cheap thrills

[scottswald]

hey, im new to all this a never really been involved in anything too mechinaical before.

I wanted to buy a cheap pocket rocket to drive on the weekend. i only want to spend a grand or so, i basically want it to handle well and be really light, i would like to strip it to the max.

what type of car you guys think for around 800 quid? my mates dad has got a 106gti for 800, heard theyre nippy?

[SlimRick]

MX5

[KaraK]

SlimRick said:

MX5

Can't really argue with that for those criteria

[Luke167]

306 GTi-6

[scottswald]

any of these cheaper on insurance than the rest?

i was also thinking a phase 1 clio 172

[Harry Flashman]

Clio 172 is a great shout - mate bought a Phase 2 182 for 1.5k, and we take it on track (standard apart from uprated pads) - it's fantastic, and more fun than the 306 GTi-6 he had before.

[PH lurker]

I'm not sure on the price, insurance or rust issues, or anything really, but what about a Puma?

A bit like this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Or MX-5. Such as: http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Codswallop]

Pug 106 Gti is good, as is the 106 rallye. Citroën Saxo VTS is similar to the 106, but often cheaper. Citroën AX Gt is also very light. Mk1 mx5 or mk1 mr2 would also be interesting alternatives, or you could seek out something like an old Quantum kit car.

[scottswald]

i guessing all of these will give me hefty insurance?

[Prof Prolapse]

106 GTi, VTS, Clio 172

The GTi is the same car as the VTS but is more expensive. The Clio is the most expensive but massively the best deal and quicker. It shares parts with the other two as well.

Clio 172/182 would be my choice all day long but I've never driven the 106/VTS.

[cris654321]

mr2, mark 2s arnt very light though and probly not too good on insurance

[frosted]

If you can't afford insurance on a 106 then you can't afford driving

[Defcon5]

Prof Prolapse said:

The Clio is the most expensive but massively the best deal and quicker. It shares parts with the other two as well.

It does?

[scottswald]

im not sure on insurance yet but im paying 800 for a 2004 ford fiesta 1.4 and id be doing multicar insurance if i got one of these cars. id imagine my insurance would double though

[Prof Prolapse]

Defcon5 said:

Prof Prolapse said:

The Clio is the most expensive but massively the best deal and quicker. It shares parts with the other two as well.

It does?

Rear calipers on the "172 cup" are the same as the VTS / 106. Don't know any other examples. Good mate of mine owned one and said there there were more though.

Not the most convincing argument I'll admit, but one to look into when you're carrying out one of your many trips to the breakers.

[Prof Prolapse]

scottswald said:

im not sure on insurance yet but im paying 800 for a 2004 ford fiesta 1.4 and id be doing multicar insurance if i got one of these cars. id imagine my insurance would double though

I think that's the death of your idea right there.

Edited by Prof Prolapse on Tuesday 17th January 12:24

[trickywoo]

Harry Flashman said:

Mate bought a Phase 2 182 - it's fantastic, and more fun than the 306 GTi-6 he had before.

Is he on crack?

I'm guessing the 306 was totally fooked as the 182 isn't all that.

[Chris71]

scottswald said:

any of these cheaper on insurance than the rest?

Do you have another car for weekdays? If so, by far the cheapest option will be to get something - my recommendation would be an MX5 - and stick it on a classic policy. You could be looking at only a couple of hundred quid a year. It costs less to insure a 5-litre TVR on that basis than an old 1.6 Focus on a normal commuting policy!

[crofty1984]

How old are you? You sound young.
Insurance will probably bum you up the bum-hole.

As others have said.
Stripped out 205/106/AX GT is probably what you're after.
Or MX5
Or what about an E30/E36 BMW?

[MarkRSi]

Just ignoring the OP's last paragraph slightly... have you considered getting a motorbike?