106 Rallye v's Mk3 MR2 v's MX5 v's 172
Discussion
I've got an itch that needs scratching, and as I've determined that I can't justify the amount of money that a Boxster / 350Z etc takes to keep on the road, I'll *eventually* be looking at something cheap to run.
My primary thought is a 106 Rallye (either S1 or S2). Probably prefer the S1. I'm no longer bothered about power, I just want a car that is cheap to run, but can still be exciting. It will occasionally be driven to work. It will be used on a weekend for the occasional hoon. It'll very rarely see a motorway. The very light kerb weight as well as the renowned handling of the 106/Saxo platform. I've driven a VTS and it was a hoot, felt suprisingly quick, but I think the Rallye just might be purer and more fun?
As well as that, I'll consider the GTI and VTS.
I DON'T want a 172. But I've had one, so I've got a reference point.
I probably wouldn't get an MX5 unless I could get a Mk2 RS-Limited or 6-speed Sport for the price of a Rallye, then it would definitely come into contention once again.
Mk3 MR2 is another car that really intrigues. Toyota reliability (whip the pre-cats out if they're still there), almost Elise like handling. A little bland in the engine department but I heard one the other day and it sounded nice, twin exhausts, and presumably an induction kit? I drove one once it felt great. Also 40 MPG economy.
So any thoughts? I've done the MX5 twice but I'd consider the Mk2 RS. I've driven the Mk3 MR2 and it felt great, but a bit tame sounding as standard. I don't want a 172 unless it's a Cup and only then if someone could guarantee it was going to bite me a third time, which I doubt, very nature of the fragile car and chav owners means it's definitely been thrashed. Then again you could say the same about the Rallye and GTI but it handles better and might be cheaper / easier to fix?
Before anyone asks, no I haven't sold the 350Z, but it's on the cards. I like it but it's too much car financially, and a GT car which is lovely and all but can't quite thrill like something light. As I don't get to drive for fun much any more I may as well have something that is fun all of the time?
My primary thought is a 106 Rallye (either S1 or S2). Probably prefer the S1. I'm no longer bothered about power, I just want a car that is cheap to run, but can still be exciting. It will occasionally be driven to work. It will be used on a weekend for the occasional hoon. It'll very rarely see a motorway. The very light kerb weight as well as the renowned handling of the 106/Saxo platform. I've driven a VTS and it was a hoot, felt suprisingly quick, but I think the Rallye just might be purer and more fun?
As well as that, I'll consider the GTI and VTS.
I DON'T want a 172. But I've had one, so I've got a reference point.
I probably wouldn't get an MX5 unless I could get a Mk2 RS-Limited or 6-speed Sport for the price of a Rallye, then it would definitely come into contention once again.
Mk3 MR2 is another car that really intrigues. Toyota reliability (whip the pre-cats out if they're still there), almost Elise like handling. A little bland in the engine department but I heard one the other day and it sounded nice, twin exhausts, and presumably an induction kit? I drove one once it felt great. Also 40 MPG economy.
So any thoughts? I've done the MX5 twice but I'd consider the Mk2 RS. I've driven the Mk3 MR2 and it felt great, but a bit tame sounding as standard. I don't want a 172 unless it's a Cup and only then if someone could guarantee it was going to bite me a third time, which I doubt, very nature of the fragile car and chav owners means it's definitely been thrashed. Then again you could say the same about the Rallye and GTI but it handles better and might be cheaper / easier to fix?
Before anyone asks, no I haven't sold the 350Z, but it's on the cards. I like it but it's too much car financially, and a GT car which is lovely and all but can't quite thrill like something light. As I don't get to drive for fun much any more I may as well have something that is fun all of the time?
TameRacingDriver said:
I've got an itch that needs scratching, and as I've determined that I can't justify the amount of money that a Boxster / 350Z etc takes to keep on the road, I'll *eventually* be looking at something cheap to run.
My primary thought is a 106 Rallye (either S1 or S2). Probably prefer the S1. I'm no longer bothered about power, I just want a car that is cheap to run, but can still be exciting. It will occasionally be driven to work. It will be used on a weekend for the occasional hoon. It'll very rarely see a motorway. The very light kerb weight as well as the renowned handling of the 106/Saxo platform. I've driven a VTS and it was a hoot, felt suprisingly quick, but I think the Rallye just might be purer and more fun?
As well as that, I'll consider the GTI and VTS.
I DON'T want a 172. But I've had one, so I've got a reference point.
My primary thought is a 106 Rallye (either S1 or S2). Probably prefer the S1. I'm no longer bothered about power, I just want a car that is cheap to run, but can still be exciting. It will occasionally be driven to work. It will be used on a weekend for the occasional hoon. It'll very rarely see a motorway. The very light kerb weight as well as the renowned handling of the 106/Saxo platform. I've driven a VTS and it was a hoot, felt suprisingly quick, but I think the Rallye just might be purer and more fun?
As well as that, I'll consider the GTI and VTS.
I DON'T want a 172. But I've had one, so I've got a reference point.
If you found the VTS and P11GT fun and you don't have to do motorways I suspect you'll love the S1 Rallye
Out of those.. I'd buy a good original S1 106 Rallye.
It'll appreciate if you look after it. Super cheap to run as they are so basic. Good MPG as they are light. If you haven't been out in one, the 100bhp feels far more and it really hustles along.
A Mk3 MR2 doesn't handle like an Elise. It's got a midships-rear set up but that's about it. Not much handles like an Elise. No bootspace at all and early ones have their issues although I forget what they are. On the plus side, Toyota build quality is good and as a package I can see the attraction. I just don't think you'd get what you are looking for.
I owned a spotless Mk2 MX5 RS (not Ltd as that was mk1 only) and it's a spec level and not a limited edition so ignore the drivel. Mine was on Tein flex suspension and had a mazdaspeed intake and Racing Beat exhaust. Sounded lovely and went well but rust will catch up on all of them eventually so go in with a little consideration for the upkeep. It's about £400 a side for a really top notch job.
172's are nice but I can't really help there as I have no experience on them. SirDave if he's about is a wealth on them and has owned most variants. No doubt he'll pop in shortly.
HTH dude.. and buy a 106.
It'll appreciate if you look after it. Super cheap to run as they are so basic. Good MPG as they are light. If you haven't been out in one, the 100bhp feels far more and it really hustles along.
A Mk3 MR2 doesn't handle like an Elise. It's got a midships-rear set up but that's about it. Not much handles like an Elise. No bootspace at all and early ones have their issues although I forget what they are. On the plus side, Toyota build quality is good and as a package I can see the attraction. I just don't think you'd get what you are looking for.
I owned a spotless Mk2 MX5 RS (not Ltd as that was mk1 only) and it's a spec level and not a limited edition so ignore the drivel. Mine was on Tein flex suspension and had a mazdaspeed intake and Racing Beat exhaust. Sounded lovely and went well but rust will catch up on all of them eventually so go in with a little consideration for the upkeep. It's about £400 a side for a really top notch job.
172's are nice but I can't really help there as I have no experience on them. SirDave if he's about is a wealth on them and has owned most variants. No doubt he'll pop in shortly.
HTH dude.. and buy a 106.
james_gt3rs said:
I believe on the pre facelift mk3 mr2, the engine problems go deeper than per cat, and have no cures.
Not really, sticky rear brakes, bubbly alloys, blocked drains. All peanuts to fix when comparing to porsche running costs. In fact even if you get one with a blown engine £600 will get you a recon one in. These cars really are banger money now.Tiger Tim said:
Out of those.. I'd buy a good original S1 106 Rallye.
It'll appreciate if you look after it. Super cheap to run as they are so basic. Good MPG as they are light. If you haven't been out in one, the 100bhp feels far more and it really hustles along.
A Mk3 MR2 doesn't handle like an Elise. It's got a midships-rear set up but that's about it. Not much handles like an Elise. No bootspace at all and early ones have their issues although I forget what they are. On the plus side, Toyota build quality is good and as a package I can see the attraction. I just don't think you'd get what you are looking for.
I owned a spotless Mk2 MX5 RS (not Ltd as that was mk1 only) and it's a spec level and not a limited edition so ignore the drivel. Mine was on Tein flex suspension and had a mazdaspeed intake and Racing Beat exhaust. Sounded lovely and went well but rust will catch up on all of them eventually so go in with a little consideration for the upkeep. It's about £400 a side for a really top notch job.
172's are nice but I can't really help there as I have no experience on them. SirDave if he's about is a wealth on them and has owned most variants. No doubt he'll pop in shortly.
HTH dude.. and buy a 106.
Your points about the 106 are what attract me to it, and are the number 1 option up until now.It'll appreciate if you look after it. Super cheap to run as they are so basic. Good MPG as they are light. If you haven't been out in one, the 100bhp feels far more and it really hustles along.
A Mk3 MR2 doesn't handle like an Elise. It's got a midships-rear set up but that's about it. Not much handles like an Elise. No bootspace at all and early ones have their issues although I forget what they are. On the plus side, Toyota build quality is good and as a package I can see the attraction. I just don't think you'd get what you are looking for.
I owned a spotless Mk2 MX5 RS (not Ltd as that was mk1 only) and it's a spec level and not a limited edition so ignore the drivel. Mine was on Tein flex suspension and had a mazdaspeed intake and Racing Beat exhaust. Sounded lovely and went well but rust will catch up on all of them eventually so go in with a little consideration for the upkeep. It's about £400 a side for a really top notch job.
172's are nice but I can't really help there as I have no experience on them. SirDave if he's about is a wealth on them and has owned most variants. No doubt he'll pop in shortly.
HTH dude.. and buy a 106.
The MR2 I thought was a nice drive but when I had one I also had a 182 and felt that although the MR2 handled better the 182 was still more "entertaining". (standard for standard).
I had a Mk1 RS-Limited and I loved it. I like the look of the Mk2 but hear they are more prone to rust than the Mk1
A lad at a nutz meet had a white RS with white wheels and that's what planted those seeds in my head.172 like I say doubt I'll go there. In the very unlikely event I do (too many bad memories) it'll be a Cup. Nothing else.
stargazer30 said:
james_gt3rs said:
I believe on the pre facelift mk3 mr2, the engine problems go deeper than per cat, and have no cures.
Not really, sticky rear brakes, bubbly alloys, blocked drains. All peanuts to fix when comparing to porsche running costs. In fact even if you get one with a blown engine £600 will get you a recon one in. These cars really are banger money now.
TameRacingDriver said:
Forgot to mention, what about a Puma. Even cheaper than those. Great gearchange, reasonable performance, nicish noise, handling, RUST. But is it terminal or cosmetic?! For under £1K would you care?!
Great car (I've had a standard 1.7 and FRP). They've got just enough power to be fun, the engine is revvy, and reasonably economical. I still maintain the standard car is more fun than the FRP - it's less hardcore, has a more compliant ride, and 90% of the handling ability. The FRP does look much better though.Unfortunately though for under £1K all the bushes will likely be shagged and it'll generally feel pretty baggy. It's worth spending a bit more - £2K will get you a good condition Millennium - leather Recaros and interior with a cambelt change. Keep on top of the oil levels and there's not a lot to go wrong mechanically.
Rust is an issue though - if you can find one with intact rear arches you'll be doing well!
As for the 106 - aren't good Rallye's pretty expensive now? It could be worth finding a decent GTi (if any unmolested examples still exist!)
IMO the MR2 is the better driver's car from the two sports cars; whether you enjoy it more than a hot hatch depends on how you drive - the MR2 will reward delicate accurate driving where the hot hatches will be much more fun to throw around. As you say, with the pre-cats removed it should be pretty reliable.
Storage space in the MR2 is a bit of a joke.
Storage space in the MR2 is a bit of a joke.
RacingBlue said:
What's your budget TRD?
As a wildcard, how about a Panda 100HP?
I looked, but think that the purchase price is a little too high at the moment, I'd say £3K was the very maximum I would want to spend (as I would like some money in the pocket for doing the change - ideally £2K would be better still).As a wildcard, how about a Panda 100HP?
I don't mind the look of these though, although I prefer the Punto but the Abarth is way out of my price range, and I don't think the Mk2s were all that (shame as they look nice).
I remember back in 1995, I bought a MK2 Golf GTI 16V and a friend and I had a little race off the lights. He was in his 106 Rallye. It must have been an S1 I guess (I don't know much about them) but it was 1300cc and 100hp (IIRC). Anyway, he wasn't far behind me at all. I was a little gutted by it!
That was only half the story though because he later let me drive it and I was blown away by it's handling. It would easily show the Golf a clean pair of heels on a tight B road.
Only been a passenger in the other cars (well, a 182 Cup rather than 172) and they were good also, but I think I'd take the Rallye. I loved it's simplicity. Take the stripes off it's a little sleeper. Very little to go wrong and very light. A bit noisy and unrefined though.
That was only half the story though because he later let me drive it and I was blown away by it's handling. It would easily show the Golf a clean pair of heels on a tight B road.
Only been a passenger in the other cars (well, a 182 Cup rather than 172) and they were good also, but I think I'd take the Rallye. I loved it's simplicity. Take the stripes off it's a little sleeper. Very little to go wrong and very light. A bit noisy and unrefined though.
TameRacingDriver said:
The rust thing with the Puma is it just cosmetic or is it likely to lead to an MOT failure?
Cosmetic rust, I've seen plenty that are bubbled but hardly any that are in full scale collapse (or enough to get pulled for dangerous condition). A lass I worked with had a Puma with the arches rusted for years. Barely serviced (if it all), got the bare minimum of cheap brakes and tyres and was MOT'd without issue for years. For such little cash, they're not a bad runner. The engine isn't the most refined but it loves to rev and is very hardy.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff