£3500, Something fun at lower speed?

[podgeorge]

I currently have a Golf MK4 GTI (1.8T) and it's a lovely car with plenty of power, however being 20 soon and having a bit of extra cash i'm looking for something a little more involving and fun to steer.

In an ideal world i'd love a Caterham or similar track car for fun and something like my golf for daily driving, however that's a long way off yet, so something which does a bit of both would be great.

Any recommendations? Only requirements is that it's still reliable and relatively cheap to run (25mpg+)

Cheers

[Defcon5]

R53 Cooper S?

200bhp+ is cheap and easy, fun to drive and the supercharger is fantastic

[Baryonyx]

MX5 if you want to put the roof down, 106 Rallye if you just want to have fun driving.

[Motorrad]

Early Boxster has to be getting there with a haggle now. Just look for one that someone else has addressed the engine problems.

[podgeorge]

Cooper S certainly sounds worth a test drive. Never been a huge fan of the styling but could live with one if it meant a good drive.

I've tried an MX-5 and it just never hit the spot with me, 106 rallye as much fun as it would be, is simply not safe enough really.

Boxster sounds great, but do you really think at 20 i would get reasonable quotes?

Thanks for your help guys, appreciated!

[DanielSan]

The 106 idea is a good one, but I'd go for a GTI and have the extra power aswell.

[tickious]

podgeorge said:

I currently have a Golf MK4 GTI (1.8T) and it's a lovely car with plenty of power, however being 20 soon and having a bit of extra cash i'm looking for something a little more involving and fun to steer.

In an ideal world i'd love a Caterham or similar track car for fun and something like my golf for daily driving, however that's a long way off yet, so something which does a bit of both would be great.

Any recommendations? Only requirements is that it's still reliable and relatively cheap to run (25mpg+)

Cheers

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/vauxhall/corsa/corsa-b-c20let-300bhp----------------1997/1871810

[tickious]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

[jon-]

MK2 MR2?

[tickious]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

[tickious]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...

[podgeorge]

MR2 wouldn't really be practical enough for me everyday. TT's a good suggestion, just don't like the image as well as them being not so practical.

Thanks guys!

[tickious]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport/...

Caged

[TameRacingDriver]

If you like the idea of the 106 but find the small tinny car too unsafe, what about its big brother the 306 GTI-6?

You'd get a nice E46 330 for that as well, but then I suspect you want something more raw?

You could probably stretch to a DC2 Integra Type-R, about as raw as it gets while retaining practicality. I had one and it was one of the best cars I ever owned, fantastic engine and handling, yet super comfortable and practical.

[Tickle]

TameRacingDriver said:

If you like the idea of the 106 but find the small tinny car too unsafe, what about its big brother the 306 GTI-6?

You'd get a nice E46 330 for that as well, but then I suspect you want something more raw?

You could probably stretch to a DC2 Integra Type-R, about as raw as it gets while retaining practicality. I had one and it was one of the best cars I ever owned, fantastic engine and handling, yet super comfortable and practical.

+1 for the DC2, brilliant cars, best car ive owned too!

[billzeebub]

MX5
Mk3 MR2

[podgeorge]

@tikious, hahah... i wish. Unfortunately again fails on the practicality. I have considered a 330i but not sure if as you say wouldn't be raw enough for me. Will have to try and test drive one to get a better idea.

Integra Type-r is certainly another one right up on my list, again just need to have a go in one! 306 GTi is another option... didn't think of that one. Thanks

[Hallsy01]

Clio 182 would be worth a look.

Newage Impreza WRX also, but insurance might be an issue.

I've had both and they are great performance cars for not too much money.

[RobM77]

That's easy: mk3 MR2. You'd have to live with no boot, just two lockers behind the seats, but they drive superbly well - like a cut price Elise. I've come close to buying one twice; it was only the fact that I could afford an Elise that stopped me.

[poing]

Clio 182?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...

Edit, the Integra is worth getting an insurance quote for first.