What car? Interesting daily for £2.5k
Discussion
I finally shifted my rather stately Rover estate over the weekend. That means I can start thinking a bit more seriously about a replacement. 
We're starting to contemplate having kids in the not too distant future, which got me thinking this is possibly my last chance to buy an impractical daily driver, before I get lost in a mire of five door saloons, NCAP ratings and baby poo. The budget is still relatively tight and it needs to be something that won't bankrupt me on running costs (I'm aiming for 30 mpg on my B-road commute). A little bit of luggage space would be an advantage, but the number of doors and seats is immaterial, as is refinement. In fact, I'd like something reasonably raw.
I'm probably aware of most of the usual suspects, but I'm interested to hear from anyone who's owned them - particularly if you've had a couple.
Before anyone says it, the MX5 is top of the list at the moment. The boot is a touch on the small side, but I've owned a mk1 in the past so I know how much fun they can be. Ideally, I'd probably look at stretching the budget a little for an early six-speed mk2.5.
Other thoughts:
I find a lot of hot hatches a bit too staid, but I'm seriously tempted by a Clio 172 Cup. An Ignis Sport appeals too, but I'm assuming the Clio would hold its value better and be easier to find spares for.
An MR2 of some description sounds fun, particularly a mk3, but I suspect the added hooligan potential and better boot space of the MX5 would suit me better.
A fast 3-Series would tick a lot of boxes, but I kind of feel I could I could revisit that idea later in life. Something a bit more lively like an Impreza WRX would be fun, but I think I'd struggle with the running costs.
I've already done the front engined Porsches (and my OH struggles with the driving position so much I had to sell the last one!) so they're out.
I'd love an Integra Type R, but don't think I could stretch the budget enough for a good one, and the running costs are a slight concern. Not so tempted by the EP3 Civic - this is based on hearsay, admittedly, but the idea of numb steering puts me off.
We're starting to contemplate having kids in the not too distant future, which got me thinking this is possibly my last chance to buy an impractical daily driver, before I get lost in a mire of five door saloons, NCAP ratings and baby poo. The budget is still relatively tight and it needs to be something that won't bankrupt me on running costs (I'm aiming for 30 mpg on my B-road commute). A little bit of luggage space would be an advantage, but the number of doors and seats is immaterial, as is refinement. In fact, I'd like something reasonably raw.
I'm probably aware of most of the usual suspects, but I'm interested to hear from anyone who's owned them - particularly if you've had a couple.
Before anyone says it, the MX5 is top of the list at the moment. The boot is a touch on the small side, but I've owned a mk1 in the past so I know how much fun they can be. Ideally, I'd probably look at stretching the budget a little for an early six-speed mk2.5.
Other thoughts:
I find a lot of hot hatches a bit too staid, but I'm seriously tempted by a Clio 172 Cup. An Ignis Sport appeals too, but I'm assuming the Clio would hold its value better and be easier to find spares for.
An MR2 of some description sounds fun, particularly a mk3, but I suspect the added hooligan potential and better boot space of the MX5 would suit me better.
A fast 3-Series would tick a lot of boxes, but I kind of feel I could I could revisit that idea later in life. Something a bit more lively like an Impreza WRX would be fun, but I think I'd struggle with the running costs.
I've already done the front engined Porsches (and my OH struggles with the driving position so much I had to sell the last one!) so they're out.
I'd love an Integra Type R, but don't think I could stretch the budget enough for a good one, and the running costs are a slight concern. Not so tempted by the EP3 Civic - this is based on hearsay, admittedly, but the idea of numb steering puts me off.
How far is your commute? And what is your driving style?
I only say this, as I find few cars offer 30mpg for me on such a drive as a B road commute.
Would you have managed 30mpg from your MX-5 of Porsches? If so, then ok. If not, I think you might be amazed at what won't manage this.
Big and cruisy
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
LEXUS SOARER 2.5 TWIN TURBO G T-T
Auto and unlikely to manage 30mpg though.
Honestly a BMW e30 or e36 would probably fit the bill rather well. The e36 even stands a good chance of a genuine 30mpg too.
Puma would be on my hit list too, but again I think mid/high 20's are more likely.
Accord Type R worth a punt, but maybe just too sensible and practical for your needs.
MK3 MR2 should offer the mpg or a smart Roadster.
I only say this, as I find few cars offer 30mpg for me on such a drive as a B road commute.
Would you have managed 30mpg from your MX-5 of Porsches? If so, then ok. If not, I think you might be amazed at what won't manage this.
Big and cruisy
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
LEXUS SOARER 2.5 TWIN TURBO G T-T
Auto and unlikely to manage 30mpg though.
Honestly a BMW e30 or e36 would probably fit the bill rather well. The e36 even stands a good chance of a genuine 30mpg too.
Puma would be on my hit list too, but again I think mid/high 20's are more likely.
Accord Type R worth a punt, but maybe just too sensible and practical for your needs.
MK3 MR2 should offer the mpg or a smart Roadster.
300bhp/ton said:
How far is your commute? And what is your driving style?
I only say this, as I find few cars offer 30mpg for me on such a drive as a B road commute.
Would you have managed 30mpg from your MX-5 of Porsches? If so, then ok. If not, I think you might be amazed at what won't manage this.
Big and cruisy
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
LEXUS SOARER 2.5 TWIN TURBO G T-T
Auto and unlikely to manage 30mpg though.
Honestly a BMW e30 or e36 would probably fit the bill rather well. The e36 even stands a good chance of a genuine 30mpg too.
Puma would be on my hit list too, but again I think mid/high 20's are more likely.
Accord Type R worth a punt, but maybe just too sensible and practical for your needs.
MK3 MR2 should offer the mpg or a smart Roadster.
With regards the Soarer, big and cruisy isn't really my thing. Neither is auto.I only say this, as I find few cars offer 30mpg for me on such a drive as a B road commute.
Would you have managed 30mpg from your MX-5 of Porsches? If so, then ok. If not, I think you might be amazed at what won't manage this.
Big and cruisy
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
LEXUS SOARER 2.5 TWIN TURBO G T-T
Auto and unlikely to manage 30mpg though.
Honestly a BMW e30 or e36 would probably fit the bill rather well. The e36 even stands a good chance of a genuine 30mpg too.
Puma would be on my hit list too, but again I think mid/high 20's are more likely.
Accord Type R worth a punt, but maybe just too sensible and practical for your needs.
MK3 MR2 should offer the mpg or a smart Roadster.
I've recently moved house so I have no idea what my previous cars would have done on that commute, which is a good 20 miles. I always seemed to get well over 30 mpg on a not-dissimilar route in my old 1.8 MX5, though, which seemed to be better than most people. Clearly, it's a relative thing, it doesn't have to be numerically bang on 30mpg, just something in that sort of range, rather than the 18/20 mpg you might (reputedly) get from an RX8 or an enthusiastically driven Scooby.
Forgot to mention the Puma. A nice 1.7 is definitely on the list too.
Mk3 MR2 and Smart Roadster both appeal, but - with due regard for the extra mpg - I feel both would share the same downsides as an MX5. If I'm going to live with limited luggage space and a convertible roof I'd rather have the playfulness of the MX5.
A good unmolested E36 328i Coupe would hold its money well, I reckon, and I definitely wouldn't rule it out if one turned up. Might be a tiny bit too grown up for what I had in mind, though.
Oggs' Supra suggestion is an interesting one. Assuming the running costs wouldn't be brilliant, though? Same would go for a Starion or 200 SX, I presume?
s m said:
325ti?
I knew you'd say that. Still very much on the list. But like the E36 coupe it strikes me as something I could come back to at a later date. Something like an MR2 might cease to be an option in a year or two.
If I did go down that route, I'd probably still be more tempted by an E36 Sport, though. Having seen the way E30 325i Sport prices have gone in the last few years I suspect these could be quite a good buy.
My S13 200SX used to manage about 23mpg or so. Slightly better than my Impreza Turbo I'd guess, but certainly more low'ish 20's than 30mpg.
I suspect the Supra would be similar or worse. That said, 30mpg from a MK1 MX-5 does seem fairly good. I only used to 27-28mpg from a couple of MGF's and similar from Rover 200BRM.
Even my 1.6 100NX Nissan only managed 27-29mpg on a B road commute.
I suspect the Supra would be similar or worse. That said, 30mpg from a MK1 MX-5 does seem fairly good. I only used to 27-28mpg from a couple of MGF's and similar from Rover 200BRM.
Even my 1.6 100NX Nissan only managed 27-29mpg on a B road commute.
Chris71]That said [about the E36 said:
Looks good. On a rational level I think it'll do all you need. But it is quite a sensible practical vehicle. I know BMW call it a coupe, but really it's a 2 door family saloon car. It's no harder to get into the back seats than it is in say a Fiesta or 3 door Focus. And you have a proper boot.300bhp/ton said:
Chris71]That said [about the E36 said:
Looks good. On a rational level I think it'll do all you need. But it is quite a sensible practical vehicle. I know BMW call it a coupe, but really it's a 2 door family saloon car. It's no harder to get into the back seats than it is in say a Fiesta or 3 door Focus. And you have a proper boot.But then this springs to mind and suddenly I'm all over the idea of a Fiesta in a posh frock: http://youtu.be/R3QuH7z1Z1o?t=39s
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 17th December 13:16
I saw a Ford Racing Puma on ebay the other day for a smidge over £3k, you wouldn't lose any money and it would provide B road thrills a plenty.
Failing that a normal 1.7 will do 32mpg all day long and be a hoot for half your budget
Edited to add: I've had 3 1.7's and all of them did over 30mpg. I absolutely ragged the last one (which I bought and sold for under £400) and it wouldn't go below 33mpg on my 40mile communte.
Failing that a normal 1.7 will do 32mpg all day long and be a hoot for half your budget
Edited to add: I've had 3 1.7's and all of them did over 30mpg. I absolutely ragged the last one (which I bought and sold for under £400) and it wouldn't go below 33mpg on my 40mile communte.
Edited by Nige_GTI on Tuesday 17th December 13:34
When I had a Puma I could barely get over 30mpg on an average run, very juicy for the performance, but great fun at the same time.
My Clio 182 gets 35mpg no problem and is quicker, better equipped, better handling and more spacious.
Clio 172/182's have dropped in price hugely this past year. I got mine with 81k,FSH in great condition for £2100 and there are cheaper than that about especially among the 172 cups.
Go for a 172 cup you'll have a hoot and it won't cost the world!
My Clio 182 gets 35mpg no problem and is quicker, better equipped, better handling and more spacious.
Clio 172/182's have dropped in price hugely this past year. I got mine with 81k,FSH in great condition for £2100 and there are cheaper than that about especially among the 172 cups.
Go for a 172 cup you'll have a hoot and it won't cost the world!
Chris71 said:
I know, I've looked seriously at these in the past. One in decent nick with a suspension refresh could be quite entertaining to drive. I suspect my wife would feel happier driving that than a more overtly sporting convertible too. Like you say, though, it feels a tiny bit too grown up.
But then this springs to mind and suddenly I'm all over the idea of a Fiesta in a posh frock: http://youtu.be/R3QuH7z1Z1o?t=39s
I have a very soft spot for the Puma. Nearly bought one back in 1998'ish.But then this springs to mind and suddenly I'm all over the idea of a Fiesta in a posh frock: http://youtu.be/R3QuH7z1Z1o?t=39s
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 17th December 13:16
billy939 said:
When I had a Puma I could barely get over 30mpg on an average run, very juicy for the performance, but great fun at the same time.
My Clio 182 gets 35mpg no problem and is quicker, better equipped, better handling and more spacious.
Interesting perspective.My Clio 182 gets 35mpg no problem and is quicker, better equipped, better handling and more spacious.
I would consider any of these cars in isolation. To be honest, I'll probably just keep an eye out for a conspicuously good example, but it's interesting to hear how they compare.
I'd like a Puma, but the 172 Cup just seems a bit more special for what's essentially still a four seat FWD hatchback. Interesting to see how insurance etc. compares.
Going back to the MX5, I've heard comments about the mk2s rusting more readily before. I quite fancy a mk2 because I've already had a mk1, but the older cars will presumably hold their value better and I certainly wouldn't say no to the right example.
What about a MK1 MR2? With a bit of hunting you might find a Pontiac Fiero. A little oddball and unknown over here, but I personally like the look of them. The V6 ones are fairly speedy too. Fibreglass body and galvanised chassis. You can also fit a SBC V8 into them if ever you want a project.
Superb little cars though.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff