cheap fast and fun second car?
Discussion
I'm on the look out for a cheap >£3k second car for fun use only so low mpg isn't a problem, but I would like something that is fairly reliable.
I keep coming back to rev 3 mr2 turbos, what should I know about these? and what else should i be looking at?
I've already discounted Fiat coupe turbos for having the wrong driven wheels.
I keep coming back to rev 3 mr2 turbos, what should I know about these? and what else should i be looking at?
I've already discounted Fiat coupe turbos for having the wrong driven wheels.
Condition is everything at this end of the market. There are lots of performance car options in this price range but many will be pretty rough around the edges.
The MR2 Turbo is a good choice, I've had mine for 9 years and its just hit 140,000 miles. Its pretty reliable but during my ownership the head gasket has failed as a result of a cracked coolant pipe and I've gone through several brake callipers (a known weak spot on the SW20). It will need welding this year but unless the bill runs into the thousands I'll get it done and keep on using it. It still looks great when its had a good polish (imho) and has performance that despite its 20+ years still sets it apart from the vast majority of traffic and holds its own against modern performance options.
The Revision 3+ models produced more power than the rev 1 and 2 (241bhp vs 220) but the suspension/geometry revisions designed to address the edginess of the Rev 1 came with the Rev 2. Many in your position will not even consider a Rev 1 or 2, but I would always recommend a clean Rev1/2 over a leggy Rev3+, as I said earlier condition is everything.
In terms of alternatives; if FWD isn't your thing then you're quite limited. Early Imprezas and S13/14 200SXs should fall into your budget, and possibly the 300ZX but it might be tough to find a really tidy one at that price point.
Whilst they're aren't able to offer the wallop of the cars listed above, something like the 306GTi/Rallye, Integra DC2 can be just as grin inducing, and whilst not as polished dynamically, a clean GTV V6 would be a fantastic ownership prospect.
The MR2 Turbo is a good choice, I've had mine for 9 years and its just hit 140,000 miles. Its pretty reliable but during my ownership the head gasket has failed as a result of a cracked coolant pipe and I've gone through several brake callipers (a known weak spot on the SW20). It will need welding this year but unless the bill runs into the thousands I'll get it done and keep on using it. It still looks great when its had a good polish (imho) and has performance that despite its 20+ years still sets it apart from the vast majority of traffic and holds its own against modern performance options.
The Revision 3+ models produced more power than the rev 1 and 2 (241bhp vs 220) but the suspension/geometry revisions designed to address the edginess of the Rev 1 came with the Rev 2. Many in your position will not even consider a Rev 1 or 2, but I would always recommend a clean Rev1/2 over a leggy Rev3+, as I said earlier condition is everything.
In terms of alternatives; if FWD isn't your thing then you're quite limited. Early Imprezas and S13/14 200SXs should fall into your budget, and possibly the 300ZX but it might be tough to find a really tidy one at that price point.
Whilst they're aren't able to offer the wallop of the cars listed above, something like the 306GTi/Rallye, Integra DC2 can be just as grin inducing, and whilst not as polished dynamically, a clean GTV V6 would be a fantastic ownership prospect.
The MR2 Turbo is a great package; really enjoyed mine. Well screwed-together, and having whooshing turbo induction noise from behind your head as you go on the throttle is novel for a while if you're used to front-engined.
I was going to suggest a forced-induction MX5, but I see you already have a Mk2. They are a hoot with more power; I've driven several turbo'd & supercharged Mk1s on road and track. Different to the MR2T, more benign to handle with lower grip limits, the Mazda is fun to slide around on-boost and a cinch to catch. I always kept my MR2T within its limits on the road on the other hand; it had loads of mechanical grip, but you are always aware of the low polar-moment and I didn't take liberties getting it sideways. I didn't spin it on the road at any point despite making decent progress in it at times.
S14 is supposed to be good for hooliganism, but haven't driven one. How about an E36 328i coupe? 6-pot, RWD, nigh-on 200bhp, decent chassis?
I was going to suggest a forced-induction MX5, but I see you already have a Mk2. They are a hoot with more power; I've driven several turbo'd & supercharged Mk1s on road and track. Different to the MR2T, more benign to handle with lower grip limits, the Mazda is fun to slide around on-boost and a cinch to catch. I always kept my MR2T within its limits on the road on the other hand; it had loads of mechanical grip, but you are always aware of the low polar-moment and I didn't take liberties getting it sideways. I didn't spin it on the road at any point despite making decent progress in it at times.
S14 is supposed to be good for hooliganism, but haven't driven one. How about an E36 328i coupe? 6-pot, RWD, nigh-on 200bhp, decent chassis?
nottyash said:
I bought a bug eye Impreza WRX and have it up to 280 bhp for little over that budget. Quite good fun.
Mini Cooper S are cheap now too, stich a 17 percent pulley on a facelift and your up to 200bhp in a mini.
Good call on the wrx, bug eyes are my favourite shape too, not sure if I want a 4wd car though. I've had a 210bhp cooper s and although it was fast it just didn't do it for me. I found it lost traction easily and the torque steer was terrible.Mini Cooper S are cheap now too, stich a 17 percent pulley on a facelift and your up to 200bhp in a mini.
Edited by juan king on Sunday 6th April 07:58
speedtwelve said:
The MR2 Turbo is a great package; really enjoyed mine. Well screwed-together, and having whooshing turbo induction noise from behind your head as you go on the throttle is novel for a while if you're used to front-engined.
I was going to suggest a forced-induction MX5, but I see you already have a Mk2. They are a hoot with more power; I've driven several turbo'd & supercharged Mk1s on road and track. Different to the MR2T, more benign to handle with lower grip limits, the Mazda is fun to slide around on-boost and a cinch to catch. I always kept my MR2T within its limits on the road on the other hand; it had loads of mechanical grip, but you are always aware of the low polar-moment and I didn't take liberties getting it sideways. I didn't spin it on the road at any point despite making decent progress in it at times.
S14 is supposed to be good for hooliganism, but haven't driven one. How about an E36 328i coupe? 6-pot, RWD, nigh-on 200bhp, decent chassis?
Thanks for your advice, to be honest you've sort of put me off MR2's now. I've always enjoyed the low grip levels of mx5's and as you say this is not something that a mid engined car could replicate.I was going to suggest a forced-induction MX5, but I see you already have a Mk2. They are a hoot with more power; I've driven several turbo'd & supercharged Mk1s on road and track. Different to the MR2T, more benign to handle with lower grip limits, the Mazda is fun to slide around on-boost and a cinch to catch. I always kept my MR2T within its limits on the road on the other hand; it had loads of mechanical grip, but you are always aware of the low polar-moment and I didn't take liberties getting it sideways. I didn't spin it on the road at any point despite making decent progress in it at times.
S14 is supposed to be good for hooliganism, but haven't driven one. How about an E36 328i coupe? 6-pot, RWD, nigh-on 200bhp, decent chassis?
Back to the drawing board I think. Good call on the 328 though will have a look.
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