Fun hack for 5k?

[jdwoodbury]

Sorry to do a what car thread but need some input...

My commute changes a little when I move house and twice a week I have a 30 mile blast to the train station. This can be cross country when I am in the mood so wanted to pickup up something fun when the mood takes me.

Requirements as follows

- Not going to be an expensive maintenance knightmare (so looking to buy mid-price so I have a choice)
- MPG not important but 30mpg would be nice
- A modicum of practicality (i.e. No Westfield's)

Considerations so far

- R53 Mini Cooper S (top pick so far)
- BMW E46 330ci (Bit bland?)
- Mazda MX-5 Mk2 (soft top concerns me leaving in station car park)
- Audi TT 225 (reliable?)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Image still an issue for me)

Thoughts and opinions welcome, looking for a car that's going to put a smile on my face after a hard day.

[kambites]

The MR2 is worth a look if the storage space is enough - it's a better drivers' car than the MX5 (and indeed than the rest of your list) IMO.

[PGNTuscan]

Seat Leon Cupra R. Must be an R.

Easily/cheaply remapped too

[RenesisEvo]

I'd avoid the TT - prone to silly annoying faults, and a 225 won't be that fun to drive. On the plus side you can easily get mid-30's mpg.

Panda 100HP? BMW Z4? A Honda S2000 might just creep into budget.

[DuncsGTi]

Im looking at pretty much the same criteria and budget right now, and the cars that keep catching my eye are Renualtsport Megane and Clios

[itz_baseline]

Integra DC2. I have had mine for over 3 years, it's cost me peanuts to run as it is small and light with small wheels so brakes and tyres are cheap. Nothing has gone wrong with it and I will probably get back most of what I paid for it when I decide to sell it.

Plus it's a hoot to drive and not crazy fast so you can access the limits a bit more often.

[Poopipe]

5k will comfortably see you in a decent megane cup or r26.
Be prepared for a few electrical gremlins but apart from that theyre a joy to drive - especially with a few tweaks

[ManOpener]

If the planets are in alignment you might scrape a Mk5 Golf GTI for £5k.
Seat Leon Mk2 FR/early Mk2 Cupra- latter will map to about 300bhp. Might want a diff for that though!
Octavia vRS
Might get an Audi A3 2.0 TFSI for that too
Megane- avoid the base 225, get a 230 or R26 if you can or a Cup if you can't.
Might get a Clio 197- they're a hoot but try and find one that's already had a replacement gearbox as they're a known issue
Possibly BMW 1-series but you won't get the best hatch (130i) for your money
E46 325i Compact plus loads of change?

Personally I'd probably buy the best FN2 Civic Type R I could find for that.

[chfs911]

Lupo GTi is great fun drive. Somewhere between a 964 RS and a 968 CS.

Try one. Parts are really cheap and 40 + mpg.

Low/zero depreciation helps too.

[kambites]

The Integra is a very good suggestion. One of the best FWD drivers' cars ever made and being a Honda, immensely reliable too. 30mpg is about right for "sensible" driving, although you'll get considerably less if you drive it hard.

[jdwoodbury]

Some good options here...

- Integra I thought about but I would imagine there are not many around?
- Lupo GTi is a good shout, could be fun
- Discounted Renault due to perceived reliability (should I be concerned?)

[Jasandjules]

kambites said:

The MR2 is worth a look if the storage space is enough - it's a better drivers' car than the MX5 (and indeed than the rest of your list) IMO.

Yep, got to say the same.

A MKII IMHO though - but that is because I've never driven a MK3.

[jdwoodbury]

I am a bit put off by the MK2 MR2 as they must be getting on a bit, I see MK3 are well in budget but not sure of the fun factor compared to a MCS.

[nottyash]

Op you say image is a problem in an Impreza, but you would happily drive a mini

I've got both.
Well actually the Mini is the Mrs, The Scooby is my commuter.
Both tweeked.
Mini approx 210bhp, Scoobies 280bhp. Mini is quite noisy now with the fletcher system, sport cat and 17 % pulley.
Its great fun, but I personally don't like the cheap feel inside, and the retro look.
Brakes and traction are poor too.

[Pulse]

jdwoodbury said:

I am a bit put off by the MK2 MR2 as they must be getting on a bit, I see MK3 are well in budget but not sure of the fun factor compared to a MCS.

Pound for pound, one of the best value sports cars out there right now, I'd say.

Though reading this thread is making me want an Integra again!

[nottyash]

jdwoodbury said:

I am a bit put off by the MK2 MR2 as they must be getting on a bit, I see MK3 are well in budget but not sure of the fun factor compared to a MCS.

Mk3 mr2 is every bit as fun to drive as a MCS. I know they are down on power and lack space but they really are a hoot.

[jdwoodbury]

nottyash said:

Op you say image is a problem in an Impreza, but you would happily drive a mini

I've got both.
Well actually the Mini is the Mrs, The Scooby is my commuter.
Both tweeked.
Mini approx 210bhp, Scoobies 280bhp. Mini is quite noisy now with the fletcher system, sport cat and 17 % pulley.
Its great fun, but I personally don't like the cheap feel inside, and the retro look.
Brakes and traction are poor too.

Sorry not looking to disrepect the impreza however I showed my wife the list and she immediatly said no to this, but knows nothing about cars. I think with the right colour and especially in estate form they can look quite subtle. Your right both have an image, but I know at least I could take the wife for a drive in the Mini....I doubt I would get her out in the Scooby.

[kambites]

jdwoodbury said:

I am a bit put off by the MK2 MR2 as they must be getting on a bit, I see MK3 are well in budget but not sure of the fun factor compared to a MCS.

The mk3 MR2 has a vastly better chassis than either the mk2 or the MINI, although the engine isn't hugely inspiring so it's not a car for acceleration junkies.

[itz_baseline]

jdwoodbury said:

Some good options here...

- Integra I thought about but I would imagine there are not many around?

There's probably more than you think....though there won't be many around with mileage as low as mine. I'm due for a change of my fleet soon to have a bit of a mix up if you fancy buying mine.....pm me if interested. Will last you for many a year of hacking and punt on with little loss at the end of it :-)

[nottyash]

jdwoodbury said:

Sorry not looking to disrepect the impreza however I showed my wife the list and she immediatly said no to this, but knows nothing about cars. I think with the right colour and especially in estate form they can look quite subtle. Your right both have an image, but I know at least I could take the wife for a drive in the Mini....I doubt I would get her out in the Scooby.

so all the more reason to wear the trousers or drive around in what she wants.