£1500 city car - enjoyable to drive.

[Didge3]

In need of a ~£1500 city car.
Petrol only, economical (at least high 30's in town), but ideally sub ~11sec to 60.
Nothing dull, had a Twingo GT a few years ago, nice engine but clutch/brakes/steering were completely lifeless, ruined what could've been a good car.
Must have A/C at the least, cruise control would sweeten the deal.
Currently thinking Alfa 147 1.6 but not sure on fuel consumption and servicing costs.
2006 onward Polo? Maybe too gutless though...

[Nickp82]

Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX is a great fun car to tootle around in, reliability is good too.

[Toed64]

These are fun:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Panda-100HP/302931...f:0

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-MITO-TURISMO...AEAAOSwpspbjvGk:rk:10f:0

[Didge3]

100HP I like but top of budget for a naff one (the one you linked was a cat D, not the end of the world but only reason its that price)
Again with the Mito, top of budget for the cheapest cars, the 1.4 8v I've already owned in a Punto, not a particularly great engine, the 16v would be preferable but not in budget

Tbh I just want something that feels a bit premium but isn't dull to drive (e.g. 2006+ Clio/Pug 207)

[MC Bodge]

Didge3 said:

100HP I like but top of budget for a naff one (the one you linked was a cat D, not the end of the world but only reason its that price)
Again with the Mito, top of budget for the cheapest cars, the 1.4 8v I've already owned in a Punto, not a particularly great engine, the 16v would be preferable but not in budget

Tbh I just want something that feels a bit premium but isn't dull to drive (e.g. 2006+ Clio/Pug 207)

Mk6 (the boxy one) Fiesta Zetec-s or ST. Maybe not "premium", but great cars to drive.

[Krikkit]

Saxo VTS and 106 GTI both fall into budget, should be able to squeeze into your mpg requirements and are a riot if the roads open up.

[300bhp/ton]

smart ForTwo. Not very speedy, but better to drive than they should be.

Does it have to be a city car exactly? Something like a Mk3 MR2 or MGF are going to be enjoyable and still pretty compact.

[M1C]

Mk1 Suzuki Swift Sport. Although £1500 probs wont get a great one.

I had a Panda 100HP a couple of years ago and loved it....but i drove a SSS during the ownership and had to admit, i preferred it to drive (but i didn't tell the Panda, shhh!!!)

[Drew106]

Krikkit said:

Saxo VTS and 106 GTI both fall into budget, should be able to squeeze into your mpg requirements and are a riot if the roads open up.

Saxo VTS or 106 GTi?? I think you're quite a few years too late to the party. In 2010 maybe, but these are both now pretty rare.

Might get a decent Clio 182. Or as above a Fiesta ST is a good shout. In that price range though, they may be a little dodgy.

[LimaDelta]

Panda 100hp! So easy to park in multi-storeys. Won't lose it in the crowd. Always my go-to if I need to head into town.

Not sure why you would want cruise control on a city car though?

[Didge3]

I need a 4/5 seater so 2 seaters are out unfortunately. I have considered the 1st gen ForFour though, my Mum had one and whilst very noisy on the motorway and having the not amazing but workable auto it was very reliable. They are thin on the ground though and I'd want at least a manual 1.3 with A/C.

Would welcome a 106GTi and probably a Saxo, I drove a friends Saxo 1.1 a couple years ago and it was actually quite nimble and enjoyable but certainly needed more power. Finding a GTi is near impossible now...

[designforlife]

Suzuki ignis sport?

Don't think they have cruise control, but should have AC...£1500 would pick up a nice clean one.

[IanCress]

You're not going to find many cars that do high 30's mpg in stop start traffic.

My suggestion would be the R50 MINI Cooper. Can be found with air con and cruise, and they're great fun in the corners.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say you're on the right track with the 147 in 1.6 T Spark form, servicing is simple & not costly you also land a very nice one for your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

This one having a new clutch fitted so it's worth considering, although it's over budget you should be able to haggle it down to near your budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or whilst it this car doesn't have the most inspiring chassis you would have fun with it's sleeper status especially when you have a 180bhp to play with.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[wjb]

Mini Cooper.

Paid £1250 for mine, on an '05 plate.

Great to drive around town.

[confused_buyer]

Panda is actually far more enjoyable to drive than a 147.