Fun drivers daily

[300bhp/ton]

I'm thinking of changing my 2017 Smart ForTwo. The Smart is in many ways great, but I feel I want a bit more poke and something a little more sporty. But while retaining being new(ish) and dependable for the life of a daily driver living outside 24/7.

And while I'd love something crazy, the rigors and reality of daily driving force some real world limitations/restrictions.


I'm looking at either new or used depending on the exact price and finance deal. My intention is a deposit of '£x' amount and the rest on finance of some description. Intention is to buy a keeper or at least for 4+ years.

I was thinking £23-27k OTR, although if looking used may consider a couple of years older model and save maybe £10k. If a good finance deal is on offer, then it may allow the budget to creep to around £30k but it really depends how big the deposit needs to be and the monthly finance costs. So is not a true £30k budget.

The vehicle will be used for a minimal of 12,000 miles a year and maybe as high as 17,000 miles a year. Pretty much all fuel funded out of my own pocket. Vehicle will also be used all year round.

Desired attributes:

• Don't need more than 2 seats, but 4 seats makes for a more useful vehicle
• Don't need anything other than minimal boot space
• Heated seats/mirrors/front screen may sway a decision
• Must be realistically capable of a MEAN average fuel consumption of 33-35mpg
• Prefer manual gearboxes
• Reasonable sound system with bluetooth/DAB
• Ideally not a dull black interior (probably the hardest one to meet )
• LED headlights

Things I'm not fussed about at all, as in I really don't care if they are there or not:

• Touch screen/built in nav
• Piped in engine noise
• Soft touch dash/interior panels
• Leather

Sadly nothing V8 or likely 'big' engined is going to make the mpg I 'need' to make it affordable daily. And I don't want anything too old. Dependability plays high in the stakes, I need to believe that I can jump in the car at anytime and get to where I need. Basically something with factory warranty or similar will have an impact on the decision.

I don't really have much interest in FWD hatches, I've included the Fiesta ST as it is about the only one I'd consider. Nothing BMW/VAG has any appeal at this price point.

I've added my current short list as a poll. Would love to hear peoples views on a car to fill the brief.

[Bumblebee7]

I'd veto the Elise as a daily unless you have somewhere very safe to park. A stupid car parking ding can put a serious spanner in the works if it's your only car as it could require a new clam which is a factory order. It's a fantastic car but I've had my car crashed into 3 times where I used to park at work so for me that would (regrettably) have to be an instant no.

Depends on the types of roads you will be driving on I suppose but MX5 or GT86 would be my choice. The mustang feels (to me) wrong if it's not the V8. ST is a competent car and should be the most frugal but it's more likely than the others to get nicked and I'd personally prefer a RWD.

[TheInternet]

Having considered your requirements at length I feel overwhelmingly compelled to suggest this as a good candidate:



or this:



or maybe even this:

[tankplanker]

Agree with previous poster, need to know what sort of roads you'll be spending your time on?

Narrow twisty stuff I'd want either the BRZ/GT86 or MX-5 personally as they are perfect for that. More motorway or dual carriage way I'd want the Mustang.

If you are prepared to put the roof down and wrap up warm when its cold then the MX-5 will get a lot of use with its top down, has to be worth a few extra points in its favour? Mine will get nearly 50mpg driven sensibly and over 40mpg when not.

I've driven the GT86, its a great car but I wouldn't switch my MX-5 for it as it has a fixed roof and the rear seats in the GT86 were useless for anything other than bags so I didn't really gain an awful lot of room.

The Elise is a notch above the GT86 or MX-5 for driver involvement, as I'm sure you already know, but living with it daily takes some commitment.

[300bhp/ton]

Roads are mixed, my daily commute is 33 miles each way and 17 miles of it is dual carriage way (only 12 miles on the way home). However it is generally fast flowing (70mph).

The rest of the roads are country B and C roads. There is always some commuting traffic, but there is opportunity to enjoy the drive.

I do like soft tops, my favourite daily was my smart Roadster.

[Bumblebee7]

300bhp/ton said:

Roads are mixed, my daily commute is 33 miles each way and 17 miles of it is dual carriage way (only 12 miles on the way home). However it is generally fast flowing (70mph).

The rest of the roads are country B and C roads. There is always some commuting traffic, but there is opportunity to enjoy the drive.

I do like soft tops, my favourite daily was my smart Roadster.

You've answered your own question then. Go for the MX5, it's a fantastic car and you won't regret it. They're very reliable cars and frugal as well so it should leave plenty of money in the initial budget to either get a cheaper second car for when you need practicality or you could always just rent one. Given they're reliable I would personally buy a used example that's still in manufacturer warranty and I'd try to hold off until at least autumn when the prices will have softened a bit. Sport Nav is a nice spec with everything you'd ever need, and has the bilstein shocks and LSD.

[james_gt3rs]

I recently bought a GT86, love it, amazingly fun and accessible, reasonably practical and economical. Look cool too!

[Bumblebee7]

Just had a quick look and although this is just out of warranty it is less than half the budget and ticks every box even down to the good stereo and not having dark leather.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[V8RX7]

You can have a V8 if you lpg it !

Of the cars listed, as a daily I'd have the MX5.

I'd mention that I currently drive an NC2 and average 20 so you'd better do some motorway miles or drive like a girl to get your required mpg.

[Mr Tidy]

I voted for the GT86, but to be fair none of those will live up to the 300bhp/ton legend!

The Mustang might have got nearish if it was a V8, but I really wouldn't want a 4 cylinder one!

Stuff the cost - why not just get something that has 300 bhp per ton? (Or change your user name)?

[aka_kerrly]

Tough choice, that is a great list of cars to have to pick from, the Lotus is the odd one out for me. It's a great car, I'd love one but not as a daily. The Mustang is a fabulous option to have available, the 2.3t isn't exactly the worst engine in the world and nor is the rest of the package. I saw your other thread about the Mustang S197 V6s as I can see the appeal of those as well, they give a reasonable performance/running cost combination in an unusual car (by UK standards)

Of the other options, I'd be heading down to a Mazda dealer for a spin in a MX5 -how do you feel about the RF the hardtop being a bit more forgiving throughout the year?, then over to Toyota for another drive in a GT86 and don't forget about the Subaru BRZ.

Once I'd made my mind up I'd spend £20k of my budget on the car and then be on the phone to either BBR for the Super 200 conversion which gives you an extra 45hp 25lbft,shaves the 0-60 time down to sub 6 second. Or I'd be taking the GT86 to Litchfield for a 30hp upgrade. The remaining budget would be for wheels/tyres/geo.

However Mr 300/bhp for comedy value you'd be a fool not to buy a 15 year old Mercedes SLK55 with LPG

[Blanchimont]

Megane 280?

https://usedcars.renault.co.uk/en/used-cars/renaul...

[mbwoy84]

For me, I'd sum up with the following:

Elise - Lots of fun, but not a daily
Mustang - Decent daily, but not my idea of fun in a "driver's car" kind of sense
MX-5 - Fun and capable as a daily, but still doesn't quite hit the spot as an all-rounder for both me

So I'd rule out the above for the criteria specified and that leaves the GT86/BRZ and the Fiesta ST, which are both equally good at fulfilling your criteria, but you just need to decide whether you'd prefer a FWD hot hatch or a RWD Sports Coupe.

[cerb4.5lee]

mbwoy84 said:

For me, I'd sum up with the following:

Elise - Lots of fun, but not a daily
Mustang - Decent daily, but not my idea of fun in a "driver's car" kind of sense
MX-5 - Fun and capable as a daily, but still doesn't quite hit the spot as an all-rounder for both me

So I'd rule out the above for the criteria specified and that leaves the GT86/BRZ and the Fiesta ST, which are both equally good at fulfilling your criteria, but you just need to decide whether you'd prefer a FWD hot hatch or a RWD Sports Coupe.

I'd sum it up exactly like that too.

[Jamescrs]

For me it would be either the GT86 or the MX-5 depending on if you want a convertible or not, I own a MX-5 and am a fan of the GT86. The MX-5 is my first convertible and I do enjoy having a soft top in my life now, I think about changing it but I think I'd really miss the roof off if I went to say a GT86

[300bhp/ton]

Thanks for the replies. Think I need to go and drive some of these or drive them again.

The Mustang I think I'd like, but maybe a bit too similar to my weekend car (Camaro z28). In terms of what it would offer, although being new and well specced with modern toys would be nice day in, day out. I might even be tempted by a convertible one.

My biggest concern is mpg. I did just under 1900 miles in Florida in a 2.3 Ecoboost and overall averaged over 28mpg (US), which is just over 33mpg Imperial. I daresay the Mustang would be the nicest and most comfy overall.

The Elise is on the list as I truly love these cars and would very much like one. But they are too expensive to justify as a weekend car I know mpg and thrills would be great. But age and maybe a scary Lotus only cost might well put a damper on it. I think I'd be fine with the comfort levels, but there is no denying it is the least practical.

The Fiesta ST. This is one I must take the time to go and drive. I'm not really a hot hatch person, but I want to rule it out through experience and sampling one. I think the "economy" car interior and novelty would likely mean I'd regret getting it after a while. The extra practicality (especially as a 5 door) would pay dividends however. As while I have no need for more than 1 seat to get to work and back. 2 or 3 extra seats would be handy for out of work hours.


Ultimately I think the choice is likely between the MX-5 and the GT86. Both cars I like very much. I know the rear seats in the GT86 aren't big, but they are there and it has a lot more ability to carry stuff should the need arise. The MX-5 has a terrible shaped boot. Plus the handbrake lever feels like it's in the wrong place and a bulge in the floor for the car under your legs which I found annoying. But the actual drive and hanlding I enjoyed very much. Plus the top down driving.

I feel confident both of these will fairly easily meet my mpg threshold too, I'm sure you can get them to produce way less mpg, but I'm unlikely to encounter this daily.

As for the MX-5 and RF version. I'm a little undecided. I love the idea of the RF, but from some angles it doesn't look quite as good as I feel it should. But other angles it looks awesome. I did spot this one the other week, which frankly looks superb in my book!!

I can't seem to find this colour on the Mazda website though, so maybe it isn't factory?

[06andiano]

Have you considered an M140i, although they are not the last word in driver fun and involvement you get RWD and the best engine out of all your options so far. As a daily this would probably be your comfiest most plush option. A brand new one could be had within budget if you're quick with the discounts currently offered.

Second for me would be the Fiesta ST, I had one for 2 weeks and absolutely loved it, the engine has a bit of character, with the LSD it enjoys being chucked around too. Best of luck it's a nice choice to have.

[300bhp/ton]

06andiano said:

Have you considered an M140i.

A good car I'm sure, I have no hate for BMW. But on the flip side, I find no desire or passion for them either. Visually and design wise they just don't hit the spot for me. Just a bit too bland and ordinary in what they offer.

I'm sure I'd enjoy a test drive in one. But suspect I'd just become bored if I owned one. Not really enough flare.

[06andiano]

300bhp/ton said:

A good car I'm sure, I have no hate for BMW. But on the flip side, I find no desire or passion for them either. Visually and design wise they just don't hit the spot for me. Just a bit too bland and ordinary in what they offer.

I'm sure I'd enjoy a test drive in one. But suspect I'd just become bored if I owned one. Not really enough flare.

Alfa Guila Veloce in budget? won't get as characterful engine but you get the perception you're not the average 320d driver.

[Frimley111R]

300bhp/ton said:

I can't seem to find this colour on the Mazda website though, so maybe it isn't factory?

Lol, no but it look amazing in the colour. Almost definitely a wrap.

The MX5 Recaro looks quite cool, have a look at that. Can't beat the roof down experience, I'd never be without it.