£12k small car with character

[SL22]

Looking for suggestions from those that may have experience of relevant cars. I currently have a 20 reg Volvo V60 for most duties, but want something smaller with a bit of character to sit alongside it, likely for a year or so.

Budget is up to about £12k. But one key consideration would be to see as much money back after a year or two, depending on just how much I enjoy it.

I was originally thinking a classic mini, though decent conditions one are really commanding a premium but budget should see a tidy Cooper.
But then I thought more modern, like an Up GTi - is that an ‘interesting’ enough drive though?
The budget should just get me into a latest shape MX5, which I much prefer the look of over the previous generation, but...I’m not really into convertibles (and an RF is a bit much).

As way of a comparison, my previous small ‘interesting’ car this past year was a new Suzuki Jimny, but having it a year and being offered way over list price, it made sense to take the offer!

Any other suggestions? I’m not for example interested in say a Fiesta ST.

[pidsy]

Abarth 595 Competizione.

[ChrisH72]

I'd say that the criteria of character and slow depreciation point towards a classic. But it depends how you're going to use it. Do you want a car which spends most of its time garaged and gets used occasionally or do you want something to use daily and drive hard for fun?

The Up! GTi is okay and might depreciate slowly, but I don't think it's that great value in the first place. Also not the last word in drivers cars and certainly not fast.

If you like a classic mini then how about a. F56 JCW? Might be a little over budget but not by too much.

[SL22]

pidsy said:

Abarth 595 Competizione.

Nice suggestion. Style isn’t quite to my taste, I’m trying to move away from a boy racer look.

ChrisH72 said:

I'd say that the criteria of character and slow depreciation point towards a classic. But it depends how you're going to use it. Do you want a car which spends most of its time garaged and gets used occasionally or do you want something to use daily and drive hard for fun?

The Up! GTi is okay and might depreciate slowly, but I don't think it's that great value in the first place. Also not the last word in drivers cars and certainly not fast.
If you like a classic mini then how about a. F56 JCW? Might be a little over budget but not by too much.

Yes, garaged and occasional use. But I’m not fond of sitting on the side of the road after a breakdown...I’m past that point in my car life!

I’ve also already had a swift sport, which was great and would Therese fit the bill, but not wanting to return to old ground.

[ZX10R NIN]

Am Up GTi will depreciate on par with the cars in it's class.

If you want some cars that are on the slower end of the depreciation curve then these are the picks.

Elise not a true convertible

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008062...

GT86

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006109...

Clio with the Cup Chassis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007121...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007301...

Megane Lux with the Cup Chassis this & the Clio above have done the worst of their depreciating & both have character

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006029...

JCW Mini

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005239...

[PrinceRupert]

SLK55.

Small car, big engine.

[smileymikey]

Another vote for Mini JCW. Classic Mini's are nice to look at but hit a Pigeon and they will have to cut you out of the wreckage with no legs left.

[anonymous-user]

Fiat 500 RockStar?

[pidsy]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

He said no Boy Racer cars.

[anonymous-user]

pidsy said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

He said no Boy Racer cars.

Nah, they're for girls!

Allright then, a 500 Riva with the wood dash?!!!!

[ChrisH72]

Those RS clios seem very expensive. Last time I looked at them they were half that price, have they gone up?

Nice examples though. I almost bought one a while ago but wasn't overly impressed by the test drive and also put off by notorious gearbox issues.