3.5k fun - options?
Discussion
Hi, looking for PHers thoughts on what car would suit my budget of £3.5k for a fun daily.
Criteria:
Fun
Reliable enough for a daily
0-60 ideally less than 7s
Options I've considered:
Clio 197
Focus ST
Ep3 CTR
I'd love a 350z but slightly above budget atm. Of the cars listed above, what are your thoughts on reliability? Most of these options at my budget are likely to be fairly leggy, so anything to watch out for or owners experiences would be appreciated. And if anyone's selling anything suitable I'd be interested to hear more...
TIA!
Criteria:
Fun
Reliable enough for a daily
0-60 ideally less than 7s
Options I've considered:
Clio 197
Focus ST
Ep3 CTR
I'd love a 350z but slightly above budget atm. Of the cars listed above, what are your thoughts on reliability? Most of these options at my budget are likely to be fairly leggy, so anything to watch out for or owners experiences would be appreciated. And if anyone's selling anything suitable I'd be interested to hear more...
TIA!
Not had any of those cars, but have had Clio 182, MINI Cooper S & Astra VXR - All which cost me under £3k
Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
CrippsCorner said:
Not had any of those cars, but have had Clio 182, MINI Cooper S & Astra VXR - All which cost me under £3k
Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
Nice hot hatch history! Considered a 182 and could probably get a nice example in budget, so I'll keep that in mind. Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
The mini does interest me, can imagine it being a blast but have heard some horror stories which started to put me off. Any tips of what to look for on an r53?
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Does your daily require 4 seats?
If not , MR2!
You should get a tidy Mk3 for that price
4 seats not required but preferred, otherwise an mx5 or mr2 would be up there! Again, if I do go this route, anything to look out for? If not , MR2!
You should get a tidy Mk3 for that price
J90ack said:
CrippsCorner said:
Not had any of those cars, but have had Clio 182, MINI Cooper S & Astra VXR - All which cost me under £3k
Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
Nice hot hatch history! Considered a 182 and could probably get a nice example in budget, so I'll keep that in mind. Clio is brilliant out the box, did have quite a few problems, but cheap to fix. Most seem to say a bit more raw than the Clio 197 if that's what you're after (plus the later seems to have terrible gearbox issues)
MINI I modified extensively but was a hell of a lot of fun. Many track sessions were had and it sounded and went fantastic - Can't beat that supercharger! Very few problems over 4 years for me, cost me under £100 in repairs throughout all those years (and it had over 100k on the clock)
Astra VXR is my currently project; only been driving it a month so can't really compare in terms of handling and performance as it's still standard. Certainly no issues so far though.
I did test drive a Golf GTI and Civic Type-R but didn't buy purely down to the deals on the day - I did really like the Golf though.
The mini does interest me, can imagine it being a blast but have heard some horror stories which started to put me off. Any tips of what to look for on an r53?
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Does your daily require 4 seats?
If not , MR2!
You should get a tidy Mk3 for that price
4 seats not required but preferred, otherwise an mx5 or mr2 would be up there! Again, if I do go this route, anything to look out for? If not , MR2!
You should get a tidy Mk3 for that price
J90ack said:
4 seats not required but preferred, otherwise an mx5 or mr2 would be up there! Again, if I do go this route, anything to look out for?
Long story short , if you shoot for a MK3 MR2 try to get a post Facelift car.I can't remember exactly but i think its 2003 onwards? Just look for the cars with front foglights , and body coloured side vents.
I don't know the exact details but there was a major issue with pre cats, involving shards being injected into the combustion chamber.
Rectified in Facelift cars
FIREBIRDC9 said:
Long story short , if you shoot for a MK3 MR2 try to get a post Facelift car.
I can't remember exactly but i think its 2003 onwards? Just look for the cars with front foglights , and body coloured side vents.
I don't know the exact details but there was a major issue with pre cats, involving shards being injected into the combustion chamber.
Rectified in Facelift cars
Exactly this. Rectified with the facelift. There are also two inserts to break up mass of colour on the rear of the car on facelifts.I can't remember exactly but i think its 2003 onwards? Just look for the cars with front foglights , and body coloured side vents.
I don't know the exact details but there was a major issue with pre cats, involving shards being injected into the combustion chamber.
Rectified in Facelift cars
I drove one for three years and 25000 miles, I loved it. All it needed was tyres in that time too. However storage is pretty much a fantasy in these so think carefully.
If rear seats are needed I would definitely test drive an EP3 type R at this price point too.
Thanks guys.
randomman said:
Exactly this. Rectified with the facelift. There are also two inserts to break up mass of colour on the rear of the car on facelifts.
I drove one for three years and 25000 miles, I loved it. All it needed was tyres in that time too. However storage is pretty much a fantasy in these so think carefully.
If rear seats are needed I would definitely test drive an EP3 type R at this price point too.
Got my eye on an ep3 I might view this weekend. 02 reg 110k looks tidy, up for £3250. Anything to watch out for? I drove one for three years and 25000 miles, I loved it. All it needed was tyres in that time too. However storage is pretty much a fantasy in these so think carefully.
If rear seats are needed I would definitely test drive an EP3 type R at this price point too.
How about a Celica 190 or T Sport? You'd get a cracker for £3K. Don't bother with the GT, it's just a 190 with a Fast and Furious body kit and nice seats.
It's a decent drive and very similar power to a Civic I think. Very practical too.
This looks pretty clean, good MOT history. Just check sub frames and floor for rust.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008172...
It's a decent drive and very similar power to a Civic I think. Very practical too.
This looks pretty clean, good MOT history. Just check sub frames and floor for rust.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008172...
Edited by Tasmin200 on Friday 21st August 15:20
Depending on what practicality you need (not read thoroughly so apologies if mentioned) look at TT's. I had a similar criteria to you just lately, quick enough, bit fun, daily etc I picked up a nice 53 plate 225 for a shade over £2500. Loads about, fairly straight forward to work on, parts are easily available, can have a convertible if you want. Best of all it's not
a hatchback or mpv like 99% else is on the roads.
a hatchback or mpv like 99% else is on the roads.
What sort of thing are you looking for OP?
My last 2 cars were under your budget.
Mini Cooper S R53 - It's a lot of fun to drive, that is for absolute sure, and is my current car. Goes very well, and sticks to the road like s
t on a blanket. Supercharger whine is lovely to hear.
Toyota MR2 Mk3 - My last car and the complete opposite. Not as fast, but by christ it was fun. I honestly wish I could have it and the Mini. Especially with a 2ZZ in it.
I've had a couple of RS Clios. They're worth a look too as they're good fun to drive, although I prefer the Mini / MR2
Also a couple of MX5s, one of which was a Eunos RS Ltd (a JDM Mk1 fully specced out incl kevlar buckets), again, I liked a lot, but prefer the MR2 (and the Mini, tbh).
I've driven an EP3 and although the engine was technically impressive and the gearbox was brilliant, the car left me cold.
Really you can't go wrong with any, but you really need to decide what you want and go from there. A mid-engined RWD roadster is considerably different to a FWD hatchback, but it will beat most for fun as they're purely driver focused. The Mini I have now is the only car that really comes close [to an MR2] as a FWD car, it's considerably faster and more grippy, but it loses out on pure balance, the open top element, so swings and roundabouts. What is it you want?
My last 2 cars were under your budget.
Mini Cooper S R53 - It's a lot of fun to drive, that is for absolute sure, and is my current car. Goes very well, and sticks to the road like s
t on a blanket. Supercharger whine is lovely to hear.Toyota MR2 Mk3 - My last car and the complete opposite. Not as fast, but by christ it was fun. I honestly wish I could have it and the Mini. Especially with a 2ZZ in it.
I've had a couple of RS Clios. They're worth a look too as they're good fun to drive, although I prefer the Mini / MR2
Also a couple of MX5s, one of which was a Eunos RS Ltd (a JDM Mk1 fully specced out incl kevlar buckets), again, I liked a lot, but prefer the MR2 (and the Mini, tbh).
I've driven an EP3 and although the engine was technically impressive and the gearbox was brilliant, the car left me cold.
Really you can't go wrong with any, but you really need to decide what you want and go from there. A mid-engined RWD roadster is considerably different to a FWD hatchback, but it will beat most for fun as they're purely driver focused. The Mini I have now is the only car that really comes close [to an MR2] as a FWD car, it's considerably faster and more grippy, but it loses out on pure balance, the open top element, so swings and roundabouts. What is it you want?
I had an 05 plate MR2 which was fantastic. Bought for 2500 (this was 6 years ago) and sold for 3000 a year later. It's the only time I've made a profit on a car. I had no problems whatsoever but recently, I was told (on here I think) that even the face lift cars can suffer from pre cats disintegrating and killing the engine. It wouldn't put me off another though.
I also ran a Celica T sport alongside the MR2. Overall I preferred the Celica as the engine was huge fun and it was both exciting and practical. Always felt like an event to drive.
I wish I had tried the EP3 type r. Instead I bought a 1.8 FN2 as we were starting a family. But the trader i bought the Honda from actually messaged me later about my Celica that I traded in. He did a lot of Type R's but was so impressed by the Toyota that he decided to keep it for himself rather than sell it on.
Both the Celica and MR2 seem to be going up in value at the moment.
I also ran a Celica T sport alongside the MR2. Overall I preferred the Celica as the engine was huge fun and it was both exciting and practical. Always felt like an event to drive.
I wish I had tried the EP3 type r. Instead I bought a 1.8 FN2 as we were starting a family. But the trader i bought the Honda from actually messaged me later about my Celica that I traded in. He did a lot of Type R's but was so impressed by the Toyota that he decided to keep it for himself rather than sell it on.
Both the Celica and MR2 seem to be going up in value at the moment.
I bought a 2005 BMW 330i last year within that budget, and as an RWD fan I love it. Plus it was claimed to do 0-62 in 6.3 so well within that requirement.
But if you could live without back seats you might find an early 3.0 litre Z4 which would be a bit quicker still.
Or if you felt brave and fuel consumption wasn't an issue how about a Mazda RX8?
But if you could live without back seats you might find an early 3.0 litre Z4 which would be a bit quicker still.
Or if you felt brave and fuel consumption wasn't an issue how about a Mazda RX8?
Thanks all, some interesting answers and a lot of favour towards an mr2!
I don't really have any requirements, I don't NEED 4 seats and I don't mind what body shape it is so would consider anything from a hatch to a coupe.
Half of me is tempted to up my budget and get an s2000, I've seen a few around 6-7k and I've always wanted one. And values only seem to be going up so could be a wise investment.
Some thinking and maybe some test drives due this weekend!
I don't really have any requirements, I don't NEED 4 seats and I don't mind what body shape it is so would consider anything from a hatch to a coupe.
Half of me is tempted to up my budget and get an s2000, I've seen a few around 6-7k and I've always wanted one. And values only seem to be going up so could be a wise investment.
Some thinking and maybe some test drives due this weekend!
J90ack said:
Thanks all, some interesting answers and a lot of favour towards an mr2!
I don't really have any requirements, I don't NEED 4 seats and I don't mind what body shape it is so would consider anything from a hatch to a coupe.
Half of me is tempted to up my budget and get an s2000, I've seen a few around 6-7k and I've always wanted one. And values only seem to be going up so could be a wise investment.
Some thinking and maybe some test drives due this weekend!
If you want an S2000 then I'd say get one:I don't really have any requirements, I don't NEED 4 seats and I don't mind what body shape it is so would consider anything from a hatch to a coupe.
Half of me is tempted to up my budget and get an s2000, I've seen a few around 6-7k and I've always wanted one. And values only seem to be going up so could be a wise investment.
Some thinking and maybe some test drives due this weekend!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000-Bilste...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000/224119...
Get a Mk3 MR2 with a 2ZZ engine swap (that's the Celica/Corolla T-Sport engine). They are a brilliant car, all the ingredients, mid engine naturally aspirated that revs to over 8k, 100bhp per litre, with a LSD. Still reliable, still cheap to run. You can pick them up for £3,500
A standard MR2 is a bit of a slug to be honest.
A standard MR2 is a bit of a slug to be honest.
So,
EP3 we bought one last year. Great fun but to really get the fun factor you have to be in the Vtec. Which means almost red lining everywhere you go... Which trust me gets a bit boring when you want a nice lazy run. When you're not chasing the red line it's a bit firm and rattly. Otherwise extremely reliable and will always start on the button. Rust is the thing for these esp underbody.
Other downside is you get a fair bit of attention from others who want to give you a race as soon as they see the red honda badge.
Traction is poor. Getting power down in 1st (especially when wet) is a skill I couldn't get right - so it becomes frustrating.
We paid £2.4k for ours. Bargain it was considering 2 owners 1 of which was a lady for 10yrs.
Kept it for a year before we sold it. It was gone within a few hours of the ad going up. They get snapped up pretty quickly.
So upped the budget and for a 350z.
I find that's more fun than the Ep3. Its more civilised when tootling around, when you give it some it's fantastic.
Back end likes to come out, but sounds amazing. I'd say that's more everyday fun as you don't need to thrash it to get a grin on your face.
Downside bleeding rust!
But that sound!!
£3.5k is also e46 330 money. Have a look at a manual coupe, good fun pretty civilised and easy to daily.
Again look out for rust, cooling issues and oil leaks.
The Ep3, 350z and e46s you will probably get back what you paid for after a few years as they've hit bottom prices and probably start appreciating.
No experience on ST or Clios
Good luck and keep us posted.
EP3 we bought one last year. Great fun but to really get the fun factor you have to be in the Vtec. Which means almost red lining everywhere you go... Which trust me gets a bit boring when you want a nice lazy run. When you're not chasing the red line it's a bit firm and rattly. Otherwise extremely reliable and will always start on the button. Rust is the thing for these esp underbody.
Other downside is you get a fair bit of attention from others who want to give you a race as soon as they see the red honda badge.
Traction is poor. Getting power down in 1st (especially when wet) is a skill I couldn't get right - so it becomes frustrating.
We paid £2.4k for ours. Bargain it was considering 2 owners 1 of which was a lady for 10yrs.
Kept it for a year before we sold it. It was gone within a few hours of the ad going up. They get snapped up pretty quickly.
So upped the budget and for a 350z.
I find that's more fun than the Ep3. Its more civilised when tootling around, when you give it some it's fantastic.
Back end likes to come out, but sounds amazing. I'd say that's more everyday fun as you don't need to thrash it to get a grin on your face.
Downside bleeding rust!
But that sound!!
£3.5k is also e46 330 money. Have a look at a manual coupe, good fun pretty civilised and easy to daily.
Again look out for rust, cooling issues and oil leaks.
The Ep3, 350z and e46s you will probably get back what you paid for after a few years as they've hit bottom prices and probably start appreciating.
No experience on ST or Clios
Good luck and keep us posted.
ZX10R NIN said:
If you want an S2000 then I'd say get one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000-Bilste...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000/224119...
S2000s are a minefield at £6/7k but that top one looks very good. The bottom one has arch rust which means it’ll end up being a £9/10k car IMHO (which most of them are to get fully sorted, really). https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000-Bilste...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Honda-S2000/224119...
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