3k for something NOT rotten?

[intergetz]

I have been having difficulty over the last few months.

Is there anything genuinely fun I can get for 3k? My only conditions are it has to be fun to drive, and not rusty. Bonus points if it's decently quick (I'm coming from a Hyundai Getz, so quick to me means faster than a stiff breeze).

I don't need practicality - commute is walking, so the car will only be used when I want to enjoy driving.

Not bothered about looks really, and don't mind fixing bits or pieces if not too difficult.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[LeoSayer]

2005/2006 MX5 are available under £3k

[blue_haddock]

1. endthread

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...

[Volvolover]

blue_haddock said:

#endthread

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...

Great shout

[intergetz]

LeoSayer said:

2005/2006 MX5 are available under £3k

So I have been to look at a few, but the rust issue is really what is stopping me there. The last two I went to see, were genuinely falling apart on the sills (despite both having supposed FSH and no rust advisories!).

blue_haddock said:

#endthread

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...

Yeah that is actually a very good idea. Renault is possibly a brand I have been neglecting through just ignorance more than anything. Looks really decent.

[jonindorset]

I think the 2001-2005 BMW 325ti should be pretty high on this default list too. 192bhp creamy straight six, manual gearbox, fast steering rack and sports suspension as standard, they're not prone to rust in the same way as other E46 and are amazing to drive. I run one as a spare car and it never fails to amaze me how good it is. Easily in budget, certainly with the 5 speed box.

[Jamescrs]

Mk6 Ford Fiesta ST

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201271...

[Deep Thought]

intergetz said:

LeoSayer said:

2005/2006 MX5 are available under £3k

So I have been to look at a few, but the rust issue is really what is stopping me there. The last two I went to see, were genuinely falling apart on the sills (despite both having supposed FSH and no rust advisories!).

Was that the mk3 shape, ie this shape?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110188...

I know the mk2s and mk1s are known now for rot but i thought the mk3s were "ok"...?

[Deep Thought]

2006 Civic Type R?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

[Slow progress]

Fiat Panda 100hp

But think if it were my money the Twingo would be right up there unless you plan on longer trips in it. In which case I’d look at trying to find a mk3 MR2 which whilst tight on luggage space is a great drive.

[ZX10R NIN]

Often overlooked but get a good one & they're a fun steer.

Corsa VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201191...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110278...

Mito Cloverleaf 170

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

The RS Twingo is a cracking option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202122...

[Neil1323bolts]

, another vote for the RS twingo , tremendous thing , for the money can’t be much that’s as fun to drive. B roads are your fun zone .

[Ryyy]

Yaris t sport, r53 mini cooper s,clio 1.6 gt, golf 1.8t? All sporty hatchbacks

[TameRacingDriver]

Deep Thought said:

2006 Civic Type R?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

No brainer. I've had one. Superb car, underrated for sure. Just look at it, for 3K. Amazing engine and gearbox, super reliable, aged well, and if you fancy, easy to mod into something quite special. What's not to like?

[georgeyboy12345]

Having had a scan of the MOT histories of the below cars, none of these have mentions of rust (even the MX-5 and the Puma - the Puma is parked in front of a garage, maybe that's where it spent a lot of it's time) - probably still a good idea to get underneath them and have a poke around though


Mazda MX-5 NB 1.8i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202122...


Ford Puma 1.7
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...


Toyota MR-2 Roadster
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201803134...


Mini Cooper S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201261...


Renaultsport Twingo 133
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202122...


Renaultsport Clio 172
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202052...


Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 18th February 21:42

[Canon_Fodder]

Deep Thought said:

2006 Civic Type R?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

one owner!! That does look good. Will be gone soon I think

[_Yeti]

I have a Mk3 Mx5 and they rot! Sills and rear subframe all pretty prime areas. Still some around that are clean but will be harder to find. That twingo early in the thread looks great!

[ChrisNic]

blue_haddock said:

#endthread

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201291...

Water damaged?

[defblade]

Depends what exactly you mean by fun - the £2k ish E46 vert I ran last year was solid as a rock... but more of a lover than fighter, cruiser than a racer. Still faster than a Getz

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[topcat1]

R53 Mini Cooper S, cracking buy for the money, very cheap on Facebook regularly. Though you'll spend the change from £3k on fuel!