Fun, reliable cars under £10k

[peggerz]

Other than the obvious mx5, what are some other options under 10k that are fairly reliable and don’t cost too much to run.
I only do a couple thousand miles a year and want something interesting, with enough space for a bag or two. Ideally also a space saver wheel.
Looking at
- NC MX5
- 986 Boxster (I’d probably want to get a hardtop)
- MR2 (Shame no boot)

Edited by peggerz on Saturday 16th March 17:42

[trevalvole]

What about a Nissan 350Z (depending on your views on fuel consumption) or a high miles Toyota GT86?

[ZX10R NIN]

370Z:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402056...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401306...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403117...

G37 Coupe same as the above but with 4 seats & auto only:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...

GT86:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402236...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310012...

CLK55 AMG (just over but haggling will get you close):

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403087...

SLK350:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402116...

147 GTA:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309141...

R32 not as sharp as the Astra below but that engine makes it feel special at low speeds which makes it a fun car imo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403047...

Astra GTC VXR, cracking steer & a properly fun drive, they're only bested by the Megane RS Cup or one fitted with the Cup Chassis.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312225...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402186...

Megane RS 250 with the Cup Chassis:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...

PS 308 GTI 270:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...

M135i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401175...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402086...

435i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401055...

XFR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402266...

DS3 Performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402156...

[ingenieur]

peggerz said:

Other than the obvious mx5, what are some other options under 10k that are fairly reliable and don’t cost too much to run.
I only do a couple thousand miles a year and want something interesting, with enough space for a bag or two. Ideally also a space saver wheel.
Looking at
- NC MX5
- 986 Boxster (I’d probably want to get a hardtop)
- MR2 (Shame no boot)

Edited by peggerz on Saturday 16th March 17:42

This whole thread is entirely subjective. What do you think 'fun' actually is?

For me all of the three you're looking at are not fun cars.

I've had two London taxis (the classic ones with suicide doors). Very fun. Loads of room for carrying all your friends. Fun because it's slow. Fun because occasionally even though they've been out of service for 15 years stupid people stick their hand out to hail you. Fun because it has loads of things for public carriage purposes. Fun because the turning circle where it can move almost sideways.

On the other end of the spectrum I've also had a 2016 Mercedes E350 which does 0-60 in 6 seconds. A car that large which moves that fast is also fun.

Totally subjective.

[Mr Tidy]

In view of what you have mentioned OP the Nissan 350Z suggested might work, or maybe a 6 cylinder BMW Z4?

Somehow I don't think you want a taxi!

[georgeyboy12345]

I'd go for that Alfa 147 GTA that ZX suggested.

Other good suggestions are the 350Z, GT86 and MR2.

Ignore that ingenieur, he's always making stupid posts but thinks he's being clever.

ND MX-5s can now be had for under £10k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402196...

What about this turbocharged NB MX-5?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...


I'm not sure a Boxster fulfils the reliability requirement - you could mitigate the risk by finding one that has had the IMS bearing sorted, like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402266...


Subaru Impreza WRX
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304286...


What about a hot hatch?

Peugeot 106 Rallye
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309152...

Peugeot 106 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401245...


Renault Clio 182
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...


This R53 Mini JCW probably needs the supercharger service by now, but it's several grand under budget so you can spend some of your savings on that
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401296...

More modern Mini Cooper S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...


EP3 Honda Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402297...


Abarth 595
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402166...


Ford Fiesta ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312235...


Suzuki Swift Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402236...

[MrGTI6]

ZX10R NIN said:

G37 Coupe same as the above but with 4 seats & auto only:

They were briefly available as a manual from launch if I recall. Good luck finding one though!

[Hippea]

Probably quite fun

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16240763

[ZX10R NIN]

MrGTI6 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

G37 Coupe same as the above but with 4 seats & auto only:

They were briefly available as a manual from launch if I recall. Good luck finding one though!

They were but I have only ever seen 1!!!!!

[Belle427]

The Mx5 certainly will be fairly cheap to run if you find a rust free one.
Must admit the Mini Cooper S has really grown on me, we used to own a basic one edition and I enjoyed driving that.

[ChrisH72]

Good thread.

It's nice to see that there are still some really decent cars available for sensible money.

[cerb4.5lee]

I've had my 370Z(albeit in Roadster guise) for 5 years now. So I can definitely recommend those.

[Truckosaurus]

ChrisH72 said:

...It's nice to see that there are still some really decent cars available for sensible money.

Indeed. Plus it seems that old London Taxis have their fans.

[Jiebo]

NC2 Mx5 is a buy under £5k, maybe 6k. Don't be spending £10k on one. These things should be £2-3k now, they are getting close to hitting 15 years old for the early models.