Choose Me Something Fun!
Discussion
Sorry but this is another 'what car?' thread!
I am looking to change my car - which is actually for sale here - http://pistonheads.com/sales/1581298.htm
I would like something fun to last me a few months over the summer when I can hopefully move on to a Clio 182 or similar.
To keep it simple I have a max. budget of £1500 including whatever I get for my current car.
I am very much open to any suggestions, however, I have to be able to insure it - roughly group 13 and under - and it must be reliable - so not too many miles for what it is and has to come with a full MOT or thereabouts.
My only thoughts are Puma and MX-5 so would appreciate feedback on these (as if the MX5 needs any more!) and tips on what to look out for.
Thanks in advance.
I am looking to change my car - which is actually for sale here - http://pistonheads.com/sales/1581298.htm
I would like something fun to last me a few months over the summer when I can hopefully move on to a Clio 182 or similar.
To keep it simple I have a max. budget of £1500 including whatever I get for my current car.
I am very much open to any suggestions, however, I have to be able to insure it - roughly group 13 and under - and it must be reliable - so not too many miles for what it is and has to come with a full MOT or thereabouts.
My only thoughts are Puma and MX-5 so would appreciate feedback on these (as if the MX5 needs any more!) and tips on what to look out for.
Thanks in advance.
Puma is lovely, very nice handling, but rubbish seats, I ended up in the doorbin through a relatively quick left hander!!
Would think that if you're looking at a hot Clio, the puma would be better than the '5, considering the driven wheels.
Only two things for me that broke the deal - the seats (which are obviously replacable, plus I think there were more supportive seats as an option), and the rear view mirror: at just over six foot, it completely destroyed my vision to the left. Seemed as though it was mounted half way down the screen.
Would think that if you're looking at a hot Clio, the puma would be better than the '5, considering the driven wheels.
Only two things for me that broke the deal - the seats (which are obviously replacable, plus I think there were more supportive seats as an option), and the rear view mirror: at just over six foot, it completely destroyed my vision to the left. Seemed as though it was mounted half way down the screen.
I can speak with reasonably authority on the Puma & MX-5!
Puma - really very good fun to drive! Crisp FWD handling, peppy engine that sounds great and really shifts. Practical and cheap to run (it's a Fiesta). Bad bits:
MX-5 - well, it's all been said! No real negative points, just get one that's been looked after, mileage no problem, just make sure it's got a decent hood, no sill rust, and regular oil changes.
Puma - really very good fun to drive! Crisp FWD handling, peppy engine that sounds great and really shifts. Practical and cheap to run (it's a Fiesta). Bad bits:
- always looks awkward from the rear 3/4 to me, and underwheeled. Don't get a modified one though - standard suspension and wheels are best.
- They rust. Check the rear arches & sills
- You sit on the seats rather than in them. Do not like.
- Check the cambelt AND tensioner has been done PROPERLY. Mrs.NCoT's was done by a fastfit place and it failed after 10k miles destroying the top end.
- Built down to a price - feels cheap, interior feels like a Fiesta, little niggles like parcel shelf falling into boot, hatch needs opening slowly or rain pours into the speakers, etc.
- Visibility is crap - thick A pillars, small rear window, large C pillars, and silly rear view mirror!
MX-5 - well, it's all been said! No real negative points, just get one that's been looked after, mileage no problem, just make sure it's got a decent hood, no sill rust, and regular oil changes.
jonnydm said:
Sorry but this is another 'what car?' thread!
I am looking to change my car - which is actually for sale here - http://pistonheads.com/sales/1581298.htm
I would like something fun to last me a few months over the summer when I can hopefully move on to a Clio 182 or similar.
To keep it simple I have a max. budget of £1500 including whatever I get for my current car.
I am very much open to any suggestions, however, I have to be able to insure it - roughly group 13 and under - and it must be reliable - so not too many miles for what it is and has to come with a full MOT or thereabouts.
My only thoughts are Puma and MX-5 so would appreciate feedback on these (as if the MX5 needs any more!) and tips on what to look out for.
Thanks in advance.
hiya mateI am looking to change my car - which is actually for sale here - http://pistonheads.com/sales/1581298.htm
I would like something fun to last me a few months over the summer when I can hopefully move on to a Clio 182 or similar.
To keep it simple I have a max. budget of £1500 including whatever I get for my current car.
I am very much open to any suggestions, however, I have to be able to insure it - roughly group 13 and under - and it must be reliable - so not too many miles for what it is and has to come with a full MOT or thereabouts.
My only thoughts are Puma and MX-5 so would appreciate feedback on these (as if the MX5 needs any more!) and tips on what to look out for.
Thanks in advance.
going through something similar at the mo
puma and mazda are EXCELLENT choices
i would also add to the list:
Gen 1 172 (maybe get a high miler for that, I am seeing one tomorrow which is 2k asking)
106 Gti
Sicentio Sporting
306 (maybe not the GTi-6 but there were other warm versions that were just as much fun)
I have just bought a 172 Cup but I have previously owned 2 x Fiat Coupe 20V Turbos & they are excellent fun & very quick. You should be able to pick one up for £1500 though it may be a little rough around the edges. I haven't driven a 20V non turbo but they may also be worth a look. The handling struggles to cope on the Turbo but they are very rapid, look great & can be very reliable if you get a good one. You need to check the cambelt has been changed at (I think) 70k. Other than that I agree with previous comments on Puma & MX-5 - I considered both of these before buying the Clio.
Whatever you end with enjoy it & good luck with the 182 when you get it!
Whatever you end with enjoy it & good luck with the 182 when you get it!
jonnydm said:
Thanks for all the replies so far, they both seem to be great cars.
All I have to do now is a find a buyer for the Volvo and a clean low mileage Puma 1.7 or a late mk1 pre facelift MX5 1.8 with airbag in my price range and not too far from London...
Perhaps too much of an ask?!
You might struggle to find a late mk.1, or a low miles Puma for 1500 quid. Any reason for the airbag on the mk.1? All I have to do now is a find a buyer for the Volvo and a clean low mileage Puma 1.7 or a late mk1 pre facelift MX5 1.8 with airbag in my price range and not too far from London...
Perhaps too much of an ask?!
RB26DETT said:
essexplumber said:
A polish brass and a bottle of baby oil.
?Some of Johnson & Johnson's finest fluid.
Much better than a poxy MX5.
Find a Nova GTE, bin the injection and add a pair of 45's, add a Kent AST9 cam on solid lifters, an AP paddle plate for the clutch, a ZF 40% slipper, a Quaife gear kit, a set of 15's with 195/50x15's, Cavalier GSi front discs & calipers with some decent pads, an Irmscher suspension kit, nylotron rear beam bushes. A Rollcentre cage, a set of belts, chuck out anything that looks like it might weigh more than a bag of prawn crackers, and get a booking for a trackday at Cadwell Park.
You now have a 175hp Nova GTE that weighs a LOT less than a MX5, and has more power and grip.
That's your starting point.
Now go play!
Ok, so I have now sold my car which increases my urgency for a new car. Having read previous posts, I am still very much inclined towards both the Puma and the MX-5. However, finding a decent one in budget seems fairly hard!
Other more recent but left field options include any Saab 9-3 Turbo or S40 2.0T
Any links to appropriate cars in and around London and the home counties would be appreciated.
Other more recent but left field options include any Saab 9-3 Turbo or S40 2.0T
Any links to appropriate cars in and around London and the home counties would be appreciated.
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff