Another What Car

[TehMonkey]

I'm getting rid of my Old mini now, we've enjoyed our time together but I've had 3 and its time for something more modern, (typically killed the exhaust tonight on a speed bump, doh). I'm moving jobs which means a 40 mile round trip a day, on A roads, but I'm not really fussed too much about comfort or whatever.

Small budget - £2,500.
Insurance group 7/8 or less.
Needs to be reliable.
Not fussed about practicality.
Decent MPG.

At the moment the only thing that really appeals is a Sportka. Looked at mx5s but the insurance is pants, same price as the car for my age. Clean license but only 1ncb, (been driving 2 years).

Any ideas?

No Audi S lines...

[v8will]

As much as i will get flamed for this, Citroen Saxo VTR. When unbarried they have a torquey little 100BHP motor and fun handling and should easily slide in under that budget. Plenty to choose from too. My sister ran an early 97 car for 10 years and 100K and it never gave her much bother (maintence was the occassional oil change and that was it)

Edited by v8will on Saturday 17th July 00:51

[NailedOn]

Ford KA (old model) will tick the boxes. Drives like a go-kart, cheap to run - 40-45 mpg. Quick out of the blocks. Avoid the rubber bumper models. Later versions have 70bhp & aircon. Fun and practical.

[TehMonkey]

Bump for me.

Did like the look of the Saxo but not sure if I could get used to that pedal arrangment.

[Zad]

Fiesta 1.25 Zetec. Nice perky engine, much more up to date than the Ka Kent derived unit. More masculine image than the Ka (if that bothers you at all). Usual easy and cheap spares availability, and less raucous at motorway speeds than the Ka.