Another what car. £2.5k, fast, fun and reliable.
Discussion
Looking for some idea's, experiences etc.
I am in the market for a new car. Budget of approx 2.5k but could be pushed to 3k for something really good. I am selling my MR2 Rev 3 Turbo next week so this is what I am coming from. I would like something quick and fun to drive. Doesn't have to practical but I would like it to be reliable and not cost a fortune to run. I am 21 so insurance also plays a part.
At the minute I am swaying towards the PH favourite MX5. Although it's not quick I am sure it would be great fun to drive and cheap to run. I am looking at a turbo'd one too which I am sure would be quicker but unsure on the reliability?
What else is worth considering in my budget?
I am in the market for a new car. Budget of approx 2.5k but could be pushed to 3k for something really good. I am selling my MR2 Rev 3 Turbo next week so this is what I am coming from. I would like something quick and fun to drive. Doesn't have to practical but I would like it to be reliable and not cost a fortune to run. I am 21 so insurance also plays a part.
At the minute I am swaying towards the PH favourite MX5. Although it's not quick I am sure it would be great fun to drive and cheap to run. I am looking at a turbo'd one too which I am sure would be quicker but unsure on the reliability?
What else is worth considering in my budget?
Easty-5 said:
Chris71 said:
Some sort of MR2? The mk2s are plentiful, reliable and can be made to handle very well, despite what some people claim.
Indeed. I am coming from a MK2 rev 3 turbo. It's being sold next week, just fancy a change.I'd imagine most other cars in the price range will feel a little pedestrian after an MR2 turbo.
What about something a bit more retro - 205 GTi? E30 BMW? M535i? Okay, not as reliable as something newer and Japanese perhaps, but a good one needn't be bad.
You will be pushed for a car to match the pace of your MR2 rev 3 turbo. I had one, pretty good cars.
Try something like a Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI or Mitsubishi FTO GPX Mivec, only go for manual, both are cheap to buy. A UK Prelude is a cheaper insurance option, and the 4 wheel steering is great. If you go down the Prelude route go for a UK red top engined one (1999/2000 cars) as they were lower geared/ 200bhp. I have had 4, and my Wife has claimed the latest one off me
Try something like a Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI or Mitsubishi FTO GPX Mivec, only go for manual, both are cheap to buy. A UK Prelude is a cheaper insurance option, and the 4 wheel steering is great. If you go down the Prelude route go for a UK red top engined one (1999/2000 cars) as they were lower geared/ 200bhp. I have had 4, and my Wife has claimed the latest one off me
Edited by nottyash on Thursday 24th February 17:24
Mr MXT said:
Don't do this IMO!
I went from an MR2T to a that spec FTO. It was slow and disproportionately expensive to insure. Good shout on the MX5 Turbo. I've currently got one and can't see me ever getting rid of it.
How does it compare to the MR2T? I imagine it's not as quick in a straight line, but a hell of a lot more fun to drive? Probably quicker along the B-roads? How reliable has it been?I went from an MR2T to a that spec FTO. It was slow and disproportionately expensive to insure. Good shout on the MX5 Turbo. I've currently got one and can't see me ever getting rid of it.
I love the straight line speed of my MR2 but I just have very little condidence in it on the corners. It just doesn't feel throwable and the steering is somewhat very unresponsive and numb feeling.
Easty-5 said:
How does it compare to the MR2T? I imagine it's not as quick in a straight line, but a hell of a lot more fun to drive? Probably quicker along the B-roads? How reliable has it been?
I love the straight line speed of my MR2 but I just have very little condidence in it on the corners. It just doesn't feel throwable and the steering is somewhat very unresponsive and numb feeling.
Compared to a rev 2 MRT @ about 220bhp. The '5 is running 205bhp. Bear in mind the MRT was a good few years ago (Bloody hell 7 years ago!). If i remember straight line the 5 is probably pretty similar, maybe a bit quicker. Mines 6 speed so its shorter geared. Its about on par with my friends E46 M3 Cab. (Heavy!)I love the straight line speed of my MR2 but I just have very little condidence in it on the corners. It just doesn't feel throwable and the steering is somewhat very unresponsive and numb feeling.
I'm not sure if it would be quicker than the MRT cross country, but its a hell of a lot more fun to hustle and much more exploitable. Touch wood, mine has been pretty reliable apart from a few minor issues like a coolant hose splitting.
Mr MXT said:
nottyash said:
Mitsubishi FTO GPX Mivec, only go for manual,
Don't do this IMO!I went from an MR2T to a that spec FTO. It was slow and disproportionately expensive to insure. Good shout on the MX5 Turbo. I've currently got one and can't see me ever getting rid of it.
Chris71 said:
Out of interest, how do you reckon the Accord would compare to the Type R variants of the Civic and Integra?
I've not driven either of those but performance wise there is not much in it, a good driver in one would be quicker than the others etc, plus the Accord has LSD which is a big help. I think the accord may be better for everyday driving in some respects due to more torque and comfier interior. I was looking at the other Type-Rs, but found the accord alot cheaper to insure at my age at the time (21), plus it was cheaper to buy as well.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff