Recommend a cheap sports car

flash1080

At most €3000 to spend, but ideally less. I'd prefer RWD, but might settle on a Celica. Engine at most 2 litres, NA. Has to be an Irish car, not a Jap import. Particularly interested in MR2s.

Alanstrainor

MX5 /close thread.

colm_mcm

Why not a jap import?

darragh o meara

Mr2 ( not many non import ones around but there is a few irish ones knocking about )
MX5 ( plenty of them most if not all jap imports were badged eunos roadsters )
Audi TT ( you'll need to be a good haggler to get one sub 3k but they can be got and they are a very nice car interior wise. Mostly 4wd so will be stuck to the road. However I've read that you can do a haldex mod to put the bias to the rear wheels, I dont know much about it but I'm sure a quick google will tell all )

flash1080

colm_mcm wrote: »

Why not a jap import?

Insurance seems to be more expensive for me in some imports, although for some cars it doesn't make any difference, not sure why...



I'd consider a MX-5, didn't even think about a TT because the last time they looks they were well out of my price range.

Anan1

Clio 172?

flash1080

Anan1 wrote: »

Clio 172?

Maybe, it'd depend on price/condition, I was thinking more along the lines of a coupe, what mpg do they get?

Anan1

flash1080 wrote: »

Maybe, it'd depend on price/condition, I was thinking more along the lines of a coupe, what mpg do they get?

Low to mid 20s, if you drive it as you should.

Ardennes1944

Has to be a mx5 really

Squall19

MX 5 are not fast though, especially higher up.

FTO Mivec would be my choice, you'd get a decent one for nothing.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2015833

V6 sound great and when Mivec kicks in they do feel like a sportscar.

DC5 would be the one I would go for, but your budget doesnt allow that.

Mr.Boots

Mx5's are great fun.
They proove you dont need speed to have fun

Ardennes1944

Squall19 wrote: »

MX 5 are not fast though, especially higher up.

FTO Mivec would be my choice, you'd get a decent one for nothing.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2015833

V6 sound great and when Mivec kicks in they do feel like a sportscar.

DC5 would be the one I would go for, but your budget doesnt allow that.

He never said he wanted a fast sports car in his OP though. The 1.8 in the mx5 is enough for most, and if he's asking about mpg it's not bad there either

Glowing

Take a look at mx5ireland.com - you may find someone is selling theirs!

Fabulous car - I've got the 1.8 model, but if you could find a 6 speed version it'd be even better!! Good luck

challengemaster

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

He never said he wanted a fast sports car in his OP though. The 1.8 in the mx5 is enough for most, and if he's asking about mpg it's not bad there either

And if you really wanted.....those 1.8's take very kindly to being turbocharged

flash1080

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

He never said he wanted a fast sports car in his OP though. The 1.8 in the mx5 is enough for most, and if he's asking about mpg it's not bad there either

It doesn't have to be very fast tbh, I've got a clean licence and I want it to stay that way. I've a 55bhp car at the moment, had it for years now and insurance has finally come down to a reasonable level so that's why I'm looking at getting something more powerful, and RWD. Overtaking ability, particularly on motorways, is limited in my current car and the mpg is in the 30s. The 1.8 in the MX-5 would be grand.

If anyone who has recommended the MX-5 has seen a nice one online please post a link :pac:

flash1080

Glowing wrote: »

Take a look at mx5ireland.com - you may find someone is selling theirs!

Fabulous car - I've got the 1.8 model, but if you could find a 6 speed version it'd be even better!! Good luck

Will do. Owners sites like that are usually the best place to go.

challengemaster

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2118202

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2106262

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2080059

6 speed
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2086949

Glowing

challengemaster wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2086949

This one's lovely

Ferris

I have a sh1tbox of a s14a/200sx and its a great, prob the best car I've owned.

Defo more of a tourer and an mx5 would beat the crap out of it in the twisties but the s14 has way more grunt. Also with a bit of tinkering they can go like a stabbed rat. 3k should buy a '98 at least. Both mx5's and s14's rust quite badly though so get one up on a ramp before buying.

bazz26

Nissan 200SX:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201109201422235

challengemaster

bazz26 wrote: »

Nissan 200SX:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201109201422235

Jaysus, that's a bargain!

Summary:
New Brake Disks and pads. New Battery, no NCT/Tax. Engine Checked ###INCLUDING a 42 inch Phillips plasma TV####.

Ferris

bazz26 wrote: »

Nissan 200SX:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201109201422235

Nice car, good colour/leather combo too. Its an automatic tho which ruins them. The conversion to a manual costs ~500quid in parts. Not always a bad idea to do as auto's usually have had an easier life than the manuals.

Maybe you could sell the telly to fund it .

scoobymunster

The seller didn't put in the mileage right. The photo says 48831, which is alot more than 4880 he entered:p Bit strange why he's throwing a tv into the bargain though!

vectra

Somebody has to be different

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1942528

challengemaster

vectra wrote: »

Somebody has to be different

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1942528

bit of damage on that... and about a can of tyre blackener per wheel

tinofapples

Mx-5 all the way but not a great time to buy one, better value to be had on convertibles as the winter approaches than the summer (If we get one). Or maybe i listen to Mike Brewer way too much

Sheeps

tinofapples wrote: »

Mx-5 all the way but not a great time to buy one, better value to be had on convertibles as the winter approaches than the summer (If we get one). Or maybe i listen to Mike Brewer way too much

actually i was looking at a 1.8 mx5 over christmas and the prices have remained roughly the same. in fact there are very few new used mx5s on the market than there was at christmas so a lot of the prices have actually fallen

flash1080

challengemaster wrote: »

6 speed
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2086949

Compare that ad to:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2041890
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1939533.htm

alias no.9

flash1080 wrote: »

Insurance seems to be more expensive for me in some imports, although for some cars it doesn't make any difference, not sure why...

The insurance is generally loaded on jap imports because security on them isn't particularly good since there's very little car crime in japan. All cars sold new in Europe have been fitted with immobilisers for over a decade. Convertables are generally loaded for insurance too.

challengemaster

flash1080 wrote: »

Compare that ad to:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2041890
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1939533.htm

Never said it was the best one there, you just seemed too lazy to search yourself :P

vectra

challengemaster wrote: »

bit of damage on that... and about a can of tyre blackener per wheel

Damage is slight to be fair.
Didn't spot the tyre blackner LOL

deadlast

flash1080 wrote: »

Compare that ad to:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2041890
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1939533.htm

Well spotted! I'd love to know the actual mileage...

ottostreet

MX-5 is a good choice.

FTO Mivecs are seriously cheap now, so the savings from buying one can pay the bit extra on insurance. I have one and I love it. They're not for everyone though.

Big Nasty

MX-5 would be the obvious choice but how about a late 6th Gen (last decent) Celica? I know you said N/A but a nice unmolested GT-Four would be a pretty serious beast!

The price of superstrut suspension bits has always turned me off the GT4. If I was looking for a car in the OPs criteria I'd fine a nice 3SGE engined T bar MR2.

Mully_2011

Get an MR2 turbo I know its an import but if your going to do something do it right having siad that even in n\a form the 3s is a fine engine

flash1080

RoverJames wrote: »

The price of superstrut suspension bits has always turned me off the GT4. If I was looking for a car in the OPs criteria I'd fine a nice 3SGE engined T bar MR2.

Something like this: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/MR2/G-LIMITE/201115201968679/advert?channel=CARS

Mully_2011 wrote: »

Get an MR2 turbo I know its an import but if your going to do something do it right having siad that even in n\a form the 3s is a fine engine

I know what you mean. I got a reasonable quote for a GTS T-Bar so it's definitely an option, there's one on donedeal for €2800.

Foxhole Norman

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2124399

ShadowHearth

Mx5. Most fun you will get on 4 wheels.

I have mentioned this 100 times in boards.ie:

I own 400hp rwd skyline and 140hp mx5. Mx5 is way more fun. It's one of those cars you buy for life. Skyline is my dream car, but if I would have to sell one of them, would not even consider selling mx5.

I got a taste of bouth worlds, and mx5 is better package.

flash1080

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2124399

Great car, can't get an insurance quote online but I'd say it'd be expensive

BostonB

If the budget is 3k, isn't the insurance, tax and MPG going to be a killer on these 2L turbo's?

You're nearly at Toyota MRS price, which would be an alternative to the MX5.

flash1080

BostonB wrote: »

If the budget is 3k, isn't the insurance, tax and MPG going to be a killer on these 2L turbo's?

You're nearly at Toyota MRS price, which would be an alternative to the MX5.

I can get insured on cars up to 2L for not much more than what I'm paying now, a 2L turbo is a bit more again but still reasonable. €3k is for the car, nothing else. I'm not a fan of the MRS tbh.

BostonB

Fair enough. Just an idea. I have a soft spot for mid engined.

Mully_2011

What about an Evo 4

ShadowHearth

Mully_2011 wrote: »

What about an Evo 4

Don't break his heart and wallet lad .

Good car, but he will have to have 3k in his account just incase...running costs will kill him!

vectra

Nice clean looking Mk1 vRS octy?
1.8 turbo
fresh nct
Should be quick enough for you.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2108455

vectra

vectra wrote: »

Nice clean looking Mk1 vRS octy?
1.8 turbo
fresh nct
Should be quick enough for you.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2108455

Says he is particularly interested in mr2's and similiar and you suggest that!
It'd be funny if it wasn't done to death in every thread...

Of all the cars suggested i have only driven a new type celica 190hp and loved it. And most say the mx5 would be even more fun and half the price...must get a drive of one soon!

vectra

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I could cycle around a track quicker than a MK1 vRs, .

LOL
Did you ever think of taking up cycling?
it might be more rewarding than what you do at the moment in that case :pac:

vectra

Deleted User wrote: »

Says he is particularly interested in mr2's and similiar and you suggest that!

Mr2??
And lots of MX5's suggested?
OP said.
particularly
NOT
ONLY

flash1080

I'm leaning towards the MR2 over the MX-5, seems to be a few more nice ones around at the moment.

Mully_2011 wrote: »

What about an Evo 4

I haven't seen many of those within budget.

vectra wrote: »

Nice clean looking Mk1 vRS octy?
1.8 turbo
fresh nct
Should be quick enough for you.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2108455

Good effort. It's alright, haven't checked out insurance yet, but I think if I was getting a saloon I'd get a diesel. Might as well get a coupe while I'm young and free! :pac:

Viper_JB

Just slightly convertable...but have you thought about getting a lotus elise you can get em with a hard top I think?