Purchase advice needed. Something small and cheerful

Lutecia

Hi guys,

I'm looking for my next car now, as my current one is gone at the end of this week.
I've gone through donedeal, carzone etc, but can't find anything I like.
Basically I'm looking for something small and cheerful, which doesn't cost too much to run. Budget between 2 and 7K ideally. Not really bothered by the year, just want to find a car I like.

I'm single, doing about 8000 miles per year, mostly city driving with the odd long trip to mainland Europe, so don't really need a big car. I want something a bit exciting/rare, not over 1.6, or band C. I just had a Prius for a year, was attracted by the technological content, very good appliance, but too boring to drive for me. My 85 1.0 Renault5 gives me more kicks.

Was looking at some small cars with a decent engine but these are really hard to find.
Mazda 2 1.5 or Swift Sport, but crazy money is asked for them.
I wouldn't mind something French for example, as it's usually cheaper, a Clio 1.6 would be good but nothing for sale. I like JDM imports too but in original condition (don't like mod cars)
Any idea of what I should look at ?

Cheers,

pete4130

Do you need back seats or space?

Mazda MX5? Meets your engine size requirements, is fun to drive, is cheerful, can be got as a convertible, RWD, great handling, reasonable running costs, reliable, not too expensive.

Something a bit different/rare might be the Volvo C30. Not to everyones taste but different.

An classic/original Rover Mini/cooper. small, practical, fun to drive and within budget.

listermint

Lutecia

pete4130 wrote: »

Do you need back seats or space?

Mazda MX5? Meets your engine size requirements, is fun to drive, is cheerful, can be got as a convertible, RWD, great handling, reasonable running costs, reliable, not too expensive.

Something a bit different/rare might be the Volvo C30. Not to everyones taste but different.

An classic/original Rover Mini/cooper. small, practical, fun to drive and within budget.

Thanks Pete.
I don't especially need backseats or a huge boot.

I'll look at the MX5, that could be a good option.
I like the C30, but in 1.6 I think that's going to be too slow. Also it's a bit outside of my budget.
Mini Cooper are cool, but not reliable enough as it would be my daily driver (and only car in Cork) so can't chance it.

SouperComputer

I think you'll like the MX5. Cracking car and very dependable.
Honda Beat could be another option.
Suzuki Cappuccino along same lines.
Toyota MR2

Older options..
e30 BMW
Volvo 200 series

I'm making a generalisation but I would say that a Mini would be as reliable as most french offerings

Lutecia

Ok thanks for the many tips, there seems to be a few interesting cars around :

A pretty C30 here for 8100€ :
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4394256

A MX-5 at 4750€ :
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4125322

Another, older at 2500€ :
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4391893

Probably less fun to drive, but original enough Cube:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4511951

Finally a Twingo GT, ticking all the boxes, but seller seems to be a cowboy so unsure:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4157567

Any thoughts on any of these ?

Cappuccino/Beat/Copen and really nice but hard to find ?!?

Bpmull

What about a mg f or mg tf they are a convertible similar to a mx5. They are often far cheaper and are a lovely car to drive. Rwd 1.8 vvc was the best engine 140bhp. We had one for years really fun to drive and great power.