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Fun car - €10K and under
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03-08-2016 11:32am#1
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Depending on the rest of your needs/wants but mainly on your own definition of fun but a few options I can think of:
- Alfa GT
- Fiesta ecoboost 125PS
- Mini cooper S
- Golf gti
- BMW 1 Series with a decent engine
- 3 series/Merc C-class with a bigger one
- Already mentioned but Mazda RX-8 is a strong contender
- you might be able to source a Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ
- Suzuki Swift Sport
...
Good list, some of those I have had my eye on, as well as the mx5 already mentioned.
The swift sport was a contender until I found that they are not sold here and I would have to import one, kind of what was going against an Abarth 500 (which I had another thread about).
The C-class I like too, but maintenance wise, im not sure I could afford.Ok I actually checked the prices on the GT86/BRZ.... not an opition yet I'm afraid
Yeah I checked too, figured as much
Thanks guys, keep em coming!0 -
4 seater Bmw 3 series coupe or convertible with any of the 6 cyl engines or Mazda rx8.
Mazda rx8 is apparently fond of the juice though.
As far as the rx-8 goes, always wanted one, but I have heard the rotaries are pretty hard on maintenance and juice.... or are they that bad?
I don't want to spend a fortune to keep the fun on the road either
Henry Ford III wrote: »Hard to ignore an MX5.
Has been top of the list for a while! 0 -
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Golfgorfield wrote: »Close thread.
A new contender enters!
Very nice. Shame it seems hard to insure though 0 -
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Thanks so far for the options guys, keep em coming if you got any suggestions
The mx5 is leading the pack so far I think, it seems to tick all the boxes - fun, looks good, nippy enough and also seems very reliable coming from reviews and owners.
Love the look of the c-class and the 3 series coupe, but I think they could break the bank on maintenance and if anything went wrong...... or are they fairly alright to upkeep?0 -
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If you were willing to go over 10 years you could probably get an Evo VII.
Similarly you could get a WRX STIs, a Silvia/200SX/180SX or maybe even an RX7?
Other options would be in budget and closer to the age:
A Focus ST
A Renault Megane R26 230 F1
Or a Megane 225
Or a Seat Leon FR
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I guess I would have the same issue with the RX-7 as I would on the RX-8 - Love them, but in practice I don't think I would be able for the maintenance of a rotaryIf you were willing to go over 10 years you could probably get an Evo VII.
Similarly you could get a WRX STIs, a Silvia/200SX/180SX or maybe even an RX7?
I've always had a soft spot for the Silvia's, but unfortunately its hard to find one that has not been modified and abused down back roads for a portion of its life. I would be very keen on one that was well looked after though!
If I was to push out the 10 year limit that I had, I would be looking at cars like Silvia's, Type R's and Integra's. But they are tough to get in unmodified good condition for my budget. And Insurance would be..... pretty disastrous.
On a side note, anyone had any experience with owning an EK Type R Civic or a DC5 (or older models) Integra? Any issues with them?0 -
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I guess I would have the same issue with the RX-7 as I would on the RX-8 - Love them, but in practice I don't think I would be able for the maintenance of a rotary
I've always had a soft spot for the Silvia's, but unfortunately its hard to find one that has not been modified and abused down back roads for a portion of its life. I would be very keen on one that was well looked after though!
If I was to push out the 10 year limit that I had, I would be looking at cars like Silvia's, Type R's and Integra's. But they are tough to get in unmodified good condition for my budget. And Insurance would be..... pretty disastrous.
On a side note, anyone had any experience with owning an EK Type R Civic or a DC5 (or older models) Integra? Any issues with them?
Yeah, I'd pretty much be of the same mind as you about everything you have said here. I'd love a Silvia but between the price going up again and the insurance of them due to their reputation, it's always going to be hard to get insurance and that's even if you could find an unmodified or clean one.
In terms of insurance, you might have more luck with either of the Meganes I posted or maybe even the Leon FR. The Focus ST probably is another well known car by insurance companies for all the wrong reasons. Other cars in the same category would be something along the lines of a Mazda MPS but then they are all 2.3l so the tax will go up.
I would imagine that you would probably have the same problem with insurance with the Integras and Civics as you would with the other cars listed above, but I have no first hand experience of them.0 -
Yeah, I'd pretty much be of the same mind as you about everything you have said here. I'd love a Silvia but between the price going up again and the insurance of them due to their reputation, it's always going to be hard to get insurance and that's even if you could find an unmodified or clean one.
In terms of insurance, you might have more luck with either of the Meganes I posted or maybe even the Leon FR. The Focus ST probably is another well known car by insurance companies for all the wrong reasons. Other cars in the same category would be something along the lines of a Mazda MPS but then they are all 2.3l so the tax will go up.
I would imagine that you would probably have the same problem with insurance with the Integras and Civics as you would with the other cars listed above, but I have no first hand experience of them.
Yeah its a shame that some great cars have been ruined by those circumstances, and even if you do get a well kept original one, the insurance is going to cream you 0 -
I guess I would have the same issue with the RX-7 as I would on the RX-8 - Love them, but in practice I don't think I would be able for the maintenance of a rotary
I've always had a soft spot for the Silvia's, but unfortunately its hard to find one that has not been modified and abused down back roads for a portion of its life. I would be very keen on one that was well looked after though!
If I was to push out the 10 year limit that I had, I would be looking at cars like Silvia's, Type R's and Integra's. But they are tough to get in unmodified good condition for my budget. And Insurance would be..... pretty disastrous.
On a side note, anyone had any experience with owning an EK Type R Civic or a DC5 (or older models) Integra? Any issues with them?
I had a DC2 Integra Type R for about 3.5/4 years. Loved every second of it and regret selling it. I had a black one so it didn't draw as much attention as championship white models did. I think the stigma and reputation of them has died down a bit in the last few years as there is less of them on the road now0 -
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Thanks so far for the options guys, keep em coming if you got any suggestions
The mx5 is leading the pack so far I think, it seems to tick all the boxes - fun, looks good, nippy enough and also seems very reliable coming from reviews and owners.
Love the look of the c-class and the 3 series coupe, but I think they could break the bank on maintenance and if anything went wrong...... or are they fairly alright to upkeep?
If you know a good indy maintenance on the c-class and 3 series should be actually OK (not a whole lot more than any ford diesel), I prefer the c-class myself for its blend of fun/comfort, many here will tell you the 3 series is the one to go for however...
I actually drove a C200 (W204) as a rental in germany and loved every minutes of it and its 180 something hp, perfect autobahn cruiser and surprisingly able to entertain on smaller twisty roads, had it with the auto box which is a little gem.
The only thing would be to find tyres that suit your driving style, which might eat up a bit of your budget...0 -
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Well, it's not cheap per se, but it's not as expensive as some would make out to be. And in fairness a Merc doesn't really break down that often so no, in the grand scheme of things, it wouldn't be that expensive.
I use to run a C-class (W202), had the 2.5 Turbo Diesel in it, for 5 years which I then sold to my da who is still running it, it now has more than 400,000 miles on it and it runs like new. The bodywork would need a respray and the interior a bit of attention (roof lining is starting to fall off) if I'm honest, but mechanically, neither he nor I can fault it.
The most expensive parts on it were the tyres and a turbo that went @ 210,000 miles and that's it, rest was regular service/maintenance. These cost around the same as maintaining any other car +/-10%, which is still less than maintaining and insuring any "sport" cars mentioned in this thread.
Don't get me wrong these ford STs are something and you should definitely consider one, but if it turns out you can't justify it, a Merc would make sense imo.0 -
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Well, it's not cheap per se, but it's not as expensive as some would make out to be. And in fairness a Merc doesn't really break down that often so no, in the grand scheme of things, it wouldn't be that expensive.
I use to run a C-class (W202), had the 2.5 Turbo Diesel in it, for 5 years which I then sold to my da who is still running it, it now has more than 400,000 miles on it and it runs like new. The bodywork would need a respray and the interior a bit of attention (roof lining is starting to fall off) if I'm honest, but mechanically, neither he nor I can fault it.
The most expensive parts on it were the tyres and a turbo that went @ 210,000 miles and that's it, rest was regular service/maintenance. These cost around the same as maintaining any other car +/-10%, which is still less than maintaining and insuring any "sport" cars mentioned in this thread.
Don't get me wrong these ford STs are something and you should definitely consider one, but if it turns out you can't justify it, a Merc would make sense imo.
That sounds pretty good actually, and not the first time I have heard of older Mercs going forever, particularly the diesels.
Have you had any experience with the newer C-class models? (W204, around '07-'11)
I wouldn't really consider a diesel, would the petrol engines be as reliable as the diesels?0 -
Tax was 636 for the year, and insurance was fairly expensive. But otherwise it was cheap enough to run. I had no issues with mine, just standard servicing/maintenance/tyres, which was no more expensive than any other car
Yeah, its the insurance that is the main problem with them, some insurers wont even cover them either 0 -
That sounds pretty good actually, and not the first time I have heard of older Mercs going forever, particularly the diesels.
Have you had any experience with the newer C-class models? (W204, around '07-'11)
I wouldn't really consider a diesel, would the petrol engines be as reliable as the diesels?
The W204 I drove in germany as a rental seemed really solid, more fun in the corner than the old model, comfier seats, felt well put together. Engine was the supercharged 1.8L petrol (badged C200) and felt really good, less torquey low down (as you'd expect) but eager to climb up the rev range and quite pleasant to drive
This model seems to suffer less than the one in between (W203) which was not up to Merc standards in terms of reliability. Do your homework online but I think you should be fine with one of these.
If you can, go for the C200 with the autobox (5G tronic I think it's called) in Avantgarde trim (it might called differently here, Sport I think), I'm pretty sure you'll like it 0 -
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The W204 I drove in germany as a rental seemed really solid, more fun in the corner than the old model, comfier seats, felt well put together. Engine was the supercharged 1.8L petrol (badged C200) and felt really good, less torquey low down (as you'd expect) but eager to climb up the rev range and quite pleasant to drive
This model seems to suffer less than the one in between (W203) which was not up to Merc standards in terms of reliability. Do your homework online but I think you should be fine with one of these.
If you can, go for the C200 with the autobox (5G tronic I think it's called) in Avantgarde trim (it might called differently here, Sport I think), I'm pretty sure you'll like it
Thanks again for the info, and funny you should link that Merc as I was looking at that one earlier, very nice one.
The only thing is I would prefer a manual, part of the fun of driving for me is the gear changes
But is the auto gearbox more reliable or something? It seems there is a lot of Avantgarde spec mercs with the autobox, harder to get in manual.0 -
Thanks again for the info, and funny you should link that Merc as I was looking at that one earlier, very nice one.
The only thing is I would prefer a manual, part of the fun of driving for me is the gear changes
But is the auto gearbox more reliable or something? It seems there is a lot of Avantgarde spec mercs with the autobox, harder to get in manual.
No prob
In fairness a Merc is best in auto imo, and the Merc image comes with 'automatic gearbox' to a lot of people. I tried a manual C-class coupe (C180 Kompressor) and I found it awful, it seems even Merc wouldn't want you to have one
Give this auto a go before you really set your mind onto a manual, they're quite impressive. I find that the kickdown you get in them is equal, if not superior, to you changing down a gear manually, it really is something.
In terms of reliability, Merc is known for its autobox, I'm not certain about this exact model, but the one in my old one is very solid.0 -
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In terms of reliability, Merc is known for its autobox, I'm not certain about this exact model, but the one in my old one is very solid.
That's good to hear that it is reliable enough, I would worry about an issue occurring with an autobox, they seem a lot more expensive to fix or replace than a manual, and being a Merc I would imagine they're fairly pricey regardless.
I have to say I was not really considering a C-Class right now but in the future, as I was looking more along the lines of an mx-5, but you are making me think twice about them
Looking for some feedback on the mx-5's too, NC models preferably (years '06- '15)
Anyone had any experience with them?
They seem to have a great reputation.0 -
That's good to hear that it is reliable enough, I would worry about an issue occurring with an autobox, they seem a lot more expensive to fix or replace than a manual, and being a Merc I would imagine they're fairly pricey regardless.
I have to say I was not really considering a C-Class right now but in the future, as I was looking more along the lines of an mx-5, but you are making me think twice about them
Autoboxes like these are actually not that much more expensive than their manual counterparts, and you're sure they won't break due to human error (like the all too common, not stopping completely before reversing). So in fairness, if you make sure to change the oil in them when you buy it (for peace of mind) you should really be OK.
Also, while I'm here, have you give a read to Grogi's thread? there might be some suggestions you haven't think about 0 -
Autoboxes like these are actually not that much more expensive than their manual counterparts, and you're sure they won't break due to human error (like the all too common, not stopping completely before reversing). So in fairness, if you make sure to change the oil in them when you buy it (for peace of mind) you should really be OK.
I dont know why but I've always had some sort of aversion to autoboxes, not just because of the lack of physically changing gears etc, but of issues arising with them and being less efficient on fuel etc - even though they are probably more efficient on fuel.Also, while I'm here, have you give a read to Grogi's thread? there might be some suggestions you haven't think about
Just had a look there at the other thread. Yeah a few things stand out to me from there.
Alfa GT.
Alfa 159 - always LOVED the design of these cars. But reliability always scares me off, maybe they are not that bad though?
Accord S-Type.
BMW E46.
Had my eye on a few Type-R civics too, but insurance..... they just really don't like those cars 0 -
Nowadays autoboxes are not the same ones you'd find in the 90sI dont know why but I've always had some sort of aversion to autoboxes, not just because of the lack of physically changing gears etc, but of issues arising with them and being less efficient on fuel etc - even though they are probably more efficient on fuel. even if the technology behind them is actually the same (at least for Merc) but there are now several things that have been refined over time...
Anyway, we could probably discuss it 'til dawn but I'd advise you give a test run and see if you like it then you'll know if that's what you're looking for.
This gen of Alfas are actually not the money pit the previous ones were, especially the 159 (from what I could gather on the web, as mentioned I don't have first hand experience with them).Just had a look there at the other thread. Yeah a few things stand out to me from there.
Alfa GT.
Alfa 159 - always LOVED the design of these cars. But reliability always scares me off, maybe they are not that bad though?
Accord S-Type.
BMW E46.
Had my eye on a few Type-R civics too, but insurance..... they just really don't like those cars
The GT is simply the best front wheel drive I've ever had driven, definitely worth a look imo.
The E46 is probably the only beamer I'd buy with my own money, might be tricky to find an immaculate model though, especially with a 6-pots.
The Hondas I don't really know, never driven one, but the Accord seems like something I'd actually want to sit in for a good drive and see what all the fuss is about. 0 -
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Nowadays autoboxes are not the same ones you'd find in the 90s even if the technology behind them is actually the same (at least for Merc) but there are now several things that have been refined over time...
Anyway, we could probably discuss it 'til dawn but I'd advise you give a test run and see if you like it then you'll know if that's what you're looking for.
I think I will have to go check one out in the metal and give it a spin, never would have considered an autobox Merc but you've convinced me to have a lookThe E46 is probably the only beamer I'd buy with my own money, might be tricky to find an immaculate model though, especially with a 6-pots.
The Hondas I don't really know, never driven one, but the Accord seems like something I'd actually want to sit in for a good drive and see what all the fuss is about.
With the BMW, again it would be the fear I have with the Merc, it carries that luxury stigma that if something goes wrong, its going to cost a fortune. And the older they get, the likelihood of that gets very high. This is probably not 100% true, as if something major goes in ANY car, its going to be expensive. Mileage is always quite high in cars like the e46 too, that carries the extra risk with it.
The Honda's just seem to carry that reputation of never really giving trouble, but again, I have no experience owning one so that could just all be marketing Plus how it was maintained previouslyThis gen of Alfas are actually not the money pit the previous ones were, especially the 159 (from what I could gather on the web, as mentioned I don't have first hand experience with them).
The GT is simply the best front wheel drive I've ever had driven, definitely worth a look imo.The Alfa GT shares a lot parts and design vision (with all the consequences) with 147/156 generation... Alfa Brera is the 159-esque GT...
Excuse my ignorance on the Alfa's, so the 159 generation has become more reliable than the 147/156 gen, and the GT would be part of the 'money pit' group here?
I've a soft spot for the 159's more than the GT anyway, good news if they have improved. 0 -
Let us know how you like itI think I will have to go check one out in the metal and give it a spin, never would have considered an autobox Merc but you've convinced me to have a look
Mercs and/or BMWs are hardly luxurious, but yeah the "premium" badge have this image of carrying a loading with it. In truth though, it won't cost more than anything else mentioned in this thread. Should parts be a tad more expensive, you'd probably recoup it with the savings you've made on insurance over anything that has a 'sport' badgeWith the BMW, again it would be the fear I have with the Merc, it carries that luxury stigma that if something goes wrong, its going to cost a fortune. And the older they get, the likelihood of that gets very high. This is probably not 100% true, as if something major goes in ANY car, its going to be expensive. Mileage is always quite high in cars like the e46 too, that carries the extra risk with it.
Also, these cars have been designed to eat up miles, if they're maintained properly, a high mileage one wouldn't scare me off at all. You'll find, in my experience, that the mercs are easier to find in spotless condition than the beamers, it would appear they attract very different type of buyers (at least when new).
You're all excusedExcuse my ignorance on the Alfa's, so the 159 generation has become more reliable than the 147/156 gen, and the GT would be part of the 'money pit' group here?
I've a soft spot for the 159's more than the GT anyway, good news if they have improved.
The ones you really want to avoid are the ones before the 147/156/166/GT (so the 145/155 era), they're positively badly put together.
The 147/156/GT are, if maintained, actually pretty reliable or, at least, not half as bad as people made them out to be. The later the year of manufacture, the better though. I'd buy any of these from an Alfa fan, there might be an owner's club or something next to you with which you could inquire.
The 159/Brera era is again improved upon that and nowadays range (MiTo, Giuletta and Guilia) are, so far, rated quite high on the reliability board.0 -
A big thanks again for your input Nuw, very helpful stuff!
Thanks to everyone else who contributed too guys.
I know this is miles away from a c-class merc or probably not at all sporty or fun like an mx-5, but a Civic type-S has caught my eye recently.
Was looking at changing over my main car for it altogether, and putting the fun car on hold for a little while, as checking insurance has left me feeling a bit mad and limits my 'fun' options quite a bit, maybe I should wait until I am older or acquired more NCB years .
The type-S seems to be quite cheap on tax and insurance, similar to what I pay now, and has a few nice features and a bigger engine than what I have now (albeit only a 1.4 100BHP vs my 1.2 60BHP)
Maybe a somewhat fun, but muted alternative to a Type-R?
Anyone any experience with them? Or 8th gen civics in general?0 -
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