Fun everyday car

[Stu R]

I'm looking for a fun car for around the 10k mark. I can put a bit more in but I'd rather not unless it's worth doing so to get something great.

It'll be an everyday car, I don't do huge milage, but I do want something I can have a laugh with pedalling down the back roads etc, but I don't want something I'm bothered about dumping in a Sainsbury's / gym car park for example.

It can't be too flash as I'll be using it for work and very occasionally visiting clients at their houses - no jags or M5's

I'll be honest, the bulk of what's appealing to me and what's available in this price is FWD. So far I've shortlisted the following:

- MINI Cooper S / JCW (favourite so far and I've wanted one for a while)
- Focus ST (seem good value and quite fun if a touch chavilicious)
- Golf R32 (could stretch the budget a touch)
- 350Z (can't resist a bit of jap tat)
- Evo / Scoob WR1
- F150 lightning (I know I know)

I'm planning on upgrading in the summer if business is good, and keep this as an everyday car. Must be quite reliable, fun, not too bothered about fuel costs etc but I don't want silly bills for servicing and stuff.

Suggestions other than MX5 welcome!

Edited by Stu R on Sunday 16th January 04:04

[Cock Womble 7]

Caterham 7.

[Stu R]

I wish

[domlebo70]

Clio 182/172/197 even.

More fun then everything in your list (imo) and a great everyday car that doesn't attract much attention

[Stu R]

The Clios are a smidgen too compact for my liking, MINI is about as small as I'd be happy to go I think. But, on a similar theme I really rather like the Renault Megane 225 F1 thingies and didn't realise they were in budget

[dudleybloke]

mazda 3/6 MPS.
ticks all the boxes!

[Stu R]

Would a VX220 meet my criteria I'm liking them.

dudleybloke said:

mazda 3/6 MPS.
ticks all the boxes!

Can't say I know anything about them, inoffensive looking.

[dudleybloke]

Stu R said:

Would a VX220 meet my criteria I'm liking them.

dudleybloke said:

mazda 3/6 MPS.
ticks all the boxes!

Can't say I know anything about them, inoffensive looking.

the 6 MPS is like a civilised EVO in a plain suit.

[mrmr96]

Stu R said:

- Evo / Scoob WR1
...
not too bothered about fuel costs etc but I don't want silly bills for servicing and stuff.

Evo's are bloody amazing. I ran one as my everyday car but getting 18-20 mpg when not pressing on (and 14-16 when on the back roads) does hurt a bit in the end. Servicing is every 4,500 miles on the 6 - 9. Think it may be longer on the 10, but you're unlikely to get one of those in your budget. I keep my for weekends and trackdays and have a more sensible daily driver. Oh, and the 7 onwards have alu body work (door skins etc) so pickup car park dents easier than any other car I've owned.

So while they have their place I don't think they are going to be great as an everyday car unless you have seriously deep pockets.

[wackojacko]

-JCW Mini is a good option , great car good handling and plenty of enthusiasts.

-z4 3.0 ? Cracking car , great engine and a good commuter ?

- TVR Chimeara ? I know it's an odd ball but I know a guy that commutes in a 4.3HC 40miles a day and is his only car
- Elise ? S1 may be abit harsh so i'd go for the S2 with touring packs ?

350z great car , expect them to be abit quicker with a 3.5 V6 but by no means slow in anyway.

S2000 ?
Focus RS MK1 ?

[Jeffmaniac]

Mx-5

Thread over!

[Stuart70]

Tried a clio 200 recently - much roomier than a mini, and great drive....

[Stu R]

Clio isn't an option.

Focus ST I'm surprised by, seems like an incredibly good fun car, and I'll be honest I could quite happily suffer the more loud colours. Definitely a contender, especially if I can find a nice ST3 with leather.

The Mazdas are very good cars it seems! Had a poke around a 3 MPS and is seemed remarkably good. Not sold on the looks however. RX8 is at a very tempting price too!

Great shout on the Z4, but I'm planning on getting a Z4M at some point, just not now. TVR is a no-no for me, Elise S2 is a good call but I don't really fit in them very well.

[kambites]

Monaro? Not really a car designed for back roads, but fun in its own way and plain enough looking that it wont attract the wrong sort of attention.

[CampDavid]

Mini Cooper

I hate them, however they're a good car and you are clearly a fan.

If you've wanted one for a while then it makes sense to get one

[minimatt1967]

Civic Type R?

[1A]

dudleybloke said:

Stu R said:

Would a VX220 meet my criteria I'm liking them.

dudleybloke said:

mazda 3/6 MPS.
ticks all the boxes!

Can't say I know anything about them, inoffensive looking.

the 6 MPS is like a civilised EVO in a plain suit.

^^^^This.

I have an MPS 6 as a daily driver - ideal for seeing clients and then having a blast on the way back!

Very good value to buy, very reliable, nobody gives it a second glance and it does 28mpg when you're not playing. Worth a look.

[MrHanky]

DC5 Integra Type R? Ran one of these as family car and commute car for a few years. Plenty of room inside and great fun on the B roads. Fuel economy wise I was getting around 28 on b roads etc and 35 on the motorway journey to work.

Would love to have one again.

Mark