Best fun daily car 10K budget

[Abed20]

21 Years old + Looking for something with hot performance or reliably remappable

Not fussed about 3dr or 5dr but not looking at 2seaters

So far considering a Mazda3 MPS or a 2.0 TT FWD or Quattro however it's hard to find a decent example for my budget

I drive about 30miles a day at most and would like something that pulls nicely and sounds great to or has the potential to sound good with an aftermarket exhaust

Something not too old, preferably a screen/sat nav but wouldn't cry if there isn't one

Help please!

[Ahbefive]

You want fun but you are considering a TT???

[Abed20]

It's one of the cars that look good and 0-60 mid 6seconds seems like it'd be pretty fun. I'm yet to test drive one so you could be right

What car would you suggest?

[Nickp82]

Ahbefive said:

You want fun but you are considering a TT???

Same applies to the MPS imo, they are fast but not actually that fun. I would look towards a six cylinder 1 series, Leon Cupra or Focus/Fiesta St personally . I would also definitely have a Swift Sport on the list as it is pure fun but I don't think this will cut it for the OP.

[Abed20]

I was looking at a few 125i coupes and they look pretty good... is the 3.0 engine in the 125i turbocharged or NA?

[ZX10R NIN]

This one is simple:

Megane RS250

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2011 Cup RS250

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[johnwilliams77]

Elise/ VX220

[Strudul]

johnwilliams77 said:

Elise/ VX220

Didn't know they made an Elise with more than 2 seats

Good luck finding one <£10k too.

[johnwilliams77]

Strudul said:

Good luck finding one <£10k too.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/lotus/elise-s2/lotus-elise-135-sold-2001/6928018

What's wrong with 2 seaters?

[Strudul]

johnwilliams77 said:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

What's wrong with 2 seaters?

There's only 1, it has high mileage and it's sold. The rest are min 13k.

And:

Abed20 said:

Not fussed about 3dr or 5dr but not looking at 2seaters

[johnwilliams77]

Strudul said:

Many Elsie's come up for sale sub 10K, that's the point
Huge selection of VX220s too

Also, what's wrong with 2 seaters as per previous post?

How about an e46 m3?

[Strudul]

johnwilliams77 said:

Many Elsie's come up for sale sub 10K, that's the point
Huge selection of VX220s too

Also, what's wrong with 2 seaters as per previous post?

How about an e46 m3?

Usually a reason why they are sub 10k when all the others are 13k though...

VX220 is more likely.

OP said he doesn't want a 2 seater. Don't ask me why...

[MattyB_]

johnwilliams77 said:

Strudul said:

Many Elsie's come up for sale sub 10K, that's the point

"Many" ? Not any more. That 135 you linked was a non-runner.

The only way you'll get a running, sub-10k Elise is if its broken, or Cat C/D and in a bad state. The Elise market is rapidly appreciating. Cheapest S1 on PH is £15k, cheapest (non-sold) S2 is £14k.

Just wanted to clarify - it's all moot and it's not within the OP's criteria

[deanobeano]

Alfa Guiletta 1.75 Tbi QV (Cloverleaf)
235bhp as stock and can be mapped for 275
A different choice and more reliable than the badge suggests

Check out alfaowner

Edited by deanobeano on Saturday 8th April 14:00

[Marvtec]

Nickp82 said:

Ahbefive said:

You want fun but you are considering a TT???

Same applies to the MPS imo, they are fast but not actually that fun. I would look towards a six cylinder 1 series, Leon Cupra or Focus/Fiesta St personally . I would also definitely have a Swift Sport on the list as it is pure fun but I don't think this will cut it for the OP.

Seems odd to rule out the MPS as not being fun to drive then suggest a Focus ST? Both are similar straight line blasters really, not up to much in the corners.

My vote would also be the Megane 250, superb chassis and handling, tons of aftermarket mods available.

[CrouchingWayne]

Megan's 225 F1 - can pick them up from £5kish last I looked. Pay a little more for a liquid yellow one.

[Nickp82]

Marvtec said:

Nickp82 said:

Ahbefive said:

You want fun but you are considering a TT???

Same applies to the MPS imo, they are fast but not actually that fun. I would look towards a six cylinder 1 series, Leon Cupra or Focus/Fiesta St personally . I would also definitely have a Swift Sport on the list as it is pure fun but I don't think this will cut it for the OP.

Seems odd to rule out the MPS as not being fun to drive then suggest a Focus ST? Both are similar straight line blasters really, not up to much in the corners.

My vote would also be the Megane 250, superb chassis and handling, tons of aftermarket mods available.

Focus ST is definitely up to much in corners in my experience, I found it to be great fun although in fairness I have driven the old five pot a lot more than I have the four cylinder. When I spent a few weeks driving a 3 MPS I found the handling really sterile and the car not very agile hence my comment.

I agree with you on the Megane though , they definitely tick the fun box!

Edited by Nickp82 on Saturday 8th April 15:53

[johnwilliams77]

MattyB_ said:

"Many" ? Not any more. That 135 you linked was a non-runner.

The only way you'll get a running, sub-10k Elise is if its broken, or Cat C/D and in a bad state. The Elise market is rapidly appreciating. Cheapest S1 on PH is £15k, cheapest (non-sold) S2 is £14k.

Just wanted to clarify - it's all moot and it's not within the OP's criteria

I know it's outwith the criteria even though I missed it the first time
I've seen plenty of elise's for sub 10K in the last year
A mate picked up an s1 which didn't need much for £8k

[ZX10R NIN]

Marvtec said:

Seems odd to rule out the MPS as not being fun to drive then suggest a Focus ST? Both are similar straight line blasters really, not up to much in the corners.

My vote would also be the Megane 250, superb chassis and handling, tons of aftermarket mods available.

The Focus has a better chassis than the MPS & can take a corner my 2.5 was cracking fun (not as good as my mates RS250 but a good car nonetheless) & more than capable of putting a smile on your face.

[HJMS123]

CrouchingWayne said:

Megan's 225 F1 - can pick them up from £5kish last I looked. Pay a little more for a liquid yellow one.

I think you mean the 230 R26 F1 not just the F1 if you're referencing liquid yellow examples. Not being pedantic but they're two sepreate cars, the R26 comes fully loaded with a diff etc where as none of the others inc the F1 do