MX5, or which fast hot hatch?

[MX5noob]

Was thinking of buying an MX5, but wanted to consider other alternatives. The MX5 ticks plenty of fun-factor boxes, the 2.0L in particular appeals to me.

Could I afford something fun to drive which had a turbo, to keep it fun?
No idea which vehicles to consider for my tiny budget, that would either be nippy or just outright fun.

Budget is, I must say, rather small. Around £2500ish.
What vehicles might I consider?

Edited by MX5noob on Thursday 6th May 16:43

[Resolutionary]

I've very recently picked up a mk1 TT for similar money - it's quick off the mark being a breathed-on 225, it's relatively practical as a two seater (rears are for kids, or adults it you're feeling cruel), and surprisingly frugal off boost. It's also a hatchback if that is a requirement.

The TT market is a law unto itself - I really can't think of a cheaper way into the 200hp+ club which doesn't require you to delve deep into the battered modified scene.

Not sure if these are on your radar but I thoroughly enjoy mine.

[J4CKO]

TT was my first thought also, but do your homework and be ready to work on it yourself.

Hell of a car for what they cost but they can need a lot of keeping on top of if you buy a rotter, even a good one can cause headaches.

Suzuki Swift Sport can be good fun and leave a bit in the budget.

[Limpet]

TT is a great shout.

Another suggestion is a Clio 172/182.

[Gad-Westy]

J4CKO said:

TT was my first thought also, but do your homework and be ready to work on it yourself.

Hell of a car for what they cost but they can need a lot of keeping on top of if you buy a rotter, even a good one can cause headaches.

Suzuki Swift Sport can be good fun and leave a bit in the budget.

The swift sport is looking like a great buy at this end of the market. Seem to be very robust and simple enough that repairs and upkeep should always be reasonable. Out and out performance nothing to write home about but they are fun to thrash. Even as a fully signed up MX5 nerd, I think £2.5k buys a much better Swift Sport than an MX5.

There is also the Mk3 MR2 to consider if you can get away with that level of impracticality.

[stargazer30]

You're mixing your drinks a bit here Op.

MX5 and the suggested MR2 are sports cars. Hot hatches are, well, hot hatches. The key difference being the MX5 and certainly the MR2 will spit you off the road backwards if you take the mic and mess up, these cars are all about balance and driving skill. Hot hatches are a lot more forgiving, point them in the direction you wanna go and floor it.

If you wanna go fast - hot hatch. Wanna have fun and become a better driver or die trying - sports car.

[SpudLink]

stargazer30 said:

You're mixing your drinks a bit here Op.

MX5 and the suggested MR2 are sports cars. Hot hatches are, well, hot hatches. The key difference being the MX5 and certainly the MR2 will spit you off the road backwards if you take the mic and mess up, these cars are all about balance and driving skill. Hot hatches are a lot more forgiving, point them in the direction you wanna go and floor it.

If you wanna go fast - hot hatch. Wanna have fun and become a better driver or die trying - sports car.

Yeah, what he said.

The front wheel drive 'grip and go' style of going fast can be fun. Especially in a lightweight like the Clio.

A good rear wheel drive chassis will punish you if you drive like an idiot, but is more rewarding when you get it right.
I'm not a huge fan of the MX5 (I think it was Harris who said it's a roadster, not really a sports car), but it will teach you to be a better driver.

[egor110]

As well as the clios i'd look at mini coopers's .

On paper it just looks like a hot hatch same as the clio but they drive/feel quite different .

My problem with the mx5 is rust .

[pb8g09]

I'm thinking of selling my Mini Cooper S R53 if you want £1300 change from your budget!

[ZX10R NIN]

The biggest problem with a 2.5k MX5 is rust.

I'd go for a fun warm hatch, like these:

Twingo RS haggle & you should get one on budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103150...

Mazda2 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...

Punto Evo Spoting T Jet 140

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105052...

Alfa Mito Veloce 155

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105022...

120

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104030...

DS3 DSport 150

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105042...

None of the above are as much fun as an MX5 but they're still fun steers.

[MX5noob]

ZX10R NIN said:

The biggest problem with a 2.5k MX5 is rust.

I'd go for a fun warm hatch, like these:

Twingo RS haggle & you should get one on budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103150...

Mazda2 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...

Punto Evo Spoting T Jet 140

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105052...

Alfa Mito Veloce 155

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105022...

120

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104030...

DS3 DSport 150

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105042...

None of the above are as much fun as an MX5 but they're still fun steers.

Thanks for taking the time for putting those links together. Had a quick look at them all. Cheers.

[Nickp82]

egor110 said:

As well as the clios i'd look at mini coopers's .

On paper it just looks like a hot hatch same as the clio but they drive/feel quite different .

My problem with the mx5 is rust .

Mini Cooper S was my first thought , they’re a whole load of fun. You need to go in with your eyes open re engine issues.

I’m an MX-5 fan though so would stick with that personally

[egor110]

Nickp82 said:

egor110 said:

As well as the clios i'd look at mini coopers's .

On paper it just looks like a hot hatch same as the clio but they drive/feel quite different .

My problem with the mx5 is rust .

Mini Cooper S was my first thought , they’re a whole load of fun. You need to go in with your eyes open re engine issues.

I’m an MX-5 fan though so would stick with that personally

old school supercharged cooper s are pretty safe bar the 100k charger service .

[Jamescrs]

I agree I have the R53 which is the supercharged Cooper S and I give it hell as it's basically a track car for me and engine wise it just keeps going as long as I keep an eye on the fluid levels.

I had the supercharger serviced at about 85k with a new reduced pulley at the same time for about £500 at a specialist so not ridiculous at all IMO

[DaveyBoyWonder]

I'm in a similar market myself at the minute - quickish project car that can seat 4 people/be reasonably practical for £2kish. I'm a fan of VAG cars and Minis so R53 Cooper S and a TT were on my list with the TT edging it as I like the idea of it being a reasonably luxurious cruiser rather than the raw nature of the R53. Seems to be more of them around than R53s too which seem to have become the new Clio 172/182...

[egor110]

You aren't going to seat 4 in a mini , tt or clio unless there amputees.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

egor110 said:

You aren't going to seat 4 in a mini , tt or clio unless there amputees.

Or, shock horror, my kids? OMFG, people have children?!

[egor110]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

egor110 said:

You aren't going to seat 4 in a mini , tt or clio unless there amputees.

Or, shock horror, my kids? OMFG, people have children?!

Shock horror , some of us have kids and have owned the cars your thinking about .

Seriously take them along and see how little leg room there going to have .

[s3dave]

stargazer30 said:

You're mixing your drinks a bit here Op.

MX5 and the suggested MR2 are sports cars. Hot hatches are, well, hot hatches. The key difference being the MX5 and certainly the MR2 will spit you off the road backwards if you take the mic and mess up, these cars are all about balance and driving skill. Hot hatches are a lot more forgiving, point them in the direction you wanna go and floor it.

If you wanna go fast - hot hatch. Wanna have fun and become a better driver or die trying - sports car.

Have you never heard of “lift-off oversteer”? Only car I ever wrote-off was a hot hatch.

I drove my sons MX5 Mk1 (coilovers and wider wheels) and I have to say it was great fun, a much better driving experience than a hot hatch. But yes it only has 2 seats (a bit of a disadvantage if you have kids! Or is it? )

[markcoopers]

I had a Mini Cooper S when they first came out, 52 plate I think......it never struck me as fast or fun to be honest, just grippy with a Super charger whine. Sure it has character but I would drive one before you get hooked.....the exceptionally long gearing esp in 3rd was the issue.

MX5 is very hard to ignore. Yes Rust can be an issue, particularly in the 2/2.5 as it is hard to see inside the chassis rails, but there is no denying that they are fun. Again I will not pretend that they are fast, but the corner speed they can generate is quite outstanding (on rack of course), so would suggest you try a few. Mk3 also rust before you think that is the answer, but try a 2.5 sport and perhaps a mk1 (they are the best) as the tuning and learning opportunities are near endless. Abundant spare parts and 2nd hand stuff, and experts all over the country.

Otherwise Clio and TT are good shouts. I had a TT for a short period and again while good to look at a tad dull, while the Clio was a riot but glad it was my brothers and I could give it back after 1hour.......I was tiered driving it by then.