Fun car for short journeys

[Deanolyons]

Hi all

I'm looking for a new car to replace my ignis sport in the near future but I'm stuck on what to look for.

My budget will be around 4k give or take. I only do roughly 6 miles a day to work and back and then the odd miles at weekends when I want to take on b roads and have some fun in my car. So I'm looking for a car which is quite nippy, fun to drive, ideal for short trips, reliable, parts are cheap etc.

I've been looking at Swift Sports, the older Fiesta St's, GTI's, Cooper S's but just can't make my mind up.

Anyone got any suggestions? Or do I just stick with my current motor..

[daddy cool]

MX5, surely?

[AshBurrows]

I have a stupid BMW track car for skidding about and track days etc.
I decided to go for a Clio 197 for a cheap fun daily that can be chucked about and make me smile.
If you're not bothered about FWD I'd say that.

[TurboHatchback]

An open top RWD roadster of some description. My favourite is the Mk3 MR2, if you can fit in one then the MX5 is also fun. They are so much more enjoyable than any hatchback, spec sheet numbers really don't define fun.

[battered]

Damn, beaten to the obvious answer! See also MR2, MGF and change, etc. MGFs are reliable cars now that all survivors have had the inherent faults fixed, buy a good one and you won’t lose anything other than routine servicing and fettling for the MoT.

[Deanolyons]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been looking at roadsters but I think I would rather a hatchback, or a car with atleast 4 seats.

I've been looking at clio 172/182. Is the 197 better to go for?

[stuart_83]

If you can find a 197 where the gearbox had been replaced under warranty then it's a good shout. Otherwise £4k should get you into a very nice 182.

Had 3 x 172/182 in my time, and driven a few 197s. They do feel quite different, so it's probably worth trying both out to see what your preference would be. The 197 is bigger, more spacious, more grown up (and thirstier) whereas the 182 is a little more old skool.

[Martin_Hx]

Civic Type-R (thats not been thrashed or unloved)

- Not biased it all

Used mine daily for 9 years now, commute is about 6-8 miles

[Deanolyons]

Civic type R could be a good shout. Majority I've seen are over 100k miles now but I've heard these engines are bullet proof though if looked after?

[Martin_Hx]

Deanolyons said:

Civic type R could be a good shout. Majority I've seen are over 100k miles now but I've heard these engines are bullet proof though if looked after?

As long as they have been serviced regularly they should be fine, 100k miles or 150k wouldn't bother me, just check the history. There are good ones about between the unloved ones.