Cheap reliable fast cars under 5k Any idea?

[shafty25]

Im fast approching my driving test and im in deep thought about what car i should get... Ive looked around and im thinkin of going for a Toyota mr2 mk3 and of course there are faster options like the TT, but they can be a hell lot to repair. Im 100% not going for the miata since i want something different and either ways the mr2 is faster all along. Ive looked at a Z3 and there are a few but they tend to be slower than the mr2.
theres so many options ive looked at including the newer vw golfs which are standard to see but go much faster than the mr2.There is so much more options i could mention but Im honestly lost for choice and i would really appreciate some help on what car has really good acceleration and has a top speed over 120mph and of course is under 5K. There is some decent ones here and there but there normally not reliable and wouldnt last. cant wait to see your replies thanks

[RazerSauber]

Cheap, fast and reliable.

Choose 2.

If it's your first car, forego fast.

[TurboHatchback]

The facelift MR2 Mk3 is a great car, I would highly recommend one. Mine is still in my top 3 best cars I've ever owned.

However, it's worth bearing in mind that you will probably wrap your first car round a lamp post or a tree at some point, especially if you try and drive it 'fast' and triply so in a mid engined car which has a lovely chassis but when you run out of grip or talent it will not bail you out of the situation. An MR2 is not a car you want to crash in.

[samoht]

Here in the UK, generally insurance on anything fast is very expensive for a new driver. However since you mention the 'Miata' I guess you may be based elsewhere. In any case, I suggest finding out how much a year's insurance will cost on each car before you go and buy one.

Generally I'd look for something turbocharged to get something cheap and fast. Actually many years ago I did import an S13 180SX, with the SR20DET, for £5k and that was cheap, fast and reliable. Those are pricier now, but an old turbo coupe or hot hatch is probably the best bang for buck - but also expensive to insure for a new driver.

To contradict myself, the Nissan 350Z is down around £6k for an early car, and is pretty solid and quick.

But generally your idea of a Mk3 MR2 seems a good one.

[nunpuncher]

I worry about a "what first car" post that uses the word "fast" so often.

[samoht]

nunpuncher said:

I worry about a "what first car" post that uses the word "fast" so often.

I worry about a poster on a forum with the motto "Speed Matters" who can't empathise with a fellow member's need for speed.

[Ian Geary]

Hey, we were all there once.

But unless you're lucky enough to have very wealthy parents, the reality is: the first few cars you get will be cheap, cheerful, and slow.

(But faster than the bus!)

[Wagonwheel555]

As above, pick two.

Fast Reliable Cheap

[ZX10R NIN]

OP are you in the USA?