So, something sporty looking for £2.5K.

 

A Celica 1.8 VVTi or similar.

The newer MR2

 

Or more reserved looking...

Audi A3 1.8T

 

Or if looks aren't that important (though they look pretty OK to me...)

Subaru Impreza Turbo (could have a certain classic charm). Or the newer WRX. Just avoid the horrid "bugeye" variant.

So, for similar money, what can be had?  He needs a minimum of 4 seats to transport their children, he does low miles and wants something reasonably quick.  The budget it a max of £2.5k.

Renault Clio 182? Nicely equipped (climate control, cruise control, xenons etc), good turn of pace and praised by pretty much every journalist ever for handling.

Where's Tipton?

 

You don't ever, EVER want to know.

  If it were me then I'd be looking at either Big Jase's suggestion or the Pug that sparks03 found.  Mind you, reliability is needed so maybe the 306 is a bit of a wild card despite it being a well known drivers car.  Quick too if I remember rightly.

 

 

 

 The 306 was just on the right side of the Pug meltdown but i'd still be careful. I used to have a thrash in my mate's GTI6 on occasion and it was sublime to drive though the gearbox could be a bit notchy if you hurried it.

Legnum vr4?

I'd have suggested an MX5 for cheap fun if you don't need 4 seats.

Legnum vr4?

 

I looked at these before I got the VXR.  They've been on my list of cars to have for ages but whenever I've looked for one they are poor examples.  I'm not sure they'd be on his list though, we have differing tastes.

 

I'd have suggested an MX5 for cheap fun if you don't need 4 seats.

 

I keep thinking of these too but have to remind myself that they don't have enough seats.  Shame really as they tick all the other boxes very well, especially in terms of reliability & fun.

 

I've no doubt that if his mind is made up then he'll get a Mazda, despite what the internet & forums say.  I'll keep you posted on any developments.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1031710&mid=0&i=0&nmt=What+are+your+cheap+fun+cars%3F&mid=0

 

Pretty much the same conversation form 3yr ago with many of the same suggestions. A few more outsiders though.

Thats fair enough, I was just thinking of cars that I always liked the look off, and yeh to find a good one is rare, there is only one around the internet at the moment, 2600 for a 5 speed manual, looks tidy though, how about a W8 Passat?

Oooo! Now there's a rare car.  Makes my average MPG look positively environmentally friendly!

lol yup, but quite a cool understated car, must say I appreciate the Vectra VXR, also like the insignia VXR as well, to be honest any fast estate

A fella I know picked up an RX8 a couple of years back for next to nothing, with only 40k on the clock too. Seem to think his was quite a big engine, 2 litre perhaps? Anyhow it used to go like stink, but swallowed (in large mouthfuls) fuel and oil.

JRJG

A fella I know picked up an RX8 a couple of years back for next to nothing, with only 40k on the clock too. Seem to think his was quite a big engine, 2 litre perhaps? Anyhow it used to go like stink, but swallowed (in large mouthfuls) fuel and oil.

JRJG

They're all 1.3 engined just one produces about 210bhp+ the smaller is a 190bhp

They're all 1.3 engined just one produces about 210bhp+ the smaller is a 190bhp

 

Another excellent subject.... The volume "equivalence" of rotary engines. ISTR you multiply the swept volume by 1.3 or 1.6 ... Because it's a triangle, it combusts more often.

They're all 1.3 engined just one produces about 210bhp+ the smaller is a 190bhp

The bigger of the two numbers above then

190/210 from a 1.3 engine, good grief. No wonder they drink fuel for fun.

JRJG