I'm looking for suggestions for my daily driver but not something too sensible.

I've still got my Subaru but as I spend more time under it than in it I've been using a focus for my everyday runaround for the past 7 years but for the last 6 months I've been using a 106 gti. I had one back in 97 and it was one of the best cars I've owed so when I was looking for a temporary replacement it seemed ideal. Now my 97 one was brand new but this one had ten years, 90k and a few owners under it belt but on the plus side it was cheap and I feel the shape has dated well. Obviously it didn't feel quite so fresh but it still handled like a dream and was still a right giggle to drive. I also found my driving style change from driving miss daisy to something more enthusiastic. In short it made driving fun again.

Anyway, someone offered to buy the 106 off me and without really thinking it through I agreed. This means I'm looking to replace it but with what? Six months ago I'd have went for a focus/golf etc but now I think I'd like to stick with the fun option instead. Ideally it would have ...

Great handling
Reasonable turn of speed
Low depreciation (got what I paid for the 106)
Must seat four
Low tax class as possible

So far I've considered civic type r, dc5, evo 7, cliosport cup, bugeye subaru, cooper s. As for budget I was thinking around £5k but would be happy to go plus or minus £3k for the right car. I figure any more and I'd be at risk of losing a fair bit of cash and as a daily driver it needs to be as cheep to keep as possible.

 

Suzuki Swift Sport - you might be able to find an 06 for £5k.

They are excellent - low cost, cheap to run and a hoot to drive. Brilliant four wheel drifts when you really push them. Seats four in comfort. Oddly spacious inside - moreso than a mini. Much cheaper and very well made. Mine is showing no wear after 10k miles.

 

Ford SportKa.

 

I really love my 172 clio cup, cant knock it. If its fun your after it takes all the good points of something like the 106gti and just grows them up a bit more. Light no nonsense fun! Easy right foot 70-80mph motorway cruise will return 40 - 45mpg.

 

I'd sell you my bugeye mate, but next year all 2001-2006 scoobs with be over £400 road tax....that'll be that option out your list then.




Sorry guys, but i wouldn't touch a Renault. 9 times out of 10 it's a Renault i recover.

 

I would go with a 172 in cup or standard guise

 

Are they that bad Dave? What are the usual failures?

As for the tax - I've been looking at X or Y plate bugeyes or evo's, either that or jdm ones with a plg tax group.

 

172 Cup I'd say too lol... not that I'm biased or anything :P

Not as unreliable as folk make out, mine's never broken down in 3-4 years

 

172 cup is winning, welcome to the fold...

 

Renault electrics are v. poor. Immobilisers etc....Renault service is one of the worst to deal with too.

You'll always get good ones, but a mate has had a couple electrical issues, water coming in the passenger footwell and is considering selling it after 8 months.

 

Would disagree.

I went from 106GTI to Clio 172 MK2. Worst mistake I ever made.

Apart from the shocking build quality issues I had. Apart from the shocking aftersales service I got. The car was such a let down over the 106.

Where the 106 would 4 wheel drift, the Clio just understeered. I found the engine rather lackluster, and even though it was faster in a straight line over the 106, the GTI was far quicker (in my hands anyway) on twisty roads. I just never clicked with it. Couldn't wait to get rid

I'd like to try a Trophy, just to see if that improves the Clio over the 172, but would I own a 172 again? No. If I could find a mint 106GTI though. I'd very much consider buying it. The 106GTI is the most fun car I've ever owned.

EDIT:
I really like the Suzuki Swift Sport. Would love a go in one.

 

Citroen C2 GT or a VTS, had my GT 2 years and still love its go-kart like handling, 40mpg, group 5 insurance. IMO just as much fun as my old scoob, without the running costs.

 

You know what I'm gonna suggest... but find one with a GTi-6 or Mi16 conversion for sub 900kg 160bhp+ fun

Won't lose anything on it either

 

Thanks for the feedback guys.

So it seems the most fun can be had from a french hatchback. No comments on the jap suggestions?

 

Glanza turbo.

 

In my experience, when they do go wrong, they are cheaper to buy parts for than Jap hatches and you can take one apart with a junior socket set

 

Another vote for the Suzuki Swift Sport - one of the few cars I've owned and moved on from that I'd quite happily have another one of.

Deacon