Jamz3k

Been trawling pistonheads lately as i'm tempted in changing my car as the Alfa is starting to show its age. The problem is i've on a very tight budget between 3.5/4k max. Size isn't an issue as i have no kids etc but I do around 220miles a week so fuel is an issue.

As long as its comfy and is fun to drive, i'm all ears....oh and if its fast thats a plus point.

On a side note, my friend just bought an S3, very swift, very good fit and finish but my car is more fun over the same stretch of road i tested on it, so i think any sort of VAG is out if the best hothatch they make didn't tickle me.

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Mazda MX5

Jamz3k

I love the idea, a good mate has taken me out quite a few times in his turbo'd 1.6 Eunos quite a few times and its brilliant but i don't know if a soft-top in Norn Iron as a daily driver is such a good idea.

Jamz3k

No takers on ideas then?

skidlebop

clio sport

Matteeboy

Focus ST170 might be doable.
Ford Racing Puma or good 1.7 Puma
Nissan 200SX
mk2 Golf Gti with an engine swap (G60 or VR6)
BMW 325ti compact

Will keep thinking...

corradoboy

Leon FR TDi
Ibiza PD160
Fabia vRS

All easily map'd to silly torque and good power, and all hit 50+mpg.

corradoboy

Leon FR TDi
Ibiza PD160
Fabia vRS

All easily map'd to silly torque and good power, and all hit 50+mpg.

Mogsmex

Ford racing Puma,

better then cash in the bank, exclusive, will out handle almost everything, great noise, very very pretty and reasonble on fuel

that or an Impreza I do 300 miles a week in mine and find it fine

sonu

suzuki swift sport

Steve vRS

The Racing Puma does have a few potential costs though...

The bodywork is rust prone and expensive to fix. The Alcon brakes are maintenance intensive requiring full overhauls.

They are nice and look the business.

They handle well but are not fast in a straight line by modern standards.

Another option would be an Integra Type R.

Steve

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

If you can find a good one - how about a 106 Rallye

RB5 Boyo

I bought Honda Accord Type R a month ago as my daily driver....less than £4k, 220bhp, solid VTEC engine that roars from 5800rpm to 8000rpm standard, comfy as hell and well spec'd with aircon, HID headlights and full Recaro interior as standard

I love mine to bits and have just refurbished the wheels and am in the proccess of getting it lowered to make it look a little better and will maybe fit an exhaust to hear the VTEC a bit more

Great all rounder and well worth the money

mr_D

iTrader: (12)

i second the ibiza.

my last car was ibiza cupra mk3. running 230 bhp and i got 53 mpg on a trip to gastwick and back. (obviously i was just cruising at 70)

Jamz3k

didn't think the Accord Type R's where that cheap now! A friend has had one and it defo impressed me, good cabin and the VtAK was pretty slick!

What sort of MPG are you getting and how it compare to the Impreza?

Jamz3k

Haven't driven any Seat but based on the Audi's and VW Golf I have driven, I just didn't find them at all involving but rather slightly dull. My car gives me serious grin factor when you hit the back roads and i don't want to lose that.

dpb

xsara vts or r ...!

mr_D

iTrader: (12)

you have to try the ibiza with its mods. can pick one up for that price. or atleast test drive one that has a nice suspension set up and you will definately be suprised by how they handle

dave247

Golf VR6

StickyMicky

Low miles, looks well looked after (although i dont like the red thing on the wheels) pocket money price, awesome handling and you will probably average about 28mpg

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1687917.htm

Spend the rest of your spare money on beer/hookers.

GlesgaKiss

If you want fun I'd say a clio. Maybe not the most reliable though?

dpb

Its a bit incomprehensible to me

...you kiddies dont really know the meaning of reliabilty/unreliablity , compared with those of us that were around in the 70s and 80s !

Cunaide

peugeot 306 gti6 lots of fun

mattvortex

The chaps budget 3.5/4k- Puma Racing above that unless a dog. Also gutless in straight line unless caning it to death( yes , i have driven one)

Mogsmex

fraid I disagree completely, I had one when it was new, and had another for the last 3 years or so, only selling it to get my Impreza, I paid 3800 for the last one and it was lovely but high mileage, I did sell it for 5500 but they are out there, and there good as gold on the track even in a straight line, no there not silly quick but thats not the point, going round cars on the outside of bends is

clip here of my mate in his at the ring on his first trip 9 min 23

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nayXh48k2QY


were off again on Friday cant wait

RB5 Boyo

Getting about 250 miles to a tank of mixed driving, thats about £70 petrol, handles really well for a front wheel drive, surprisngly well in fact, and has an LSD as standard

Its in a different league than the Impreza however, yeah its quick enough in the VTEC (5800rpm to 8000rpm) but you get caught out very quickly in the wrong gear out of the VTEC range and if it happens you're goosed, and usually red faced lol You always have to keep it way up the revs if your looking to get past anything fast

Would be nice with turbo bolted on for the fun of it....boost at 3000rpm and then the VTEC at 5800rpm....brilliant