best performance coupe for 3 grand?
 

One of my mates has 3 grand to spend on a car. He wants a coupe, something quick and in half decent nick (or better, obviously).

I suggested a VW Corrado, Mazda MX6 or an MX5. He is getting rid of his 1.6 Primera so I reckon most things will feel quick!

I also suggested that he could look to get a Classic car as they certainly have more charm than the Ford Probe he was thinking about.

Any other ideas?

Cheers,

Graham

Corrado a good bet.

Also, Rover Tomcat Coupe, Porsche 924/944?, early high miles Puma? Or Nissan 200sx?

MR2, quick, reliable, cheap to buy and very cheap to run - £100 service, 35-45mpg etc etc 0-60 7 secs. 160-180bhp models.

Triumph GT6?

ugh Moggy BGT?

Hmm... having owned a few (relatively) cheap coupes...

Honda CRX 1.6 16V or 1.6 VTEC (the 1998 - 1992 style).
Toyota MR2 (should be able to get a really good Mk1 or a early Mk2)
Mazda MX5 (you'll be struggling to get a 1.8 though)
Fiat Coupe 16V (there are some for £3K, but they are fragile)
Toyota Celica GT4 (last of the pop-up headlights - the performance choice)

Classics...

Triumph GT6 (MkII or MkIII with a 2.0 six-cylinder motor, if I were to choose)
MGB GT (A tidy car can be had for under £2K)
Porsche 924/944

Don't forget the import only Integra Vti either, 1.8Vtec from the 5Dr Civic, 170+bhp, not quite a TypeR but pretty handy anyway. I think you can get them for that money, just.

get a proper motor
 

PORSCHE 944

for 3 grand you could get hold of a 83-87 porsche 944 2.5 non-turbo in fairly good condition from such mags as classic car weekly and classic cars mart. there are always plenty in. they kick out 163 bhp and will easily hit 140.


go on boy, GO GERMAN!!!!

I'll second the 944. It has better handling than many of the other cars mentioned here. Fast(ish), stylish, reliable and has a practical boot!! :)

Mitsubishi Starion Turbo :D

How reliable are cheap 20 year old Porkers?

Toyota Supra 2.5 Twin Turbo JZA70

A Porsche need not be that expensive to own or run, just as logn as you stay away from 911 and 928's.

911's carry far too high a premium and 928's guzzle too much fuel...

A 944 is mechnically a lot simpler (relatively speaking) and the servicing and parts are quite reasonable. Most thigns car be taken care of through a smaller specialist dealer...

Start looking at "911 and Porsche World" and "GT - Pure Porsche" magazines. The classic mags are also a very good bet... The idea is to go for a more common model, don't pay more for a rare option, unless you are prepared to pay extra for model specific parts.

Reliability... solid. Rust proofing is very good adn the engines will run for 250K+ if properly maintained. Servicing documentation is essential, but don;t be put off if it's not a main dealer...

Porsches are a far better 'everyday' driver, with only certain models draining the bank like a Ferrari.

G

Don't forget the braces and paisley tie!

For that money, he could also get an old 200sx. Quick, but imo, not very nice:D
Or, the old Supra. There's a 3L turbo one in a garage near me, for £2k. They're nice looking cars as well.

the 2.5 litre TT Mk3 Supra is far superior than the 3.0 litre one, the 2.5 engine is a smaller version of the Mk4 engine and its more free revving and bulletproof, 3 litre ones suffer blown head gakets very easily, the 2.5 also has electronically adjustable suspension, digi dash...the full lot... stock power is 280bhp stock for the 2.5TT

Sorry. I don't know sh1t about Supras.....It was just one I liked the look of around the corner:D:D

I'll be orf:)

What classics did you have in mind?

thanks for all the suggestions, I'll pass them on to my mate.

I have no idea what car he'll end up with but I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,

Graham

I've had both an MX6 and 200SX in the past. Unsurprisingly the 200SX was much more fun to drive. The MX6 was torque steer central. Utterly reliable though, and the 200SX was not.

I'd go for a 200SX and look forward to damp roundabouts :)

my VR6 Golf at only £2750 ;)

Lexus soarer either in 2.5 twin turbo guise or 4.0 v8 both fast though the 2.5 is quicker loaded with toys and as they are basicly toyota's they never go wrong

Yup you can own a lexus for under 3 grand

P.s
the 2.5 tt soarer is reputedly capable of 170+mph when the jap limiter is removed :eek:

I have a mate at work selling a 928 porker, B reg for around 2900, 90k on the clock and its great fun

Honda Prelude VTEC gotta be..

Jap import - 197bhp out the box, BB4 models are lighter hence 0-60 in mid 6's ..
Quick and 100% reliable!

a mates selling a r reg 406 coupe 2.0, dark met green with nice set of 17s with 115k, mp3 cd, nice motor for about 3k