MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Wife looking at getting the above, though in truth it's me that's after the sporty bit.
Front runner is a Smart Brabus Forfour, had one before and they look good, are fast, cheap to run, and interior is better than anything else close in price.
Cooper S, had a couple years ago and they're great fun, could get either a Works or a Convertible, either of which would be nice. But they are pretty thirsty in supercharged guise.
Clio 197, love the looks but would buy with around 50k miles and I'd be worried about build quality and longevity.
Civic Type-R, had a few type r's over the years and they are great cars but it would be a bit over budget and I'm getting to old to have to rev the hell out of it to have fun in it, though they're great when in the mood.
Not after a diesel as I already have one so VRs is out.
What else should I be looking at...?
I know its a diesel, but I really like my A3 TDI Quattro Sport.
Mateys got a 2 ltr skoda (fabia??) - rally driver for years and really rates it as a quick roadcar, even with the wife & 2 kids aboard ...
Might get close to a 147 GTA for that if you really want to scare yourself 🙂
Renault Megane 225 should be available for about that much.
Not the best hatchback in terms of boot space.
Might get a Leon FR or cheap Golf GTI in budget?
Leon FR's will be down around 5K now (the one based on the Mk5 Golf Gti)
Older shape Civic TypeR would be my choice but you would need to be careful as a lot will have been thrashed
Why not a Ibiza FR?
Ibiza FR should easily come in on budget...although saying that, so should the Cupra and that's got the 180 BHP version of the 1.8 in it.
Interior nothing to write home about...
Alfa GT or (early) Brera?
well specced mini one convertible chipped to cooper spec, cheap to run and insure with chip declared (adrian flux) nd great fun in the sun. I really miss ours 🙁
If you like the Brabus ForFour, what about the Mitsubishi Colt RalliArt. 1.5 turbo engine and handles like a go-kart!! Sister has one and it's ridiculous fun and very practical. Or a standard turbo (no bodykit) for a stealth look?
Runs on the same chassis, suspension and engine as the Smart, just a different body and interior. Cheaper on insurance too.
Should get a mint Clio Williams for that money
Don't be out off by the only 150bhp they fly and
Fiat Barchetta
Civic Type R will be quite uncomfortable though, if it's the wife's who's mainly driving it, cause of the suspension.
Focus Mk1 ST170? Late Clio 182? As you say, build quality perhaps not the best, but a great little car.
Ibiza would sound like a sensible option from those listed above, but I can't comment on the Smart as I've never driven one.
orangeboy - Member
Should get a mint Clio Williams for that money
not exactly something to use as an everyday car though, more for folk that are happy to tinker a lot
Late Clio 182? As you say, build quality perhaps not the best, but a great little car
£5k would buy you a mint Trophy with change left over. 197 might be a good compromise as it's a lot more grown-up than a 1*2, £5k would only get an early one though.
If you've only got £5K to spend, my honest advice would be to forget about anything sporty.
+ 1 for the 147 GTA, epic car with the best sounding engine ever!
If you've only got £5K to spend, my honest advice would be to forget about anything sporty
Why?
If you've only got £5K to spend, my honest advice would be to forget about anything sporty.
The "sporty" cars i've bought from people on pistonheads have been some of the best maintained and reliable cars I've owned because they are often owned by people who really like cars. Trying find non-sporty 1.6 Ford Focus or something with a similar service history and an enthusiastic owner is a lot more tricky.
I still regret not buying Lee Muff's V6 Mondy 🙁
Just bought (1 hour ago) an Astra SRI Turbo, 2.0t, 50k, fsh, exterior pack, very good condition..., bang on your price. It looks amazing.
Every car I have bought in the last two years (4!) has been under 5k, hot hatch, and in very good condition.
My Clio was a lot more reliable and easier to live with than
the Audi a4 estate that I replaced it with.
Tyres did not seem to last to long on the Clio though
IIRC the smart 4four is based on the Mitsi Colt. In fact TG reckoned that the Colt was better value and nicerer.
MMMmmm Alfa 147GTA does indeed sound VERY nice.
how about this?
Newshape Leon 2.0tfsi
Toyota celica T-Sport 190? Coupe, but still sprt of a hatchback! Cheap as chips for what they are and they still look fresh.
Megane 225 is in budget but having had one of those and an R26 230 I'd be trying to find another grand for a decent r26.
maybe a bit small
lupo gti
intresting
skoda fabia vrs
mitsihbusi Colt CZT