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We bought a mk1 MX5 to tour Europe in. Never did the Euro trip in the end but god we loved that car and would have another in a heartbeat (in fact we did, we had 2 more but then kids came along etc etc).
Other than that though, I'd reccommend Binners suggestion of a 6N2 Polo GTI. After figuring out a child seat friendly replacement for our last MX5 that the wife could use to bimble about in, the Polo came out top of the list. Decent boot (could fit our massive buggy in etc) and for £2k 4 years ago we got one with the optional full heated leather interior etc. Only thing to watch for are pedal boxes and gearboxes but most will have been sorted now and they're such good fun to drive. Ours was lowered on adjustable coilovers etc and was like a go-kart.... I'd have another one of those in a heartbeat too...
Not that i'm biased or anything but what about a VW Corrado, MK2 Scirocco or a MK2 Golf?, for under £2K you should be able to find something that is reliable and on the plus side if anything does go wrong with it then it'll be a cheap repair.
As a Corrado VR6 owner, I'd say that while they're a great car, I wouldn't be counting on cheap repairs, certainly not with the VR6 anyway. Maybe a 2.0 16v or an 8v if you can find one.
Fill yer boots 🙂
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Fuego-1-6-GTS-/331166654231?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d1b121f17
I got driven to the south of France in one of these when I was 12. Was an experience.
Apparently there are only three still taxed in the UK.
Thoughts on Escort xr3i (a solid one) ?
Volvo C70
In fact no wait - I want that one...
Fiat Coupe fits the bill, surprisingly reliable, surprisingly practical, 220bhp, fastest FWD production car for many years after launch, gorgeous Italian styling, amazing interior, bags of character etc. Or what about a Volvo 850 T5, not quite as fast as the Fiat but also has a creamy 5 Cylinder engine, built like a breeze block, a bit more practicality if you get the estate. The police used them for a reason. Hardy ever see either of these on the road any more - becoming rare as hens teeth. Both should be around 2k for a good average example. Both are now on the verge of Classic car status and values should start going up soon.
Blimey, this thread brings back some memories. Renault 5 Monaco was a brilliant car. I remember caining one round the highlands when I was 17. Full leather, very quick - but brown. Good left field choice. I'd have to say +1 for the Puma though. I've had and driven lots of quick little cars over the years but nothing ever put a smile on my face like my Puma. Who cares if it looks a bit girlie when it that much fun.
Worth a cheeky bid on a MK2 RS Turbo? Currently sat at £2k, but can't see it staying there tbh...
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After a bit of thought, for me it would have to be an Audi TT
A lot of the cars mentioned on this thread are already on the up. 10 years ago I had 2 Mk2 Golf GTI, one bought for £600, the other for £150. You can't really find many at that money now.
I think the SAAB c900 boat has sailed too. The one to have is the full fat T16 aero.
And tidy RS Turbos aren't at all cheap to pick up.
I'd suggest the Fiat coupe turbo and the Barchetta as cars where the value will start rising soon.
The way to do it is to buy cars that were desirable new, and buy the one that people promised themselves. The turbo, the GTI etc. Don't buy any cooking models.
Mmmmmmm XR3i... if you can get a nice one for that money... yeah..that's my choice.
Fill yer bootshttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Fuego-1-6-GTS-/331166654231?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4d1b121f17
I got driven to the south of France in one of these when I was 12. Was an experience.
Apparently there are only three still taxed in the UK.
Ahhh, that brings back memories of my first ever job - between 6th year and uni - worked for the local Renault franchise and sold one of these one lunchtime when no one else was available to talk to the guy - couldn't believe the commission when it came :). Happy days.
not sure what that adds to the thread tho 😉
TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR - Member
Worth a cheeky bid on a MK2 RS Turbo? Currently sat at £2k, but can't see it staying there tbh...
That's a Mk3, surely?
the-muffin-man - Member
Celica? Or is that too modern...
Loads for under 2k
I love my celica, a good post 2003 one is extremely reliable. You can get a 190bhp model for around £2.5k if you look around. Loads for under £2k in 140bhp guise.
I like the fiat coupe idea!
Mk1 MX5 for sure - love mine 🙂
AlexSimon - MemberYes, puma is lovely, one of the best compromise cars ever.
i.e. combination of price/economy/room/handling/speed/etc.Absolutely loved mine - took it for 2 weeks in south of france and italy, then children came and I moved to a focus. Complete bag of rubbish compared. Couldn't believe people raved about the handling of the focus!
Last time I looked, you could still find 1-owner versions around what looked reasonably un-ragged.
Maybe the Focus had the OAP suspension spec or worn bushings or something. I've owned both and the Focus was just as good, maybe even better to my mind they only lose out a bit as they're more refined so lack character in a way. Certainly not worse anyway.
OAP suspension spec
If there was one, you might be right - that's exactly how I would describe it 🙂
Celica +1
Whatever you get make sure to keep it completely original with original parts and do not fit aftermarket stuff even if they are better. It will be worth more in original form in years to come.
Posted 1 hour ago # Report-Post mogrim - MemberThat's a Mk3, surely?
MkIV Escort Series II RS Turbo, I love them, wouldn't recommend one for touring Europe in though.
My vote would go to a Puma, such fun things to drive!
my heart whats that Alfa - but my head says that Merc CaptainFlashHeart stated.
momo - Member
Posted 1 hour ago # Report-Post mogrim - Member
That's a Mk3, surely?MkIV Escort Series II RS Turb
I stand corrected - knew it wasn't a Mk2 though!
This has future classic written all over it 🙂
Designed by Chris Bangle.
Coachbuilt by Pininfarina (not Fiat).
Fairly rare car even when in production.
5 Cylinder Turbocharged Engine.
Great owners club over at FCCUK for buying advice.
Values now as low as they will ever be.
Perfect as a powerful mile munching car for touring Europe.
Very reliable if looked after properly.
Cheap servicing at knowledgeable, specialist garages.
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I stand corrected - knew it wasn't a Mk2 though!
So did I - shoulda said series 2 😉
Celica? Or is that too modern...
Did they do a GT4 in that new shape? That'd be awesome.
Another vote for MX5 though, so much fun and cheap with it.
I had a Celica GT4 back in the day when Carlos Seinz used to chuck them around the hills and dales.
It was monster quick, 4WD, with a hatch. However it wasn't that big inside but I'd get my Klein Attitude in it with the front wheel off so not too bad I guess..(rear seat flat)
Best thing about it though?
It had Carlos Seinz written down the door sill on it.
Awesomnez.
Can you still get them?
What about a Corolla GTI from the same era?
@bikebouy - aye that was a frikin awesome and underrated car....
there were some imports that had automatic water cooling spray system
a decent BOV and exhaust and it rocked
This thread is dangerous
I'm off to look at this later this evening.
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[url= http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C483882 ]GT4 carlos sainz[/url]
[url= http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C415730 ]modern celica equivalent (well as good as it gets with the modern ones)[/url]
[url= http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C474456 ]an actual rally version![/url]
We have a mk 2.5 MX-5 bought new in 2001 for our honeymoon. Great fun and got to the south of Spain in it.
A while later I wanted a fun hatchback. Tried the Celica which looks good, but drives like an Astra. A real disappointment.
Bought a Mini Cooper, which even in non-super/turbo charged guise was a great car to drive. Needed the Cooper S suspension (but that was a cheap option). The Mini was very different to the MX-5, but equally fun.
Mini gone now, but the MX-5 is for keeping.