Cheap hot hatches, Clio 172?

Mr_Sukebe

Mr_Sukebe

Mr_Sukebe

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We've sorted out our primary car, so I'm now considering a second vehicle which would be for short distance commuting and be some fun.

The criteria are 4 seats (thus ruling out an MX5), lightweight, reliable and fun. Doesn't need to be amazingly quick. What I'm not interested in are turbo rally specials. In addition, I don't have the facilities or motivation to spend a lot of time on repairs and similar, which I'm guessing elinates most of the 80s hot hatches due to issues like rust. Lastly, I'd rather avoid imports.

The obvious car that pops to mind is the Clio 172, which seems to fit the bill, particularly so as according to Parkers, it only weighs 1030kg. I remember driving a CTR, but am conscious that they start at around £1k more.
Is there anything else worth considering?
 
I think it will be the 172 Cup that weights in at 1030kg the normal Ph2 172 is over 1100kg. Only other thoughts off the top of my head are Focus ST170 and 306 GTI-6.
 
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For some reason a 206 GTi 180 popped into my head. Then I remember I owned a 206 GTi (138) for a couple of years.

Not worth considering them against 172/CTR
 
Witor said:
For some reason a 206 GTi 180 popped into my head. Then I remember I owned a 206 GTi (138) for a couple of years.

Not worth considering them against 172/CTR
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And also not cheap for what they are... :p
 
A friend of mine has a 182, a fun drive and a very torquee engine.

He had a 172 prior to this. For a fun pocket rocket, my opinion is the Renault peeps got it right. I dont like Renaults but can refuse them this one. Great little cars.

I still perfer my mx-5, can the boot not count as a rear seat:p
 
With 172s, if you're after lightweight then either a phase 2 Cup, or a phase 1 would be the way forward. Excellent cars for the money, though if you want to avoid bills you'd want to get one with an SS exhaust or one that has had it's exhaust replaced recently as they are prone to failure. At £300 for a replacement factory item they aren't cheap either. Plus they need a cambelt service (£600+) every 5 years so if you were to get one, make sure it wasn't due one soon.

Defcon5 said:
VTS/106 GTI if you want to go a bit cheaper
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There's a reason they're that bit cheaper though. Cramped cabin compared to the 172 and quite a bit slower.
 
DC2 is not a car to 'drive to the shops' etc in. Also, neither are they cheap to purchase (considering their age) or fix.

172/182/106GTI/VTS is perfect, stick with this route.
 
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fonzee said:
DC2 is not a car to 'drive to the shops' etc in. Also, neither are they cheap to purchase (considering their age) or fix.

172/182/106GTI/VTS is perfect, stick with this route.
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You would seriously have a 106GTi over a ITR just because it's older?

The criteria didn't mention anything about comfort or nipping to the shops either!
 
you realise a teg is practically a road legal race car?

hardly something for popping to work or the shops in.. i.e. short distance drive
 
fonzee said:
you realise a teg is practically a road legal race car?

hardly something for popping to work or the shops in.. i.e. short distance drive
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Yep, I've had some experience in them before and they certainly aren't what I would class as a road legal race car, yes it's tough but it's certainly bearable and let's face it, when this is supposed to be a second car comfort is unlikely going to be at the top of the priority. I'm not saying the 106 is a bad car either, I personally love them however when they are similar age and levels of comfort I would find it hard to pick the 106 over the ITR if I had the cash available!

You also keep mentioning short trips to the shops, where did the OP state that criteria? I'm sure he has his daily for that.
 
he said in the OP it would be for short distance work...

OP, join itr-dc2, research them, take one out etc, see how you get on/if its for you. be aware there are many ropey ones about.

a nice 172/106GTI would be several thousand cheaper and arguably as fun. for the VFM alone they are worth considering.

Joshy, yes, yes they are ;) from day one this was Hondas intentions... dont believe me? do some research :p
 
What are the typical running costs on the 172?
Got rid of the GTV last month and really don't know what to get, cheapish hot hatch is an appealing idea.

Have been looking at some of the buyers guides around today & the owners forum (biased as they may be).
I quite like the looks of the Ph1 172 and it sounds like a laugh.
 
Mr_Sukebe said:
I have to say that an ITR is a very interesting proposition as a 2nd fun car. Let me go register on the DC2 forum to investigate some more. Thanks.
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ITR, don't buy the common mundane vavavoomless French crap :D

I Could always pop round to scare you as I'l be picking mine up in a week or so and driving up Surrey way :)

On itr-dc2 pop into the resource section, lots of info on there, then havea browse of some youtube videos just to see what they sound like and look like on the road.
 
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