Suggestions - Cheap - Fun - Can be fixed with a hammer.

sigma said:
I'd imagine classic Minis aren't cheap.
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vanpeebles said:
I reckon you could get a resonable for 3k
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Nasher said:
You might get a classic Mini which needs work for that, but good ones are going up and up in value.
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They aren't cheap, when I last had one (getting on for ~13years ago) £1500 bought a good one - £3k is pretty much bottom of the barrel these days for classic minis, so unless you're handy with a welder to treat the inevitable rust they're pretty much a non starter.

Certainly a car that was easy to fix though (even I managed a lot of jobs with a haynes manual!), and honestly don't think you can find a more fun car to drive (or even own, with the amount of mini shows/clubs, and the "mini wave" that most owners do to other owners).

Would have one again in a heartbeat if I had a garage to put it in, and could justify the cost of keeping the rust at bay.
 
Actually, Mk3 MR2 with a 2ZZ would be a superb shout. You won't get a more entertaining or capable car (handling-wise) for the money. Was one on eBay that didn't sell for £3k recently...
 
I would be looking at an MR2 I have owned a mk1, mk2 and have driven a mk3 all very good shout very reliable. An MX-5 is also a good idea in this price bracket, Civic type R are now is this area too. The Mini cooper S with an R53 is great little car, my friend brought one for the same reason you are considering. But it only lasted 6 weeks, due oil finding its way into the water, something to do with the oil cooler, he traded it in quickly.
 
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£3K and didn't really care too much about it, I'd get an Impreza of some sort. Sounds cool, IMO, decent pace and hardly star ship complexity. If I can take one apart than anyone can.
 
Marmite car, depends if you like them or not but bargain buys.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-C30-T5-Sport-SE/292488733375?hash=item4419afe2bf:g:Ek4AAOSwhWRarpjB

Same engine as Focus ST/RS so lots of tuning potential/nice sound, good chassis, lots a kit for the money.

Failing that, I don't think you'll do much better than a Clio 182 or even a 197 if you can get one within that price. The 197 has one of the best hot hatch chassis out there for chucking around, they're so much fun!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-REN...341088?hash=item362e60f8e0:g:XW0AAOSwGvBagyl7

BMW 330CI? Though like the MX-5's they'll all be rust buckets by now...

Could haggle any of the above down to around £3k probably...

EDIT - Just seen the 'fixed with a hammer' part, the T5 is a good engine so won't need much, lots of electronics in them though. The Clio will be awful to repair, my girlfriend has the 1.4 version (mk3) and you can just about change a light bulb without dropping a bumper. Would hate to do anything else on it!
 
Funky-Melon said:
Marmite car, depends if you like them or not but bargain buys.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-C30-T5-Sport-SE/292488733375?hash=item4419afe2bf:g:Ek4AAOSwhWRarpjB

Same engine as Focus ST/RS so lots of tuning potential/nice sound, good chassis, lots a kit for the money.

Failing that, I don't think you'll do much better than a Clio 182 or even a 197 if you can get one within that price. The 197 has one of the best hot hatch chassis out there for chucking around, they're so much fun!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-REN...341088?hash=item362e60f8e0:g:XW0AAOSwGvBagyl7

BMW 330CI? Though like the MX-5's they'll all be rust buckets by now...

Could haggle any of the above down to around £3k probably...

EDIT - Just seen the 'fixed with a hammer' part, the T5 is a good engine so won't need much, lots of electronics in them though. The Clio will be awful to repair, my girlfriend has the 1.4 version (mk3) and you can just about change a light bulb without dropping a bumper. Would hate to do anything else on it!
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What with most French cars being built like utter bobbins, what are the higher mileage Clios like, bit of a gamble?
 
Telecaster said:
What with most French cars being built like utter bobbins, what are the higher mileage Clios like, bit of a gamble?
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The MK3 mechanically at least, is pretty good on reliability. It's got one of the tightest engine bay's I've ever seen though. Renault actually advise dropping the front bumper to replace a headlight bulb. Ridiculous given in France you need to legally carry a bulb set on you at all times!

Nice little car though, hers is on 97k, immaculate inside and out, even underneath was very clean. Few electrical gremlins but all easy fixes. I've driven it a few times and even her basic no-sport setup handles really well.
 
Triumph Spitfire.

even good ones Still quite cheap, parts readily available, great fun. Still turns heads.

Fun to drive since even 40 feels like Mach 3

Very easy to maintain (Even clutch replacement done through floor rather than from underneath)

Downside. Lethal rear suspension (Transverse leaf, though I believe there are mods available to make them safer) Zero survivability in an accident (Will fold up like a book with the occupants in the middle)
 
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