Cheap and cheerful weekend car wanted

[Andybtsn]

Hi guys,

It's been a while since posting in Motors. Ever since buying a house ad starting a family my interest in Motors deteriorated somewhat, it might have something to do with driving an 07 Focus for the past 2 years

Anyway, I'm looking for a weekend car for the summer, something relatively quick and fun, back seats are preferred and around the £3k mark.

I was thinking something like an MX5? I take it RX8's are prone to failure? I wouldn't mind a hot hatch neither.

What would you recommend?

Thanks

 

[numatic.nathan]

Get an older MX5, nice cars and really cheap insurance if you can get it on classic!

 

[Housey]

Well the MX-5 has no back seats so that's out then, but great fun if all you want is the odd blat cross country, though they are not quick, but then that really isnt the point of them. Errrr, that's me out of ideas then

 

[Andybtsn]

Yeah, no idea why I thought they had back seats, I'm pretty sure my wife would be miffed if I came home with a car that the child couldn't get in

 

[Maccapacca]

This looks immaculate

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classi.../page/1/radius/1501/postcode/cr01ty?logcode=p

That's a nicer spec

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classi.../page/1/radius/1501/postcode/cr01ty?logcode=p

 

[khevolution]

i've also been looking through the ad's for a MX-5 and been to look at a few, but the lack of rear seats is the only thing that holds me back. but can't think of a car that is as fun, cheap, chuckable, but has 4 doors

 

[LizardKing]

So much choice for 3k
Are you after a fast car or more of a back road blaster?

Fast (running costs aside) - 3000gt, Fiat Coupe, 300zx
Back road - Teg?

RX-7's dont always have rear seats as it was an option and i'm not sure you would want a 3k one

 

[Andybtsn]

I actually meant an RX8, edited it now.

Ideally after something that I could blast round country roads, doesn't necessarily have to be that quick.

The Saab's, I've never been a great admirer of the older models, good spec though.

 

[daveski]

Clio 172 / 182

Slightly older but 306 GTI6? (Would give you a lot of change from £3k)

 

[Peerzy]

This looks immaculate

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classi.../page/1/radius/1501/postcode/cr01ty?logcode=p

That's a nicer spec

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classi.../page/1/radius/1501/postcode/cr01ty?logcode=p

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but I'd could a Saab 9-3 as more of a rep mobile than a weekend car

£3k probably gets you a decent Clio 1x2 or a touch and go Civic Type R. Both have back seats, drive well and all things considered are pretty cheap to deal with.

 

[GinG]

Pulsar Gti-R...you know you want to!

 

[233]

Accord Type R

 

[Frozennova]

200SX they just about have back seats, enough for a little one to fit.

 

[Janesy B]

Is there really such thing as a cheap and cheerful hot hatch?

 

[Joe T]

Is there really such thing as a cheap and cheerful hot hatch?

Clio 172/182 maybe?

 

[Andybtsn]

Is there really such thing as a cheap and cheerful hot hatch?

Yeah. Nothing constructive to add though, please keep out of the thread

 

[Andybtsn]

Pulsar Gti-R...you know you want to!

Not going there again Money pit.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, food for thought.

I take it the RX8 is a no no? Bad MPG and unreliable motor? Such a shame as I love the looks.

 

[Janesy B]

Clio 172/182 maybe?

Yeah. Nothing constructive to add though, please keep out of the thread

You're okay thanks. I don't think anything hot is remotely cheap to run, look at SS and his 182, he's spent thousands on it and everyday costs far exceed that of a normal Clio.

 

[Zefan]

For that money either a 200sx, CTR or try to find a bargainous ITR.

I take it the RX8 is a no no? Bad MPG and unreliable motor? Such a shame as I love the looks.

I think of RX8s like this - they are cheap to buy but it's very likely going to cost you a hell of a lot more to run/fix than other cars, therefore the actual "cost" of buying one is in fact thousands more than the purchase price.

 

[Andybtsn]

I'm not fussed much about the costs for running it, buying something cheap I'm prepared for the MOT/Running costs (within reason), obviously if it's going to break down every 5 minutes then I wouldn't look at it. Pulsar GTi-R for example cost me an arm and leg to run.