Recommendation (handling)

Xsara VTS strip it, just under a tonne is possible. If your not bothered about it looking a bit shabby then you could probably get a decent one for 750. Modernish, very good handling (same as 306gti6, very similar to a 205), 167bhp reliable horses, decent standard brakes etc. Leaving you money for some sticky tyres, race pads and perhaps some bilstein shocks?
 
Ill have to have a look into an older 106 / saxo as well then. I did hear that the clios were terrible with arch rust!
 
As has been said above I don't think you will find better, based on your requirements than a 106 GTi if you can get a standard one in clean condition. Very nippy little things and great fun if somewhat snappy when really pushed but if you raced Mini's you'll appreciate the sharpness of the chassis in the Pug. Power off oversteer in buckets!
 
Of course if you want REALLY sharp get a Rally, though a good one is hard to find and more than £1500. Not very rapid but fantastic fun on the right roads, which are not between islands on a dual carriageway.
 
Clio 16v would be very good. I have one :p. But yes thier arch rust is terrible.
You can easily find one for £1100-1200. With no arch rust and most probably a few mods fitted.
 
Just spent an hour reading about 106 / saxo. Sounds spot on! Though, I prefer that the older clio looks more dated, almost like a wolf in sheeps clothing. I also found a new car, a polo g40. Meant to be pretty good; hadnt even heard of them till just now. Are they better than a golf mk2? Look V similar
 
You could pick up an MG ZS180 for around £1500 - another car labelled as one of the best handling FWD cars ever - plus you have the benefit of a beautiful sound track that comes with teh 180BHP 2.5 V6.
 
Polo g40, are alright. very basic interior. Not that great handling compared with clio, 205, 106 etc
The supercharger on them need to serviced and cared a lot. Its the main big problem on the g40.
The polo is smaller than a golf so not as practical. I would go for a golf any day but there again the golf mk2 compared to cars that have been stated isnt the greatest if you want handling.
 
Tobias said:
Just spent an hour reading about 106 / saxo. Sounds spot on! Though, I prefer that the older clio looks more dated, almost like a wolf in sheeps clothing.
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What you want then is a series one 106 xsi/rallye with a 16v engine in then. Seen plenty of xsi's especially go for 1200-1500 for a nice one. They are about 100 kilo lighter too. Simple breathing mods manifold, decat etc will give a good solid 130+ bhp and in an 850kg car, it won't be shy. Just be sure that it has retained the xsi/rallye box for even quicker acceleration or at least the gti/vts box. Avoid anything with vtr/1.1 boxes as they are horribly long ratios.

Join 106rallyeforum.com and have a look at the classifieds. http://www.106rallyeforum.com/forum2008/showthread.php?t=64995 this one looks ok and you could prob get it for 1500 without the spares
 
Tobias said:
Do you have one yourself? Seem very knowledgable
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I have had various series 1/2 106's, saxo vtr/s's etc I currently have a brand new condition 1993 s1 106 rallye and a Xsara VTS that I use daily. The best car I had was probably my cammed saxo vts. 160bhp/800kilo, bilstein/pugsport group n suspension, willwood 4 pots, kevlar cobra seats etc was great fun :)
 
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