Yet another spec me thread

[Spammeh]

Age 26
0 no claims (don't ask)
Driving for 3 years
Currently drive 1.5 Suzuki Swift

Now live 8 miles from work (country lanes mostly)

Want something thats much more fun and mostly for weekend driving. Not going to use the word nippy, but preferably quicker than the swift, and a little girly looking

Low-end Budget 6k (not getting small loan)
High-end Budget 10k (getting a loan)

Love coupe's, had my first taste of turbo diesels and liked the feeling (compared to the swift), but love a car that you can chuck into country road corners, which my swift is superb at despite its lack of pace

Thanks!

 

[Irish_Tom]

It really depends on how much cash you're prepared to spend on running the thing but there's quite a few options for your requirements.

The most popular suggestions from here will probably be the following ( although they aren't All coupes they will cover the rest of your requirements).

MX-5s would to fit the bill nicely. It's a drivers car, can be had for 6k and would be cheap to run.

Clio 172/182Cups are also recommended for fun drives and would be more practical than the MX-5 as it has 4 seats. Might be too similar to your Swift though. You could also look at Fiesta/Focus STs.

Integra DC2/DC5 or Civic Type R also get a lot of love if VTEC Yo! is what you're in to.

If you want a 'badge' then the BMW E46 330Ci is a great drivers Coupe but bear in mind the running costs will be much higher than the above.

At the top end of your budget you could look at Z4s (BMW running costs again) or a Honda S2000 (crazy insurance premiums though, especially without NCD)

Out of my own curiosity I looked a Lotus Elises on AutoTrader today and it is possible to pick up a <10 year old model for about £10k however, I know very little about them so these might not be worth considering. There are a couple of peeps on here with one so they will be able to give you more info on the market, day-to-day living and the running costs involved with them.

Let us know your thoughts on the above suggestions and we can whittle down a shortlist for you. Ultimately you'll have to test drive the shortlist and make up your own mind.

 

[Spammeh]

Not a massive fan of 2 the ultimate hairdresser's car, MX5's come in that catagory unfortunately. Clios would certainly interest me, the cups are great to look at too which always helps. Do love BMWs but always thought they would be well out of my price range as I know they've historically held their value well.

Always like S2000's but insurance premiums will price me out of them for the time being.

Don't mind Ibiza FR's (looks wise) but not sure if they are terrible or not? I love honda's in general too but never driven one for an extended period of time but always loved being passengers in both civics and accords

 

[Bennie-Mac]

Toyota Celica 190 Gen 7? Wrong wheel drive but still great fun to chuck about. Well within your budget for a good example as well.