Good morning everyone, I am in the market for a new (to me) car and whilst I have a couple in mind, they are proving somewhat difficult to find in a reasonable distance from Nottingham. I have a budget of up to £2000 and have been looking at end of production versions (late 02 to 05) Celica T Sports. Another option was a 1.8l MX5 of the same age, ideally a special edition or sport with a few extra toys such as the better interior and lsd. However, these are proving to be a little harder to find (the exact one that I want that is) in a sensible area so I am after some more options. I want something with a decent bit of go to it, something that is pretty good fun, not silly money for parts. As for other running costs, I don't do a huge amount of mileage, most just to work and back which is not far at all, and as for insurance, I am 40 but only have a single year no claims so whilst it shouldn't be too bad, the 1 years of no claims might go against me. Anyone with any thoughts?
Suzuki Swift Sport? Autotrader highlights a few within 50 miles of Nottingham, slightly newer than the cars you've been looking at as a bonus. It's not fast in a top trumps sort of way, but it is hilarious fun to drive.
If you go MX-5, either go post-facelift NB 1.8 (02-07), NA 1.8 (94-97), or, my personal recommendation and what I own, NA 1.6 (89-93). After '93 they got cat converters and lose a bunch of power because of it. Tone of fun, easy to maintain, plenty after market parts available, and soon to be classic (older NAs).
Just a note on the suggestion of the S2000 - they're pretty small.. If you're somewhat taller (like me), you may struggle fitting. The NEW Mx-5 is also tiny, but it's not on your list, so no need to worry about that.
If you find me an s2000 for £2k I'll pick it up right away... they seem to be closer to e46 m3 money atm
Just to add my voice here. Swift Sport, Fiesta ST are GREAT fun The Fiat Panda 100hp is also a great, chuckable thing... but it's a fiat, and even though it says "100hp" on it, it's a bit flat chested and ugly. Nowhere near as planted as the Fiesta ST
Bias because I own one but, Saab 9-3. A 2.0T is pretty reasonable insurance wise generally come loaded with toys and part or full leather interiors should be between 210-250BHP depending on the trim level.
For someone with only 1 years no claims? Grab a tube of Preparation H at the same time to let the insurance quotes go in a bit easier...
The insurance shouldn't be too bad. My brother went from a 318i to a 350Z in a year and his insurance was only £1600 for a year. I know I said only, but compared to how much they absolutely rip you off for a boy racer Corsa... it was very reasonable for a 21yr old. A year later and a half, and he now has a brand new 370Z Nismo which I'm unsure on the insurance. It's probably about the same or a bit more given the car value.
If you get an e46 that's over 15 years you can insure it as a classic for pennies. Only caveat is you'll be limited to 5k miles/year
Hey guys, thank you all for the suggestions, plenty of options to be thinking about. Any thoughts on an early 2000s SLK?
Wouldn't mind one myself...BUT Apparently 1999 to 2004 Mercs are very rust prone. They went through a bad patch when the management went on a cost/quality cutting binge and cars were the worse for it. Guy that does my Dad's 2005 E Class says to avoid them if poss.
