Weekend Toy.... £1.5k ish

BnA

I am over in the UK in the next few weeks and I'd love to bring something back with me as a bit of a weekender. It doesn't have to be practical as I already have a saloon for that. Running costs in terms of MPG's wouldn't worry me too much as I probably wouldn't put too much miles on it, but I wouldn't like something that is going to cost too much for servicing \ parts.

Performance doesn't have to be neck breaking.... I would like good road holding though. i.e. Something nippy that sticks to the road.

I'd be looking at spending up to £1.5 sterling Max on it. (I'd add VRT etc on top of this afterwards)

I would possibly like to get RWD or 4WD just to try something different. But this isn't a must.

I have looked at \ thought about a lot of different cars (without actually driving any of them)

1990ish Celica GT4
A Toyota so should be ultra reliable. Hard to find one for that money though.

An E30 318is or 320. Getting hard to find at that money. The only one that Mrs BnA would be impressed with though.

A 1990ish MR2. Had my mind made up on one of these a week or two ago but I think I've gone off them a bit since.

A 1.8 16V Corrado. I love the look of these and have my heart set on getting a VR6 some day. But can't afford that now. Is the 1.8 a bit underpowered though, for a heavy enough car....?

Anyone have any thoughts\experiences on any of the above cars or anything else that I could throw into the mix ?

Curran

Personally, out of the list given - id go for the E30 or the Corrado - but nice examples will be hard to come by for the money!
Nice PORSCHE 944 here, but a bit pricey....
http://www.westonautosports.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=20902&pageid=1

Or a BMW 635
http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=13000&pageid=2

kluivert

Mazda MX5 or Toyota MR2. But your budget is tight. You can buy scrap for more than that.

Henry Ford III

205 GTI 1.9. A lot of bang for your buck.

--amadeus--

A performance car at that kind of money is going to probably cost you in the long run. I would have thought the likes of an MX5 would be the best mix but at that money you'll be hard pushed.

Have you thought about a classic? No VRT so you can spend a bit more. Maybe:

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/26029

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/8899

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/29496

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/26786

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/29295 (the one I would buy!)

Even with a classic you're fishing in the shallow end a bit, no chance of befing up the budget?)

javaboy

Henry Ford III wrote: »

205 GTI 1.9. A lot of bang for your buck.

I think the OP may want something that looks a little flashier.

Tabnabs

Go on, you know you want to!

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C34275

BnA

Thanks for the replies so far... Very Helpful

A few I ideas I hadn't really thought of.

Curran
I have looked at the 944 before. They can be picked up cheap enough, but I would be worried about cost of maintenence. However, I really love the BMW 635 on that page. Especially as it's a manual. Definately worth a consideration. Thanks for that.

Kluivert.
I know I'm looking at the sh1t end of the market. I wouldn't mind if the body and \ or interior was a bit rough as I would get it fixed up here at home, but I wouldn't like to buy anything with a rough engine. I do have more money available but I've kind of set myself that limit. I suppose if I saw something I really really liked, I'd spend a bit more.

Henry Ford
205 GTI - Very good idea. Something I hadn't considered before. A real classic. At a glace there on Autotrader now there are a few available. I will give a good look on eBay tonight. Thanks for that.

Amadeus
I was looking at classics only last night. I'd be thinking more for Tax reasons than the VRT.
Two car's from your list I'd like to learn more about...
MG MGB.
There's lots of them out there to choose from. Plus, my daily driver is an MG, so it would be nice. Any idea what they're like ?
Spitfire
Love the look of these. It's at the top of my budget scale. Again, I'd love to hear from someone that had\has one.

Javaboy
While, I would like something that looks well, the main thing is that it would be fun to drive. i.e. I would take a GTI Pug over a spotless 316.

astraboy

Mk3 astra GSI. You would pick up one of 1200-1300 sterling, VRT is about 300 euro. 150Bhp, and plenty of bang for your buck. The redtop engine is unburstable and highly tunable. FWD though but certainly able to match a 205 Gti in terms of speed. The gti will handle better though.

woop

would you be able to get a merc cossie for round that money? I doubt it just putting it out there, theres one thats always parked round the corner from me.........jaybus there nice:D

rambler924

Have you considered a Porsche 924? Built from the Audi/VW parts bin and cheap as chips to maintain. Fun to drive, brilliant on the twisty roads of Ireland, all for the service cost of a Fiesta. Post 82 cars were fully galvanised. A good car can be got for the type of money you are talking of spending.
Lots of advice available from http://www.porsche924-owners-club.co.uk/

This is one of mine.
http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=54042044eg1.jpg

--amadeus--

BnA wrote: »

MG MGB.
There's lots of them out there to choose from. Plus, my daily driver is an MG, so it would be nice. Any idea what they're like ?
Spitfire
Love the look of these. It's at the top of my budget scale. Again, I'd love to hear from someone that had\has one.

I love the Spitfire (ever since I saw a scruffy one on the street when I was a few yrs younger) but I have ankle biters so 2 setas bad 4 seats good in my case. All I know about them is that you can apparently see them rusting away around you as you're driving along

The MG would be a good choice - easy to maintain, easy to sell, good support. Common though, if that bothers you.

Sorry I can't be of more help - no direct experience of either. Maybe try posting on the Classics board here or on www.classiccar.ie, bound to be owners of both there.

Plug

Curran wrote: »

Personally, out of the list given - id go for the E30 or the Corrado - but nice examples will be hard to come by for the money!
Nice PORSCHE 944 here, but a bit pricey....
http://www.westonautosports.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=20902&pageid=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPuqHYjsBHw

LOL
I have a feeling the Porsche 944 will be a bad idea.

brianomurphy

Im member of paseoclub.co.uk

Another member has advertised his PASEO on that site.

He's based in Cornwall.

done about 86k got 6 months tax and a few months mot.

btw I have a Cynos(same car) and it's a great cheap sporty car.

Should add that by the looks of things and by the previous posts by the seler that the car is in great condition.

PM for contact details. Can direct you to more pics aswell.

monster1

g60 corrado??

JHMEG

rambler924 wrote: »

Have you considered a Porsche 924?

Is that not supposed to be the worst Porsche ever?

OP, don't be thinking an Celica or MR2 of that age will be ultra reliable. A car of that vintage will have seen a lot of road and a lot of weather, and things will be wearing out. Shouldn't be any worse than the others tho.

Max_Damage

Vauxhall Carlton 3000 GSi or a Vauxhall Senator 3.0L Dual Ram.

Cheap RWD entertainment.

Failing that, a Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9L V6 would be worth consideration. There a dime a dozen in the UK (try eBay).

bitemybanger

Henry Ford III wrote: »

205 GTI 1.9. A lot of bang for your buck.

Great car, I own a 106 GTI, you can pick them up very cheap in the uk. puts a smile on my face every time i drive it:D

MuffinsDa

What about this baby:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-Saab-900i-XS-low-mileage-111-000_W0QQitemZ150214555489QQihZ005QQcategoryZ18263QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

bang on 1500 bucks. Not RWD, but very poweful and reliable turbo engine, and full of character! reputable dealer too.

JHMEG

MuffinsDa wrote: »

What about this baby:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-Saab-900i-XS-low-mileage-111-000_W0QQitemZ150214555489QQihZ005QQcategoryZ18263QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

bang on 1500 bucks. Not RWD, but very poweful and reliable turbo engine, and full of character! reputable dealer too.

Ara will ya go away. That's a snooze mobile.

MuffinsDa

JHMEG wrote: »

Ara will ya go away. That's a snooze mobile.

ah you have no taste in cars That's a 150 or so bhp car and an iconic design - but it's a thinking man's toy, not a boyracers!

bitemybanger

It would be like driving a brown tweed covered jet ski on a frozen lake, not cool at all, The OP said he wanted somthing thst would stay between the ditches and not end up in one:cool:

MuffinsDa

bitemybanger wrote: »

It would be like driving a brown tweed covered jet ski on a frozen lake, not cool at all, The OP said he wanted somthing thst would stay between the ditches and not end up in one:cool:

Well I'll have to add you to the list of "those-who-don't-get-it" list too, as well as those with no taste in cars

bitemybanger X

(kidding)

It's all subjective, but as I said it's more a thinking man / artsy cool than a brainless boyracer RWD. I suppose us YOUNG intellectuals are a minority anyway (kidding again!)

http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/buying+guide/used+car+buying+guide/1148/6

Driven by: Families; younger people who want an interesting-looking car without the hassle of running a proper classic; bloody-minded individuals who like its quirkiness and unique Saab touches; very tall people; anyone who wants a cheap, big, comfortable car

BnA

Some good ideas....

The only one I would rule out completely is the cynos. I had one for a few weeks a good few years back and I did like it. But I'd like to take advantage of the fact that I'm almost 32 and can insure something a but more powerful.

Probably the G60 as well. I know you can be unlucky with any car, but I've heard too many horror stories about the Super Charger in them. I had an 8V for a while once and loved it. If I was to get a Corrado now, I'd probably stick to the 1.8 16 Valve for now and hope to afford a VR6 in years to come.

The Saab.... I don't know. I had a 00 93 Turbo Coupe for a while. Looked well (in black). Super Powerful. Super Super comfortable. But, a bit boat like in it's handling. Is the 900 a better car to drive ?

The Pug 205 GTI is definately the best new idea yet. It was something I hadn't considered at all. Something like this one looks great.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-PEUGEOT-205-1-9-16v-GTI-MI16-MI-16_W0QQitemZ190199417385QQihZ009QQcategoryZ9859QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

bitemybanger

The Pug 205 GTI is definately the best new idea yet. It was something I hadn't considered at all. Something like this one looks great.

Realy nice classic car, goes like a train and handles like..... well, see for yourself. They come in 1.6 or 1.9.

Mr.Boots

I would go for a Spitty or a Midget...you should be able to get either for your budget.......only thing to consider is, do you have somewhere to keep it out of the rain....a classic wont look pretty after two irish winters outdoors.
Both are easy to work on yourself and parts are cheap and easily to come by.
As your buying in the UK make sure you check for corosion of chasis ect, as they use alot of salt on the roads there.
good luck.

Ferris

The Mi16 engine in that is probably worth half what they're asking for the car.

joseph brand

get the 205!!!!

or this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-COROLLA-GTI-16V-BLUE-Mot-Feb-09-Twin-Cam-4AGE_W0QQitemZ250214297150QQihZ015QQcategoryZ18290QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Henry Ford III

MuffinsDa wrote: »

What about this baby:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-Saab-900i-XS-low-mileage-111-000_W0QQitemZ150214555489QQihZ005QQcategoryZ18263QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

bang on 1500 bucks. Not RWD, but very poweful and reliable turbo engine, and full of character! reputable dealer too.

This one has no turbo.

BnA

Forgot to add...

My ideal car would be a Manta. Something like this :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1983-OPEL-MANTA-GOLD_W0QQitemZ230218003313QQihZ013QQcategoryZ9858QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But they're rate as hens teeth....

Tabnabs

900 and 900 turbo are two very different animals. The 900 turbo will put a huge grin on your face as you open the throttle at 100 and it just continues to climb merrily away.

Still say a 80's quattro with a minimum of 200hp and up to 306bhp and with all wheel drive would be a fantastic set of wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuTc4VIdm-o