New Car Suggestions Needed

[dainton]

I currently drive a 1997 MK3 Golf GTi (8v) and I'm thinking of replacing it in october when the insurance runs out. I bought it for £1800 and I don't expect to get that much as I paid too much for the car, even with the tlc I've given it since buying it (new rear shocks, coil, air mass sensor, oil temp sensor).

I reckon I'll have between £2-3,000 to spend on a new car and I'm not fussy about driving older cars.

What I'd like is a car that's about the same to insure, cheap to run (parts) although petrol would be a bonus and is fun to drive. It doesn't need to be a performance monster but should make you happy when you drive it. Something the golf is capable of to an extent but seems to lack something.

I've been considering an MX-5 and have no idea what else. Please help me with your suggestions.

[sayerbloke]

A few off the top of my head;

Mazda MX5

Toyota MR2

Toyota Celica

Honda Prelude [Or maybe even a CRX]

Nissan 200sx

Subaru Impreza

All can be bought for about that sort of price, all should be reasonably fun to drive, all should be pretty reliable and not cost the earth to run or insure.

They're also all Japanese, but if you want cheap and fun, they seem to be the people to go to

[theduisbergkid]

MX5 - fun, should be good value when you sell it on too.

MR2 - nice, but so many chavved up older ones about.

Here's a left field choce ... Golf VR6 or amybe even a nice unmolested Corrado ?

[Botang]

Second vote for the Corrado, the G60's return good fuel economy, but its crucial to check the mileage on the supercharger rebuild.

Alternatively, I had an Audi S2 and it was great fun, fairly expensive to run as the fuel economy isnt great but it sure to put a smile on your face

[djcool]

Buy a used Volvo 850 T5 for ~£1500 for a 96/P mid-spec saloon with sensible miles.

Spend £300 @ www.volvotuninguk.com to take it to 310bhp.

Spend the rest on fuel.

Very cheap to insure, powerful and you'll look like popeye with the torque steer generated by over 300bhp and FWD.

[dainton]

If they start camoflaging speed cameras I'll be better off with a 1l micra. Why must driving be so painful in this country? Badly maintained roads, people who panic at the sight of rain and too many speed cameras.

The Volvo 850 does look very promising. I'm going to create a comparison sheet for all those cars with the insurance costs and running costs etc. to get a better idea.

[AvantSE]

Impreza was great but the fuel consumption was phenomenal. Imagine the worst consumption you can, then make it even thirstier.

#3 cylinder can go on them, particularly imports that really need to be run on super unleaded to avoid detonation.

[theduisbergkid]

[ QUOTE ]

If they start camoflaging speed cameras I'll be better off with a 1l micra. Why must driving be so painful in this country? Badly maintained roads, people who panic at the sight of rain and too many speed cameras.

The Volvo 850 does look very promising. I'm going to create a comparison sheet for all those cars with the insurance costs and running costs etc. to get a better idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

850 T5R, great motor ! (sorry to keep saying it), but pretty unwieldy in town, golf vr6 would be my vote.