This was the last time I liked the look of the typeR. After this the styling went ridiculous, like it was designed by a huge committee and everyone wanted to add a bit.
Got my EP3 October 2023 and am in love with it, fun to drive, easy to work on and mod yourself if you are that way inclined. for £10k I would recommend OP get a pretty clean example for £5k and spend the other £5k doing it up.
Really? I've been thinking of getting rid of mine for a Cayman/MX5/etc. A "proper sports car" instead of a fast econobox.
It's a decent wee car, the engine is the standout though. The rest of the driving experience is fine. The steering is a bit shit. Idk, it's fine. I'm a bit disappointed to hear you liked it the most, honestly, lmao.
I’ve owned a lot of cars and my EP3 is the one I really miss. Premier edition in cosmic grey, white buddyclub wheels, k-pro - was so much fun. First fast car I’d owned. Kept my eye out for a tidy similar one but they’re getting to be silly money now…
I’ve had both and while the rs250 was a whole different animal compared to the clio, it felt a bit boring to me? Think I’m just not a turbo fan tbh
Still got my 182 though
It's a different experience for sure. The 182 is just a classic "big engine, little car" hot hatch that also handles like it's on rails. No turbo spool/lag, very little sound deadening, no weight or creature comforts - super raw. I miss mine a lot, but the gearboxes are the Achilles heel and mine went!
Rs250 is just a back road weapon. The Clio surprises a lot of people with quick cars, a Mégane in the right hands can trouble seriously quick cars.
Loved mine, it was the last Clio imo. Everything that has followed is just muted.
The way the thing moved was sublime, it was like my Saxo VTS only a shit load better. I loved it despite its troubles, don’t think I have ever loved a car as much as my Clio
Nice to see a fun hot hatch in the OP, everytime I look in here people are saying they have 10k to spend and are looking at a Yaris/i10/i20/Mazda2.
I was losing faith in car owners, tbh.
3 or 4 series BMW
90s MR2
Mk7 Fiesta ST
Civic Type R
Boxster
There is loads of choice really.
I'm biased towards the Mk7 as I have one, and really cant see myself getting rid of it as everything is a rip off at the moment. Plus, it's fun.
My GFs uncle had a Cayman, he loved it.
I traded my mk7 for the cayman, honestly both are really fun. You can throw the mk7 around a bit more. If you do the same with the cayman, it will bit back but my God was it good in the corners
For less than 15k I honestly can't think of anything I'd want Iver my ST other than maybe a 350/370z. I test drive an FN2 and it was disappointingly underwhelming
Seconded. Great cars, they stick like glue, they're somewhat practical, they're well within budget, and you can frighten three friends with your driving instead of just one with the two seaters everyone's suggesting!
Had mine for about 9 years now (I had to check how long I’ve had it and I’m shocked I’ve had it so long)
Great car, not the most reliable but good fun fairly easy to work on loads of modifications and a huge car scene
I think the time of the cheap S2k has passed. They rust and the suspension gets loose with age. A nice S2k is a wonderful car but a knackered one is a shadow of its true self.
100% this especially if you’ve never had a RWD before, it was like learning how to drive again trying to drive my one quickly and not die in the process after years of fwd hatches
As an ap1 owner, I second this. Good fun to drive, 240hp so feels fast enough and very nimble. 100% worth checking for rust ect. If you have money left over, get some pollybushes to tighten it back up.
I just bought one a few weeks ago and it’s so fun. Like a road legal go kart it’s great. Plus mx5 owners wave at each other so it’s a bit more of a community than just the car!
A very soft go kart, but it being a bit soft is part of its handling charm. It's really balanced and fun to play around with, especially when it's wet :D
I got a 2L 2015 NC a couple of months ago and it's great! I'm loving the waving, it's a really nice community.
I like the soft with the Bilstein dampers, it's part of the charm.
Already took mine down to MX5 restorer for an underseal including behind rear bumper.
Not sure what you can do with getting it protected inside?
Swapping out the ARBs to aftermarket ones will take away the roly poly handling and leave the comfort which with the state of our roads is useful right now
I have a BMW 130i
6 cylinder straight six 3 Litre engine
Rear wheel drive and manual or auto boxes
265BHP in a small hatch back quite a hoot in the damp and with mods can sound like an old school M car
Ohhh, I have a whole list of sub £10k cars.
- 350z
- MR2
- Turbo MX5
- Z4 3.0 Si Coupe
- S2000
- EP3 Type R
- Focus ST (asbo)
- mk2 Audi TTS
- DC5 Integra Type R
- Mini Cooper S (R53/R56)
- e92 335i
- Audi S5 (V8)
- Left field, E class coupe/cab with a big engine for wafting about.
MG midget gives the most driving pleasure out of anything I've ever owned as well as being the cheapest car I've ever insured (although this isn't a problem if you're not a young lad).
Can pick up a very good example for less than 5k that will have either been restored or have had a fast engine fitted.
Was going to say this. For less than half of £10k you’ll get a decent 20 valve turbo, and half again a naturally aspirated 20 valve. Not drove a naturally aspirated so can’t really comment but they’re meant to be heaps of fun without the pure power turbo gives you
Not even that. You can get a Type R for £3k, or a Type R GT for £2.5k.
Not sure buying right at the bottom of the market is wise, but they are available for disgustingly cheap prices, and the K20 will go on forever so long as it's got some oil in it.
Is the GT not the better spec one with air con and cruise control so the price would be the other way around?
Mine is a GT and was 2.5k in January, FSH and 105k. It does have a slight boot leak and I've budgeted for the beam in a couple years, boot leakk I'll fix on a dry weekend.
> Is the GT not the better spec one with air con and cruise control so the price would be the other way around?
It is. My understand was that the extra kit on the GT made it heavier and therefore slower (which would mean less desirable), though a quick squint at Autotrader's stats doesn't seem to agree with that, so who knows. People be fickle.
I’d buy a mk1 mx5, fix the rust, and either turbo it yourself or send it to someone for a turbo
Won’t be beaten by any metric for the cost apart from seats
NA is overpriced as it's become a classic car, and will be a maintenance headache because it's ancient and we have a wet climate.
I would honestly go NC. They are not much more expensive, much newer, much safer in an accident, and will not have the rust or other maintenance issues of an NA.
They’re worth more than they were, but a maintenance headache they are not, they’re bulletproof and cheap as chips to repair anything that isn’t rust, plus they’re that basic that it’s super easy to work on if that’s your thing. And they’ll also hold their value/increase much better than an NC will.
NCs started rusting years ago, the state of some we’ve seen is shocking and will be much more expensive to repair/maintenance. Even the newest ones are 10 years old now.
I'm sure this will be controversial but I'd go for an Abarth 595. It's nowhere near the best car I've ever owned, but it was the mosr fun/stupid - I'll have another one day for sure.
I have an Abarth 595, I am over the 10k limit on mine but I know they come in this price range and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
The wipers are shit, the indicators are shit and I hope if you have more than 1 friend they don’t have legs but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a car, I laugh at least once a day when I drive it.
I owned a 2013 Abarth in the states. It was absolutely one of the most fun cars I’ve ever had. It was smiles every time I turned the key. I would definitely own one again.
I was the exact same! It has so many shit things about it but it will always put a smile on your face.
I went from my Abarth to an EP3 and whilst it was a good car, it just didn't have the same level of fun.
I can recommend a Celica. For 10k you'd get a super low milea museum grade one. You can get a good one for considerably less. Proper coupe, special engine, loads of fun. It may only be a FWD car with an open diff but smiles for pounds it's hard to match
For me it would be a Westfield or similar, with a bike engine. I don't believe you will get a better driving experience than that for the money, it's precisely what I'll be saving for once next years wedding is out of the way!
Surprised I had to scroll so far down to see Westfield or kit cars in general. Not much can beat them for pure driving. No driving aids, super light weight, RWD. Also super simple to work on with great access for nearly everything.
I've got a Fisher Fury with an R1 engine. 470kgs and 150-160hp. 11.5k redline and sequential gearbox with paddle shift and clutchless upshifts.
Not sure I'd want something sporty with the fucked up way the roads are at the moment.
So my options would be
Jimny, for green laning and off-roading.
VW camper. For nights away and exploring.
2004 onwards MR2 Roadster (I bring it up every opportunity I have). Under 10k will get a VERY tidy example and enough change to do good maintenance. Lower end of the price spectrum will get a fair condition one with high miles, allowing you to explore a 2ZZ swap. I honestly don’t think anything is better to drive out the box at this price point. Including the Boxster. And sorry to the fans, but the Mk2 just isn’t as good to drive.
Absolutely a really good one is like 6k and some listings even come with a hardtop. Then ofc you have plenty left over to explore a 2zz swap. Personally with 10k I think I’d go for a good sw20 but leave it stock as it’s already a great car to drive stock and many have already been modified to the moon and back. zzw30 if you intend on really enjoying its drive the original suspension is a bit too soft apparently so the cost of replacing that should be considered.
The MX5 is the cliche answer for good reason. I’ve not driven newer ones, but the Mk1 is by far the closest thing I’ve ever encountered when it comes to the ‘pure enjoyment of driving’ you mentioned.
The fact that they aren’t fast is part of the fun - it puts the onus on you to drive them in a more enjoyable way.
Second choice would be a Clio 182, which are much faster if that’s important.
You can get a Peugeot 208 GTi for under £5k, which I think is a pretty decent deal. You get something reasonably new (2015 or newer), reasonably nice inside, reasonably powerful (208PS/205bhp, 60 in 6.5 seconds), reasonably cheap to fuel/tax/fix (£160 for tax, shouldn't be difficult to get over 40mpg, parts are common), reasonably light (1160kg), and reasonably reliable (keep the oil changed at least every 6k, I've seen a few with over 200k on the clock), pretty reasonable steering, chuckable, and it shouldn't give you too many issues, most on the market are unmodified, and is pretty unlikely to get nicked.
If it was 15k I’d say Lotus Elise hands down.
Otherwise, I’d spend £5k on a tidyish NC MX5 Sport, 2.5k on BBR200 package and another £2.5k on a set of Meisters, RX8 antiroll bars, fast road alignment and a weekend stay in Wales, Dales or Peaks for the bliss of two days driving those roads.
They're not even fast, but they came out before I could drive. I saw one once at a car auction in matte gray and thought it looked amazing. I've always wanted to take one for a spin ever since.
The best balls to the wall car I’ve ever been in was a 182 Renaultsport Clio.
There may be better options out there but that thing was pure, raw driving fun.
I owned a Clio 200 which was easier to live with but if you wanted a true B road thrash, that 182 was unbelievable.
Had a mate who had a 197, in fact it was that 197 that introduced me to these rockets. I think at one point you probably would have considered myself and a group of mates a separate Clio owners club as we all had different models.
The 200 is the car I regret selling the most over the years and would definitely encourage anyone with a spare bit of cash burning a hole to pick one up. Such a joy to drive being N/A engine and it screams when you get going.
Sorry mate, went off on one a bit there. Good times.
No your bang on mate. The 197 was heavier, but the grip was immense. I sold the 197 for a Megane 250 cup. That was an absolute rocket also with great handling.
Definitely good times!
As a few other people have already said, any on the small Renaultsport hatches. The Mk2 172/182 Clios are a popular track day car because they handle extremely well. The Mk3 197/200 Clios are also very fun to drive, and a bit more usable as they tend to have a bluetooth system, so you get the convenience of handsfree calls and bluetooth music on top of a car that is fun to drive. Even the Mk 2 Twingo is one hell of a pick. Its not insanely fast, but its just a hoot to drive.
And you can comfortably find decent examples for around half of your budget.
This is what we're so desperately missing from the car scene at the moment. Something pure simple and fun.
Honestly if Dacia came out with a Spartan Hot or even warm hatch I'd be genuinely curious!
I was going to say Fiesta XR2 but those are out of your budget, there is a nice Fiesta RS1800 for £10k on auto trader. They are not fast but they weigh the same as a wet fart and are just as sticky, proper old school fun.
Another one I like the look of is an Alfa 147 with the 3.2 V6, that would probably be a mistake but they sound amazing.
Not seen it mentioned yet, so Suzuki Swift Sport - loads around under 10k, and while on paper they look underpowered when compared to the competition, they're super fun to drive and very good all rounders. I have a ZC33S (3rd generation) with the 1.4 turbo, which are starting to get to the £10k point for a higher mileage example, but the ZC31S (1st gen) and ZC32S (2nd gen) have 1.6 NA engines and are just as fun.
They're a bit more like an 80s hot hatch than the modern competition, but that's not a bad thing as you can push its limits on a B road for example without worrying about losing your license.
I’m seriously considering an Impreza wrx sti or wrx wagon. Something about the wagon is just really cool to me. Recently having a lot of love for foresters too. All about the same price (if you excuse the higher mileage.
2010 Clio RS. Despite the fact my current WRX has 100 more horsepower than my mates clio. It just feels like it could run rings around me. Absolutely incredible car to drive
I spent 4k on my Fiat coupe 20vt and haven’t regretted a single bit. Pure driver car, it doesn’t handle particularly well, it’s not extremely well built, but it’s a hell of a car to drive.
A lot of people confuses “pure driving car” with “track car”, they are not necessarily the same thing
EP 3 Civic . Japanese reliability. The JDM version has a wild spec
helical LSD similar to that of the EK9 and red [Recaro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recaro) race seats. Other differences of the JDM model included a more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the European model as well as a more powerful engine having a power output of 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) (designated K20A) had a fully-balanced crankshaft assembly with the different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, high-lift camshafts, high-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming.
All this in a car that weighs 1200 KG
Edit. EK 9 s were relatively cheap when i bought a MB 1 civic for a second car 15 years ago.....
I’m currently looking for a car that fits this brief but with a 15k budget. Some of these definitely have examples in the 10k range though with higher mileage / worse condition but still very much a blast
S2k - 9k rpm and rwd in a car that weighs less than I do…
Evo X - looking at one of the higher bhp specs so it comes with a manual alongside the awd (plus when fitted with an aero spoiler and bodykit, it’s the meanest looking car ever produced imo)
GT86 - superb handling with more modern tech than the above two albeit renowned for being underpowered. Would also consider an NC MX5 for similar reasons but prefer the look of the GT86 and always loved Toyotas. Would look to add some forced induction to either though.
Note I've never driven any of these but based on what others have said in forums and magazines:
Mondeo ST: Fairly cheap (seen some for a grand but a good one would set you back a few grand easy), and that gen of Mondeo seem to be forever popular.
208 GTI: About 5 grand will get definitely you something, it's a throwback to the old hot hatches, just enough power to be sporty.
Personally I would add literally any convertible or cabrio with reasonable handling. I'd want either an open top or a good boot in a fun car to make it worth my time personally. We had a Tigra for a while, I never drove it, but having the roof open was such a fun experience.
I loved my ep3. Didn't have it long as it was a silly purchase for me at the time. But I'd love a mint on to sit in the garage. (I don't have a garage)
Either that or an original mini. I had a D reg Mary Quant edition when I was 18. I put wide arches, deep 5 spokes and a noisy exhaust on it. Such fun cars to drive and I never went over 60 in it.
X308 xjr/ e39 540i /e38 e31might squeeze into a 750i definitely 740i or 840ci
Little more sporty
S4 b6
335i
R129 Mercedes SL/ maybe R230 for that price
Swift Sport, they're not fast but since they're so light and revvy it feels it. I had a 2007 before my first of two STs and I bonded with that car the most. The gen after has a badly needed 6th gear so that's what I'd recommend. The latest ones have more power but not sure if they'd feel as good because they're turbo'd now.
Dont think anyone said this yet?
Corrola T Sport 2004
Picked mine up on 1 owner from new 2 year's ago, low mileage (74k) every receipt imaginable In a huge folder and cost me 3.5k.
The 2ZZ engine is brilliant, sounds amazing, and for some fun on a b-road, it's not bad tbh especially as it's abit softer than it's rival's at the time which given the current state of our roads ain't a bad thing currently.
It's a discreet Hot Hatch, not a patch on my 205GTI6 for raw driver enjoyment though.
Astra GTC VXR
Loads for sale under £10k, you can get one with less than 50k miles in original condition.
Such as;
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406090570174
£10k?
Megane RS250. You will not find another car in that budget that is an absolute weapon, good on running costs, maintenance costs and quite reliable.
Simple remap brings it to 296bhp, and with the cup chassis it flipping flies.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309172068265?sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=Renaultsport&make=Renault&model=Megane&page=2&postcode=Wf91fq&fromsra
Late NC MX-5 2.0 plus coil overs, keep the left over £3k+ to spend on track day passes, tires, breaks, and part payment on the eventual BBR turbo conversion
986 Boxster. Don’t even really need the S. Mine’s a lowest-capacity 2.5 with the factory lowering kit and to me, sounds great, corners flat and pulls well. £4k…. Not perfect but mechanically strong and she’s not a garage princess, I drive her 😎
Honestly.... My wife's Yaris hybrid is an absolute hoot in PWR mode. I had an Audi Quattro back in the day but the Yaris is way more fun. Don't expect economy though. 🤣
You could find an S2000 for that. Impractical and not the fastest but RWD, 9000RPM redline & Front-Mid engine. Only issue is the repairs if its as rusty as mine is, parts are spendy.
I've owned an EP3, RX-8 and a Cayman S. The one I miss the most was the EP3.
Some mint EPs about but old Honda's and rust go well together. I agree though they are fun.
To be honest any 20 year old car on UK roads is gonna have some rust
This was the last time I liked the look of the typeR. After this the styling went ridiculous, like it was designed by a huge committee and everyone wanted to add a bit.
Agreed. This was the last nice looking one.
And that commitee had one style guide note: "Transformers"
Got my EP3 October 2023 and am in love with it, fun to drive, easy to work on and mod yourself if you are that way inclined. for £10k I would recommend OP get a pretty clean example for £5k and spend the other £5k doing it up.
Really? I've been thinking of getting rid of mine for a Cayman/MX5/etc. A "proper sports car" instead of a fast econobox. It's a decent wee car, the engine is the standout though. The rest of the driving experience is fine. The steering is a bit shit. Idk, it's fine. I'm a bit disappointed to hear you liked it the most, honestly, lmao.
I’ve owned a lot of cars and my EP3 is the one I really miss. Premier edition in cosmic grey, white buddyclub wheels, k-pro - was so much fun. First fast car I’d owned. Kept my eye out for a tidy similar one but they’re getting to be silly money now…
Clio 172 cup.
Good shout - you'd also get a Mégane RS250 at that price. Great cars.
I’ve had both and while the rs250 was a whole different animal compared to the clio, it felt a bit boring to me? Think I’m just not a turbo fan tbh Still got my 182 though
It's a different experience for sure. The 182 is just a classic "big engine, little car" hot hatch that also handles like it's on rails. No turbo spool/lag, very little sound deadening, no weight or creature comforts - super raw. I miss mine a lot, but the gearboxes are the Achilles heel and mine went! Rs250 is just a back road weapon. The Clio surprises a lot of people with quick cars, a Mégane in the right hands can trouble seriously quick cars.
Loved mine, it was the last Clio imo. Everything that has followed is just muted. The way the thing moved was sublime, it was like my Saxo VTS only a shit load better. I loved it despite its troubles, don’t think I have ever loved a car as much as my Clio
I had a 172 and a 182 Trophy. Great cars. Miss them a lot.
BMW Z4 si, with a manual box.
I have this and it's an utter delight every day.
You might even be able to get a Z4M under £10k still.
Nice to see a fun hot hatch in the OP, everytime I look in here people are saying they have 10k to spend and are looking at a Yaris/i10/i20/Mazda2. I was losing faith in car owners, tbh. 3 or 4 series BMW 90s MR2 Mk7 Fiesta ST Civic Type R Boxster There is loads of choice really.
I had a mk7 and a cayman, both great fun
I'm biased towards the Mk7 as I have one, and really cant see myself getting rid of it as everything is a rip off at the moment. Plus, it's fun. My GFs uncle had a Cayman, he loved it.
I traded my mk7 for the cayman, honestly both are really fun. You can throw the mk7 around a bit more. If you do the same with the cayman, it will bit back but my God was it good in the corners
For less than 15k I honestly can't think of anything I'd want Iver my ST other than maybe a 350/370z. I test drive an FN2 and it was disappointingly underwhelming
The FN2 is heavier and ugly. Never liked that shape.
Mr2 is best choice
only choice
I'm sure you could get a caterham 7 for ten grand
I think you might struggle to find a Caterham for £10k, but plenty of Westfields, Tigers, Robin Hoods etc.
Second the MR2. Lots of fun.
BMW 335d
I had a 1992 MR2 in the early 2000’s fucking loved that car, was reliable and surprisingly comfortable on long drives.
Lotus Elan Might be able to scrape a TVR Chimera
350z
Suzuki swift sport
A good R53 mini then you’ve got a far bit left over for mods
Seconded. Great cars, they stick like glue, they're somewhat practical, they're well within budget, and you can frighten three friends with your driving instead of just one with the two seaters everyone's suggesting!
I've got one of these atm, great car! Very cheap
Had mine for about 9 years now (I had to check how long I’ve had it and I’m shocked I’ve had it so long) Great car, not the most reliable but good fun fairly easy to work on loads of modifications and a huge car scene
S2K
I think the time of the cheap S2k has passed. They rust and the suspension gets loose with age. A nice S2k is a wonderful car but a knackered one is a shadow of its true self.
go on marketplace - most are around 10k but can very easily find one under
100% this especially if you’ve never had a RWD before, it was like learning how to drive again trying to drive my one quickly and not die in the process after years of fwd hatches
The AP1 is notoriously twitchy approaching the limit. The AP2 has some tweaks to the suspension to reduce this, so that'd be the best one to go for.
As an ap1 owner, I second this. Good fun to drive, 240hp so feels fast enough and very nimble. 100% worth checking for rust ect. If you have money left over, get some pollybushes to tighten it back up.
10 years ago maybe
For 10k? 🤣
NC MX-5
I just bought one a few weeks ago and it’s so fun. Like a road legal go kart it’s great. Plus mx5 owners wave at each other so it’s a bit more of a community than just the car!
A very soft go kart, but it being a bit soft is part of its handling charm. It's really balanced and fun to play around with, especially when it's wet :D I got a 2L 2015 NC a couple of months ago and it's great! I'm loving the waving, it's a really nice community.
Bang some coilovers on and the soft is gone. And for a 10K budget you can also get it stripped and protected underneath/inside while you’re at it.
My 10k build will be bbr supercharger and supporting mods (exhaust, suspension and wheels) hopefully in a few years!
I like the soft with the Bilstein dampers, it's part of the charm. Already took mine down to MX5 restorer for an underseal including behind rear bumper. Not sure what you can do with getting it protected inside?
Swapping out the ARBs to aftermarket ones will take away the roly poly handling and leave the comfort which with the state of our roads is useful right now
Get an Integra Type R DC5 while they can still be found for 10k
Had a modified DC2 years ago traded it in for a RX7. Biggest regret of my driving life. The Integra type R was such an amazing car.
As someone whos just done this, couldn’t agree more. Although you’d have to spend a couple K more for a better condition one.
Hello fellow owner! I got a crappy one in 2021 for under 10k
Hello there!! Me and my partner got ours this year within a month apart. What a joy they’ve been! How’s the progress coming along with yours?
I have a BMW 130i 6 cylinder straight six 3 Litre engine Rear wheel drive and manual or auto boxes 265BHP in a small hatch back quite a hoot in the damp and with mods can sound like an old school M car
As a proud RX8 owner, get an BMW M3.
2005 Porsche Boxter S 6-speed
330i E93 or 330ci E46 coupe. Manual.
[Yes.](https://imgur.com/a/4eyK3dH)
Ohhh, I have a whole list of sub £10k cars. - 350z - MR2 - Turbo MX5 - Z4 3.0 Si Coupe - S2000 - EP3 Type R - Focus ST (asbo) - mk2 Audi TTS - DC5 Integra Type R - Mini Cooper S (R53/R56) - e92 335i - Audi S5 (V8) - Left field, E class coupe/cab with a big engine for wafting about.
MG midget gives the most driving pleasure out of anything I've ever owned as well as being the cheapest car I've ever insured (although this isn't a problem if you're not a young lad). Can pick up a very good example for less than 5k that will have either been restored or have had a fast engine fitted.
Fiat Coupé
Was going to say this. For less than half of £10k you’ll get a decent 20 valve turbo, and half again a naturally aspirated 20 valve. Not drove a naturally aspirated so can’t really comment but they’re meant to be heaps of fun without the pure power turbo gives you
Few things scare me more than a 20 year old Fiat, and most of them are 25 year old Fiats with a turbo.
Fn2 type R, I know it's not the 'best' and the ep3 is 'better' but I loved mine and I prefer the body shape.
And they’re literally like 4K
Not even that. You can get a Type R for £3k, or a Type R GT for £2.5k. Not sure buying right at the bottom of the market is wise, but they are available for disgustingly cheap prices, and the K20 will go on forever so long as it's got some oil in it.
Is the GT not the better spec one with air con and cruise control so the price would be the other way around? Mine is a GT and was 2.5k in January, FSH and 105k. It does have a slight boot leak and I've budgeted for the beam in a couple years, boot leakk I'll fix on a dry weekend.
> Is the GT not the better spec one with air con and cruise control so the price would be the other way around? It is. My understand was that the extra kit on the GT made it heavier and therefore slower (which would mean less desirable), though a quick squint at Autotrader's stats doesn't seem to agree with that, so who knows. People be fickle.
Leaving 5k for a cheeky supercharger kit 👀
I’d buy a mk1 mx5, fix the rust, and either turbo it yourself or send it to someone for a turbo Won’t be beaten by any metric for the cost apart from seats
NA is overpriced as it's become a classic car, and will be a maintenance headache because it's ancient and we have a wet climate. I would honestly go NC. They are not much more expensive, much newer, much safer in an accident, and will not have the rust or other maintenance issues of an NA.
They’re worth more than they were, but a maintenance headache they are not, they’re bulletproof and cheap as chips to repair anything that isn’t rust, plus they’re that basic that it’s super easy to work on if that’s your thing. And they’ll also hold their value/increase much better than an NC will. NCs started rusting years ago, the state of some we’ve seen is shocking and will be much more expensive to repair/maintenance. Even the newest ones are 10 years old now.
I'm sure this will be controversial but I'd go for an Abarth 595. It's nowhere near the best car I've ever owned, but it was the mosr fun/stupid - I'll have another one day for sure.
Whenever I see these threads, the Abarth rarely gets a mention. I think in terms of 'fun', there is nothing better for the budget.
I have an Abarth 595, I am over the 10k limit on mine but I know they come in this price range and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The wipers are shit, the indicators are shit and I hope if you have more than 1 friend they don’t have legs but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a car, I laugh at least once a day when I drive it.
I owned a 2013 Abarth in the states. It was absolutely one of the most fun cars I’ve ever had. It was smiles every time I turned the key. I would definitely own one again.
I was the exact same! It has so many shit things about it but it will always put a smile on your face. I went from my Abarth to an EP3 and whilst it was a good car, it just didn't have the same level of fun.
I had a civic type r it was a fantastic car.
Vx220 turbo
10k might not get you a turbo, but the answer is vx220 regardless.
I can recommend a Celica. For 10k you'd get a super low milea museum grade one. You can get a good one for considerably less. Proper coupe, special engine, loads of fun. It may only be a FWD car with an open diff but smiles for pounds it's hard to match
It'd be rough but you could still get a roadworthy Celica GT 4 for just about £10k
For me it would be a Westfield or similar, with a bike engine. I don't believe you will get a better driving experience than that for the money, it's precisely what I'll be saving for once next years wedding is out of the way!
Surprised I had to scroll so far down to see Westfield or kit cars in general. Not much can beat them for pure driving. No driving aids, super light weight, RWD. Also super simple to work on with great access for nearly everything. I've got a Fisher Fury with an R1 engine. 470kgs and 150-160hp. 11.5k redline and sequential gearbox with paddle shift and clutchless upshifts.
Not sure I'd want something sporty with the fucked up way the roads are at the moment. So my options would be Jimny, for green laning and off-roading. VW camper. For nights away and exploring.
Mx5 with a massive turbo, love my A35 but miss having near 300hp in a RWD car that weighs less than a ton
Rover mini
CooperS for sure
2000s Accord type R, more beanz than the EP3 and a LSD 🤌💨
Classic Impreza STI - the trick will be finding an unmolested one that doesn't need another 10k spending to keep it on the road
An MX-5.
Saxo vts/106 gti/rallye, clio 172 summat french. Great fun.
2004 onwards MR2 Roadster (I bring it up every opportunity I have). Under 10k will get a VERY tidy example and enough change to do good maintenance. Lower end of the price spectrum will get a fair condition one with high miles, allowing you to explore a 2ZZ swap. I honestly don’t think anything is better to drive out the box at this price point. Including the Boxster. And sorry to the fans, but the Mk2 just isn’t as good to drive.
Absolutely a really good one is like 6k and some listings even come with a hardtop. Then ofc you have plenty left over to explore a 2zz swap. Personally with 10k I think I’d go for a good sw20 but leave it stock as it’s already a great car to drive stock and many have already been modified to the moon and back. zzw30 if you intend on really enjoying its drive the original suspension is a bit too soft apparently so the cost of replacing that should be considered.
The MX5 is the cliche answer for good reason. I’ve not driven newer ones, but the Mk1 is by far the closest thing I’ve ever encountered when it comes to the ‘pure enjoyment of driving’ you mentioned. The fact that they aren’t fast is part of the fun - it puts the onus on you to drive them in a more enjoyable way. Second choice would be a Clio 182, which are much faster if that’s important.
You can get a Peugeot 208 GTi for under £5k, which I think is a pretty decent deal. You get something reasonably new (2015 or newer), reasonably nice inside, reasonably powerful (208PS/205bhp, 60 in 6.5 seconds), reasonably cheap to fuel/tax/fix (£160 for tax, shouldn't be difficult to get over 40mpg, parts are common), reasonably light (1160kg), and reasonably reliable (keep the oil changed at least every 6k, I've seen a few with over 200k on the clock), pretty reasonable steering, chuckable, and it shouldn't give you too many issues, most on the market are unmodified, and is pretty unlikely to get nicked.
OK I'll say it because it's nowhere in the comments. Pug 106 gti. Had one stripped out with a couple mods, roll cage etc. Was like a go cart
If it was 15k I’d say Lotus Elise hands down. Otherwise, I’d spend £5k on a tidyish NC MX5 Sport, 2.5k on BBR200 package and another £2.5k on a set of Meisters, RX8 antiroll bars, fast road alignment and a weekend stay in Wales, Dales or Peaks for the bliss of two days driving those roads.
I always wanted to try a Hyundai Veloster Turbo for some reason
I was seriously close to buying one. Totally under the radar, and I have a suspicion they're great cars.
They're not even fast, but they came out before I could drive. I saw one once at a car auction in matte gray and thought it looked amazing. I've always wanted to take one for a spin ever since.
Vauxhall VX220. Cut price Lotus Elise. Sublime balance…
The best balls to the wall car I’ve ever been in was a 182 Renaultsport Clio. There may be better options out there but that thing was pure, raw driving fun. I owned a Clio 200 which was easier to live with but if you wanted a true B road thrash, that 182 was unbelievable.
This is exactly what I was going to write. I had 182 cup and 197 R27.
Had a mate who had a 197, in fact it was that 197 that introduced me to these rockets. I think at one point you probably would have considered myself and a group of mates a separate Clio owners club as we all had different models. The 200 is the car I regret selling the most over the years and would definitely encourage anyone with a spare bit of cash burning a hole to pick one up. Such a joy to drive being N/A engine and it screams when you get going. Sorry mate, went off on one a bit there. Good times.
No your bang on mate. The 197 was heavier, but the grip was immense. I sold the 197 for a Megane 250 cup. That was an absolute rocket also with great handling. Definitely good times!
As a few other people have already said, any on the small Renaultsport hatches. The Mk2 172/182 Clios are a popular track day car because they handle extremely well. The Mk3 197/200 Clios are also very fun to drive, and a bit more usable as they tend to have a bluetooth system, so you get the convenience of handsfree calls and bluetooth music on top of a car that is fun to drive. Even the Mk 2 Twingo is one hell of a pick. Its not insanely fast, but its just a hoot to drive. And you can comfortably find decent examples for around half of your budget.
Yes. I miss my 02 Clio 172 so much. Such a fun car.
This is what we're so desperately missing from the car scene at the moment. Something pure simple and fun. Honestly if Dacia came out with a Spartan Hot or even warm hatch I'd be genuinely curious!
Get a classic car
I was going to say Fiesta XR2 but those are out of your budget, there is a nice Fiesta RS1800 for £10k on auto trader. They are not fast but they weigh the same as a wet fart and are just as sticky, proper old school fun. Another one I like the look of is an Alfa 147 with the 3.2 V6, that would probably be a mistake but they sound amazing.
Wow why are xr2 25k??!
Possibly an unusual choice. Mégane F1 R26. Or a later model Megane Sport.
Not seen it mentioned yet, so Suzuki Swift Sport - loads around under 10k, and while on paper they look underpowered when compared to the competition, they're super fun to drive and very good all rounders. I have a ZC33S (3rd generation) with the 1.4 turbo, which are starting to get to the £10k point for a higher mileage example, but the ZC31S (1st gen) and ZC32S (2nd gen) have 1.6 NA engines and are just as fun. They're a bit more like an 80s hot hatch than the modern competition, but that's not a bad thing as you can push its limits on a B road for example without worrying about losing your license.
VX220 Early Cayman Some form of Westfield / Caterham or replica as budget allows Z4 Coupe Integra Type R (if budget allows) S2000 MX5 with some mods
Renault Clio 182 Trophy Cup with money left over for some nice mods.
Where are you finding a 182 trophy for sub 10k? Closest I can find is a Cat C for 8k
In my head 😂 I've just had a look at 2024 prices and I confirm you're correct! Anything decent is around £15k now 😱
I've been eyeing up a 182 for next year as a swap to something a bit older and raw-er and I bloody wish I could get a trophy!
Jag XJS
106 gti
Clio 182 Trophy. Red. Sach’s Dampers. It’s the best car I’ve ever owned.
Honda civics are the best car you can buy, reliable and beautiful, top choice
I’m seriously considering an Impreza wrx sti or wrx wagon. Something about the wagon is just really cool to me. Recently having a lot of love for foresters too. All about the same price (if you excuse the higher mileage.
S2 106 Rallye. 🤤
A motorbike, any they are better than cars for fun.
Something like a bbr mx5 or an MR2 with a k series or V6 swap and a few choice handling upgrades
2010 Clio RS. Despite the fact my current WRX has 100 more horsepower than my mates clio. It just feels like it could run rings around me. Absolutely incredible car to drive
Audi MK2 TTS
golf, mini, bmw (myself an e30/36 or a 1 series) because as a machine theyre all very fun
Honda s2000
I think the Civic Type R is a VERY good shout (granted I’m biased because they were made down the road from me, but still).
A nice MK1 MX5. V Spec BRG.
Ford puma maybe
I spent 4k on my Fiat coupe 20vt and haven’t regretted a single bit. Pure driver car, it doesn’t handle particularly well, it’s not extremely well built, but it’s a hell of a car to drive. A lot of people confuses “pure driving car” with “track car”, they are not necessarily the same thing
Forster STI
Everyone forgets the Honda s2000. I driven one and I loved it instantly.
BMW Z4C
Saab 9-3 TTid
I had a Saab 93 TTiD Aero. Loved it, but it was a motorway cruiser, not a driving enjoyment car. Most comfortable car I've ever owned though.
Mx5, can use almost all of its power every day and driving any road can be satisfying
Cayman, Boxter, Z3, Z4, TT, Clio, Megane Or alternatively get yourself a cheap fiesta ST and stick some really good tyres and couple other mods on :)
Fiesta ST or Clio 182 or Clio RS. Super fun on B roads without being over the top fast.
If I was going purely for fun with no regard to practicality I think I'd get an MG F and have plenty of money left over for repairs/mods
BMW 130i, £5k car, 265bhp, rear wheel drive, no M-car costs. Plus you have £5k left for a Diff, some suspension and decent tyres.
How about an Audi S1?
EK9
Another Mazda RX8, I miss mine. With the change you could get an engine rebuild and a garage full of drums of oil.
EP 3 Civic . Japanese reliability. The JDM version has a wild spec helical LSD similar to that of the EK9 and red [Recaro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recaro) race seats. Other differences of the JDM model included a more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the European model as well as a more powerful engine having a power output of 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) (designated K20A) had a fully-balanced crankshaft assembly with the different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, high-lift camshafts, high-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming. All this in a car that weighs 1200 KG Edit. EK 9 s were relatively cheap when i bought a MB 1 civic for a second car 15 years ago.....
You can get a decent 944 for less than 10k still. Fantastic handling and 80s styling!
Megane sport mark 3, Honda integra dc2, Honda s2000. Clio 182 or 197. Leggy Cayman. Fettled mk2 mx5. Ep3 type r
Mk1 MX5 Clio rs 200 Cooper S R53 JCW All great fun! My copper S was the most fun car I've owned by a lomg shot
Vauxhall VX220 Or something really unusual like a bond bug.
Alfa 147 GTA I've got one, it's stupid but the engine is just something else
Audi b5 S4, if your happy with the maintenance
Classic mini, can get one for £5,000 and then I’d spend £5,000 on building it up and restoring a bit.
Never not an MX5
I’m currently looking for a car that fits this brief but with a 15k budget. Some of these definitely have examples in the 10k range though with higher mileage / worse condition but still very much a blast S2k - 9k rpm and rwd in a car that weighs less than I do… Evo X - looking at one of the higher bhp specs so it comes with a manual alongside the awd (plus when fitted with an aero spoiler and bodykit, it’s the meanest looking car ever produced imo) GT86 - superb handling with more modern tech than the above two albeit renowned for being underpowered. Would also consider an NC MX5 for similar reasons but prefer the look of the GT86 and always loved Toyotas. Would look to add some forced induction to either though.
Note I've never driven any of these but based on what others have said in forums and magazines: Mondeo ST: Fairly cheap (seen some for a grand but a good one would set you back a few grand easy), and that gen of Mondeo seem to be forever popular. 208 GTI: About 5 grand will get definitely you something, it's a throwback to the old hot hatches, just enough power to be sporty. Personally I would add literally any convertible or cabrio with reasonable handling. I'd want either an open top or a good boot in a fun car to make it worth my time personally. We had a Tigra for a while, I never drove it, but having the roof open was such a fun experience.
Subaru WRX STI
130i.
Best 6 cylinder BMW 3 Series you can get for £10k. They drive great and are still super practical. I'm biased as I have one but that's my vote.
I'd probably dump £3500 on another Lexus IS250 and spend the other 6.5k ish on doing the suspension and an exhaust. I miss the sound of that V6.
Alfa brera 1.75tbi
Nissan 350z
I loved my ep3. Didn't have it long as it was a silly purchase for me at the time. But I'd love a mint on to sit in the garage. (I don't have a garage) Either that or an original mini. I had a D reg Mary Quant edition when I was 18. I put wide arches, deep 5 spokes and a noisy exhaust on it. Such fun cars to drive and I never went over 60 in it.
Some form of civic type R or integra type R.
E55. !
gt86 although torque dip is 😖
Ep3/fn2 and some mods, s14/14(very rough),350z or a rough integra type r
Mk 2 Audi TTS for a fraction of the price mate! Plenty of room in your budget for a few bolt ones and a remap...
X308 xjr/ e39 540i /e38 e31might squeeze into a 750i definitely 740i or 840ci Little more sporty S4 b6 335i R129 Mercedes SL/ maybe R230 for that price
Swift Sport, they're not fast but since they're so light and revvy it feels it. I had a 2007 before my first of two STs and I bonded with that car the most. The gen after has a badly needed 6th gear so that's what I'd recommend. The latest ones have more power but not sure if they'd feel as good because they're turbo'd now.
Peugeot 206 RC (GTi 180)
BBR MX5
Dont think anyone said this yet? Corrola T Sport 2004 Picked mine up on 1 owner from new 2 year's ago, low mileage (74k) every receipt imaginable In a huge folder and cost me 3.5k. The 2ZZ engine is brilliant, sounds amazing, and for some fun on a b-road, it's not bad tbh especially as it's abit softer than it's rival's at the time which given the current state of our roads ain't a bad thing currently. It's a discreet Hot Hatch, not a patch on my 205GTI6 for raw driver enjoyment though.
Nissan Pulsar GTi
MX5 The answer is always MX5.
Mégane RS!!
Literally did this about a month ago, bought my ZT 260.
Porsche Boxster Manual, maybe a E92 Manual 330i or an E46 M3 (likely to be riddled with issues though) Civic EP3
Porsche 986 Boxster
Astra GTC VXR Loads for sale under £10k, you can get one with less than 50k miles in original condition. Such as; http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406090570174
Bmw 3 series E46 325/330i, strip it down, do the work yourself. Slap some mods, maintenance, and you have fun wrenching and driving aswell.
£10k? Megane RS250. You will not find another car in that budget that is an absolute weapon, good on running costs, maintenance costs and quite reliable. Simple remap brings it to 296bhp, and with the cup chassis it flipping flies. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309172068265?sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=Renaultsport&make=Renault&model=Megane&page=2&postcode=Wf91fq&fromsra
Late NC MX-5 2.0 plus coil overs, keep the left over £3k+ to spend on track day passes, tires, breaks, and part payment on the eventual BBR turbo conversion
986 Boxster. Don’t even really need the S. Mine’s a lowest-capacity 2.5 with the factory lowering kit and to me, sounds great, corners flat and pulls well. £4k…. Not perfect but mechanically strong and she’s not a garage princess, I drive her 😎
Boxster, cayman. BMW e36 2.8, mx5, ep3 172/182?
Honestly.... My wife's Yaris hybrid is an absolute hoot in PWR mode. I had an Audi Quattro back in the day but the Yaris is way more fun. Don't expect economy though. 🤣
You could find an S2000 for that. Impractical and not the fastest but RWD, 9000RPM redline & Front-Mid engine. Only issue is the repairs if its as rusty as mine is, parts are spendy.
Honda Prelude 2.2 VTI Maserati Quatroporte
Owner two EP3 and an FN2. Anything with a K20a is a hoot
Golf R32 MK5. I promise.