Rear axle/beam can rot through like it's papier mache. The boots tend to leak as the seam sealant they used in the factory gets too hard and cracks, but it can be fixed easily and cheaply enough. Footwells at the front can get a bit leaky, too, for the same reason. They seem to be good at blowing aircon fuses and relays, too.
Other than that, they're phenomenally reliable and put together cars. The only issue with mine is that the centre clock/radio display is messing up a bit, but it's easily fixed if you have a fine point soldering iron and half an hour free.
Thanks for the answer! For a while I've been wanting to upgrade to a Clio 197/200 (from the 1.2 ive had for years) but for the price, the Civics seem to be a much more complete package for a daily car.
They need the nuts revving off them, but they're fantastic cars for the market price. And practically terms they have a massive boot and aren't too awful on fuel. Tax is high on them a bit, I think, but around the same as anything else in it's class.
The interior has aged like a champ, too, as it was super futuristic back on release, so it still feels like a new car interior.
Fell in love with the huge boot and 'magic' seats to be honest, I like to have the option of using the car as a bit of a van when needed.
Think I could justify the tax when I'm currently paying £210 on the 75hp Clio haha!
I was looking at the Type S for a little while but tidy ones are selling for around the same price so think I'd probably regret it while I don't particularly need an economical car.
Make sure you get a great spec and you’ll be very happy. I personally would go for top spec minus the satnav (it’s going to be naff in 2024). You’ll get heated seats, a cooled glovebox, full leather, pan roof, folding and heated side mirrors… all for a neat and tidy price.
Headlight washers are only present on models with Xenon headlights; I personally don’t have those. The face lifted would be ideal as it’s 2009+ and gives the engine a bit more airflow (and I think looks nicer too).
Leather seats are *COLD* in Winter. Heat makes a big difference and saves you from mockery when somebody spots your Gran's crocheted blanky under your bum.
The Type-S is a fine car. Especially in GT package form. But even with 140hp, it's not the peakiest feeling of cars.
What I would suggest, though, is not buying a Type-r for Type-s money. A 2k Type-s should be a tidy car, but a 2k Type-r could be considerably ropier. Just make sure you give any fn civic a good look underneath when you go view them. A cheap fn2 could be hiding a lot.
The rear leak is fixable but wow its not easy!
Done mine twice and the first time took me hours! Also treated the rear axle rust and used a wire brush to get as much off as possible after a MOT advisory last year so fingers crossed in the summer it gets through.
They are big cars, mine is a 2.2 CDTi and fine but was one of the slowest Type Rs of all the models. As been said they go for cheap.
I managed to get my leaks all sorted in one go, but I seam sealed the entire rear of the car to do so, haha. My main leak was through some of the clips holding the rear plastic panel on. Getting the rails off the roof was really hard, too, but it seems WAY easier for everyone else I've seen do it. Just couldn't get the lil end caps out.
They are big but they aren't overly heavy. Just over 1300kg is pretty good for the era car. And it might not be the fastest type-r but in terms of creature comforts and practicality, I'll take it over an ek or ep any day. The poor reputation makes for a cheap car for the rest of us haha
Yea managed both times to sort it but after 2 years the leak came back. I think a couple of winters can cause it to leak again.
Approaching 18 months and still seems fine so that's a massive bonus!
The engine is bulletproof in them, it's just a lot of the other stuff that fails!
It did but after 2 years. I did it second time 18 months ago and seems to be holding.
With the cold winters I don't think it's fixed forever but took 20% of the time as I knew how to take the back end plastics out.
Pull the cover off in front of it, take the two screws out from underneath and pull the unit out. Take the back cover off the unit till you find a row of electrical pins and with a fine tipped iron, reflow the solder joints. You may have to take the speedo out to the right but that's as easy as removing its top cover and it should just pull out.
As other user said, rust is the big killer, the rear beam will fail at some point, I was quoted £600 for a new one to be installed. Rear boot will leak, either factory sealant or the rubber bungs on the boot are allowing water in. I've had the fn2 R and now am fn3, neither had blown cold air.
The fn2 likes to drink oil as well.
Definitely one to check, best thing is that it's dead easy, doesn't need to be on a ramp/jacked up. Lie down and you can see across the whole underside near enough, check for the rear bushes as well, again another easy spot. Mine are beyond fucked and I didn't check when buying
Damn that is unfortunate. I think mine is still decent, but I'm still gonna have to save for one I think. Hopefully being on 78k that should buy me some time 🤞
Rust! My cousin brought one recently and it looked good if you laid on the floor and looked under it, but we got it on a lift and the insides of the rockers had completely rotted away
The previous gen had rust issues too, but in the rear quarters. Honda have never been the best at under sealing cars because they don't salt the roads in Japan and they use the same thin coating here that can't stand up to our roads in winter
It's not really going to be any more unreliable than a 15 year old Fiesta. I'd probably look at a Z4 or Z3 in that price range, they're bought more by older people compared to the 3 series, so insurance could be cheaper as they have less data in your age range to go on.
I would at your age probably just stick with the fiesta, get some more money behind you and then revisit the sporty car thing when you turn 25 as that's when my insurance dropped dramatically.
Might actually get a shock with insurance these days. I think most insurers have spent the last ten years huffing glue, smoking crack and receiving serious head injuries.
My 1.6l diesel volvo (probably the slowest car in the world) is more to insure than my previous car, which was a 2.2l merc, and those were both more expensive than my 240hp 3 series and more than double the 3l v6 honda I had before that.
I know it can't be the case but if my insurance history is anything to go by, it seems the slower and 'cheaper to run' a car is the more it costs to insure!
Genuinely might be cheaper to insure something nicer and faster than the fiesta depending on how many fiestas have been wrapped round trees where op lives, and depending on how easy the cats are to steal
Yeah I guess so. Still a bit galling to have been paying 200ish a year for a ridiculous modified bmw that would try to put you in a field at every opportunity to then get a sensible shoes volvo to 'save money' and it be over 600 :/
Mx-5. A cheap BMW may well cost a bomb to maintain. As long as it's rust free an Mx-5 will be super dependable. Also not likely to depreciate any more.
You can get a relatively tidy MX5 from either an NA/NB/NC, I picked up a 2009 NC2 a year ago for £4.3k on 86k and have since done 20k miles cost free apart from consumables.
I have one, it's an excellent car. The only issue with the Gen7 is they're absolute rot boxes. It's currently up on jacks being welded to fuck but it'll be worth it after.
Biggest factor is gonna be insurance cost.
I'm 26 and I've just bought myself a 2011 3.0d XF S (275bhp) and I pay £180 a month in insurance. That's with 9 years no claims and 0 points.
Car wise though, you need to know your driving capability really. Are you happy to drive a RWD car in the rain? Do you want auto or manual? Are you gonna try and show off and bin it or are you happy to drive sensibly with the odd bit of straight line fun?
I'd get some quotes for the cars you like, and then look at reliability etc.
Also try just doing an autotrade filter for cars under 4k and then set the acceleration filter to 6-10 seconds and see what comes up. Good luck!
Insurance is weird, too many factors come into play, where you store it, where you live, and the mileage you do. My 450hp V10 Audi S6 avant is only £600 a year to insure at 29 with 10 years no claims and 0 points, it was about the same to insure as a BMW 530d that i had before it.
Good idea. I honestly can drive anything. Don’t mind if it’s auto/manual.
No I don’t want to rag it about, just something that’s a bit punchier on the roads. I’m not one of those street racers🤣
I'm 25 and have had a 2009 XF S for a few years. With 18,000 miles a year (4,000 business) I'm paying £72/month with 7 years NCB and 0 points. Can't believe how different your price is.
I don't know if you're up for renewal soon, but I found my quotes were considerably cheaper going through clearscore the clearfax credit score checker than on a price comparison website (like £200-£300/year). My credit scores around 800 I believe, if that makes a difference. Don't know if you've tried it but it might bring it down a bit, especially doing it in advance. Admittedly I do have my excess quite high at £700
Cousin is a Honda guy, has owned DC2/DC5/EP3/FN2 and more.. was not impressed when I got a Celica, until he went in it.. was shocked how underrated they are.
Defo, I had a Corolla T Sport between 2016 and 2019, awesome car tbh, lift was addictive and getting bullied by a car that you see delivering people's Chinese takeaway, even better lol
Hot take but I'd consider saving a bit more until you can get something you really want rather than 'can afford now' if your fiesta is reliable I'd personally hang on and consider saving for something like a golf gti, m140i etc
Going from a 4k sporty car to an M140i price level is just insane. That's at Least saving up 5 times the value.
Also insurance would be awful for a 21 year old.
Just a small hot hatch like a Clio 197 or a Swift Sport
Nothing wrong with getting something now but still making sure you keep saving for the next step if that’s what you want.
I find once you reach your saving goal you’re always looking at the step above that anyway.
Once I saved for my M140i I was starting to think.. “just save a bit more I can get that M2 Comp/M4” 😂
Or go the other way, keep the fiesta as a daily and buy something like a cheap MGF, they are mid engined, heaps of fun and so easy to work on, plus parts are readily available including aftermarket stuff
I'm not sure what multicar insurance is like for young people now but it used to be reasonable because you can only drive one car at a time
Yeah I still really regret “upgrading” early from my mk2 Fiesta (20 odd years ago) fiestas are great cars and still pretty nippy and I’ve had them since. Bigger cars often feel slower in the end… although they have greater top speed and are more comfortable on long journeys a lot of driving in the uk is sub 30mph where fiestas excel.
Though I didn’t listen to the same advice when I was your age!
I regretted it also, I knew it would be somewhat controversial but I think sometimes the heart wins kver the brain 🤣
Yes you can sell whatever car you buy but let's be honest usually you lose money and these days under 4k doesn't mean reliable.
Not many money people can do as they wish, as I said I did the same but I wish someone told me hold out 🤣
That being said clio is a great shout
You do you if you really wanna upgrade go for it.
I wish someone told me to wait until you get the car that scratches that itch though. But depends what you want obviously. I went from a Corsa B to a audi a1 but I really wanted an rs3 so I just delayed things and regretted it (mileage may vary of course.)
Just be wary if you go german in this price range you will need to get your spanners out or be prepared to pay someone else to. Not to put you off, but gotta be realistic.
1st gen mini cooper s? Will need some work as even the later ones are 18 years old, but they're pretty solid especially compared to the 2nd gen. Fantastic handling and parts are plentiful when random things do let go
But of a curve ball, but you're almost at the price of a clio cup rs200. It's not the usual fiesta ST everyone has and they handle much better anyway. Save up another grand and find a nice one. The Megane RS would be another more unique choice, but they are going to be out of your price range.
Celica is the way to go.
OK, it isn't actually sporty. But it handles well, revs freely and provides the illusion of sportiness. It is fun to drive on B roads and is cheap to buy and run. Plus, there's the added bonus that non car people will often mistake it for something newer and more expensive.
Alfa Brera or GT wild be my recommendation . Cars you don’t see very often, turn heads, are sporty and generally well built.
They do have their little issues and gremlins but good network out there for them, and are fantastic drivers cars!
if you're not arsed about fuel, mk4 GTI/1.8t A3/BAM TT
BAM TT's were 225BHP but absolutely gulped fuel, GTI and 1.8t A3's were both 150bhp but can be quite easily made up to about the 225 mark
Fwiw I’m going off of my dad’s experience with his 1.8t A3. 150 mapped to about 225, barely gets 20mpg (unless my mum drives it then it miraculously makes it to 32)
FN2 Civic Type R is around 3 grand for an early one. I just bought one and I can confirm it's fast, corners on rails and really does encourage you to drive like a hooligan. Also to be fair if you do like the bwahhhhhh it drinks petrol.
I put the mpg bar on the multi function display and that helps me not boot it around too much. I feel guilty when it's on about 5mpg lol.
If I brim the tank and then drive like a good Christian for the duration on a very slow commute I get around 260 miles or so to a tank, around 26mpg. I did a long run to Somerset around 350 miles out of a tank, so significantly better on a longer drive.
It's ULEZ safe but in quite a high tax bracket. Honestly the way the thing moves when you want it too and the revs it will hit are insane. Also a Honda, so seldom breaks.
I’ve just sold my first car (Citroen C2) which I had for 5 years and bought a 2012 Corsa Vxr, (I know) however.. I paid only £2500 for it and it’s only 70k miles and it very good condition and had MOT done only 6 weeks ago, so if I can atleast make it till next mot without any issues I’m happy 😎
Bought a 1998 mark 2 mx5 a couple of years ago when I was 19. It’s not the fastest car but it felt way more special and fun than the vw up I had before, it honestly never missed a beat. The insurance on the 1.6’s is way better than the 1.8’s. I’d honestly consider one mate.
You can get a TT for a couple of grand and then save the rest for running costs and to cover the increase in insurance costs. You could get the 3.2 V6 model for around £4k but it doesn't leave you much change.
Z3 or Z4
Mini Cooper S
Audi TT 225
Audi S3 (the first gen)
The Z3's are a lot of fun and an appreciating asset if you get a nice one as lots of older people really enjoy them. I have heard good things about the Z4 as well but only ever driven a Z3. I had the slow one with the 1.9 and it was still fun, easy to work on, quite reliable and great handling, really fun!
Mini Cooper S I have heard great things from friends, a friend even sold a Nissan 350Z for one. I think just be careful on age in regards to engine issues and electrical issues. I think some ages are fine, others aren't.
Audi TT - Just brilliant cars for the money. Really quick and absolutely brilliant handling. Round the B roads they are just amazing and they are also comfy enough to sit on a motorway for a couple of hours. The back seats are barely seats but you can fold them down and the boot is actually a really decent length. They are just a bit ugly, unless you can get a gen 2 for that money but then I think you have to spend quite a bit more to get quattro.
You are the first person who described the tt as brilliant
I'm in the process of downsizing (damn rental market) and I'm eyeing up a tt 225 roadster. I looked at mx5 nbs but usually they are "a bit rusty no worries"
Yea I mean my experience is limited to cars exclusively under 5k but i have owned 21 of them as well as driving a lot of modern cars such as Golf R's (mk7), Cupra's, Golf Gti's etc. And yea, for the money the TT is great! They feek sporty to be in, the handling is just so much fun, they aren't the fastest car in the world but you can really throw them around corners and roundabouts and it will just sort of deal with it. That as well as a Bose Stereo, heated leather seats, reasonable sized boot if you need it and a fair amount of reliability I think makes them a really really good car for the money if it's something sporty you're after anyway.
yea, I thought that would be the case, I can't imagine them being bad cars at all but I have no experience with them and the quattro is what really made the TT special as the handling was incredible for the price you pay.
Mazda MX5
Get the nicest one you can afford for 4k and look past options that it had from new or the colour. Get a full service history and reasonable mileage (low mileage doesn't mean well maintained).
If you want something less 'sporty' but also lots of fun, 208 GTi. You can get a decent one for £4k but the insurance on any of these cars will probably hurt at your age.
I'd avoid a BMW but only because I've been there and done that. Even a well maintained and low mileage 3-series will still throw you big bills. I remember having at least a few 4-figure bills every year and the car, in hindsight, wasn't worth it.
Simply put, and MX5, absolute fun in it's purist form, especially if it's a MK1 or even a MK2. Reliable, obviously you will have maintenance on any car of that age, but worth it for the smile on your face.
1993 Rev 2 Toyota MR2.
Rear wheel drive fun... not crazy fast, but quick enough, loads different to a Fiesta. Cheap to repair and get parts... also you'll get classic car insurance.
They're out there... you just need to look. Loads of communities of FB where you can buy parts... I've only just sold mine, had it 10 years but simply wasn't using it.
Boring option would be the MX5 which wouldn't be difficult to pick up for that kind of money, but having a look on AutoTrader, other options include: An Audi TT, Alfa Spider, Merc SLK200, Chrysler Crossfire, Smart Roadster, Fiat Coupé, Renault Wind, BMW Z4, Volvo C30, Mini Cooper S or even a Boxter. Depends what exactly you're after.
I'm sure insurance cost would eliminate a fair few of those, but there's a couple there I considered for my first car because the insurance wasn't too bad on them
Colt CZT/Ralliart. 150bhp standard, 1.1 ton. Cheap upgrades such as an airfilter, exhaust (including manifold) and front mount intercooler will see 230bhp. Just, if you get one avoid DynoDaze at all costs. Speak to John at FCM or Simon at NTS. Simon mapped my old one which was 230bhp and it went like absolute fuck.
I think you’ll struggle to get hold of a decent example of a more luxury brand car for that sort of money. I think Al(F)as and BMWs are brilliant, but you’re gonna need to spend a fair bit on upkeep if you can’t DIY. They’re not “cheap” sporty cars, they’re just cheaper to *buy*
An actual sports car will give you a good driving experience for that money, e.g. MX5 or MR2; or if you just want more power you can get that without getting a more prestigious brand; think a focus, Astra, golf with the more powerful engines.
If you’re not a badge snob I’d recommend the Peugeot RCZ, you can find higher mileage (80k+) for around 4k. You have a choice between a super reliable diesel that can be remapped for a lot more power. A 156bhp 1.6 turbo or the 200bhp 1.6 turbo, but the 200s are more expensive and less reliable so you
may to struggle to find one that doesn’t need some maintenance work for under 4k.
Personally my advice would be to get something cheap to run and save up, really you want to be spending more than 6k to get something that’s sporty and reliable.
Get a MK4 GTi 1.8T, lots available. Cheap part and labour is easy. With a simple remap you can have it hit closer to 200hp.
Lower it you've got yourself something decent to start with. Lots of mods, breakers and good community as well
It depends what you want and what you consider to be sporty tbf. I have a 2012 swift sport and it's an absolute joy to throw down some nice roads but it's far too slow for many to consider 'sporty' even though the chassis is banging.
I'd say an MX-5 but you're gonna have to worry a lot about rust if you're buying a cheap one. I'd get the nicest FN2 Type R with solid service/work history that you can afford and budget some money (maybe £100) for undersealing it. Smokes your Fiesta so it'll feel like a rocket, while unlikely to throw up huge bills like an older beamer might as long as it's been treated right by previous owners
Idk if under 100kmi is doable at that budget, but I wouldn't shy away from higher mileage ones - usually past like 120-140k they will have had expensive work done like pumps and belts, so the next 40k miles you put on it are likely to be much cheaper than if you put the same miles on a car with 90k on the clock
I paid £2200 for my girlfriend's 100k mile 2007 Audi TT coupe. It's got the 2.0 turbo with the amazing DSG Dual Clutch gearbox, still has back seats you can use in a squeeze yet fold them flat and you get loads of storage. Insurance is cheaper than my 2.0 mx5 was. It's basically a couple golf GTi and loads of fun.
As a mechanic my advice is this; save your money. You’re asking for a cheap sporty car under 100k miles which is a lot to ask for and chances are any car fitting that criteria will more than likely be toast or becoming toast.
Save your money and buy something a bit nippy in the future, you’re only 21 and you have all the time in the world to enjoy a nice car at a young age, don’t chuck your money away on junk.
Or buy a beat up junker and spend another couple thousand fixing it.
Looked through your posts, did you get the clutch noise fixed? Just asking because i do 3-5 clutch/transmission repairs done a day thats what we specalise in lol
Bit of an odd one but a Twingo Renaultsport 133 can be picked up for around 3500-4500 in pretty good condition + under 100k miles. Decently pokey for what it is, power band is pretty much whatever rpm you are at and its a right laugh
There’s no “cheap” sporty car. If you find one for 4K you’d spend another 4K fixing it up. Buy yourself a 2.0 TFSI Audi A3. Do a carbon clean on it. Get it lowered. Put in a drop-in performance filter. Slap a stage 1 tune on it. Happy days.
I would go for a Z3/4, mx5 of some kind or even a civic. Please do not touch an Alfa that’s worth 4k, that might as well just be a pile of broken parts. Most of the bmw cars in this price band like cheap 3 series might come in a bit of a state and realistically won’t be as sporty as a Z3 would
Could also stay ford and get a fiesta st or Zetec potentially but I’m not to familiar with the market for those so I’m under of the cost there
Left field but… mk1 Mazda 6, 147bhp, six speed manuel and the steering rack from the MX5. Twin cam 2 litre isn’t a rocket ship but it sounds nice and they are DIRT cheap.
Fn2 type r is a good shout... you could possibly find a mk5 golf gti but for the budget it won't be a mint one or a well spec'd one.
Mk1 or mk2 mx5 maybe ?
MK5 golf gti. Mileage will likely be an issue but I know of one with 300k+ that's still smooth.
200bhp, handles well and is good for a blast or a cruise around town
I wouldn't recommend any high mileage BMW. My first car was a BMW e36 325i convertible. Got it when I was 18 and had a bit over 120k on it. Nothing but trouble and couldn't get uphill where I lived. I parked at the bottom of the hill and just used my ER5 as soon as I got my bike license.
6 cylinder BMWs are famously reliable; people who aren’t interested in cars tend to buy the 4 cylinder ones which have issues and then tarnish the whole brand with the same brush.
An Alfa Romeo however will probably be unreliable, I’ve not heard of anyone owning one without issues.
3.0i Z4, engines are pretty bulletproof (although they like oil). 0-60 in the low 5's. 35mpg because they're light. A great choice for a fun sporty car. Just make sure to get rid of the run flat tyres.
I've got a 125i (3.0 N52) and although the engine is excellent and bulletproof, it's the other stuff I've spent money on. Countless sensors have needed replacing. A few months ago the starter motor packed up and cost me a fortune because it's buried so deep inside the car. All things considered it hasn't been massively unreliable but it's something to bear in mind.
Young male driver, new to cars, wants a 'sporty car' with a low budget?
That sounds like a crash waiting to happen. And it's going to cost you an arm and a leg to insure on top, if you can even get cover.
> Or even an Alpha Giullieta which I love.
Ahahaha. My friend, there is nothing as expensive as a 'cheap' Italian car or motorbike. Don't do it!
I got a 17 plate bmw 3 series.
Bought it from new its only dome 25k because I don't drive huge distances.
I am not sure on reliability because I only had mine for 7 years, I don't have many issues with mine. Love the car.
Although I am in my 40s so insurance is pretty cheap. 21 year old driving something like this might not be the best idea, unless you are super mature.
Can i ask why people say “59 reg” and all that shite just say what year the car was made bro the number plate means fuck all.
Never understood it never will it’s meaningless what year your number plate was created
No it doesn't, "59 plates" straddle 2009 and early 2010.
Might want to avoid laughing at someone doing something you deem silly until you've googled it.
Come to Northern Ireland and tell me that mate, laugh at me like a snobby cunt again
“haha the reg plate tells you exactly the year it was registered”, how the fuck on gods green earth does 59 = 2009.
nope, worked in the trade when they made the change, they wanted 2 things:
New reg twice a year to increase the sense of envy - ie those that had to have the new plate, more sales
reduce the peak load on the supply chain that the one change per year, 1st september, used to cause.
in reality it just meant that december was even more quiet for sales as folk waited till March to change or April for all the part-exes.
Yeah but I highly doubt you drive a Ford Fiesta which was built in 1959. Plus a lot of people have number plates which in no way correlate to any year, my plate is about 2000 years ahead of us at that rate lol
Fn2 type R, plenty available for 2-4K, great cars that rev to the moon
Been seriously considering one of these recently. Are there any common faults to look out for? Anything that is a red flag when looking at one?
Rear axle/beam can rot through like it's papier mache. The boots tend to leak as the seam sealant they used in the factory gets too hard and cracks, but it can be fixed easily and cheaply enough. Footwells at the front can get a bit leaky, too, for the same reason. They seem to be good at blowing aircon fuses and relays, too. Other than that, they're phenomenally reliable and put together cars. The only issue with mine is that the centre clock/radio display is messing up a bit, but it's easily fixed if you have a fine point soldering iron and half an hour free.
Thanks for the answer! For a while I've been wanting to upgrade to a Clio 197/200 (from the 1.2 ive had for years) but for the price, the Civics seem to be a much more complete package for a daily car.
They need the nuts revving off them, but they're fantastic cars for the market price. And practically terms they have a massive boot and aren't too awful on fuel. Tax is high on them a bit, I think, but around the same as anything else in it's class. The interior has aged like a champ, too, as it was super futuristic back on release, so it still feels like a new car interior.
Fell in love with the huge boot and 'magic' seats to be honest, I like to have the option of using the car as a bit of a van when needed. Think I could justify the tax when I'm currently paying £210 on the 75hp Clio haha! I was looking at the Type S for a little while but tidy ones are selling for around the same price so think I'd probably regret it while I don't particularly need an economical car.
Make sure you get a great spec and you’ll be very happy. I personally would go for top spec minus the satnav (it’s going to be naff in 2024). You’ll get heated seats, a cooled glovebox, full leather, pan roof, folding and heated side mirrors… all for a neat and tidy price.
I should be looking for the facelifted GT correct? The one with the headlight washers? Not too fussed about heated seats but the rest would be lovely.
Headlight washers are only present on models with Xenon headlights; I personally don’t have those. The face lifted would be ideal as it’s 2009+ and gives the engine a bit more airflow (and I think looks nicer too).
Leather seats are *COLD* in Winter. Heat makes a big difference and saves you from mockery when somebody spots your Gran's crocheted blanky under your bum.
I believe they only come with leather seats if they're heated, otherwise they're cloth
The Type-S is a fine car. Especially in GT package form. But even with 140hp, it's not the peakiest feeling of cars. What I would suggest, though, is not buying a Type-r for Type-s money. A 2k Type-s should be a tidy car, but a 2k Type-r could be considerably ropier. Just make sure you give any fn civic a good look underneath when you go view them. A cheap fn2 could be hiding a lot.
Looking at somewhere around 4-5k mark so will hopefully be able to get a tidy enough R GT spec.
Oh, that's fine for a Type-r. Still keep your wits about you checking for boot leaks and rust underneath, but at that price, it should be a peach.
The rear leak is fixable but wow its not easy! Done mine twice and the first time took me hours! Also treated the rear axle rust and used a wire brush to get as much off as possible after a MOT advisory last year so fingers crossed in the summer it gets through. They are big cars, mine is a 2.2 CDTi and fine but was one of the slowest Type Rs of all the models. As been said they go for cheap.
I managed to get my leaks all sorted in one go, but I seam sealed the entire rear of the car to do so, haha. My main leak was through some of the clips holding the rear plastic panel on. Getting the rails off the roof was really hard, too, but it seems WAY easier for everyone else I've seen do it. Just couldn't get the lil end caps out. They are big but they aren't overly heavy. Just over 1300kg is pretty good for the era car. And it might not be the fastest type-r but in terms of creature comforts and practicality, I'll take it over an ek or ep any day. The poor reputation makes for a cheap car for the rest of us haha
Yea managed both times to sort it but after 2 years the leak came back. I think a couple of winters can cause it to leak again. Approaching 18 months and still seems fine so that's a massive bonus! The engine is bulletproof in them, it's just a lot of the other stuff that fails!
Oh damn it came back? That doesn't give me confidence in my work, haha.
It did but after 2 years. I did it second time 18 months ago and seems to be holding. With the cold winters I don't think it's fixed forever but took 20% of the time as I knew how to take the back end plastics out.
It only takes half an hour to fix the clock radio? I’m getting so tired of bashing it every time…. Any tips?
Pull the cover off in front of it, take the two screws out from underneath and pull the unit out. Take the back cover off the unit till you find a row of electrical pins and with a fine tipped iron, reflow the solder joints. You may have to take the speedo out to the right but that's as easy as removing its top cover and it should just pull out.
Thanks! Definitely going to look into doing this.
There's some good videos on YouTube that explain it better than I can but it's am easy job to do at home. Good luck!
As other user said, rust is the big killer, the rear beam will fail at some point, I was quoted £600 for a new one to be installed. Rear boot will leak, either factory sealant or the rubber bungs on the boot are allowing water in. I've had the fn2 R and now am fn3, neither had blown cold air. The fn2 likes to drink oil as well.
Do people often treat/protect the rear beam to stop/slow it failing?
Some do some don't. I'm saving for a new rear beam and will have it coated to protect it, no point at it's current state though
Suppose it's one to check when viewing a car then. Cheers for the pointers!
Definitely one to check, best thing is that it's dead easy, doesn't need to be on a ramp/jacked up. Lie down and you can see across the whole underside near enough, check for the rear bushes as well, again another easy spot. Mine are beyond fucked and I didn't check when buying
Don't the rear beams rust from the inside out? So coating it have an effect?
I'm not sure to be honest mate, I'd have thought outside goes first as it's open and exposed to everything
Fair enough, that's what I've been told on forums online but I guess that could be rubbish. Guess it doesn't hurt to get it coated aha
Yeah better safe than sorry, saw a post on Facebook, someone was 2 days out from a beam replacement and it snapped overnight on their driveway
Damn that is unfortunate. I think mine is still decent, but I'm still gonna have to save for one I think. Hopefully being on 78k that should buy me some time 🤞
* Rust across top of windscreen * wipers not parking properly Both fairly easy fixes * doors filling water leading to rust. Very easy to prevent.
Rust! My cousin brought one recently and it looked good if you laid on the floor and looked under it, but we got it on a lift and the insides of the rockers had completely rotted away The previous gen had rust issues too, but in the rear quarters. Honda have never been the best at under sealing cars because they don't salt the roads in Japan and they use the same thin coating here that can't stand up to our roads in winter
Oof not good! I'll try be careful then, thanks for the warning
It's not really going to be any more unreliable than a 15 year old Fiesta. I'd probably look at a Z4 or Z3 in that price range, they're bought more by older people compared to the 3 series, so insurance could be cheaper as they have less data in your age range to go on. I would at your age probably just stick with the fiesta, get some more money behind you and then revisit the sporty car thing when you turn 25 as that's when my insurance dropped dramatically.
Might actually get a shock with insurance these days. I think most insurers have spent the last ten years huffing glue, smoking crack and receiving serious head injuries. My 1.6l diesel volvo (probably the slowest car in the world) is more to insure than my previous car, which was a 2.2l merc, and those were both more expensive than my 240hp 3 series and more than double the 3l v6 honda I had before that. I know it can't be the case but if my insurance history is anything to go by, it seems the slower and 'cheaper to run' a car is the more it costs to insure! Genuinely might be cheaper to insure something nicer and faster than the fiesta depending on how many fiestas have been wrapped round trees where op lives, and depending on how easy the cats are to steal
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Yeah I guess so. Still a bit galling to have been paying 200ish a year for a ridiculous modified bmw that would try to put you in a field at every opportunity to then get a sensible shoes volvo to 'save money' and it be over 600 :/
Go for a classic car. Insurance is much cheaper
Show me a good classic car in that price bracket????
Mx-5. A cheap BMW may well cost a bomb to maintain. As long as it's rust free an Mx-5 will be super dependable. Also not likely to depreciate any more.
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You can get a relatively tidy MX5 from either an NA/NB/NC, I picked up a 2009 NC2 a year ago for £4.3k on 86k and have since done 20k miles cost free apart from consumables.
Celica
Definitely a good shout. They're ridiculously cheap.
Mk7 Celicas are barely 2K right now. Might invest in one as it'll definitely be a classic someday.
I have one, it's an excellent car. The only issue with the Gen7 is they're absolute rot boxes. It's currently up on jacks being welded to fuck but it'll be worth it after.
Biggest factor is gonna be insurance cost. I'm 26 and I've just bought myself a 2011 3.0d XF S (275bhp) and I pay £180 a month in insurance. That's with 9 years no claims and 0 points. Car wise though, you need to know your driving capability really. Are you happy to drive a RWD car in the rain? Do you want auto or manual? Are you gonna try and show off and bin it or are you happy to drive sensibly with the odd bit of straight line fun? I'd get some quotes for the cars you like, and then look at reliability etc. Also try just doing an autotrade filter for cars under 4k and then set the acceleration filter to 6-10 seconds and see what comes up. Good luck!
Insurance is weird, too many factors come into play, where you store it, where you live, and the mileage you do. My 450hp V10 Audi S6 avant is only £600 a year to insure at 29 with 10 years no claims and 0 points, it was about the same to insure as a BMW 530d that i had before it.
Good idea. I honestly can drive anything. Don’t mind if it’s auto/manual. No I don’t want to rag it about, just something that’s a bit punchier on the roads. I’m not one of those street racers🤣
I'm 25 and have had a 2009 XF S for a few years. With 18,000 miles a year (4,000 business) I'm paying £72/month with 7 years NCB and 0 points. Can't believe how different your price is. I don't know if you're up for renewal soon, but I found my quotes were considerably cheaper going through clearscore the clearfax credit score checker than on a price comparison website (like £200-£300/year). My credit scores around 800 I believe, if that makes a difference. Don't know if you've tried it but it might bring it down a bit, especially doing it in advance. Admittedly I do have my excess quite high at £700
Enter the celica
I love how underrated the T sport is, barely anybody knows about them
Intergra type R stole ALL of the FWD sporty coupe limelight. It does make the Toyota a real bargain. 90% of the performance for 10% of the price!
Cousin is a Honda guy, has owned DC2/DC5/EP3/FN2 and more.. was not impressed when I got a Celica, until he went in it.. was shocked how underrated they are.
Defo, I had a Corolla T Sport between 2016 and 2019, awesome car tbh, lift was addictive and getting bullied by a car that you see delivering people's Chinese takeaway, even better lol
Hot take but I'd consider saving a bit more until you can get something you really want rather than 'can afford now' if your fiesta is reliable I'd personally hang on and consider saving for something like a golf gti, m140i etc
Going from a 4k sporty car to an M140i price level is just insane. That's at Least saving up 5 times the value. Also insurance would be awful for a 21 year old. Just a small hot hatch like a Clio 197 or a Swift Sport
Clio 197 may be cheaper to buy but they are expensive to maintain. Awesome things though.
Swift sport it is then! They are great cars That and the Panda 100hp/Twingo RS are some of my favourite type of hot hatches
Nothing wrong with getting something now but still making sure you keep saving for the next step if that’s what you want. I find once you reach your saving goal you’re always looking at the step above that anyway. Once I saved for my M140i I was starting to think.. “just save a bit more I can get that M2 Comp/M4” 😂
Or go the other way, keep the fiesta as a daily and buy something like a cheap MGF, they are mid engined, heaps of fun and so easy to work on, plus parts are readily available including aftermarket stuff I'm not sure what multicar insurance is like for young people now but it used to be reasonable because you can only drive one car at a time
Second this, love my TF. £1500 and bags of fun!
Yeah I still really regret “upgrading” early from my mk2 Fiesta (20 odd years ago) fiestas are great cars and still pretty nippy and I’ve had them since. Bigger cars often feel slower in the end… although they have greater top speed and are more comfortable on long journeys a lot of driving in the uk is sub 30mph where fiestas excel. Though I didn’t listen to the same advice when I was your age!
I regretted it also, I knew it would be somewhat controversial but I think sometimes the heart wins kver the brain 🤣 Yes you can sell whatever car you buy but let's be honest usually you lose money and these days under 4k doesn't mean reliable. Not many money people can do as they wish, as I said I did the same but I wish someone told me hold out 🤣 That being said clio is a great shout
That is also an option to be honest.
You do you if you really wanna upgrade go for it. I wish someone told me to wait until you get the car that scratches that itch though. But depends what you want obviously. I went from a Corsa B to a audi a1 but I really wanted an rs3 so I just delayed things and regretted it (mileage may vary of course.) Just be wary if you go german in this price range you will need to get your spanners out or be prepared to pay someone else to. Not to put you off, but gotta be realistic.
You had me until you mentioned the 140i.
Never driven one but seems to be the hot hatch of choice these days and reviews suggest they are great cars 🤷
1st gen mini cooper s? Will need some work as even the later ones are 18 years old, but they're pretty solid especially compared to the 2nd gen. Fantastic handling and parts are plentiful when random things do let go
But of a curve ball, but you're almost at the price of a clio cup rs200. It's not the usual fiesta ST everyone has and they handle much better anyway. Save up another grand and find a nice one. The Megane RS would be another more unique choice, but they are going to be out of your price range.
Seat Leon 1.4tsi. Why folk immediately want to go for a starship miles BM i've no idea, the leon will feel like a huge upgrade.
Can second this, the ecotsi engine is great, I can get 50MPG and still put a smile on my face on a nice road
yup, i peaked at 52.3mpg, from cold on a 12 mile commute. Great engine, the 1.2 8V isnt that different to be honest.
Fiat Panda 100HP, Renaultsport Twingo 133, Suzuki Swift Sport etc. Small, light, controllable, affordable and fun.
The Twingo is such a good car for chucking around on a B road
Celica is the way to go. OK, it isn't actually sporty. But it handles well, revs freely and provides the illusion of sportiness. It is fun to drive on B roads and is cheap to buy and run. Plus, there's the added bonus that non car people will often mistake it for something newer and more expensive.
T Sport is.. sporty
mr2 roadster
Alfa Brera or GT wild be my recommendation . Cars you don’t see very often, turn heads, are sporty and generally well built. They do have their little issues and gremlins but good network out there for them, and are fantastic drivers cars!
if you're not arsed about fuel, mk4 GTI/1.8t A3/BAM TT BAM TT's were 225BHP but absolutely gulped fuel, GTI and 1.8t A3's were both 150bhp but can be quite easily made up to about the 225 mark
My old cupra 225 bam used to get 350 miles out of a tank, wouldn’t say that gulped fuel. That was a hybrid turbo and mapped and wasn’t driven lightly…
Fwiw I’m going off of my dad’s experience with his 1.8t A3. 150 mapped to about 225, barely gets 20mpg (unless my mum drives it then it miraculously makes it to 32)
Twingo rs or GT, I have the GT with a few mods and insurance is still cheap.
350z if you can find one, great fun, and other than rust nothing really goes wrong with them
FN2 Civic Type R is around 3 grand for an early one. I just bought one and I can confirm it's fast, corners on rails and really does encourage you to drive like a hooligan. Also to be fair if you do like the bwahhhhhh it drinks petrol.
Yes that’s also an option, does she drink petrol even when not ragging it about?
I put the mpg bar on the multi function display and that helps me not boot it around too much. I feel guilty when it's on about 5mpg lol. If I brim the tank and then drive like a good Christian for the duration on a very slow commute I get around 260 miles or so to a tank, around 26mpg. I did a long run to Somerset around 350 miles out of a tank, so significantly better on a longer drive. It's ULEZ safe but in quite a high tax bracket. Honestly the way the thing moves when you want it too and the revs it will hit are insane. Also a Honda, so seldom breaks.
I’ve just sold my first car (Citroen C2) which I had for 5 years and bought a 2012 Corsa Vxr, (I know) however.. I paid only £2500 for it and it’s only 70k miles and it very good condition and had MOT done only 6 weeks ago, so if I can atleast make it till next mot without any issues I’m happy 😎
Bought a 1998 mark 2 mx5 a couple of years ago when I was 19. It’s not the fastest car but it felt way more special and fun than the vw up I had before, it honestly never missed a beat. The insurance on the 1.6’s is way better than the 1.8’s. I’d honestly consider one mate.
You can get a TT for a couple of grand and then save the rest for running costs and to cover the increase in insurance costs. You could get the 3.2 V6 model for around £4k but it doesn't leave you much change.
Mx5
Z3 or Z4 Mini Cooper S Audi TT 225 Audi S3 (the first gen) The Z3's are a lot of fun and an appreciating asset if you get a nice one as lots of older people really enjoy them. I have heard good things about the Z4 as well but only ever driven a Z3. I had the slow one with the 1.9 and it was still fun, easy to work on, quite reliable and great handling, really fun! Mini Cooper S I have heard great things from friends, a friend even sold a Nissan 350Z for one. I think just be careful on age in regards to engine issues and electrical issues. I think some ages are fine, others aren't. Audi TT - Just brilliant cars for the money. Really quick and absolutely brilliant handling. Round the B roads they are just amazing and they are also comfy enough to sit on a motorway for a couple of hours. The back seats are barely seats but you can fold them down and the boot is actually a really decent length. They are just a bit ugly, unless you can get a gen 2 for that money but then I think you have to spend quite a bit more to get quattro.
You are the first person who described the tt as brilliant I'm in the process of downsizing (damn rental market) and I'm eyeing up a tt 225 roadster. I looked at mx5 nbs but usually they are "a bit rusty no worries"
Yea I mean my experience is limited to cars exclusively under 5k but i have owned 21 of them as well as driving a lot of modern cars such as Golf R's (mk7), Cupra's, Golf Gti's etc. And yea, for the money the TT is great! They feek sporty to be in, the handling is just so much fun, they aren't the fastest car in the world but you can really throw them around corners and roundabouts and it will just sort of deal with it. That as well as a Bose Stereo, heated leather seats, reasonable sized boot if you need it and a fair amount of reliability I think makes them a really really good car for the money if it's something sporty you're after anyway.
I agree with all of these. You could definitely get a decent enough MK2 TT for £4k but most likely the FWD version.
yea, I thought that would be the case, I can't imagine them being bad cars at all but I have no experience with them and the quattro is what really made the TT special as the handling was incredible for the price you pay.
Mazda MX5 Get the nicest one you can afford for 4k and look past options that it had from new or the colour. Get a full service history and reasonable mileage (low mileage doesn't mean well maintained). If you want something less 'sporty' but also lots of fun, 208 GTi. You can get a decent one for £4k but the insurance on any of these cars will probably hurt at your age. I'd avoid a BMW but only because I've been there and done that. Even a well maintained and low mileage 3-series will still throw you big bills. I remember having at least a few 4-figure bills every year and the car, in hindsight, wasn't worth it.
Fiat panda 100hp if you want a car that's cheap fairly reliable and won't get your license taken away
Yeah, get the Giulietta mate, the 1.4 Multiair. Fairly solid cars. Get a Veloce trim car. They're not even that bad to work on tbh.
Simply put, and MX5, absolute fun in it's purist form, especially if it's a MK1 or even a MK2. Reliable, obviously you will have maintenance on any car of that age, but worth it for the smile on your face.
So long as the underside is clean, get an mx5. Brillisnt cars and super fun
1993 Rev 2 Toyota MR2. Rear wheel drive fun... not crazy fast, but quick enough, loads different to a Fiesta. Cheap to repair and get parts... also you'll get classic car insurance.
Good luck getting one with sills for £4k. Much as I enjoyed mine, parts availability was fairly scarce 10 years ago.
They're out there... you just need to look. Loads of communities of FB where you can buy parts... I've only just sold mine, had it 10 years but simply wasn't using it.
how much did you sell it for?
£2500 The Rev 2 is the most undesirable version of the Mark 2.
Boring option would be the MX5 which wouldn't be difficult to pick up for that kind of money, but having a look on AutoTrader, other options include: An Audi TT, Alfa Spider, Merc SLK200, Chrysler Crossfire, Smart Roadster, Fiat Coupé, Renault Wind, BMW Z4, Volvo C30, Mini Cooper S or even a Boxter. Depends what exactly you're after. I'm sure insurance cost would eliminate a fair few of those, but there's a couple there I considered for my first car because the insurance wasn't too bad on them
Mx5 or z4 but insurance might be pricey
Insurance over here is a bastard. My cousins which are 19 in the US drive a 6L Chevy or some sort and it was around 1k. 6 fuckin L
I had a 5L Chevy and it cost less than a grand to insure, in England. Engine size doesn’t matter as much as people think
At what age?
mid 20s :)
I wouldn’t bother in that price range. Just wait until you can afford something better.
Colt CZT/Ralliart. 150bhp standard, 1.1 ton. Cheap upgrades such as an airfilter, exhaust (including manifold) and front mount intercooler will see 230bhp. Just, if you get one avoid DynoDaze at all costs. Speak to John at FCM or Simon at NTS. Simon mapped my old one which was 230bhp and it went like absolute fuck.
Alpha
Giga chad
I think you’ll struggle to get hold of a decent example of a more luxury brand car for that sort of money. I think Al(F)as and BMWs are brilliant, but you’re gonna need to spend a fair bit on upkeep if you can’t DIY. They’re not “cheap” sporty cars, they’re just cheaper to *buy* An actual sports car will give you a good driving experience for that money, e.g. MX5 or MR2; or if you just want more power you can get that without getting a more prestigious brand; think a focus, Astra, golf with the more powerful engines.
If you’re not a badge snob I’d recommend the Peugeot RCZ, you can find higher mileage (80k+) for around 4k. You have a choice between a super reliable diesel that can be remapped for a lot more power. A 156bhp 1.6 turbo or the 200bhp 1.6 turbo, but the 200s are more expensive and less reliable so you may to struggle to find one that doesn’t need some maintenance work for under 4k. Personally my advice would be to get something cheap to run and save up, really you want to be spending more than 6k to get something that’s sporty and reliable.
Honda civic sport (EP2) or FN2 civic Type R
Get a MK4 GTi 1.8T, lots available. Cheap part and labour is easy. With a simple remap you can have it hit closer to 200hp. Lower it you've got yourself something decent to start with. Lots of mods, breakers and good community as well
It depends what you want and what you consider to be sporty tbf. I have a 2012 swift sport and it's an absolute joy to throw down some nice roads but it's far too slow for many to consider 'sporty' even though the chassis is banging.
Suzuki Swift
James May Based
I'd say an MX-5 but you're gonna have to worry a lot about rust if you're buying a cheap one. I'd get the nicest FN2 Type R with solid service/work history that you can afford and budget some money (maybe £100) for undersealing it. Smokes your Fiesta so it'll feel like a rocket, while unlikely to throw up huge bills like an older beamer might as long as it's been treated right by previous owners Idk if under 100kmi is doable at that budget, but I wouldn't shy away from higher mileage ones - usually past like 120-140k they will have had expensive work done like pumps and belts, so the next 40k miles you put on it are likely to be much cheaper than if you put the same miles on a car with 90k on the clock
I paid £2200 for my girlfriend's 100k mile 2007 Audi TT coupe. It's got the 2.0 turbo with the amazing DSG Dual Clutch gearbox, still has back seats you can use in a squeeze yet fold them flat and you get loads of storage. Insurance is cheaper than my 2.0 mx5 was. It's basically a couple golf GTi and loads of fun.
Could still get a nice Clio 182 for that money or a tatty 197 which are absolutely cracking cars.
Mini Cooper S R53. Cheap power and you get a supercharger which is rare now. Or an Audi TT. Just be careful for rust on a MK1 and other issues.
Smart Roadster
it's never not an MX5
Swift sport
As a mechanic my advice is this; save your money. You’re asking for a cheap sporty car under 100k miles which is a lot to ask for and chances are any car fitting that criteria will more than likely be toast or becoming toast. Save your money and buy something a bit nippy in the future, you’re only 21 and you have all the time in the world to enjoy a nice car at a young age, don’t chuck your money away on junk. Or buy a beat up junker and spend another couple thousand fixing it.
Thanks mate. I appreciate the honest. Best
Looked through your posts, did you get the clutch noise fixed? Just asking because i do 3-5 clutch/transmission repairs done a day thats what we specalise in lol
Volvo C30. It's an amazing hot hatch
depends how you feel about insurance. there are plenty of sub 4k "sporty" cars, but you might pay high premiums for them at 21...
All of those options are asking for potential huge garage bills
Fast or cheap or reliable. Pick 2.
You could probably pick up an old 350z for around 4k though it might be a high mileage one
Bit of an odd one but a Twingo Renaultsport 133 can be picked up for around 3500-4500 in pretty good condition + under 100k miles. Decently pokey for what it is, power band is pretty much whatever rpm you are at and its a right laugh
There’s no “cheap” sporty car. If you find one for 4K you’d spend another 4K fixing it up. Buy yourself a 2.0 TFSI Audi A3. Do a carbon clean on it. Get it lowered. Put in a drop-in performance filter. Slap a stage 1 tune on it. Happy days.
My advice is whatever you don’t go for Peugeot convertible 207cc gave me a lott of problems
I would go for a Z3/4, mx5 of some kind or even a civic. Please do not touch an Alfa that’s worth 4k, that might as well just be a pile of broken parts. Most of the bmw cars in this price band like cheap 3 series might come in a bit of a state and realistically won’t be as sporty as a Z3 would Could also stay ford and get a fiesta st or Zetec potentially but I’m not to familiar with the market for those so I’m under of the cost there
Left field but… mk1 Mazda 6, 147bhp, six speed manuel and the steering rack from the MX5. Twin cam 2 litre isn’t a rocket ship but it sounds nice and they are DIRT cheap.
Mx5 with a turbo.
Fn2 type r is a good shout... you could possibly find a mk5 golf gti but for the budget it won't be a mint one or a well spec'd one. Mk1 or mk2 mx5 maybe ?
MK5 golf gti. Mileage will likely be an issue but I know of one with 300k+ that's still smooth. 200bhp, handles well and is good for a blast or a cruise around town
Just drill a hole in your Fiesta’s exhaust pipe
Smart Roadster! I’ve been looking at this one and I’d love one as a second car http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404198845937
4k car with 2k insurance
Celica, mx5, maybe an Audi a1, old bmw but might be expensive to maintain
If it was me id go for a Focus ST225 3dr in Orange. Always wanted one of those but insurance is a ballache. MK5 Golf GTI is a shout too
I wouldn't recommend any high mileage BMW. My first car was a BMW e36 325i convertible. Got it when I was 18 and had a bit over 120k on it. Nothing but trouble and couldn't get uphill where I lived. I parked at the bottom of the hill and just used my ER5 as soon as I got my bike license.
seat leon fr dsg with stage 2 remap and pops and bangs
forgot to mention most important thing, please get the TFSI not the TDI if u decide to get seat leon.
I had an E85 Z4 3.0 at your age. Was a blast.
Hear me out. Smart Fortwo with the turbo petrol engine. Two seats Rear engined Rear wheel drive Flappy paddle gearbox Basically a racing car
6 cylinder BMWs are famously reliable; people who aren’t interested in cars tend to buy the 4 cylinder ones which have issues and then tarnish the whole brand with the same brush. An Alfa Romeo however will probably be unreliable, I’ve not heard of anyone owning one without issues.
get yourself an RX8. I did that at 22. Was an experience.
3.0i Z4, engines are pretty bulletproof (although they like oil). 0-60 in the low 5's. 35mpg because they're light. A great choice for a fun sporty car. Just make sure to get rid of the run flat tyres.
From which years? I was thinking about getting one.
I've got a 125i (3.0 N52) and although the engine is excellent and bulletproof, it's the other stuff I've spent money on. Countless sensors have needed replacing. A few months ago the starter motor packed up and cost me a fortune because it's buried so deep inside the car. All things considered it hasn't been massively unreliable but it's something to bear in mind.
BMW 645ci-650i , V8, 300-400hp, rwd, still look modern(ish)
A bmw for 4k will be riddled with problems, save more
Subaru Legacy Spec B
I wish
Young male driver, new to cars, wants a 'sporty car' with a low budget? That sounds like a crash waiting to happen. And it's going to cost you an arm and a leg to insure on top, if you can even get cover. > Or even an Alpha Giullieta which I love. Ahahaha. My friend, there is nothing as expensive as a 'cheap' Italian car or motorbike. Don't do it!
Additional, add BMW 325csl. As you can see I love a BMW
325CSL?
I got a 17 plate bmw 3 series. Bought it from new its only dome 25k because I don't drive huge distances. I am not sure on reliability because I only had mine for 7 years, I don't have many issues with mine. Love the car. Although I am in my 40s so insurance is pretty cheap. 21 year old driving something like this might not be the best idea, unless you are super mature.
Not many of those for £4k but good input
By not many. You mean none unless it’s wrapped around a tree
Nailed it
Can i ask why people say “59 reg” and all that shite just say what year the car was made bro the number plate means fuck all. Never understood it never will it’s meaningless what year your number plate was created
What a pointless comment
Haha the number plate tells u exactly the year that the car was registered, unless u have a private plate
No it doesn't, "59 plates" straddle 2009 and early 2010. Might want to avoid laughing at someone doing something you deem silly until you've googled it.
Is a 6 month period not more precise than a 12 month period?
Come to Northern Ireland and tell me that mate, laugh at me like a snobby cunt again “haha the reg plate tells you exactly the year it was registered”, how the fuck on gods green earth does 59 = 2009.
I’d rather not ‘come to northern island’ 😂
Mate i’m pure rolling about on the floor here hahahaha what a cracking joke. Humour of a dying nun
lol yeah true it doesn’t really matter. I’m guessing the plates got split in half as we have so many cars?
nope, worked in the trade when they made the change, they wanted 2 things: New reg twice a year to increase the sense of envy - ie those that had to have the new plate, more sales reduce the peak load on the supply chain that the one change per year, 1st september, used to cause. in reality it just meant that december was even more quiet for sales as folk waited till March to change or April for all the part-exes.
Yeah but I highly doubt you drive a Ford Fiesta which was built in 1959. Plus a lot of people have number plates which in no way correlate to any year, my plate is about 2000 years ahead of us at that rate lol
59 reg is 2009…
fucking dumb system you english created
hmmm, the systems dumb? I think it may be the one person that can't comprehend it
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I must say it’s very simple to understand. UK ran out of A-Z letters to start a reg with in 1990’s.