tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 What sub 2grand hot hatch should I consider getting? My mind was set of a 100hp but I think the one I want is sold. I love the T sport Yaris but prices have risen as have the Ignis. Thought about a 1.3 or 1.4 K11 Micra. Want it to be sporty and have a bit of go. Would like rear seats so bare that in mind but would have a full track car as well if it came up. Think at least 100BHP per ton roughly. I only say 2 grand as that's the limit. I am looking at stuff sub £1000 as well. Seen a EP3 locally which would be a dream for 2G but I imagine it will be a knacker. What am I missing. Anyone have anything for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamboocarman Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 I had a Panda 100 from new, kept it for less than two years then chopped it in for a low mileage MR2 to use in the high hills of mid Wales and Durham. Couldn’t get my head around the Panda, despite having a long history of running Alfas back in the day, and maybe living permanently in Brighton at the time meant that the roads were far too busy , even out of town, to really enjoy the ‘hot hatchness’ of it. Rock hard suspension, didn’t feel particularly nippy, couldn’t get it to do more than 40 mpg no matter how carefully I drove it. It was the far too firm suspension that finished it off for me, far far too uncomfortable. A low mileage Peugeot 106 XS, P reg, was a much better all round car, including taught but supple suspension, very easy to work on, and plenty of real world performance: who needs a 106 GTi? Even a base model AX was more fun than the Panda. I clearly missed the point of it and didn’t bond. Currently running a 2007 Yaris 1.8: great fun, very subtle, more than fast enough on a B-road blast, comfortable, quick steering, really superb handling, and above all its a well made, reliable Toyota. So good, it’s my second example. The only fun car I’d replace it with would be a Twingo GT. stripped fred and tom13 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiC Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Not sure I'd call them hot hatches. Even at the time they were only lukewarm. R53 Cooper S is about the only thing left sub 2k that's decent. You might get a Clio 172 if you're lucky. But they seem to be 2k to 3k now. tom13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiC Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Clio II 1.6 16v will be as fast as the cars you've mentioned but doesn't have the badge prestige. There is also the Clio III 2.0. Not the 197 but they did a lukewarm Nissan powered version that is a lot cheaper. tom13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiC Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-0-VVT-Dynamique-S-3dr-Leather-Alloys-A-C-AA-Approved-/224291764722 Quite rare though. tom13 and loserone 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVee8 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 I'm sure @cort16, had a 100HP. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it. tom13, garethj, camryv6 and 2 others 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_Q Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 I like this Ignis I won the the roffle but not selling too soon.They are a good balance of power and handling but not fast by any actual definition. There are some good videos of people overtaking theoretically faster stuff on track.They exist in a weird place where you can either get a rough or high miles one for £5-600 or a minter for 1500-2500 and not much in between.Parts are not as easy to find at something like a Honda or Clio is the only drawback I've found so far. tom13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 15 minutes ago, Dave_Q said: I like this Ignis I won the the roffle but not selling too soon. They are a good balance of power and handling but not fast by any actual definition. There are some good videos of people overtaking theoretically faster stuff on track. They exist in a weird place where you can either get a rough or high miles one for £5-600 or a minter for 1500-2500 and not much in between. Parts are not as easy to find at something like a Honda or Clio is the only drawback I've found so far. I tried to buy it outright but the raffle was too far along. Would have loved it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 31 minutes ago, SiC said: Clio II 1.6 16v will be as fast as the cars you've mentioned but doesn't have the badge prestige. There is also the Clio III 2.0. Not the 197 but they did a lukewarm Nissan powered version that is a lot cheaper. The Clio is nice but not quite doing it for me. I don't need it to be super fast I like the small little revvy engines. Would love a copper s. It was well up on my list but sub 2g ones are too rough and I'm scared of the gearboxes tax and oilleaks ha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort16 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 I'd have a Twingo Renault Sport 133 Panda 100hp s are hard work to live with . They’re cheaply made as the cost 10 -11 grand new and that engine was really shoe horned in there . They are great fun though and you feel like you’re doing 120 when you’re doing 50. They’re not really fast but they Rev so freely they feel like they are . tom13, Faker, Bamboocarman and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 40 minutes ago, Bamboocarman said: I had a Panda 100 from new, kept it for less than two years then chopped it in for a low mileage MR2 to use in the high hills of mid Wales and Durham. Couldn’t get my head around the Panda, despite having a long history of running Alfas back in the day, and maybe living permanently in Brighton at the time meant that the roads were far too busy , even out of town, to really enjoy the ‘hot hatchness’ of it. Rock hard suspension, didn’t feel particularly nippy, couldn’t get it to do more than 40 mpg no matter how carefully I drove it. It was the far too firm suspension that finished it off for me, far far too uncomfortable. A low mileage Peugeot 106 XS, P reg, was a much better all round car, including taught but supple suspension, very easy to work on, and plenty of real world performance: who needs a 106 GTi? Even a base model AX was more fun than the Panda. I clearly missed the point of it and didn’t bond. Currently running a 2007 Yaris 1.8: great fun, very subtle, more than fast enough on a B-road blast, comfortable, quick steering, really superb handling, and above all its a well made, reliable Toyota. So good, it’s my second example. The only fun car I’d replace it with would be a Twingo GT. The twingo is a great shout. Will look at those. 106s seem crazy money. What you say about the 100hp us exactly what I have heard from people. I don't mind the mpg too much and like the firm suspension providing the damping is well controlled. Have heard a lot of people saying that they loved the suspension but I fully get where you are coming from. Bamboocarman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiC Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 9 minutes ago, tom13 said: The Clio is nice but not quite doing it for me. I don't need it to be super fast I like the small little revvy engines. Would love a copper s. It was well up on my list but sub 2g ones are too rough and I'm scared of the gearboxes tax and oilleaks ha. Cooper S all had the 6 speed getrag box. None had the 5 speed Midlands. I always see plenty decent ones sub 2k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KitKat Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Citroen AX or Peugeot 205. Even the base spec models are a hoot, you feel like you’re going twice as fast as you really are and running costs are peanuts. tom13, Bamboocarman, AxWomble and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamboocarman Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 I was fortunate to find the 35k mile 106 when they were sub £1k, and enjoyed it very much. I really don’t think that the GTi versions have any real advantage on public roads. Nice if people like bling tho. As with some Fords it’s a mugs game paying zillions of quid for one. Much better buying a more recent motor for a fraction of the price, however it’s difficult to find anything with a good balance of sufficient character, performance, simplicity etc. A Ford Sportka, or even a base mk1 Ka is fun, plenty of good handling available, cheap but also plenty of rust. The Twingo GT has the feel of the 106 about it, and are reasonably priced. The 100 was a decent fun car, but the suspension really was an issue for me. My direct experience of around 10k miles in one is a fundamental memory of the car ‘bouncing’ along the road most of the time. Driving it on my favourite North Pennine and similar roads was akin to torture, which spoilt the experience. Nothing like any of the others cars I’ve driven, apart from Issigonis Minis but they had other fun characteristics to compensate for this. Panda was too new to mess around with alternative springing so was glad to do a deal on the MR2: highly recommended for anyone who only needs 2 seats, superb cars. tom13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabergé Greggs Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 If you don’t rubbish ride then what about the only hot hatch I’ve owned recently: the C2 VTS. Or more accurately, and if you like caramel seats, a C2 code. I reckon on anything other than billiard smooth blasts between bypass roundabouts, or on-the-ragged-edge-every-last-rev-melting-brake-discs kind of hooning, the Mk1 Focus I’ve got now is a more entertaining drive. Bamboocarman and Braddon81 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Just here to post my stock answer. Mk6 fiesta st Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiC Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 3 minutes ago, Fabergé Greggs said: I reckon on anything other than billiard smooth blasts between bypass roundabouts, or on-the-ragged-edge-every-last-rev-melting-brake-discs kind of hooning, the Mk1 Focus I’ve got now is a more entertaining drive. I was surprised at how cushy and compliant the ride was on the stock suspension in my Clio 172. You could go over quite rough roads without being thrown all over the place. Makes sense really, given it's French and their roads are worse than ours. Bamboocarman and tom13 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KitKat Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 15 minutes ago, Bamboocarman said: A Ford Sportka Another good shout Bamboocarman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dabooka Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 My tuppence would by a Swift Sport. I had the 32 (facelift) which I doubt you'll get near for 2k but the previous version is reported to be more raw and all the better for it. Cheap to run, cheap bits and parts, great fun all round. Bad points. Tiny boot, I think the Z31 was only five speed, have been popular with young 'uns. The1.5 Swift is a canny little steer too although clearly on a different level. TBH I doubt you could go wrong with any of those listed and for the budget I'd look at whatever comes up from that list as condition is more important. tom13 and Bamboocarman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamboocarman Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 1 minute ago, Dabooka said: My tuppence would by a Swift Sport. I had the 32 (facelift) which I doubt you'll get near for 2k but the previous version is reported to be more raw and all the better for it. Cheap to run, cheap bits and parts, great fun all round. Bad points. Tiny boot, I think the Z31 was only five speed, have been popular with young 'uns. The1.5 Swift is a canny little steer too although clearly on a different level. TBH I doubt you could go wrong with any of those listed and for the budget I'd look at whatever comes up from that list as condition is more important. Yes, condition is number one. Also, beware of too low a mileage: ‘dry’ components ready to crumble once used in anger 💨💨💨 Gan canny . . . Dabooka 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitzer Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. Realistically, how about Puma with that Yamaha nikasil engine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 1 hour ago, KitKat said: Another good shout I'm scared of the rust that comes with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 23 minutes ago, Bitzer said: Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. Realistically, how about Puma with that Yamaha nikasil engine? Is that the 1.7? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Matty said: Just here to post my stock answer. Mk6 fiesta st If I found one. Loved our 1.25 we had. Matty 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 1 hour ago, Fabergé Greggs said: If you don’t rubbish ride then what about the only hot hatch I’ve owned recently: the C2 VTS. Or more accurately, and if you like caramel seats, a C2 code. I reckon on anything other than billiard smooth blasts between bypass roundabouts, or on-the-ragged-edge-every-last-rev-melting-brake-discs kind of hooning, the Mk1 Focus I’ve got now is a more entertaining drive. Entered the raffle for that one. I did want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom13 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 2 hours ago, SiC said: Cooper S all had the 6 speed getrag box. None had the 5 speed Midlands. I always see plenty decent ones sub 2k. Will have another look. I do really like them but they scare me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitzer Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 2 minutes ago, tom13 said: Is that the 1.7? Puma, yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangernomics Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Mini Cooper s A3 2.0tfsiBoth easily under your budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honey Badger Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Early Civic 2.0 type S, revvy vtec 150hp and a decent ride not rock hard like the Type R. They seem to be quite rare these days. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158535756?include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1501&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&make=Honda&fuel-type=Petrol&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&postcode=nn84sl&model=Civic&quantity-of-doors=5&price-to=1500&page=1 Bamboocarman and Faker 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitsisigma01 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 4 hours ago, Fabergé Greggs said: Or more accurately, and if you like caramel seats, a C2 code Who has the Code at the moment 🤔😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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