Amelia Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Ooh, my first thread - hope it's in the right place! 😬 I did agonise whether it should go in the questions area, but I thought my initial question could lead to an interesting discussion. So, my question first: I love a small car, and would adore a Mini (proper one, not those modern thingys). But realistically, out of budget. 😔 So I've been looking at alternatives. I know the Seicento is kinda already there, but I'd like something maybe 90's or earlier, a bit more 'old car' feeling - if that makes any sense? What alternatives are there? How bad is the Rover Metro in comparison? Early Suzuki Alto? Most of the earlier small stuff I like is also getting expensive for decent ones (E.g Fiat Panda) Which leads me on to the main discussion, what 'common classic' can you think of alternatives for? One that springs to mind is buying an avenger rather than an escort, but I guess now both are quite pricey.
Weird Car Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Really can’t go wrong with a Peugeot 205 or Phase 1 106 motorpunk, Bamboocarman, Cavcraft and 3 others 6
motorpunk Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 I wanted a good Mini, got fed up of looking at rusty ones, and ended up with the Fiat 500 in my avatar. Amelia, eddyramrod and stripped fred 3
motorpunk Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 15 minutes ago, Harriytait said: Really can’t go wrong with a Peugeot 205 or Phase 1 106 Good call. Citroen AX, Lancia Y10, also. Amelia 1
De Selby Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Citroen AX? Early Daihatsu Charade? Amelia and eddyramrod 2
Clunk Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 (edited) Good old Rover 100 would be my choice, still get good ones for cheap and parts are easier to come by. Toyota Starlet is another option. Perhaps a Vauxhall Nova? Edit: Two more: Nissan Micra (K10 and K11) or a Skoda Favorit Edit 2: Here's a nice AX on this very site Edited January 9, 2023 by Clunk Don't need to make additional post sheffcortinacentre and Amelia 2
Weird Car Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Or if you’re over 21 Reliant Rialto is a good shout too, cool boxy styling and very old world, not to mention great fun to drive eddyramrod and Amelia 2
goosey Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Mk 1 Clio Mk 1 Punto kia pride Toyota starlet Amelia 1
juular Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 I bought a 205 from @Lacquer Peelas a stop gap and can't bring myself to sell it on. Really addictive car, still cheap, ticks lots of your boxes. My Mrs is restoring a Triumph Toledo which is also a cheap entry into actual classic territory. eddyramrod, Amelia and Lacquer Peel 3
sierraman Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 A 205 probably, the Rover 100 was awful. Amelia 1
HMC Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Is one of the 04 on pandas too new? Clever, small, fun, you need make no apologies for it, maybe not “old” enough for you? Shite Ron, Amelia and eddyramrod 3
HMC Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Or a fiat 500 twin air? Characterful, and quirky. Although maybe out of budget (seem to start at about £1750 ish) and not all are fans of the engine.
HMC Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Sorry I misread the OP main point, ignore the above.
Dobloseven Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Is a MINI(Bini?) a modern car though? The oldest ones are way over 20 years. Quite a lot of interest in the earliest ones now as well. Has any one mentioned Fiestas up to 2002?Very long in the tooth by then if you don't want modern. warch and sierraman 2
MiniMinorMk3 Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 1997-200? Ford Ka, Pug 205, 1994 VW Polo, Fiat Uno Bamboocarman 1
Rocket88 Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 If you can find that hasn’t dissolved… Fiat 127
Bren Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Proton Satria? Leftfield choice. The GTI appears to be expensive. Clunk 1
jon.k Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Peugeot 205s are brilliant to drive, really spacious for their size practical, reliable, look good, economical... If you like the old car feel you could get a basic 4 speed one. Honestly they're great. Keeping to Peugeots, a 106 could be a good shout? I've also had a Smart Car which is certainly small and quirky - a bit new for you though maybe, and pretty weird to drive.
grogee Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 +1 for OG KA. Brilliant little car. But have a look underneath before you part with any money, they can be a bit* crispy. Shite Ron and alcyonecorporation 2
DVee8 Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 A Nissan Micra Toyota Starlet A Renault 5 or mk1 Clio Citroen AX or Saxo
inconsistant Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 18 hours ago, Fennec said: I love a small car, and would adore a Mini (proper one, not those modern thingys). Cinquecento Sporting? https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1498581 Shite Ron 1
cort1977 Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 Got to agree a106 or especially a 205 would meet those requirements.
stuboy Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 I used to buy and sell cheap cars and love Yugo's sold many, i even weighed up buying a new 65 glx too. am keep thinking mmm should i take a quid out the bank and look for 1.............. bet the missus would be pleased...... 500tops, Clunk, eddyramrod and 2 others 5
TrabbieRonnie Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 A couple of little'uns from our fleet pictured below... I suppose the 323 is a natural Fiesta alternative, the Trabi... erm, a Mini in communist flavour maybe? In all seriousness though, the wee Mazda is a very comfortable and capable car, feels bigger than it is. Retro af too, apparently. stripped fred 1
Missy Charm Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 In Ford circles, it seems as if what was once desirable is now depreciating and yesterday's old rubbish is now worth a fortune. The old non-Cosworth XR series road burners used to cost pennies and are now changing hands for thousands, as are run of the mill Cortinas, Sierras, Capris and even Fiestas. The only bargains now seem to be Consuls and Corsairs and, comparatively, Z cars (obviously the Mark Two Lowline will go for more on the basis of being the best looking English Ford). Pilots are good value for money, I think, but are probably too old for most. Sidevalve cars, which were the business at one time, don't seem to excite anybody. For some reason, however, most things get cheaper if you cut off the roof. Real bargain? An Escort convertible. I know everyone hates them, but that's because most people seem to think they are sports cars when in reality they are fashion accessories.
320touring Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 3 hours ago, sierraman said: A 205 probably, the Rover 100 was awful. Much as I can't believe I am doing it... I agree with @sierraman 🤣 loserone, dome and mat_the_cat 3
sierraman Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 It really was dreadful towards the end wasn’t it. 🤣
Matty Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 13 minutes ago, Bren said: Proton Satria? Leftfield choice. The GTI appears to be expensive. Big following with the clubman rally set. Apparently very sweet handling cars. warch 1
320touring Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 10 minutes ago, sierraman said: It really was dreadful towards the end wasn’t it. 🤣 Yeah they were horrific
New POD Posted January 9, 2023 Posted January 9, 2023 The original mini is overrated and overpriced, as you hint at. They rust for fun, and maintenance is erm always essential and urgent. (Have owned 4) Alternatives: Japanese Kei cars? MX5 ? Z3? 4 door chevette (with an omega 5 speed box and a mk2 cavalier 1.8e 8v preferably) Alfa 75 ? GTV OR 33
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