Fennec Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriytait Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Really can’t go wrong with a Peugeot 205 or Phase 1 106 Cavcraft, motorpunk, Fennec and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorpunk Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 I wanted a good Mini, got fed up of looking at rusty ones, and ended up with the Fiat 500 in my avatar. stripped fred, eddyramrod and Fennec 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorpunk Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Fennec 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
De Selby Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Citroen AX? Early Daihatsu Charade? Fennec and eddyramrod 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clunk Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 (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 by Clunk Don't need to make additional post sheffcortinacentre and Fennec 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriytait Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Fennec 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goosey Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Mk 1 Clio Mk 1 Punto kia pride Toyota starlet Fennec 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juular Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Fennec, Lacquer Peel and eddyramrod 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 A 205 probably, the Rover 100 was awful. Fennec 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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, Fennec and eddyramrod 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HMC Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Sorry I misread the OP main point, ignore the above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobloseven Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniMinorMk3 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 1997-200? Ford Ka, Pug 205, 1994 VW Polo, Fiat Uno Bamboocarman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket88 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 If you can find that hasn’t dissolved… Fiat 127 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bren Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Proton Satria? Leftfield choice. The GTI appears to be expensive. Clunk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon.k Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grogee Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 +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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVee8 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 A Nissan Micra Toyota Starlet A Renault 5 or mk1 Clio Citroen AX or Saxo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inconsistant Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort1977 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Got to agree a106 or especially a 205 would meet those requirements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuboy Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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...... Clunk, eddyramrod, motorpunk and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrabbieRonnie Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missy Charm Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
320touring Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 🤣 mat_the_cat, loserone and dome 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 It really was dreadful towards the end wasn’t it. 🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
320touring Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 10 minutes ago, sierraman said: It really was dreadful towards the end wasn’t it. 🤣 Yeah they were horrific Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New POD Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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