Small Fun Car Recommendation

[TheProDaniel]

Hi guys, I'm just after some suggestions for a mate who's after something cheaper than his big heavy falcon as he wants to tie up some debts and wants a cheaper run around. He does enjoy driving and wants something that will be fun through some hills ect so if anyones so some recommendations it would be much appreciated.

So far he's been looking into Pulsar SSS's and Starlet GT's. He's got around 10k to play with give or take and it will be a daily driver so nothing too old as he does want it to be reliable.

Cheers.

[evil_weevil]

N14 SSS

[TheProDaniel]

N14 SSS

Yeah, that's what I recommended. Wondering if there's any other suggestions but that one's def looking good right now.

[scathing]

If practicality is also a concern, Subaru Forester GT.

Otherwise, if fun and smallness are the main concerns, I saw some RenaultSport Clios advertised for $13K and they are heaps better than an N14 SSS.

More power, less weight, more luxury items, a lot newer than the Pulsar. I'm hearing a lot of wanting to retain money so I'll assume mods are out. I've owned an N15 SSS and driven an N14 a few times, as well as test driven a Clio in the hills, and the Clio is by far the most enjoyable. Aside from the French build quality, you can't lose.

Holden Astra SRi Turbos are starting at $15K advertised. With the turbo torque it'll be a bit more easy to drive fast than the Clio, but from the test drive I had it feels slow as the torque curve is so flat and its more remote in the steering. Still, like the Clio, its a Motor Magazine BFYB winner so it can't be that bad.

Pretty sure you can find an SR20DET powered S13 for that price, but its age may put him off. If he's looking at Starlet GTs he's got no problem with early-to-mid 90's cars, though.

Edited June 2, 2008 by scathing

[Redback]

R32's or 33s..........there getting really cheep. and under 10k if you have a good look

cant believe this hasnt been sugested yet...

[lingeringsoul]

Vtak....u know u want to.

[TheProDaniel]

R32's or 33s..........there getting really cheep. and under 10k if you have a good look

cant believe this hasnt been sugested yet...

True but he's not really going to save on petrol and insurance for him would be a killer. He only just got his license back for DUI.

[typevu]

Honda Civic 95 EG shape - looks descent, good on petrol, small car, fun zippy car, reliable etc

[madbung]

Early mx-5 with h/top...plenty of fun/potential/economy there.

[scathing]

R32's or 33s..........there getting really cheep. and under 10k if you have a good look

cant believe this hasnt been sugested yet...

I ruled the R32 out because its age, and the R33 because of insurance and running costs.

The R33 is also relatively big and heavy, which seemed outside the brief (mind you, so its the Forester but at least it has practicality on its side).

[FineLine]

GTIR. awesome little machine for the bucks.

[Marlin]

Suzuki Ignis Sport

Say, an 04 to 06 model. We used one for recce at targa Tasmania this year and it was WICKED. So good in fact I'd happily race one at Targa (and we were in a 34 GTR this year)

[TheProDaniel]

Suzuki Ignis Sport

Say, an 04 to 06 model. We used one for recce at targa Tasmania this year and it was WICKED. So good in fact I'd happily race one at Targa (and we were in a 34 GTR this year)

Cute little car. I'll show him but there doesn't seem to be many for sale.

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

mazda gtr! that's right MAZDA gtr

[r33cruiser]

starlet gt..

wicked fun. and bloody cheap to run. 30bucks a week

[Marlin]

Alot of cars suggested here are contrary to ecenomic motoring. Too old, too rare, too hard to insure.

[nizmonut]

my p10 sedan sr20det 4wd

if he is after the same handling and corner ability of a skyline but not the fuel bill a N14,SSS pulsar/ primera would be the one,

readily avalible parts, easy to convert to turbo if the itch is there to do so. drivline options also can Fwd or 4wd.

Sr20de/t

the primera is a cheap initial purchase as it isnt seen as a "performance car" like its two door cousin or its bigger brother the skyline. , cheap to run and is way under it's potential as a performance car, the curb wieght is less than that of a gtir hatch aswell.

the primera i originally picked up for 1600 dollars nz compared to the gtir below which craig picked up for 6 grand.

the primera was originally only a sr20de 4wd but a thicker head gasket a cheap plug in play and secondhand turbo set up

still didnt come to the cost of the gtir.

mates gtir sr20det 4wd

[R338OY]

180SX

S14

[TheProDaniel]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. He's really liking the idea of an MX5 now. We're gonna head to a yard some time soon and see what sort of things we can test out to help decide.

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

^^ oh so he's ghey....

well then um... ford capri, suzuki cappuccino, mx5