Are there any Fast yet economical cars out there?

big_gay_kirk

Try this.... buy a t or s reg (thats proper t or s, by the way, at the end of the plate where they belong...) Porsche 924... should cost around 8 or 9 hundred with short tax/mot... then buy an equivalent age VW Transporter van, the newer front engined version, with the straight four or straight six diesel engine... put the van engine into the Porsche (which I'm told is not a difficult job, as the Porsche shares a lot of stuff with the van....) and you end up with a diesel porsche that allegedly will do nearly 60 to the gallon, 0-60 in less than 7 seconds, and top out at about 135..... I've seen a couple at car shows.... total outlay (if you change the engine yourself ) comes to about 2 grand.... and tax is not dependant on emissions...

tomstickland

maniac886 wrote: »

Skoda Fabia Vrs

I had an "acceleration comparison session" with one of these down a sliproad and my 1991 BMW 318iS managed to pull about a metre on it. I was very surprised in that I don't regard the 318iS as fast. About the same as a MK2 Golf GTi 8v. Might go and check the specs some time.

Anyway, if you want performance and economy you need a very light and small car. Kit car. But they're not usually cheap and not really practical. So, I reckon a Diesel hatch would make sense. Fabia is a good enough choice.

ACID

hmmm

not sure i actualy like the skodo besides i cant get a decent on for the budget im allowed

the roadster coupe looks unique but am i too tall being over 6ft for it?


how about a new shape honda civic, but liek a 1.8 diesel??

Road_Hog

ACID wrote: »

hmmm

not sure i actualy like the skodo besides i cant get a decent on for the budget im allowed

the roadster coupe looks unique but am i too tall being over 6ft for it?


how about a new shape honda civic, but liek a 1.8 diesel??

It's a 2.2 Diesel, very fast and very economical and I'm 6'2" and had no problem fitting in it/legroom etc.

But, if your budget won't stretch to a Skoda, then I don't think it'll go to the Honda either. What is your budget.

balsingh

Have you looked at the CLio 1.5 Dci 100. The 100bhp version is very nippy and you will easily get a decent lowish mileage example for £5k.

Nail_Lad

Puttytat wrote: »

Hi
Have you considered a Smart Roadster/Roadster Coupe????

Don't laugh - they go like stink, are great fun to drive and do about 300 - 350 miles on approx 30 quid of super unleaded! Plus, the road tax is quite cheap - currently £120 a year, but going down to £90 next year!

Puttytat
(Proud owner of a Roadster Coupe - I'm lovin' it)

This would be where my money would be going all day long. Cheap to buy, run and insure. Built by Mercedes, they are rear wheel drive, mid-engined, semi-automatic and turbo charged. Not many cars you can say that about. They look fabulous, handle superbly and although not super quick are more than enough for today's roads. Get the top model and even has buttons on the wheel for gear changes, leather seats and air con. 5k will get you a good one and I reckon this is a modern classic and values will hold firm for a while yet. You'll also look the part too. I love them! If practicality isn't an issue it's something you have to consider. They are spacious inside too so I don't think your height will be an issue.

Puttytat

the roadster coupe looks unique but am i too tall being over 6ft for it?

In answer to this, I've frequently picked up my friend who is 6'4" and his rugby kitbag and he fits in OK!
I would recommend the coupe version over the non-coupe version as there is rear luggage space. Mine has a removable hard top, but there is an electric soft top option.
If you get the opportunity, test drive one - you won't be disappointed.
And if you're in the north west, I know an indy Smart mechanic for reasonable servicing.

Puttytat
P.S. Thanks to Nail_Lad for so eloquently describing the car. Although I do believe it's classed as rear engined

tomstickland

The Smart Roadster would be good if they got rid of the auto gearbox and put a manual in. A friend of mine has one. They're not offically "fast", but they feel fast when you're that close to the ground and they are a lot of fun.

thescouselander

Lots of talk about diesels being fast on here but to be honest I haven't driven many fast diesels (and I've driven quite a few). I certainly wouldn't call a Fabia VRS or any of the other diesels mentioned fast.

Perhaps if you could save up slightly more you could get something like a Lotus Elise. You might struggle to find one for £5k but £6K might do, its worth looking round to see what you can find.

maniac886

thescouselander wrote: »

Lots of talk about diesels being fast on here but to be honest I haven't driven many fast diesels (and I've driven quite a few). I certainly wouldn't call a Fabia VRS or any of the other diesels mentioned fast.

Perhaps if you could save up slightly more you could get something like a Lotus Elise. You might struggle to find one for £5k but £6K might do, its worth looking round to see what you can find.

I agree the Elise will be a fast car but is it that economical?