Reliable, cheap, stylish car under 4k

Karra

So I've started saving for a new car but it helps to have something to save for. I've been driving a 01 Toyota yaris for a few years now and had the idea of just going for the newer 06 model, reliable, cheap to run and insure, but after thinking about it for a while it just seems a little bland and boring. I want something a little exciting.

I looked at the option of a mini, however for my budget I can only get a high mileage 2003/04 model. It just doesn't seem worth it. I then looked at the Hyundai coupe 1.6, which seems like a very good possibility. Reliable, still relatively cheapish to run, and it looks damn sexy. Plus I can get an 05 model for under 3k. But they seem hard to come by.

Do you have any other suggestions?

MX5huggy

Will a Mazda (one guess).....

MX-5 fit the bill?

A proper little sports car.

forgotmyname

Have you done insurance quotes on those cars?

Hyundai hard to come by? 385 on auto trader prices start at less than £1000.

If you want it you will travel...

Karra

I do think mx5s are nice, they just aren't for me.

Yeah insurance is pretty low on the 1.6, quoted at £290 (yaris quote is £240). If I went for the 2.0 insurance starts getting pricey. So with that in mind looking at cars no older than 2005 there are much fewer available.

[Deleted User]

Try an Mr2 instead:D

Karra

Actually after doing a quote on the 2.0 version it's hardly much more at all and mpg is only slightly lower so could be possible!

The mr2 is hideous, and way too pricey to run/insure.

jaydeeuk1

Karra wrote: »

Actually after doing a quote on the 2.0 version it's hardly much more at all and mpg is only slightly lower so could be possible!

The mr2 is hideous, and way too pricey to run/insure.

You'll probably find the coupe, even in 1.6 form to be more expensive to run than the MR2


Daihatsu Copen? Alfa Romeo GTV/Spider?

Edit - missed the word reliable. Pot luck with the alfa's, could get something that flies through every MOT, or a money pit.
Probably out of your budget running cost wise, but noticed the Honda s2000's dropping towards £4k now

forgotmyname

MX5 and MR2 join the online forums and see who they use for insurance.

I use a club scheme. Modified car was only £30 more than the cxheapest comparison site quotes.
The ones you wouldnt touch with a bargepole, Unknown name registered outside the UK etc.

mattyprice4004

An MG ZR160 would fit the bill, if looked after properly.

If you let your average spanner monkey loose on it though... well, I'll let you imagine the rest

Quite quick too, a nice little car.

lil.smartie

Smart Roadster or MK1 Audi TT. or as a wide ball option...Colt CZC the turbo is fab but non turbo not bad!

Kate

adamc260

Toyota Celica T Sport? They look nice and go like stink!