Post GR86 "Fun" Car

Bluemanc100

Bluemanc100

Totally Hooked
Jul 4, 2023
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Apologies to the mods for asking this question in the GR86 Prices thread...

As the thread title suggests, My GR is going tomorrow and I want a second "fun" car for around the £10k mark. I'd be happy to go up a little and incur the wrath of SWMBO for the right motor...

I'd like something that would take my golf bats and trolley ideally but if it were a two seater then there's always the passenger seat...

Thoughts welcome...

I will check out the ZC32S Suzuki Swift Sport which was mentioned on another thread and a mate of mine knows the guy who bought the last ever RHD Up GTI that VW produced so I'll be asking if he would part with it...

SWMBO suggested I get a second car for a bit of fun once the GR has gone... Her ideal budget is >=£10k.... What would you suggest I buy for that figure or close to it? I would like to carry my golf bats and golf trolley in the car but. I guess they could go on the passenger seat if needed.... Thoughts welcome

Fancy an Up GTI but that budget will only get me a high miler or something that's recorded

Like the MX5, especially the RF

Like the Mk3 MR2

I'm pretty open minded about the car to be honest...
 
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You’ll struggle to get golf clubs in an Up! to be honest, although they might just squeeze in with the rear seats folded.
 
Bluemanc100 said:
SWMBO suggested I get a second car for a bit of fun once the GR has gone... Her ideal budget is >=£10k.... What would you suggest I buy for that figure or close to it? I would like to carry my golf bats and golf trolley in the car but. I guess they could go on the passenger seat if needed.... Thoughts welcome

Fancy an Up GTI but that budget will only get me a high miler or something that's recorded

Like the MX5, especially the RF

Like the Mk3 MR2

I'm pretty open minded about the car to be honest...
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An early ND MX5 could be in budget and an RF would be just over budget. I'd go for the 1.5 litre if it's an ND1. Or you could go for the fwd GR86. Well, similar naturally aspirated and old school philosophy anyway. A ZC32S Suzuki Swift Sport. For 10K, you could buy the best low mileage 2016-17 available. They really are a great car to hussle along UK roads. 👍
 
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My wife had an ZC31S Swift sport and now a ZC33S. Great little cars, don't rule out the latest one, it's often overlooked because it's turbocharged but it's still very good. My short list would also have an MX5 and Clio RS in it.
 
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Mk3 MR2 has very little storage space. Golf clubs would need to be on the passenger seat. Great cars to drive but engine is a bit underwhelming. Well under budget though and don’t rust like the MX5s.

For front wheel drive, I’d be looking at a Renault RS, preferably the Megane.

For RWD surely the GT86 must be the obvious budget replacement for a GR86? Or I’d have a look at a 3.0 Z4 coupe…
 
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This caught me out recently too. A friend is giving up bikes for a bit so wanted a fun car to mess about with, same £10k budget. I was thinking there'd be loads of options but there really isn't. It's either a cat car, stupidly high mileage and about 10yrs old. Swift's I've had a lot of fun in over the years. I was hoping the i30n would be in range for him but it's not. I discounted the last Clio RS with that auto box as I know people who had them and it always had issues. I'd never normally recommend a Peugeot but was looking at 308 GTi by PeugeotSport ones. Lots of good kit and quite a good car that not many notice. But again, all out of budget. It's really difficult.
 
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Fiesta ST or MK2 SEAT Leon FR or Cupra. All great to drive and easily get you Golf bats in. Or a nice GT86(y)
 
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S2000 may be just in budget (but a bit over priced). Reason I mention it is because I’m sure when it was originally designed, one of the requirements from a Honda exec was that could fit a set of golf clubs in the boot. They are fairly old though.

I am thinking similarly to you and similar budget re a fun but cheaper car - I’d also consider the GT86, and like the suggestion of an Up! GTI if they’re in budget.
 
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I'd be looking for a very good MX5 MK3.5 or 3.75 with uprated suspension and maybe new headers.

I had a MK3.5 with Meisters before the GR86 and it was great fun to drive with great steering and lovely gear change.

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Dav1d said:
S2000 may be just in budget (but a bit over priced). Reason I mention it is because I’m sure when it was originally designed, one of the requirements from a Honda exec was that could fit a set of golf clubs in the boot. They are fairly old though.

I am thinking similarly to you and similar budget re a fun but cheaper car - I’d also consider the GT86, and like the suggestion of an Up! GTI if they’re in budget.
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I'd love an S2000 but I'd be reluctant to have one and let it degrade outside as I don't have a garage....
 
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How about a Hyundai I10 N-line? Similar size to the Up, possibly not quite as spritely but gets a reasonable write up for handling etc and a quick search suggests a little cheaper than the Up, plus you get 5 year warranty with them.
 
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Talking about mx5s, I watched this the other day. Worth a watch. I think in this day and age with our roads, speed cameras, etc. there has never been a better time to buy an mx5 if you can make the limited practicalities work.

 
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OPC100 said:
Talking about mx5s, I watched this the other day. Worth a watch. I think in this day and age with our roads, speed cameras, etc. there has never been a better time to buy an mx5 if you can make the limited practicalities work.

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I’ve always liked the MX5, especially the RF .. If I bought one then I’d get around the golf club issue with a locker at the club.. They’re dead man’s shoes as they’re all taken but I’m on the waiting list.. I’ll find out who has them and fire golf balls at them 😎

The GR has gone.. The new owner Mike, from Downham Market was very excited to drive her away.. I didn’t envy him the journey though on a Friday from North Wales to Norfolk 🙁
 
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Bluemanc100 said:
I’ve always liked the MX5, especially the RF .. If I bought one then I’d get around the golf club issue with a locker at the club.. They’re dead man’s shoes as they’re all taken but I’m on the waiting list.. I’ll find out who has them and fire golf balls at them 😎

The GR has gone.. The new owner Mike, from Downham Market was very excited to drive her away.. I didn’t envy him the journey though on a Friday from North Wales to Norfolk 🙁
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IIRC one of the design parameters for the current MX5 was that you had to be able to get a bag of clubs in the car, the only way they could make it work was by leaving out the traditional glove box, drop the bag in the footwell.
 
I can get two carry golf bags in the GR86. However, the electric trolleys most people use these days take up a lot of space, which may be an issue in an mx5. At least a hatchback would allow you to drop back seats.

Actually can you drop the seats on an mx5? Could possibly work.
 
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