Hi Guys,

I've managed to save up a few pence without the wife spending it on a new sofa.

I'm thinking of buying a small cheap (under £2500) car for making a nuisance of myself round the local country lanes and possibly the odd track day.

Having spent hours trawling through Autotrader I've got less idea now than when I started! So .............. any ideas?

Many years ago I used to have Marlin Roadster, which was brilliant around the country lanes. Not really all that quick on paper, but it is small, handles brilliantly, and you feel as if you are doing well over 100mph!

I don’t know whether you could find one within your budget though.

Hi Leo,

 

Thanks for that, I hadn't considered kit cars, just had a look on Autotrader and Car and Classic and there aren't any for sale at any price!

You could just Google it: That will at least show you what I am talking about, which may or may not be to your taste!

You won't find one of these around any more, Mike, but I had a Austin Maestro 1.6 that was great on the  country lanes.  I once drove from Sutton Coldfield to the Huntsman at Aislaby over the North Yorkshire moors in a very short time  --  157 miles non stop in around 2 and a half  hours!

Very sure footed and a good power to weight ratio.  I had it from new [company car] and it had a rusty door panel within two months of getting it.

Peter.

There are Marlins around, but most seem to be over 4,000 pounds. There is one on the Bay of E for 2,500 pounds but, though they say it starts and runs, it sounds like a project.

Well guys,

Thanks for the input, I tried a BMW Mini Cooper S and it was good fun but I've plumped for a Renault Clio Sport 182 which is basically a front wheel drive go kart 

I pick it up in a couple of weeks.

So I can start to unbolt bits to make it a bit lighter, though I suppose as it's French if I leave it long enough it will do that itself!!

80,000 on the clock paid £2250 with a years MOT.

A friend’s son had the 182 Cup a few years ago, and I gather that it flew! Yours should provide plenty of weekend fun!

Nice one