Ultimate budget economical fun daily!


_JT

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What do you guys think is the ultimate budget economical fun daily? Looking into this as due to (positive) circumstances a Type R won't be in my reach for some time to come. So I am looking for a not too expensive daily that is or can easily be made fun to drive but is economical and driveable as a daily. So far I am thinking of a Ferio with D15 for very good mileage. I want to modify a short ratio box with a long 5th for the mileage but still being quick in lower gears. Want to try to get a hold of an example with aircon and sun roof. Put in a black interior, EK9 suspension, 282mm brakes etc.

AFAIK this will be my best bet for an economical and practical but fun to drive car that also makes for a nice hobby project to kill time. Anyone have any other suggestion? Does not need to be a Honda but as I see it now Honda is my best bet :D Diesel is no option btw, we pay a 45 quid tax premium for driving a diesel...
 
Does it need to have 5 seats? If 2 seater is OK then MX-5 - in terms of fun/£ (or fun/€ in your case :D ) it is unbeatable imho!
 
I have been looking at MX5's too indeed. But while they should rank very high on the fun factor, practical they are not and neither that economical. Also, 1.8's are difficult to find here. But still, they are tempting...
 
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Besides being extremely rare here the MB6 model doesn't appeal to me and from what I understand don't handle as well as the EJ/EK's. But if it were findable here I would consider it.
 
MX5 would get me vote if it doesn't need to be too practical in terms of carrying things. A friend had one that was the 1.8, LSD and short ratio box, was a hoot.

He's regretting selling it for his Golf R32...think that says quite a bit :)
 
1.8, LSD en short ratio would be a big plus. Although the space in the back of my current EK3 has come into handy a couple of times so far...

But then again, 1.8's are very rare if the budget is limited over here. Cars are much more expensive here than in the UK...
 
Ouch. You can have is200s for pennies here...but the 6 pot lump is **** on fuel.
 
Cheap fun, although some will slate it. Saxo, 106 gti ? I had great fun in my eg lsi, only mods were 282s and dc2 suspension. Transformed the car completely and was still pretty comfortable as a daily.
 
That might be an idea...Concerning hot hatches I have always had respect for French cars. Might take a look into that.

Edit: can barely find them under 130k miles, let alone with aircon....so more options needed! :D
 
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Honda Jazz or Honda Logo (do you get them in the Netherlands?) If you can import from Japan, the Jazz/Fit is your best bet with the JDM models coming with a 1.5 Vtec but most are an auto 'box. The L13 in the euro spec Jazz doesn't have much guts, but having owned a couple and being in one currently as a winter car, I have found if you use the torque, with peaks about 4000rpm it can be pretty brisk. The 1.5 jdm vtec will respond to tuning better though I reckon. The chassis on these cars is amazing, really solid and the majority of the weight is down low which is surprising for a tall vehicle.

The Logo was the Jazz's predecessor it has a D14 or D15 (someone correct me) engine so basically the same as an EJ but in a smaller, lighter package.

Failing that a Yaris T sport or Swift Sport would be good options too.
 
Im in the same position atm mate and been looking at Honda Jazz, they're really fun to drive and very economical!

But lately ive seen a few Suzuki Ignis sport crop up for just over a grand, now they look really fun with 107bhp n around 895kg + they come with fishnet recaros, funky bodykit and white alloys !
 
Honda Jazz or Honda Logo (do you get them in the Netherlands?) If you can import from Japan, the Jazz/Fit is your best bet with the JDM models coming with a 1.5 Vtec but most are an auto 'box. The L13 in the euro spec Jazz doesn't have much guts, but having owned a couple and being in one currently as a winter car, I have found if you use the torque, with peaks about 4000rpm it can be pretty brisk. The 1.5 jdm vtec will respond to tuning better though I reckon. The chassis on these cars is amazing, really solid and the majority of the weight is down low which is surprising for a tall vehicle.

The Logo was the Jazz's predecessor it has a D14 or D15 (someone correct me) engine so basically the same as an EJ but in a smaller, lighter package.

Failing that a Yaris T sport or Swift Sport would be good options too.
Logo is extremely rare here. All other cars that you mentioned are too expensive. Others start at around 5-6k euro's.

Im in the same position atm mate and been looking at Honda Jazz, they're really fun to drive and very economical!

But lately ive seen a few Suzuki Ignis sport crop up for just over a grand, now they look really fun with 107bhp n around 895kg + they come with fishnet recaros, funky bodykit and white alloys !
Ignis Sport starting at around 4k euro's, too expensive.

In a similar vain, 2001< Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S.
Decent-ish engine, cracking chassis and they're not a bad looking car imo.
I'll have a look at those :)
 
I drive an ek3 hatchback and I assure you as a daily driver you couldnt ask for more there nice to drive with suprisingly quick and with a standard airbox I can get 70 miles with 10 euros petrol there is a wide range of modifications available too and another good poin is the insurance is very cheap you would not regret buying one
 
I currently have an EK3 hatch. However, I want some extra's on it if this is gonna be my ultimate daily. At least aircon, extra space of a Ferio would be appreciated and maybe some other extra's (sunroof, ABS, airbags). And I agree with you, running costs on these are a joke and they're not even that slow!
 
In a similar vain, 2001< Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S.
Decent-ish engine, cracking chassis and they're not a bad looking car imo.

Agreed, i bought one of these brand new for £11,500 i was working for ford at the time and got top spec, i loved it, nice place to be and i killed it everywhere i went in it, it never missed a beat. My mate owns a scrap yard but buys cars to sell aswell and had one of these with 86k miles decent condition on 2001 plate for £300.
 
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