Need suggestions for cheap, good handling with good 40-70 performance.

[dw300]

My 2002 330d went bang and i lost all boost in the last week. It was a 184bhp remapped to 211 but otherwise standard. Its been a good workhorse, but now I'm not sure if I should repair or think about something new.

I'm not concerned with top speed or drag racing performance, but something that's lots of fun and can overtake slow moving traffic at 40-70 mph when I'm late for work, would be nice. I'm thinking something that gets its performance from being lighter and more nimble though, with a similar or better power:weight. I previously owned a 1999 Focus which had wider wheels, lowering springs and beefier ARBs, and the thing was a go-kart, and I could drive it flat out because I knew it didnt have the power to kill me lol.

Part of me wants something like a Toyota GT86, but maybe you can have as much fun for cheaper in a Fiesta ST or similar? Maybe repair/modify the 330d in some way?

 

[j44nty]

Fn2 type-r civic ticks all those boxes or an ep3 if you want better handling. 172 clio for max fun.

Gti mk5 golf if you like things boring but can pretend your in a good car.

 

[Rocko]

@Sonny 's mini.

 

[j44nty]

Or jimny if you like your fun dirty.

 

[Father Stack]

mk5 GTI ticks your boxes there. Don't listen to people who say they're boring, they're absolutely not. I just so happen to have a good one for sale

 

[pizza85]

2011 Renaultsport Clio 200 here might stick up for sale this weekend. Great handling thing and nippy enough at 200bhp in a clio!

 

[Coog]

Or jimny if you like your fun dirty.

40-70 in about 15 minutes. I used to get emptied by builders vans off the lights.

 

[Eager]

The dsg gearbox in gti golfs and the like are good for that power area

 

[brendy]

Fix it, loads of parts about now most have shed their chassis.

 

[dw300]

Thanks for the ideas folks, i've had a look at some of those. Just wasn't sure if there was anything it was overlooking. I should find out Tuesday what the damage is..

 

[Noel McQ]

I have a GT86 in stock would do that job

 

[Mackers91]

I've a Leon Cupra I'm thinking of Selling, would tick all the boxes. Currently siting at 300 bhp and still gets 30 mpg on runs .

 

[kharma45]

For good 40-70 you’re going to want to look at a diesel or a turbo petrol. Not sure why n/a petrols are being recommended, torque is what you want here.

id price up getting your own fixed first if you’re still happy with the fundamental car itself.

 

[surprising_skoda]

Stick with what you know, if the car is still a good one (i.e. not rotten).

You could go to a 204bhp 330d if you wanted a bit more kick, and they can be mapped up closer to 250 without much supporting work needed. For a reliable daily that has a bit of go and still does 40-50mpg there isn't much like it.

 

[sam_9n]

I’m selling my low mileage Jap import Polo GTI. Comes with the 1.8t engine. A remap really makes the car go. Have had several over the years between 190-300hp and all are fun. Only costing me £25 per week on fuel and that’s going from Bangor to Belfast Monday to Friday. It’s in the classifieds but will be wanting it gone soon so open for decent offers.

| RMS Classifieds

 

[Odhran]

1.0 Yaris and get out of bed a bit earlier?