subject: Top 3 Reasonably Priced, Sportier Yet Reliable Sports Car In Uk [print this page] Top 3 Reasonably Priced, Sportier Yet Reliable Sports Car in UK
Though it may seem that finding an economical, reliable and fast sports car is an impossible feat but truth be told, this is no herculean task. We have come up with three options; all are Japanese so they are all reliable and cheap to maintain, all lie in sports car category so all are fast, and all will cost you 10,000 to 15,000 .
Starting with ever reliable and most predictable option Toyota Celica
Japanese automaker, Toyota, launched its most famous badge of performance coupes, Celica in 1979. Initially Celica was rear wheel drive coupe but by 1985 its rear wheel drive layout was changed in favor of front wheel drive. During the same time period Toyota launched GT4, All Wheel Drive, variant to fulfill rallying regulations. Celica GT4 went on to win multiple races and eventually won multiple championships from 1990 to 1994. This racing lineage is Celicas biggest asset.
The most powerful Toyota Celica engine in, GT4 RC (5th generation), was capable of producing 232 bhp whereas, European versions of Celica, St-i and ST produced only 103 bhp. European models always had limited hp because of stern environmental and safety standards, but they also offer lower running costs and bring Celica in lower tax band. American and Japanese markets, on the other hand usually received the most powerful versions. Its fifth, sixth and seventh generations, 1989 to 2006, can easily be found on net, and a well maintained, serviced model wont cost more than 15k. Where other nominees are rear wheel drive and offer better cornering, front wheel drive Celica offers much better styling, handling and control in tricky British weather.
Then comes Toyotas nemesis, Honda, with Honda S2000
Launched in 1999 and discontinued in 2009, S2000 is more sportier, offers rear wheel drive and boasts 50-50 weight distribution. On paper it looks better than Celica but it doesnt come with a sporting pedigree and neither offers similar tax benefit that a Celica offers. However, its 240 bhp engine compensates for its higher running cost.
Finally the car that revived small roadsters, Mazda MX5
Though smaller and cheaper than both Celica and S2000, MX5 is the only roadster which is still produced and you can easily get an almost new one well within the stipulated budget. But be aware, even the most powerful MX5 will come with an engine that can only produce 167 bhp, almost 80 less than Celica and S2000.
