small fun car with manual gearbox

x2, the MX5. BIL has one and while not a rubber burning, 0-100 in nanoseconds type vehicle, it's a hoot to drive.
More fun than his son's Toyobaru 86.

Yeah MX-5 would be my pick or a mini 2.0, plenty of aftermarket gear for both if you want to spruce it up.

Some interesting ideas there. I'd never thought of a PT cruiser for example. I probably should say it needs to be from the last decade. Doesn't the mini use the same 1.6 turbo petrol as the DS3 (so is quite problematic ? ).

MX5's are very popular ................... Popular and reasonably priced motoring usually don't live together sadly :(

seeya,
shane L.

I don't know much about them, but a friend as an OPC Opel and seems to think there is great value because brand not well known or sought after in Australia

For example, and Opel Performance Centre Astra -

carsales.com.au

The mini used a Chrysler engine until about 10 years ago then changed to the joint BMW designed engine. The engine is used in most BMW 4 cylinder cars.

Most design was BMW with PSA providing production facilities. This was due to their existing petrol engines being in need of replacement and PSA did not have the cash to design. Similar reason why they use Ford Diesel engines and their small cars are rebadged Toyota

You need to remember things were bleak at the time with the only profitable part of the business being their logistics division and that was sold off to raise the cash to keep trading

Suzuki swift..

yeah , I think Suzuki Swift is a real surprise package in small cars. Ask any young girl who owns one.

My daughter bought a Suzuki Boleno a few years ago....what an amazing , quiet , economical , comfortable and practical car it is.

My wife almost bought one in lieu of a Subaru XV.....same size cars....

OK I will say a Honda Jazz.
I have had 3 with the first 2 written off, one by hail and one when it was parked.
Currently we have a 2018 /2019 Model)
The Ivtec sings to 6500/7000 yet has buckets of torque.
Good points
bulletproof
ultra reliable
Loads of junk space in the back.
They are really a small van and my wife fits in 2 sets of golf clubs and 2 buggies when she takes someone else. back is longer than a i30 with the seats down.
Quite good handling limited by tyres
does 6.9 L per 100Km around our hilly area.( not as economical as the old 2006 without the I on vtec which used to get high 5s_)
Honda have amazing back up. Got recall a few years ago on my 2006 for window controls and of course airbags. I find it hard to imagine Land Rover doing recall on say 2009 car now.
Lowest loading height of any hatchback and doors open to 90degrees
Bad points
Can have noisy ride. suggest stock tyres not mags and Low profile tyres
Noisy on expressway at 110Kmh at 4000RPM
No carplay, but screen does say apple map directions.( VtiL has carplay AFAIK)

6 Month services at $210 (Mine has a 5 year warranty, including the battery! so I get dealer service but really simple to do oil change etc.)

My only problem is a pulsating brake pedal which is warped discs, and I bought the car as a Honda Australia fleet car at 12KK , but it doesn't concern my wife in the slightest.( Brembo discs are only $90!!! so soon to come)

Look IMHO generally women love utility and practicality in a car more than anything and they love to cart copious junk around. My wife drove an MX5 regularly a few years ago and she said what fun but I wouldn't want one.
With your RRC and froggy crap you would love a low maintenance car. I know I do.
Regards PhilipA

Skoda - Rapid or Fabia. Including the Fabia wagon, which reminds me of the Renault 12 wagon.

Lada Niva perhaps?
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