In 1988/89 I really wanted a Renault 5 Gordini turbo but they were still hovering around £2k. I ended up buying a MG Metro Turbo 1300 , it ran 100hp on the rolling road at TSR. On a 1983 Y plate at 6 years old it already had tin worn attacking it. Most had replacement front wings by then so not seen as a
problem. I looked at about 6 before buying the best for the money I had.
10 seconds to 60 it was a quick car at that time, paid £1500 or equivalent of £3750 with inflation. Watching the turbo boost gauge light up seemed the dogs , but gearbox failure was common. Third party insurance was about £300 so not as bad as teenagers prices now.
The tyres,eagle nct ,were £50 a corner, that was half my weeks wages !.
Sold it on after 18 months and replaced with a sensible 5dr mk3 escort 1600.
I waited until 2001 and a Clio 172 before more fun.