Think before coming up with suggestions, we need to know it's use. I'm guessing weekend blast. Based on that I would say if Ford then a 1.7 Puma. Most other Fords for less than a grand are on their last legs apart from maybe an ST24. I don't know why Clio 172s are associated with unreliability, as long as cambelt and dephaser pulley has been done it should be fine, amazing how few problems are posted about them on related forums. As mentioned above MR2. Got an ST24 and they're great barges. Missus has the Puma and it's great for a blast and I am looking at getting a 172 for track fun. Most French hatches are ideal for low budget track use.