Which hot hatch?
Discussion
Yep, which makes the situation even more confusing.
I keep looking at Megane 265s as I know they'll be amazing to drive, but they'll also depreciate quickly with the MK4 Megane out, and just generally because they're French.
I don't want to buy with just my head, but soooooo many calculations to take into account when spending this sort of money.
I keep looking at Megane 265s as I know they'll be amazing to drive, but they'll also depreciate quickly with the MK4 Megane out, and just generally because they're French.
I don't want to buy with just my head, but soooooo many calculations to take into account when spending this sort of money.
I don't think the Megane will drop as much as people think due to the fact it's replacement will be a 5 door & Auto both of which will keep current owners in their cars as well as the fact that it was still King of the hill even as it was being phased out.
Trophy Megane with the Ohlins Shocks (these will always be sought after)
2014 Megane
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2014 Megane
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2009 Focus RS (Semi Classic so depreciation should be low)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2014 Golf R (these are in budget now)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2015 VXR Astra
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Seems like the Golf R's popularity might just be counting against it depreciation wise.
Trophy Megane with the Ohlins Shocks (these will always be sought after)
2014 Megane
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2014 Megane
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2009 Focus RS (Semi Classic so depreciation should be low)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2014 Golf R (these are in budget now)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
2015 VXR Astra
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Seems like the Golf R's popularity might just be counting against it depreciation wise.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 26th October 17:39
stuart_83 said:
AMGJocky said:
Never found my Megane's engines to be too thirsty.. whilst they were stock anyway 
.
Just out of interest, what could you get mpg wise from your Meganes?.Edited by AMGJocky on Tuesday 25th October 14:44
When really pushing on, low 20's. So not bad really
I would have thought that a new Fiesta ST would be ideal and right on budget. Quite quick, up to 40mpgish fuel economy, fun and the peace of mind of a new car with warranty. It depends what you want. Is fun and mpg more important to you or outright pace and space? I can appreciate both viewpoints but for me the Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 that I owned 12 years ago epitomised how a hot hatch should be i.e. fun over speed. Having driven boring cars for the last 4 years post-kids (I'm 36), I recently purchased a 2010 MINI Cooper. With only 120bhp, it's never going to bother a Focus RS but it reminds me of a more modern, refined version of my Peugeot. It's light, feelsome and chuckable and you can use most of the performance most of the time. Sure, a Cooper S JCW with more power would be even more of a hoot but my budget didn't stretch that far and I'm perfectly happy with my Cooper and averaging 40mpg on my commute. For me, the smaller hot hatches are where it's at for fun.
However, if you crave the power, I would be looking at a Golf GTI (such a great all-rounder, rarer and IMHO better-looking than the Golf R) or a facelifted Focus ST. If 3 doors are a requirement then your options are a bit more limited. Megane 265/275 maybe or an Astra VXR or MINI Cooper S JCW (but if you carry rear passengers or a lot of cargo regularly), they are pretty cramped! I'm surprised that anyone would steal a car that ugly (M135i) but if you want the power, they are a bit of a performance bargain, pretty unique being RWD and 6 cylinders and supposedly pretty economical too.
However, if you still fancy an R32, go for it. I would get the best that you can afford that has had all the common issues sorted rather than buying at the lower end of the market. Then you'll have something that feels pretty special, should hold its value really well and is quite desirable being the last of its kind but too old to be of much interest to the tea leaves. Also, in my experience, the R32 is a nicer drive with DSG (I found the manual a little jerky) but if you're going GTI, then manual transmission all day long!
However, if you crave the power, I would be looking at a Golf GTI (such a great all-rounder, rarer and IMHO better-looking than the Golf R) or a facelifted Focus ST. If 3 doors are a requirement then your options are a bit more limited. Megane 265/275 maybe or an Astra VXR or MINI Cooper S JCW (but if you carry rear passengers or a lot of cargo regularly), they are pretty cramped! I'm surprised that anyone would steal a car that ugly (M135i) but if you want the power, they are a bit of a performance bargain, pretty unique being RWD and 6 cylinders and supposedly pretty economical too.
However, if you still fancy an R32, go for it. I would get the best that you can afford that has had all the common issues sorted rather than buying at the lower end of the market. Then you'll have something that feels pretty special, should hold its value really well and is quite desirable being the last of its kind but too old to be of much interest to the tea leaves. Also, in my experience, the R32 is a nicer drive with DSG (I found the manual a little jerky) but if you're going GTI, then manual transmission all day long!
As a few people may have noticed if you've seen my other posts this week, I really like the Octavia vRS estate I bought this week.
It replaces my Mk 2. I really liked that too.
But I have had an itch for a Megane 250 since they were launched, that I'd not scratched. I'm not in a position to now because I need rear doors and an estate. If I could go back to myself in 2010, I'd have told myself to save up a bit longer for the Megane and buy a roof rack for my mountain bike. The next time I get a chance to fit a Megane 250/265 into my lifestyle, it'll be a classic vehicle.
If there's a chance you won't be single before your next car, buy the Megane (or similar vehicle you have an itch for) now while it fits your lifestyle and you don't need rear doors. Lovely as Octavias are- and they're very decent cars- you'll always be able to justify one of those if your circumstances change in future.
It replaces my Mk 2. I really liked that too.
But I have had an itch for a Megane 250 since they were launched, that I'd not scratched. I'm not in a position to now because I need rear doors and an estate. If I could go back to myself in 2010, I'd have told myself to save up a bit longer for the Megane and buy a roof rack for my mountain bike. The next time I get a chance to fit a Megane 250/265 into my lifestyle, it'll be a classic vehicle.
If there's a chance you won't be single before your next car, buy the Megane (or similar vehicle you have an itch for) now while it fits your lifestyle and you don't need rear doors. Lovely as Octavias are- and they're very decent cars- you'll always be able to justify one of those if your circumstances change in future.
Well quick update ...
Went to test drive a Leon Cupra 280 DSG today, and loved it.
Very quick, composed, beautifully smooth gear changes, and fully spec'd with everything you could want on it.
I could see it being ridiculously easy to live with, especially in 5 door form.
Not particularly involving to drive though ... Need to try a few more cars before I make a decision ... I hear a Renault calling.
Went to test drive a Leon Cupra 280 DSG today, and loved it.
Very quick, composed, beautifully smooth gear changes, and fully spec'd with everything you could want on it.
I could see it being ridiculously easy to live with, especially in 5 door form.
Not particularly involving to drive though ... Need to try a few more cars before I make a decision ... I hear a Renault calling.
blearyeyedboy said:
Lovely as Octavias are- and they're very decent cars- you'll always be able to justify one of those if your circumstances change in future.
Yeah, I'm thinking it's a little too grown up.I like the Golf too, bit the only issue I have with it is that the Leon and the Octavia do the same job but slighly better in their own ways ie spec, size, power.
white_goodman said:
I would have thought that a new Fiesta ST would be ideal and right on budget. Quite quick, up to 40mpgish fuel economy, fun and the peace of mind of a new car with warranty.
The guy next door's got one, and it's really nice, bit a bit too small if I'm honest.We frequently need to haul big stuff around, so it's got to be Golf sized I think.
Done the whole small hatch before (3 x RS Clips and a Fabia VRS) and although taking away weight makes more fun, I do need the bigger car.
ELUSIVEJIM said:
I know you do not want a Golf R but to me this is something rare.
Golf R Estate.
Same performance but in a more handy package.
Best part is they are rare. Not many in the country.
PCP or lease deal instead of buying a car and trying to sell it in a few years time.
I hear there's going to be a very close competitor next year in the form of a 300bhp 4wd Leon estate.Golf R Estate.
Same performance but in a more handy package.
Best part is they are rare. Not many in the country.
PCP or lease deal instead of buying a car and trying to sell it in a few years time.
Must admit after test driving a Leon, the Golf is MUCH nicer inside. VWs are pretty classless ...
It's stupid, but I'd just worry about a Golf R getting stolen. Thieves love them, and I've got nowhere to hide it away.
stuart_83 said:
I hear there's going to be a very close competitor next year in the form of a 300bhp 4wd Leon estate.
Must admit after test driving a Leon, the Golf is MUCH nicer inside. VWs are pretty classless ...
It's stupid, but I'd just worry about a Golf R getting stolen. Thieves love them, and I've got nowhere to hide it away.
This is why I thought the estate would not appeal to the thieves so much as they would not want the estate version.Must admit after test driving a Leon, the Golf is MUCH nicer inside. VWs are pretty classless ...
It's stupid, but I'd just worry about a Golf R getting stolen. Thieves love them, and I've got nowhere to hide it away.
Maybe not but this was my man thinking
Time for a thread revival :-)
Current car goes on the 18th, and will be stepping into my next car soon after.
Shortlist is now the Megane 275 or the Leon Cupra 280 (DSG). Literally polar opposite cars which answer the same brief.
So, which one do I go for?
Cupra.
Drove one about 2 weeks ago.
Beautifully made, has dcc so it can be comfortable or sporty depending on your mood.
The DSG is amazingly smooth, and the inbuilt screen in the centre console controls everything.
But ...
Don't like the standard seats and door trim with the horrible high-vis type cheap white strip down it, and the dash and nav felt cheap for what it is.
Seems quite tame and almost a safe choice.
Megane.
Drove this today.
Amazing.
Ride wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Interior was ok, dash felt nicer, but a little more basic than the Leon's with its screen and colour obd between the dials.
Sat nav I felt was nicer, although the controls were a bit poo.
Drove better and more involved.
Sounded incredible.
But ...
Noticeably thirstier than the Cupra.
Manual only
3 door only.
So, head and heart. Head says buy the Cupra. It'll be easier to live with on a 20 mile commute with a fair bit of stop / start, it'll be a fair bit more economical, less to tax etc.
Heart says Megane. More fun to drive, more special.
Also thrown into the equation is the fact that for the price of a 20k Cupra on a 14 plate, I can buy a fully spec'd 275 with the cup pack in liquid yellow with 3 years warranty left.
Please help me!
Current car goes on the 18th, and will be stepping into my next car soon after.
Shortlist is now the Megane 275 or the Leon Cupra 280 (DSG). Literally polar opposite cars which answer the same brief.
So, which one do I go for?
Cupra.
Drove one about 2 weeks ago.
Beautifully made, has dcc so it can be comfortable or sporty depending on your mood.
The DSG is amazingly smooth, and the inbuilt screen in the centre console controls everything.
But ...
Don't like the standard seats and door trim with the horrible high-vis type cheap white strip down it, and the dash and nav felt cheap for what it is.
Seems quite tame and almost a safe choice.
Megane.
Drove this today.
Amazing.
Ride wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Interior was ok, dash felt nicer, but a little more basic than the Leon's with its screen and colour obd between the dials.
Sat nav I felt was nicer, although the controls were a bit poo.
Drove better and more involved.
Sounded incredible.
But ...
Noticeably thirstier than the Cupra.
Manual only
3 door only.
So, head and heart. Head says buy the Cupra. It'll be easier to live with on a 20 mile commute with a fair bit of stop / start, it'll be a fair bit more economical, less to tax etc.
Heart says Megane. More fun to drive, more special.
Also thrown into the equation is the fact that for the price of a 20k Cupra on a 14 plate, I can buy a fully spec'd 275 with the cup pack in liquid yellow with 3 years warranty left.
Please help me!
About the megane, if it helps, I recently bought one and have to say it's the best car I've had for track stuff by far.
Not sure if you'd enjoy using it everyday though, mine is a cup spec and although some could
Live with it I hardly ever use it on the road.
Mpg wise I imagine the seat would be better.
Not sure if you'd enjoy using it everyday though, mine is a cup spec and although some could
Live with it I hardly ever use it on the road.
Mpg wise I imagine the seat would be better.
Yeah, I keep feeling that the Cupra will return better mpg more of the time.
The problem is the Megane STILL uses the F4RT (fart tee hee hee) engine, which hails back to at least 1999. It's almost steam powered, whereas the Leon's is the latest VW EA888, which when under little stress can return great MPG.
Now I'm not after a miracle, or 40mpg, but what I do want is a car that's not going to keep me visiting the petrol station every few days with a drinking problem - hence why I finally crossed an R32 off the list.
The Megane would have to be kitted out with the cup pack - there's no point getting one otherwise - and I usually do around 15k miles / year.
On the test drive (on 19s I may add, I'd buy one on 18s) I didn't find it tooooo bad. Is it going to be too hard to live with on a daily basis with a fair bit of stop / start driving into Bham, with some speed bumps thrown in ... And will the smile on my face from the driving experience make up for any shortcomings?
The problem is the Megane STILL uses the F4RT (fart tee hee hee) engine, which hails back to at least 1999. It's almost steam powered, whereas the Leon's is the latest VW EA888, which when under little stress can return great MPG.
Now I'm not after a miracle, or 40mpg, but what I do want is a car that's not going to keep me visiting the petrol station every few days with a drinking problem - hence why I finally crossed an R32 off the list.
The Megane would have to be kitted out with the cup pack - there's no point getting one otherwise - and I usually do around 15k miles / year.
On the test drive (on 19s I may add, I'd buy one on 18s) I didn't find it tooooo bad. Is it going to be too hard to live with on a daily basis with a fair bit of stop / start driving into Bham, with some speed bumps thrown in ... And will the smile on my face from the driving experience make up for any shortcomings?
Quite literally the hardest decision I've had to make in years.
It's the first time I've had something semi-modern for about 10 years now, and it's a fairly decent financial commitment (financing about 40% of the value) so I need to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
The two models I've got my eye on are both excellent:
White 5 door Cupra in with DSG and with low mileage, full heated leather.
Yellow Megane 275 with leather recaros / nav / cup pack and even lower mileage.
I'll update the thread on Thursday afternoon once I've made a final decision and most likely put a deposit down.
Comfort and practicality vs excitement ... both v.fast for a FWD hatch.
It's the first time I've had something semi-modern for about 10 years now, and it's a fairly decent financial commitment (financing about 40% of the value) so I need to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
The two models I've got my eye on are both excellent:
White 5 door Cupra in with DSG and with low mileage, full heated leather.
Yellow Megane 275 with leather recaros / nav / cup pack and even lower mileage.
I'll update the thread on Thursday afternoon once I've made a final decision and most likely put a deposit down.
Comfort and practicality vs excitement ... both v.fast for a FWD hatch.
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