Which hot hatch?
Discussion
Afternoon all,
After a number of years of financial ruin (credit card debts / overly expensive mortgage), I got myself sorted a while back and have decided to treat myself to a change of car in the new year.
With a budget of £16k-£20k, I was originally going to buy an E92 330D M Sport, but decided life's too short, and I'd quite like to go back to some hot hatchery.
Now ... what do I buy?
I'll be 34 in Jan, no kids (yet), and cover roughly 15k miles / year, commuting into Birmingham across some pretty poor and speed bumped roads. Because of the mileage I could do without stupidly low MPG. Only currently getting 40mpg out of my Alfa GT Jtdm, so early-mid 30's (the same as my previous car, a MK1 LCR) would be perfect.
Had a few Renaultsports in the past, so really liking the look of a Megane 265 ... they can be picked up for a decent price with low mileage, but would it be too thirsty (that F4R engine is a few decades old) and too harsh a ride for a mixed commute of 20 miles each way?
Also liking the look of the current VAG crop of cars ... The Octavia's a lot of car for the money, but perhaps a little too understated. On the other hand with a remap they can make 300bhp and become a fantastic sleeper. Leon Cupra comes pretty high on the list too - adjustable dampers to suit my mood, fantastic engine, and again won't attract too much attention from undesirables.
On that note I don't want anything that's too desirable to low-lifes ... so Golf R / S3 and M135i are out.
Any thoughts people?
Also, since its been a LOOOONG time since I've bought anything modern, this may sound strange, but whats the best way to actually go out and have a drive in each of these?
I'm quite conscious about wasting people's time, even if it's a large dealer... Any tips?
After a number of years of financial ruin (credit card debts / overly expensive mortgage), I got myself sorted a while back and have decided to treat myself to a change of car in the new year.
With a budget of £16k-£20k, I was originally going to buy an E92 330D M Sport, but decided life's too short, and I'd quite like to go back to some hot hatchery.
Now ... what do I buy?
I'll be 34 in Jan, no kids (yet), and cover roughly 15k miles / year, commuting into Birmingham across some pretty poor and speed bumped roads. Because of the mileage I could do without stupidly low MPG. Only currently getting 40mpg out of my Alfa GT Jtdm, so early-mid 30's (the same as my previous car, a MK1 LCR) would be perfect.
Had a few Renaultsports in the past, so really liking the look of a Megane 265 ... they can be picked up for a decent price with low mileage, but would it be too thirsty (that F4R engine is a few decades old) and too harsh a ride for a mixed commute of 20 miles each way?
Also liking the look of the current VAG crop of cars ... The Octavia's a lot of car for the money, but perhaps a little too understated. On the other hand with a remap they can make 300bhp and become a fantastic sleeper. Leon Cupra comes pretty high on the list too - adjustable dampers to suit my mood, fantastic engine, and again won't attract too much attention from undesirables.
On that note I don't want anything that's too desirable to low-lifes ... so Golf R / S3 and M135i are out.
Any thoughts people?
Also, since its been a LOOOONG time since I've bought anything modern, this may sound strange, but whats the best way to actually go out and have a drive in each of these?
I'm quite conscious about wasting people's time, even if it's a large dealer... Any tips?
tomsugden said:
I do about 15,000 miles per year in my Audi S1, and it's a brilliant thing. Easily does 40mpg on a run, is very quick, and very comfortable too. The suspension adapts according to the drive mode you're in too. I'm about 12 miles north west of Northampton if you want to come and have a go.
Ta, I do really like the S1 (a friend of mine used to have one) but I could do with something a little bigger.I have the occasional Ikea trip etc which needs carrying out, plus I've recently become an Uncle ... so being honest I should probably go for something more spacious.
benjeffrey said:
What about -
Cupra:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
GP2 (Probably the best investment):
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Megane RS:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...
2 Outsider options
370z:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
TTS:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Just some food for thought
Yeah, I've looked at the TT and 370Z and really like them both. If I were going for a 6-cyl, I'd probably go down the Z4 3.0si Coupe route though as it's a little less thirsty.Cupra:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
GP2 (Probably the best investment):
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Megane RS:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...
2 Outsider options
370z:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
TTS:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Just some food for thought
Had originally wanted a mint MK5 R32 as I could buy it out in cash, but again fuel economy.
TT is very nice too, always had a soft spot for them after nearly buying a MK1 a few years ago. I might go and have a look at one as they're surprisingly practical for a coupe, just like my current Alfa.
Keep getting drawn to the Cupra or Megane for some reason - they just seem to tick every box, but in different ways.
AMGJocky said:
If you can stretch to running a Mk5 R32 then just do it.. lump of a car with the dynamism of a teapot, but the noise... oh the noise.
They've been tempting me for years. I can easily afford to run one, it's just justifying the costs.Edited by AMGJocky on Tuesday 25th October 14:44
It's like the purchase ... I'm really quite comfortable now, but I just can't bring myself to spend silly money on a car, so I can afford to go to £20k, but realistically I'd like to spend less. Coming out of a lot of debt has made me see things differently.
Need to have a look at a MK6 R now too ...
.I swore never to buy a rough example again after my current Alfa.
Gorgeous car, but bought it for v.cheap due to the low mileage, and to be fair cosmetically it was great, and still is.
But ... So many hidden nasties. It's cost me about £3k over the last 18 months. It's stupid of me to get rid now it's running perfectly, but I can afford to buy and run something really nice now.
After some very sad recent personal events which I won't go into, I've decided and been rightfully advised that life's too short to be sensible all the time, and if I like a car and can afford it, to just do it.
But which car? ...
Gorgeous car, but bought it for v.cheap due to the low mileage, and to be fair cosmetically it was great, and still is.
But ... So many hidden nasties. It's cost me about £3k over the last 18 months. It's stupid of me to get rid now it's running perfectly, but I can afford to buy and run something really nice now.
After some very sad recent personal events which I won't go into, I've decided and been rightfully advised that life's too short to be sensible all the time, and if I like a car and can afford it, to just do it.
But which car? ...
RMK87 said:
. Yes I could have purchased a diesel but this is the hot hatch I've always wanted.
So far am on around £6700 spent and figure I will spend another 1500/2000 on it. Yes I wont recover my money but I will have a car perfect for me. 300BHP, DSG, 5DR.
And yep, I'm still tempted to spend less and get an R32, something I've always wanted.So far am on around £6700 spent and figure I will spend another 1500/2000 on it. Yes I wont recover my money but I will have a car perfect for me. 300BHP, DSG, 5DR.
The money I'm not spending on finance can be spent on fuel!
It's hard to get my head around spending so much on a car again. The last time I did was in 2006 when I bought a brand new MK2 Leon FR TDI for £16500 and sold it 12 months later when I took on a horrendously expensive mortgage by myself after a relationship breakdown.
If only new performance cars were £16500!
They do, and a mate of mine has a 235i which is amazing ... But a friend I work with had his M135i "taken" from him by some burley dudes when he was getting his son out of the car.
Tempted by maybe a 2013 M135i as I'd hope older cars are less attractive to scum.
I'll have a word with my brother's mate who's a local copper - he seems to know what the current flavour is for cars being nicked.
Tempted by maybe a 2013 M135i as I'd hope older cars are less attractive to scum.
I'll have a word with my brother's mate who's a local copper - he seems to know what the current flavour is for cars being nicked.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Yipper said:
Get a Porsche Cayman for ~15k and a cheap Nissan (or whatever) for ~1k and the B&Q run...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Or just get a 2014 Golf R. Much faster and sturdier than a Cupra or Megane.
I've looked at the Cayman (specifically the 'S') but there's two things that put me off it; bore scoring, and service costs. Both are huge potential money pits.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Or just get a 2014 Golf R. Much faster and sturdier than a Cupra or Megane.
Golf R is fantastic admittedly, and I could scrape one in the budget, but I don't have a garage to sit it in and am scared of theft. My brother's mate is a local copper who advised me not to touch one unless I got GAP insurance and an Alsatian in the house!
My MK1 Cupra R was a fantastic machine ... probably have fonder memories of that than my 3 x RS Clios.
Anyway, I've spoken to the dealer and am due a call in the morning about the Megane.
Hopefully put a retainer / deposit on it tomorrow. Fingers crossed! This one specifically is the one I'd have ... if it goes I may reconsider my choice. You'll see why once all is sorted!
Anyway, I've spoken to the dealer and am due a call in the morning about the Megane.
Hopefully put a retainer / deposit on it tomorrow. Fingers crossed! This one specifically is the one I'd have ... if it goes I may reconsider my choice. You'll see why once all is sorted!
Edited by stuart_83 on Monday 5th December 20:13
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