Best hot hatch for 3grand??

[elephantstone]

Having a nightmare.. Was decided on a mk2 golf gti but decided I would only want an oak green one and they all seem abit like dogs. EP3 type-r's seem to be dropping into the 3k mark but again they all seem to be dogs??

Mk4 golf gti turbos (not the 2.0) loads around but don't know wether I could stomach wht I've heard is crap handling...

Octavia VRS is abit too family looking (I'm nearly 23 and this will be the first car I have that will be completly my choice)

Alfa 147 2.0 TS is another although not exactly 'hot' its got 150hp so should have abit of poke but can't be arsed fannying around with the reliability issues (yes I know they're not that bad but still...)

So what are my other choices???
Gotta be 25-30 around town, reliable, not bothered about age, preferably a few around with less than 100,000miles on it.. Its a big thing since its the most I've spent on a car and don't want to look down and see a trillions miles on the clock.. Cheers.

[mnkiboy]

Focus ST170. Looks good, handles well, reliable, will manage 30mpg (though not much more than that).

[jamster1432]

I would say the Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTLi, I know i will get some haters already but they are nice cars, OK on fuel and quick for what they are. Also for one with about 50-60k on, you can get for about 2.5-3K

[Haribo Man]

Get a good 306 gti 6 and have some cash left over. Clio Williams should also be decent in that bracket? 205 and watch it appreciate in value? ST 170's are warmish hatches for that money and look quite smart?

[marcosgt]

jamster1432 said:

I would say the Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTLi, I know i will get some haters already but they are nice cars, OK on fuel and quick for what they are. Also for one with about 50-60k on, you can get for about 2.5-3K

Mmmmm - but if he thinks the Skoda's dull looking...

M.

[treetops]

I'd be working it backwards and seeing what insurance is going to cost you first...

[elephantstone]

St170 is quite apealing, corolla really not I think if I were to go down that route I'd get the celica? Ill have a look at the focus now.

[elephantstone]

treetops said:

I'd be working it backwards and seeing what insurance is going to cost you first...

Not too bothered about insurance costs, with being 23 and driving since 17 insurance is just one of those things I expect to pay.. Can afford 170 a month on it so not really a problem plus I've been paying 200amonth lease for a 1.4ibiza so in that way.. I'm saving money

[elephantstone]

treetops said:

I'd be working it backwards and seeing what insurance is going to cost you first...

Not too bothered about insurance costs, with being 23 and driving since 17 insurance is just one of those things I expect to pay.. Can afford 170 a month on it so not really a problem plus I've been paying 200amonth lease for a 1.4ibiza so in that way.. I'm saving money

[AndySpecD]

Renault Clio 172/182?

[TommyBuoy]

Well your profile says E36 328i Cab so why not that - I'm sure you could pick one up for 3K.

I got a 323i Cab when I was 21, cost £1400 to insure and steadilty fell so insturace won't be horrendous.

I didn't do the hot hatch this, but I'd be tempted by a GTI-6.

[Hollywood Wheels]

You can pick up a Clio 182 for that money now. Cracking cars. Fast, cheap to run, aircon, cruise control etc.
Cue all the s**t about 'French cars' now from people that have never owned one.....

[RobM77]

Ignoring the obvious RWD suggestions of a mk1 MR2, 200SX or a 328i, if you want a hot hatch for £3k how about a Clio 172? Ridiculous driving position, but if you fit they're a right hoot to drive and will be newer and fresher than an older car like the mk2 Golf GTi.

Something like this perhaps:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3347736.htm

[350Wedge]

Clio 172 Cup would be my vote, fantastic fun to drive, very economical for what they are and cheap to insure I found!

There are known issues such as the exhaust not being particularly long lasting, but one would be well within budget if you look around.

I would certainly buy another one!

[Jimslips]

Hollywood Wheels said:

You can pick up a Clio 182 for that money now. Cracking cars. Fast, cheap to run, aircon, cruise control etc.
Cue all the s**t about 'French cars' now from people that have never owned one.....

I used to own one and agree they are excellent. However, there are known reliability issues, especially when it is to do with the electrics.

[toon10]

Haribo Man said:

Get a good 306 gti 6 and have some cash left over. Clio Williams should also be decent in that bracket? 205 and watch it appreciate in value? ST 170's are warmish hatches for that money and look quite smart?

There are two 1.9 205 GTi's in my home town. A shabby white one and an imaculate black one. It looks and sounds gorgeous, much more interesting than the most of the modern hatches. If you can get a decent one, I'd definately try and source one.

[TommyBuoy]

Thinking again, as I first suggested the car you wanted in your profile; the hot hatch I'd be looking at as well is a Seat Leon 1.8T Cupra

180bhp, but with the ability to easilt turn it up due to being a turbo.

Seem to be able to pick them up well within your budget as well.

[elephantstone]

Only like the 182 with the peashooter exhausts! And not against the french cars just had a megane hire car for a month and was quite impressed!

[ambuletz]

7th gen celica. it still has a hatchback
look for the '100k celica. am i mad?' topic

[willfinch36]

mnkiboy said:

Focus ST170. Looks good, handles well, reliable, will manage 30mpg (though not much more than that).

Yeah... no mention of it being quick I note.