What sporty diesel for 8k?

[Louisa911]

Hello

Have a work colleague who has asked me for ideas on what car to get for 8k maximum, although ideally around 5-6k. He wants a diesel with a little bit more "go" than a regular boring hatch. Colleague in question is a 24 year old male so insurance will be a bit of an issue. Nothing astronomical on running costs either, preferably something nearer the average hatchback on running costs rather than what a full blown performance hatch would cost.

He was thinking along the lines of a Golf but he's not put much thought into it, not really a car nut and I suggested he could find a lot more interesting car on similar lines for that money.

So far suggestions from me have been Fabia VRS, Zetec S TDCI, Volvo C30. He's gone off for a look so in the meantime can anyone think of any better suggestions?

Thanks

[mxspyder]

Out of your list my preference would be the Skoda - plenty of these at this price:



Although, if I was parting with the cash it would be:

Edited by mxspyder on Friday 4th November 18:01

[TheStig44]

BMW 330D?

Comes in Coupe, Saloon and Estate flavours depending on practicality requirements.

Reliable and very reasonable running costs


ETA: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Edited by TheStig44 on Friday 4th November 18:02

[ge0rge]

330d - theyre far from good on fuel...

[jagfan2]

Fabia isnt bad, try and find a Special edition one though, nicer spec and avoids the interesting interior.

Had a Fiesta Zetec S TDCi too, also ok, and nice kit for the money, cheap insurance too, but lacking in go, even when tweaked.

Asta is great value, look good with the XP pack, decent kit and well built, good brakes and handled/drove well enough. EGR , swirl valves and gearbox are common issues though, still just a warm ish diesel hatch though

I just swapped my astra in for a Megane DCi 175 and loving it, really is a big step up, and is definitely into hot hatch handling territory, though the Cup pack is definitely on the firm side, but awesome car, and best 4pot diesel engine i have driven by a long way. Top end of the price bracket, but worth it IMHO

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte...

[Spanna]

They do the Ibiza in Cupra guise, 1.9 TDi with 160BHP, quoted 0-60 of 7.6 I think. They look pretty good (like the one above) and I bet they're an okay steer.

VAG seems to be the way to go. The MK4 Golf GT TDi can come specced with heated Recaro Leather Seats, which are lovely as does the Bora 'Highline'.

[Fox-]

mxspyder said:

Out of your list my preference would be the Skoda - plenty of these at this price:



Although, if I was parting with the cash it would be:

Edited by mxspyder on Friday 4th November 18:01

What is sporty about a few mid range hatchbacks? The fact you can fit tennis equipment in the boot?

[SBN]

over 200 bhp, manual, 40+mpg

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[to3m]

SBN said:

over 200 bhp, manual, 40+mpg

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Would it count as "sporty", though? I have one of the 185hp ones, and I'm not sure I'd class it as such. Quick, yes, sure... well, maybe... once you've got past 25mph. "Sporty"? Hmm... not really? Maybe those extra hp would push it into that bracket.

As for costs, judging by my old BMW (and general consensus) the running costs can be a bit bursty, though the fuel economy is pretty good. And if you are 24, I imagine the insurance might be a little steep...

Whether a diesel hatchback would be any more sporty-like, I couldn't say...

[sidaorb]

At the risk of getting strung up.....

Peugeot 407 Coupe

[cheadle hulme]

jagfan2 said:

I just swapped my astra in for a Megane DCi 175 and loving it, really is a big step up, and is definitely into hot hatch handling territory, though the Cup pack is definitely on the firm side, but awesome car, and best 4pot diesel engine i have driven by a long way. Top end of the price bracket, but worth it IMHO

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte...

I've got the same engine in my Laguna GT and hate it! Nowhere near as linear as the BMW or VAG units. Powerband is 1601 - 2399. Catch it in the wrong gear at a junction at your peril...great once moving admittedly...

[GPS M-Jet]

My choice would be a Grande Punto Sporting, cracking little car and really cheap to run

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[Fox-]

to3m said:

Would it count as "sporty", though?

If it doesn't then no diesel does. An Astra hatchback is hardly sporty in ways a 330d isn't, is it? Arguably there isn't a sporty diesel, only stuff like the 330d gets close.