New car needed with roughly 150bhp for circa £5k
Discussion
I am 21, have 4 Years no claims, No points on my license so insurance is reasonable ish. I am looking for a new car to replace my 17 year old 1.2 clio thats almost had it. Has to be petrol, budget is marginally flexible but buying cash not finance as I am still at University. Ideally looking for a Hatchback with running costs that won't be too ruinous. So far I have come across Fiesta ST (08/58 Plates in Blue '150 bhp'), Vauxhall Corsa 1.6T Sri (147bhp), Focus 2.0 Titanium, Zetec S 1.6 (more sensible option engine and insurance wise). And thats pretty much it so far. Has anybody got any other ideas or pointers? I test drove a Clio 197 and didn't like the interior and as Ill have to use this for work etc in the near future wasn't an viable choice (was racing blue). Id prefer as reliable car as possible as can't really afford ruinous repair bills.
PLEASE can you give me some constructive advice. I am coming from a '58' bhp 1.2 clio, but fed up of getting stuck behind dithering sunday drivers and never being able to overtake easily
Feel free to ask any further questions about what I like/dont like or look for. Also the newer the better as planning on keeping the car 3-4 years I think.
PLEASE can you give me some constructive advice. I am coming from a '58' bhp 1.2 clio, but fed up of getting stuck behind dithering sunday drivers and never being able to overtake easily
Feel free to ask any further questions about what I like/dont like or look for. Also the newer the better as planning on keeping the car 3-4 years I think.
EP3 Type R?
You could probably squeeze a megane R26 into the budget. I'm 21 with no NCD and 1 fault claim and it cost me £1700 to insure so I'd imagine it would be much cheaper for yourself. They have more than enough power standard and with a good set of tyres the handling is just ridiculous for a fwd car.
You could probably squeeze a megane R26 into the budget. I'm 21 with no NCD and 1 fault claim and it cost me £1700 to insure so I'd imagine it would be much cheaper for yourself. They have more than enough power standard and with a good set of tyres the handling is just ridiculous for a fwd car.
What area do you live in? On your profile it says East Midlands and unless you live in the centre of Nottingham that will mean your Postcode is generally going to be a low risk area. I've got an FN2 Type-R and pay less £1000 with only 2 yrs NCD at 21 so with a bit of searching cheap insurance can be found.
Back on topic:
- A Fiesta ST sounds like a good chocie, especially if the Renaultsport doesn't take your fancy. I still think they look quite fresh.
- A Suzuki Swift Sport could also be good if not a little slower than the Ford.
- An Ep3 would blow the other two out of the water in terms of performance and will be very reliable, however it will be 4 or 5 years older and a little less well equipped.
- Mini Cooper S R53 would be a good choice and they're pretty cheap on insurance. However IME they aren't all that reliable and are piss poor on fuel.
- Corsa Vxr could be an option but may be a higher mileage one for that money and they do come with a reputation.
I know it's a big jump from your Clio but if you can afford to run one of the quicker and bigger cars in the class above the Fiesta, (Ep3/Megane R26) then it is worth it in the long run, you will be less likely to get bored and they feel a lot more grown up to drive than the Hot Superminis
Back on topic:
- A Fiesta ST sounds like a good chocie, especially if the Renaultsport doesn't take your fancy. I still think they look quite fresh.
- A Suzuki Swift Sport could also be good if not a little slower than the Ford.
- An Ep3 would blow the other two out of the water in terms of performance and will be very reliable, however it will be 4 or 5 years older and a little less well equipped.
- Mini Cooper S R53 would be a good choice and they're pretty cheap on insurance. However IME they aren't all that reliable and are piss poor on fuel.
- Corsa Vxr could be an option but may be a higher mileage one for that money and they do come with a reputation.
I know it's a big jump from your Clio but if you can afford to run one of the quicker and bigger cars in the class above the Fiesta, (Ep3/Megane R26) then it is worth it in the long run, you will be less likely to get bored and they feel a lot more grown up to drive than the Hot Superminis
Billy939:
I currently live in Nottingham for University, however my Home address is in Rutland, which apparently is a low risk area.
With regards to the ST Im a bit picky as It has to have the Sony Head Unit in it, which reduces the number of vehicles available considerably, Also prefer it in blue (although would sooner have the grey they did the Fiesta Zetec S in).
Suzuki Sport just doesnt look right for me at all.
As I occasionally commute from home to Uni the car has to be a little bit practical, a Mini Cooper S in terms of budget and age and practicality isn't right.
Have Considered an EP3, might test drive one for comparison, downside is age and interior as planning to keep my car for 3-4 years reliability and things going wrong worry me a bit!
Cannot get a R26 remotely locally for my sort of money, also probably too raw as a standalone car, although there are a couple of Megane 225 Trophys that are maybe worth me looking at.
Theres a Corsa Sri (one below vxr) for sale near me up for 5.3k 58 plate with 33K Miles on the clock, thats still faster than most things so will probably test drive that although might be a bit small - and worried on the reliability side of things too.
Also worried Im gonna hand over my hard saved/earned cash and then have an engine blow up on me two weeks later and a dealer not cover anything under their warranty. So any tips on the buying/aftersales side of things would be appreciated as well.
Is there any hot/warm hatches or any other wild ideas. Did look at a Mondeo Estate 2.5T 5 Cylinder (newer shape) 57 Reg, fancied that but crippling fuel economy and a bit of a bus! Had so much kit on it though which was kind of cool coming from a renault clio when trim, mirrors fall off and break, locking stops working etc.
Thanks for the advice so far guys though (Y)
I currently live in Nottingham for University, however my Home address is in Rutland, which apparently is a low risk area.
With regards to the ST Im a bit picky as It has to have the Sony Head Unit in it, which reduces the number of vehicles available considerably, Also prefer it in blue (although would sooner have the grey they did the Fiesta Zetec S in).
Suzuki Sport just doesnt look right for me at all.
As I occasionally commute from home to Uni the car has to be a little bit practical, a Mini Cooper S in terms of budget and age and practicality isn't right.
Have Considered an EP3, might test drive one for comparison, downside is age and interior as planning to keep my car for 3-4 years reliability and things going wrong worry me a bit!
Cannot get a R26 remotely locally for my sort of money, also probably too raw as a standalone car, although there are a couple of Megane 225 Trophys that are maybe worth me looking at.
Theres a Corsa Sri (one below vxr) for sale near me up for 5.3k 58 plate with 33K Miles on the clock, thats still faster than most things so will probably test drive that although might be a bit small - and worried on the reliability side of things too.
Also worried Im gonna hand over my hard saved/earned cash and then have an engine blow up on me two weeks later and a dealer not cover anything under their warranty. So any tips on the buying/aftersales side of things would be appreciated as well.
Is there any hot/warm hatches or any other wild ideas. Did look at a Mondeo Estate 2.5T 5 Cylinder (newer shape) 57 Reg, fancied that but crippling fuel economy and a bit of a bus! Had so much kit on it though which was kind of cool coming from a renault clio when trim, mirrors fall off and break, locking stops working etc.
Thanks for the advice so far guys though (Y)
mattf93 said:
Billy939:
I currently live in Nottingham for University, however my Home address is in Rutland, which apparently is a low risk area.
With regards to the ST Im a bit picky as It has to have the Sony Head Unit in it, which reduces the number of vehicles available considerably, Also prefer it in blue (although would sooner have the grey they did the Fiesta Zetec S in).
Suzuki Sport just doesnt look right for me at all.
As I occasionally commute from home to Uni the car has to be a little bit practical, a Mini Cooper S in terms of budget and age and practicality isn't right.
Have Considered an EP3, might test drive one for comparison, downside is age and interior as planning to keep my car for 3-4 years reliability and things going wrong worry me a bit!
Cannot get a R26 remotely locally for my sort of money, also probably too raw as a standalone car, although there are a couple of Megane 225 Trophys that are maybe worth me looking at.
Theres a Corsa Sri (one below vxr) for sale near me up for 5.3k 58 plate with 33K Miles on the clock, thats still faster than most things so will probably test drive that although might be a bit small - and worried on the reliability side of things too.
Also worried Im gonna hand over my hard saved/earned cash and then have an engine blow up on me two weeks later and a dealer not cover anything under their warranty. So any tips on the buying/aftersales side of things would be appreciated as well.
Is there any hot/warm hatches or any other wild ideas. Did look at a Mondeo Estate 2.5T 5 Cylinder (newer shape) 57 Reg, fancied that but crippling fuel economy and a bit of a bus! Had so much kit on it though which was kind of cool coming from a renault clio when trim, mirrors fall off and break, locking stops working etc.
Thanks for the advice so far guys though (Y)
Ahh that makes sense then.I currently live in Nottingham for University, however my Home address is in Rutland, which apparently is a low risk area.
With regards to the ST Im a bit picky as It has to have the Sony Head Unit in it, which reduces the number of vehicles available considerably, Also prefer it in blue (although would sooner have the grey they did the Fiesta Zetec S in).
Suzuki Sport just doesnt look right for me at all.
As I occasionally commute from home to Uni the car has to be a little bit practical, a Mini Cooper S in terms of budget and age and practicality isn't right.
Have Considered an EP3, might test drive one for comparison, downside is age and interior as planning to keep my car for 3-4 years reliability and things going wrong worry me a bit!
Cannot get a R26 remotely locally for my sort of money, also probably too raw as a standalone car, although there are a couple of Megane 225 Trophys that are maybe worth me looking at.
Theres a Corsa Sri (one below vxr) for sale near me up for 5.3k 58 plate with 33K Miles on the clock, thats still faster than most things so will probably test drive that although might be a bit small - and worried on the reliability side of things too.
Also worried Im gonna hand over my hard saved/earned cash and then have an engine blow up on me two weeks later and a dealer not cover anything under their warranty. So any tips on the buying/aftersales side of things would be appreciated as well.
Is there any hot/warm hatches or any other wild ideas. Did look at a Mondeo Estate 2.5T 5 Cylinder (newer shape) 57 Reg, fancied that but crippling fuel economy and a bit of a bus! Had so much kit on it though which was kind of cool coming from a renault clio when trim, mirrors fall off and break, locking stops working etc.
Thanks for the advice so far guys though (Y)
In regards to reliability the Ep3 will be strongest in the engine dept. Keep it topped up with oil, and regularly serviced and it will go on for a very long time.
The Megane R26 is just the F1 Edition 230, you might be thinking of the R26.r as the stripped out track version. The normals R26 is available around £5k.
If you're planning on driving the Ep3 then the Fiesta will feel very slow in comparison and the test drive should decide for you
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h...
That sort of thing could be good, not the best colour but FSH and looks in good nick.
I miss my Ep3 looking at them though!
Or go for an interim car and lease?
http://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/ford...
(have a parent lease it with your money given you are not working - but of course insured in your name)
http://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/ford...
(have a parent lease it with your money given you are not working - but of course insured in your name)
idibbers:
You're not the first person to suggest that, one of my friends has got an Abarth Punto which I think has 165 rather than 155, a little bit more than my budget and slightly more miles than I want but definitely an option. Another issue is that auto trader is a bloody nightmare for finding Abarths other than the 500 abarth as there is no separate category for Abarth anymore which drives me mad!
billy939:
EP3 Looks good, tad boring in silver; although heard they handle pretty well and will see off most things. Age of car worries me though as when it comes to sell it will be worth next to F**K all
Asterix:
In terms of weight I'm Not currently hugely hung up on the weight aspect of it as I am not tracking the car but my clio currently weighs about 1095kg supposedly, so anything up to 200/300kg more? I am not really sure tbh, completely depends how it drives. Not doing what a friend did and found a car that he wanted and put a deposit down before he even saw the car!
Vaud:
If I was to get a lease car thats a fiesta it would only be the ST I would be interested in, and as my dads old fashioned he would say if you can't afford to buy anything in cash you can't afford it full stop. Thats the way he looks at it then so I find it unlikely he will have it through his accounts anyway. Also over 3 years its 225 a month. (Personal contract hire). Finance/Leasing is a very tempting option as you get a lot more for your money but you never own the car, and your money is always poring into someone pockets. That said you don't have to worry about maintenance/servicing etc. Im not overly worried about this car being absolutely perfect as until I can spend circa 15K plus cash on a car you don't really get a great deal of choice on the best examples etc, and at that Money Id buy a Golf R or Audi S3
Buying a Second (we'll actually 3rd) car seems to be more stressful and long winded than I originally thought - also seems Im quite a picky bugger when it comes to the spec of a vehicle. Would like some creature comforts and an AUX cable point is pretty much essential. (Although some cars have bluetooth systems instead). I am still considering any suggestions but would prefer to confine the discussion to probably 07 plate cars onwards? So that I will get something for my car 3 years down the line rather than scrap money which is all Ill get for my 101k mile S reg 17 year old 1.2 clio :P
You're not the first person to suggest that, one of my friends has got an Abarth Punto which I think has 165 rather than 155, a little bit more than my budget and slightly more miles than I want but definitely an option. Another issue is that auto trader is a bloody nightmare for finding Abarths other than the 500 abarth as there is no separate category for Abarth anymore which drives me mad!
billy939:
EP3 Looks good, tad boring in silver; although heard they handle pretty well and will see off most things. Age of car worries me though as when it comes to sell it will be worth next to F**K all
Asterix:
In terms of weight I'm Not currently hugely hung up on the weight aspect of it as I am not tracking the car but my clio currently weighs about 1095kg supposedly, so anything up to 200/300kg more? I am not really sure tbh, completely depends how it drives. Not doing what a friend did and found a car that he wanted and put a deposit down before he even saw the car!
Vaud:
If I was to get a lease car thats a fiesta it would only be the ST I would be interested in, and as my dads old fashioned he would say if you can't afford to buy anything in cash you can't afford it full stop. Thats the way he looks at it then so I find it unlikely he will have it through his accounts anyway. Also over 3 years its 225 a month. (Personal contract hire). Finance/Leasing is a very tempting option as you get a lot more for your money but you never own the car, and your money is always poring into someone pockets. That said you don't have to worry about maintenance/servicing etc. Im not overly worried about this car being absolutely perfect as until I can spend circa 15K plus cash on a car you don't really get a great deal of choice on the best examples etc, and at that Money Id buy a Golf R or Audi S3
Buying a Second (we'll actually 3rd) car seems to be more stressful and long winded than I originally thought - also seems Im quite a picky bugger when it comes to the spec of a vehicle. Would like some creature comforts and an AUX cable point is pretty much essential. (Although some cars have bluetooth systems instead). I am still considering any suggestions but would prefer to confine the discussion to probably 07 plate cars onwards? So that I will get something for my car 3 years down the line rather than scrap money which is all Ill get for my 101k mile S reg 17 year old 1.2 clio :P
Just make sure you are very clear with the insurance company about where you "live" and where the car is.
Many people get burned on this every year. Home address in one location, car damaged overnight in another location.
If you live at university then make sure you insure at that address or have the discussion with the insurers and get it confirmed IN WRITING.
My advice would be a Jaguar S Type. 240 BHP, about £3k
As others have said the EP3 type R will be the quickest and most reliable, the interior is pretty nice with the seats and gearstick location. It's very easy and cheap to vinyl wrap the centre of the dash any colour you want to bring it a bit more up to date. It will also learn one less value than most of if not everything else that you have suggested.
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