Looking for a fun reliable car 10k budget

[anonymous-user]

I am looking for a replacement to my Mini Cooper. I have around 10k to spend, I would want something that is nice, quite reasonable on petrol and holds its value.

I have looked at:

Golf GTI Edition 30
Volvo C30 2.0 R Design
BMW 1 Series 120i
BMW 1 Series 123d - These are quite rare from what I have seen.
Audi A1 S Line.

Any other options?

[GreatGranny]

Out of that list the Edition 30 will be the only one that will hold/increase in value as long as you look after it and don't put huge miles on it.

The others will depreciate as most cars of that age will do.

Possibly the 123d less than the others.

Personally I would have the Edition 30 but be careful, lots of dogs around for strong money.

[anonymous-user]

Found this Edition 30: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[GreatGranny]

Very nice.

Initially thought that was expensive but looking around that's the going rate for a decent example.

Are you bothered about an auto?

[lewisf182]

Don't go 120i, the 130i is barely any worse on fuel but much more powerful.

The 123d i'd research on the timing chains problem first.

If you want it to hold value then 130i all day, i bought mine dec 2013 for £7k now worth about £4.5 and uber reliable! Long term it's a sure fire classic! Theres not much this side of £20k i can think to replace it with thats as well rounded. Which is annoying as I want to change!

[ZX10R NIN]

The simplistic answer is a Megane RS250 they're reliable an absolute hoot as well as being practical.

2011 Megane RS250 39k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Other options:

2010 Focus ST-3 48k 260bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[anonymous-user]

Not keen on a Focus ST, bit too chavvy, whats the 3.0 like on a 130i? Bit thirsty, or not too bad?

[lewisf182]

I average 26.6mpg on 50% motorway 50% city. It's decent on a run but it's still a 3 litre. By all accounts most blown 4 pots are about the same anyways... i know what i'd rather have at least.

[anonymous-user]

Thats not bad to be honest, I dont do any motorway driving. I also did consider an R32.

[ZX10R NIN]

The 130i isn't bad but wouldn't see where the Megane went tbh.

[lewisf182]

ZX10R NIN said:

The 130i isn't bad but wouldn't see where the Megane went tbh.

Agreed. Can't see them holding value as well over the next few years though and sound wise only the R32 can match it/beat it really which provides much of the sense of occasion I'd be wanting from a hot hatch. If spending exactly £10k I would seriously look at the latest model year megane I could get though for sure.

[anonymous-user]

Might have a look at a Megane, I would have to see one, just not that keen on French Cars to be honest. Might look at a Clio also as the Megane maybe too big.

[ZX10R NIN]

Why don't you like French cars? You do realise they got rid of their reliability issues once they tied up with Nissan, also if the Megane is to big then there's no point looking at the R32 or 130i. The Clio is a cracking choice & with your budget you'll get one that's the best of the best condition wise, also try & find one with the Recaros fitted,

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[CrouchingWayne]

I think the 3.0 in the BMW is meant to be good on fuel for the size of engine so 130i is a good shout.

No stipulation against 2 seaters unless I missed it - so how about a 3.0Si Z4?

[DoubleD]

Make sure you get a Megane with the cup pack(red calipers) if you want maximum enjoyment.

[anonymous-user]

Looked at some Renaults, not that keen on them. I am torn between a Golf and a C30 just because the C30 is unusual and they no longer make them.

Any other options?

[exelero]

Toyota Aristo?
Is basically a Lexus GS300 but has the 2JZ engine.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-Aristo-V300-Verte...

[anonymous-user]

That looks unusual I do like it. Maybe a little too big for me though. Anything else on the small side or similar in size to a Golf?

[ZX10R NIN]

If I was looking for C30 I'd be going for the 2.5 rather than the 2.0:

2011 C30 2.5T R Design 39k 230bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or if you want another Focus based hatch the the Mazda 3 MPS is also worth a look:

2009 2.3T Mazda 3 MPS 43k 260bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 Golf GTI DSG 45k 210bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2008 Golf GTI Edition 30 43k 230bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[anonymous-user]

Yeah they are a little far for me to travel from my postcode L19 2RF. The C30 2.5 looks good.