Some cheap fun

[foxmeister]

Been umming and ahhing about buying something big, fast and expensive which i dont really need right now, which made me think about doing the opposite instead...

Normally i like super saloons, M5, C63, RS6 etc but slightly worried about the potential running costs as i am looking to buy something and sell on again without losing too much money, had been looking at a C5 RS6 as an itch to scratch but the gearbox and brakes are potentially black holes if they crop up and could do without as looking to buy another property first before taking a gamble on these

So after seeing a few threads here recently re an Astra VXR and seeing the Renault 225 or R26 get some good praise, i was wondering about some potential hot hatch type cars with decent kick to them, probably cars i wouldnt have taken a punt on and could be missing out on driving like the Megane, i never fancied a French car due to build issues and electrics etc, but sounds like a good drivers car and something everybody should experience especially at the prices they can be picked up for

I wont be tracking it anytime soon (possible in future though) so more interested in something for fast road driving, weekend fun and recommended cars to experience for a good price, say around 5K, prob own for 6 months and change again

Start with Astra VXR
Megane 225 or R26
EK3

What others?

[Obee72]

130i

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd recommend the ST Focus it's a smidge behind the Renault on the handling front but it does counter with that cracking 5 pot engine.

Here's a link to a thread discussing your subject:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

If you're looking at the Civic then I'd say take a look at the RS Clio's too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[foxmeister]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd recommend the ST Focus it's a smidge behind the Renault on the handling front but it does counter with that cracking 5 pot engine.

Here's a link to a thread discussing your subject:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

If you're looking at the Civic then I'd say take a look at the RS Clio's too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

To be honest, i had a Mondeo ST220 and just sold it last year after almost 5yrs with it, longest ive owned a car it was that good. I had considered the Focus ST after that but if im being honest i would always want the Focus RS in that case, but the worry of theft puts me off that till i find somewhere with a garage first

Im more thinking of some left field choices that i would normally not consider, like starting to fancy a try with a Frenchy or even Jap, these are makes i dont normally have an interest in. Havent been interested in a hot hatch since i was younger but fancy trying a few just for the sake of it

I have a VW CC for everyday duties and an Audi A4 Sport ongoing project (off the road still), so something for weekend away up north, fast road fun, mway blast etc

Will have a look into the Clio's, cheers

[aka_kerrly]

To be fair, the Renault Sport cars are made in a separate factory to the run of the mill stuff and are better as a result.

id also consider a Ep3 civic type r, for under budget you could get one with a few decent upgrades an they are dam good fun.

the bmw 130i is also an excellent suggestion for a more mature hot hatch with rwd perks

[ZX10R NIN]

foxmeister said:

To be honest, i had a Mondeo ST220 and just sold it last year after almost 5yrs with it, longest ive owned a car it was that good. I had considered the Focus ST after that but if im being honest i would always want the Focus RS in that case, but the worry of theft puts me off that till i find somewhere with a garage first

Im more thinking of some left field choices that i would normally not consider, like starting to fancy a try with a Frenchy or even Jap, these are makes i dont normally have an interest in. Havent been interested in a hot hatch since i was younger but fancy trying a few just for the sake of it

I have a VW CC for everyday duties and an Audi A4 Sport ongoing project (off the road still), so something for weekend away up north, fast road fun, mway blast etc

Will have a look into the Clio's, cheers

If you're worried about theft then why not look at a Volvo C30 T5, it's the same engine as the Focus although the Chassis isn't as good.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

350Z

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.0 Alfa GTV

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda3 MPS (make sure the chain upgrade has been done if not factor it into the price)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or go for the ST220 successor the 2.5T Titanium X Sport, it's the same engine as the Focus & is a bit of a sleeper as most people will assume it's a diesel.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0T version

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Vectra VXR they handle better than portrayed & are a bit of a bargain performance wise but get the chain checked before buying as they sometimes stretch.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

As I stated in the other thread Type R GT's are well within budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The real decider will be when you test drive some cars then you'll know what ticks the boxes for you.