Help with a hot hatch daily under 3.5k

[ad_182_uk]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a 'hot hatch' that is still motorway capable as i do a 40 mile round trip to work and often go to Luton from Nottingham every other weekend.

Currently looking at things like the below, Clio 197 / MK6 Fiesta ST with mountune pack / 9n3 Polo gti - budgets no more than 3.5k and i would like to spend less than that where possible to make room for tax etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/renault-clio-sport-197/...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Polo-GTI-1-8T-20vt-2...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-FORD-FIESTA-ST-MOU...

Im guessing these will all manage 30mpg+ when just cruising on the motorway, although i notice the clio is the only one with 6 gears - this may not matter though based on the ratios? Not so much a fan of red although it could work. All seem to have AC, not sure about electric folding mirrors or other gadgets - cruise control would be good but i think the clio only has this as standard - maybe retrofit into the polo though?

Anyway whats peoples thoughts? I did look at cooper S's pre 2007 but seem a bit hit and miss with reliability.

[Curt207]

Peugeot 207 gti ? You can get a good clean one for that sort of money. Same engine as the Cooper. Just make sure it has fsh.

[ZX10R NIN]

Here's the alternates list.

Mito Cloverleaf

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

Veloce 155 rather than the 170 of the Cloverleaf:

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

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

Corsa VXR

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

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

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

Twingo RS

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

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

Astra VXR you'll have to haggle

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

The non alternate option is the Clio it's the obvious choice & with good reason it's a cracking car.

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

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

[ad_182_uk]

Thanks for the input;

207 gti / 57 plate onward cooper s are a no go due to massive engine problems.

That white alfa romeo is too much money.

The twingo is not for me, nor the Mito.

Corsa is ok but finding a forged one (so the engine doesnt melt on you) for my budget is difficult. Astra / Focus ST again just a bit out of budget but i do keep looking.

Golf GTI is slightly out of budget unless its been to the moon and back it seems.

Aware the Fiesta St is a bit down on power but thats why i have been looking at the mountune ones, they are slightly lower tax band too. Clio does look a good option, i used to have a 182 and that was good.

[TNJ]

I am looking at exactly the same as you - hot or warm hatch for around the £3k mark.

One outsider that I am going to try is the Suzuki Swift Sport. It might be a bit too small but looks like a fun car for the money, reliable and a bit different.

First choice is the RS Clio, but the problems with the gearboxes on the 197 put me off. Most are high mileage at this price point so cambelts are also likely to need to be done which just adds to the cost.

[ad_182_uk]

Yes the swift looks good but i would want the facelift version, im wondering if a 1.6 n/a has enough poke as well.

Just thought about the megane 225 (one with the big bum) hows the reliability etc on these? Guessing inside there a bit nicer than the clio?

[colin79666]

MkII Suzuki Swift Sport is great (I’ve had one). The first generation had a 5 speed box and only drinks super unleaded so not quite so good for motorway commuting. 2nd generation had a slightly revised engine which takes regular fuel ok and the 6th gear makes for less din when cruising (and better fuel economy). Should see 40mpg ish out of these.

[ilikejam]

colin79666 said:

MkII Suzuki Swift Sport is great (I’ve had one). The first generation had a 5 speed box and only drinks super unleaded so not quite so good for motorway commuting. 2nd generation had a slightly revised engine which takes regular fuel ok and the 6th gear makes for less din when cruising (and better fuel economy). Should see 40mpg ish out of these.

When did the mkII appear out of interest? I was looking at these on AT a few days ago and couldn't seem to find the line based on pictures (most of the descriptions don't say 5 or 6 speed!). Cheers

[colin79666]

ilikejam said:

When did the mkII appear out of interest? I was looking at these on AT a few days ago and couldn't seem to find the line based on pictures (most of the descriptions don't say 5 or 6 speed!). Cheers

2012 I think. MkII looks a good bit different, not sure if they will be under 5K yet. Might be a future classic as everything is going turbos now.

[WonkeyDonkey]

What's an ep3 type-r like for everyday duties?

I've always fancied one (partly so I can eventually put the engine in my elise), but never actually got round to buying one.

[aka_kerrly]

WonkeyDonkey said:

What's an ep3 type-r like for everyday duties?

I've always fancied one (partly so I can eventually put the engine in my elise), but never actually got round to buying one.

Is what i came to suggest.

had mine for 6 months and its been a blast!! i also looked at mk5 golfs and found that at around 3-4k there are more sheds than good buys.

[Blanchimont]

WonkeyDonkey said:

What's an ep3 type-r like for everyday duties?

I've always fancied one (partly so I can eventually put the engine in my elise), but never actually got round to buying one.

Not too bad tbh, they're a bit noisy on the motorway, but other than that, they're alright.

[Martin_Hx]

WonkeyDonkey said:

What's an ep3 type-r like for everyday duties?

I've always fancied one (partly so I can eventually put the engine in my elise), but never actually got round to buying one.

Had mine since 2007, it was a daily driver for 10 years (before i got a company car) now the Mrs uses it. Its been spot on, its had some wear and tear costs but the only thing that's gone wrong was the rear window washer motor.

[Butter Face]

WonkeyDonkey said:

What's an ep3 type-r like for everyday duties?

I've always fancied one (partly so I can eventually put the engine in my elise), but never actually got round to buying one.

I use mine every day, and it's supercharged and loud and pointless but it's actually a really good daily!

[ad_182_uk]

MK2 Swift are still too expensive for my budget.

Civic looks ok but most are a mess, any that arent a mess and the owners are dreaming asking for 6k+

[ZX10R NIN]

ad_182_uk said:

Thanks for the input;

207 gti / 57 plate onward cooper s are a no go due to massive engine problems.

That white alfa romeo is too much money.

The twingo is not for me, nor the Mito.

Corsa is ok but finding a forged one (so the engine doesnt melt on you) for my budget is difficult. Astra / Focus ST again just a bit out of budget but i do keep looking.

Golf GTI is slightly out of budget unless its been to the moon and back it seems.

Aware the Fiesta St is a bit down on power but thats why i have been looking at the mountune ones, they are slightly lower tax band too. Clio does look a good option, i used to have a 182 and that was good.

You'll find that the Corsa's that melted there engines tended to be modified there are plenty of standard ones that haven't let go.

I sent you the wrong link for the Mito Cloverleaf:

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