Fun 'sensible' car to replace VX220 for £7k

[.Adam.]

I currently run a VX220 Turbo and a 2004 Honda Jazz, but will most probably have to consolidate into one car soon to free up some cash from the VX.

Budget will be max of £7000 cash + p/x value of the Jazz, and I would like something reasonably practical, fun to drive, and cheap(ish) to run. Petrol and manual box. Also need to fit a mountain bike in the back.

I really like the Jazz as an everyday car, so am drawn to the FN2 Civic Type R, like the looks, should be reliable as it's a Honda, and like the idea of the engine and gearbox. The other obvious choices are a Golf GTI or a Megane R26, but I can't say the GTI particularly excites me. I've got a mate with an R26 F1, which is a lovely car but he only gets mid 20's economy! I was also looking an a Leon Cupra Mk2, but can't decide if I like the looks or not, but it's more interesting than a Golf!

So, any advice or options I haven't thought of?

Edited by .Adam. on Tuesday 23 October 11:32

[TegTypeR]

If you are already in the Honda mind set then the Civic is probably your best bet as it will have all the good qualities of the Jazz (including the clever folding back seat - great for getting the mountain bike in!) with a health dose more excitement.

That said , all of the rest are good cars and not really a duffer between them.

[Tuvra]

.Adam. said:

I currently run a VX220 Turbo and a 2004 Honda Jazz, but will most probably have to consolidate into one car soon to free up some cash from the VX.

Budget will be max of £7000 cash + p/x value of the Jazz, and I would like something reasonably practical, fun to drive, and cheap(ish) to run. Petrol and manual box. Also need to fit a mountain bike in the back.

I really like the Jazz as an everyday car, so am drawn to the FN2 Civic Type R, like the looks, should be reliable as it's a Honda, and like the idea of the engine and gearbox. The other obvious choices are a Golf GTI or a Megane R26, but I can't say the GTI particularly excites me. I've got a mate with an R26 F1, which is a lovely car but he only gets mid 20's economy! I was also looking an a Leon Cupra Mk2, but can't decide if I like the looks or not, but it's more interesting than a Golf!

So, any advice or options I haven't thought of?

Edited by .Adam. on Tuesday 23 October 11:32

A manual BMW 335i. It can be as practical as you want, coupe, saloon or estate

[300bhp/ton]

Will you be happy with fwd? And anything will feel big and heavy compared to the VX220.

Personally I'm not really a hot hatch fan and the Civic while I'm sure is very capable, just looks dreadful IMO. Bloated styling and completely lacking any form of a charisma.

I suspect something like a DC5 ITR, while a little older, would be more of a drivers choice, while still affording similar practicality. Although it will still be fwd.

An RX-8 would probably offer much of what you are after. Certain a good steer and enjoyable drive. Mpg is rather rubbish, but you can buy them for cheaper. A 4 door saloon car disguised as a coupe. If a bike doesn't fit a bike rack is a cheap and easy option to solve this.

[TegTypeR]

300bhp/ton said:

I suspect something like a DC5 ITR, while a little older, would be more of a drivers choice, while still affording similar practicality.

Practical as it is, the roof line is a little too low and the loading lip height a little too high to practically get a mountain bike in. You can do it, it's just a pain.

[kinghottinger]

TegTypeR said:

If you are already in the Honda mind set then the Civic is probably your best bet as it will have all the good qualities of the Jazz (including the clever folding back seat - great for getting the mountain bike in!) with a health dose more excitement.

Type R doesn't have the fold up rear seat unfortunately

[.Adam.]

300bhp/ton said:

I suspect something like a DC5 ITR, while a little older, would be more of a drivers choice, while still affording similar practicality.

ITR would be lovely, but this car would have to be parked roadside and wouldn't want to do that. Maybe a bit too special for an everyday car?

kinghottinger said:

Type R doesn't have the fold up rear seat unfortunately

That's a bit of a pain, but I guess nothing else will have them anyway. I assume the load space is still completely level?

[stevekoz]

kinghottinger said:

Type R doesn't have the fold up rear seat unfortunately

My FN2 CTR rear bench folds completely flat and i can fit a Large Speccy FSR stumpy in my boot without taking the wheels off so find it fine for taking the bike around. Its quite handy at lugging loads that CTR with the seats down , done loads of garage clearances and tip runs and always take that over the bigger SUV the wife has as the seats don't fold half as well. The CTR is quite cavernous inside - its deceptively practical.

In terms of the FN2 - having owned mine for 6 months now. I can comment that i do really like it as an everyday steer. It's plenty fun when you want it to be and not quite as frenetic as its older brother then EP3. As said space wise it has 4 good seats and i return about 330miles to a full tank at a steady 29mpg on average. I do 6 miles a day commute and long weekend drives in the country. Using £25 per week in vpower/99ron fuel (the car is mapped).

It isn't as good a steer as a DC5 or the EP3 but it shares the lions share of characteristics of both and on vtec its still a howling bit of fun. It doesn't set the world on fire but i really enjoy the everyday suitability it offers.

People will say that the ride is crashy - it is a bit. But no different to any other Jap performance car i've owned, its tame compared to my STI's.

It uses no oil mine but some do but its normal for vtec to eat a bit of oil. The timing chain should be fine unless a previous owner has lived in vtec the whole life of the car else they are prone to stretch and rattle so check that.

I've just done full brakes around the car for 220 quid as a DIY job - easy enough to work on if you are handy with spanners and if not, servicing costs are reasonable. Biggest job bar the timing chain is perhaps the valve clearance service and that is £345 at a well known performance specialist i use. So still not all that bad.

Interior quality - the seats are the best i've had. Very comfy and supportive, i love them. The plastic trims are typically japanese and often rattle a little at high speed or on bumpy roads. But i like the dash, its certainly a more modern step up from the EP3.

Paint - well the Milano Red is my favourite (my car) but it fades and having all the panels exactly match is always fun. Its soft paint and behaves well to regular good maintenance washes. But as there are a lot of CTR's around i'd try and find a rarer colour if i was to buy another (which i would do).

Now. All said and done. I have a friend in B'ham who is considering selling his CTR GT - Milano red. FN2. Completely standard and I think its either a 10 or 11 plate. Low miles. Very well cared for. He's about to sell it back to the dealer he bought it off for £6500. £7000 private he'd sell it for all day long so if you wanted to message me i can put you in touch with him if you are genuinely looking.

[.Adam.]

Tuvra said:

A manual BMW 335i. It can be as practical as you want, coupe, saloon or estate

Hadn't thought of them, might be a bit worried about the running costs compared to the Honda!

[.Adam.]

stevekoz said:

Now. All said and done. I have a friend in B'ham who is considering selling his CTR GT - Milano red. FN2. Completely standard and I think its either a 10 or 11 plate. Low miles. Very well cared for. He's about to sell it back to the dealer he bought it off for £6500. £7000 private he'd sell it for all day long so if you wanted to message me i can put you in touch with him if you are genuinely looking.

Not in a position to buy yet, got to sell the VX first, otherwise I would have been very interested. Good to hear you like the Civic.

[stevekoz]

.Adam. said:

Not in a position to buy yet, got to sell the VX first, otherwise I would have been very interested. Good to hear you like the Civic.

No probs, It was just a random thought as i've been helping choose his next car so knew it was up for sale.

As for the Civic, yes i like it a lot. You could do a lot worse for the money i think.

[.Adam.]

stevekoz said:

No probs, It was just a random thought as i've been helping choose his next car so knew it was up for sale.

As for the Civic, yes i like it a lot. You could do a lot worse for the money i think.

Is yours standard?

[chris-fm270]

Mazda 3 mps?

Lots of power, lots of space, very understated

[ZX10R NIN]

Hi Adam here are the three cars I'd recommend:

Megane RS250 a better car than the F1 R26 & a good steer but finding one for your budget will be hard.

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

You'll have to stretch the budget but getting a Cup Chassis'd car with the Lux Pack added is so worth it & makes it not only a better B Road car but a better daily too.

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

Focus ST-3 these are a great drive (Not as good as the Megane but sweeter than the Honda but the five pot lump just adds to the enjoyment) & very reliable I couldn't fault mine.

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

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

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

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

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

My last pick is the Civic Type R GT these are again a good car but their crashy ride counts against them for me & also the other two are just better, this is my opinion but try all three & see what suits you best.

The other bonus with the Civic is that you can land a newer & lower mileage car than the two above:

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

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

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

Leftfield Option:

Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

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

The Cupra is an okay option but not as engaging as anything listed above.

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

[.Adam.]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do like the newer Megane, might have to do a bit of research, see if they are expensive to run, I know my mate only gets mid 20's mpg in his R26@260bhp, not sure if that appeals!

Not sure about the ST, but I haven't seen one so really need to.

Strangely enough, I was just chatting to a mate and he suggested the Mazda, I had completely forgotten about that. I've got a vague recollection about the engines not being the most reliable, is this correct?

Reading about the Type R, it seems that a set of springs can help with the ride for not too much money, and I'm happy to do some minor mods on whatever I get, makes the car feel a bit more personal to you.

[300bhp/ton]

.Adam. said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I do like the newer Megane, might have to do a bit of research, see if they are expensive to run, I know my mate only gets mid 20's mpg in his R26@260bhp, not sure if that appeals!

Not sure about the ST, but I haven't seen one so really need to.

Strangely enough, I was just chatting to a mate and he suggested the Mazda, I had completely forgotten about that. I've got a vague recollection about the engines not being the most reliable, is this correct?

Reading about the Type R, it seems that a set of springs can help with the ride for not too much money, and I'm happy to do some minor mods on whatever I get, makes the car feel a bit more personal to you.

Remember most of the turbo cars will want superunleaded fuel too. It isn’t massively more money, but has an impact on pence per mile.

Depending how/where you drive I suspect most of the turbo hatches of this ilk will be 24-26mpg cars. However the additional cost of superunleaded makes them more like 22-24mpg in terms of cost compared to a car running on 95 RON.

[.Adam.]

That's not surprising, I'm used to 47mpg in the jazz, and 30+ in the VX mostly, but that is only half a car!

[ZX10R NIN]

300bhp/ton said:

Remember most of the turbo cars will want superunleaded fuel too. It isn’t massively more money, but has an impact on pence per mile.

Depending how/where you drive I suspect most of the turbo hatches of this ilk will be 24-26mpg cars. However the additional cost of superunleaded makes them more like 22-24mpg in terms of cost compared to a car running on 95 RON.

You're wrong they don't have to run on Super Unleaded they're designed to run on normal 95 ron, I ran mine on it just fine.

Your average will be 27mpg with the above the Honda won't be better.

[ZX10R NIN]

.Adam. said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I do like the newer Megane, might have to do a bit of research, see if they are expensive to run, I know my mate only gets mid 20's mpg in his R26@260bhp, not sure if that appeals!

Not sure about the ST, but I haven't seen one so really need to.

Strangely enough, I was just chatting to a mate and he suggested the Mazda, I had completely forgotten about that. I've got a vague recollection about the engines not being the most reliable, is this correct?

Reading about the Type R, it seems that a set of springs can help with the ride for not too much money, and I'm happy to do some minor mods on whatever I get, makes the car feel a bit more personal to you.

As long as you budget to get the timing chain changed then yes the Mazda is an option but they're also £500 tax for a car that's different but not as a good/better a steer than any of the above.

[MRobbins1987]

BMW 130i, practical, reliable, rwd, six cylinders, high 20’s mpg.