3rd time buying a car from PHers Advice

[drssg121]

Hello all
I have done this twice before. In 2015 I bought an XKR on fellow PH advice which has been brilliant (although I am now preparing to sell sadly) and I also bought my Honda Civic a few months ago on PH advice too. So if it is not broke why fix it.

I bought the civic its great but my work has changed I keep going into the ULEZ zone and weekends and it is killing me. I also need to spare some funds for further education hence selling the jag too.

I am looking for proper owners experience if possible

The budget is 8k
Preferably 4 doors but can be swayed
rapid (not 500bhp XKR quick but smile on face quick)
35mpg on a run
cruise control as sometimes my commute can get to 100 miles a day
really good seats
needs to be reliable as possible


I have narrowed it down to
1. R56 Mini JCW
2. Megane 250 RS non cup
3. Golf GTI MK 6
4. FIesta ST-2
5. BMW 125i coupe

wild cards
1. 987 Boxster s (bit more budget up to 10k but there is an urge)
2. Peugeot RCZ 200hp (weird I know but I like the roof and a good one seems only 5.5k)

Many thanks in advance

Sim

[ZX10R NIN]

Not many four doors on your list lol.

I'd say the Megane is the pick even in non Cup form it's still a good steer:

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

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

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

A good but often overlooked option is the Astra VXR they're comfortable handle well & go like stink:

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

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

If you want four doors then the Giulietta Cloverleaf ticks a lot of boxes:

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

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

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

Insignia VXR

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

Or the C350:

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

330i M Sport

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

[drssg121]

I have most of those on my list actually saved as favourites

The insignia is probably too big for just a commute. I have a five door a3 that I can use if I really need a boot

Any experience of the cloverleaf? Reviews have commented on the engine being a bit boring....

Yes the Megane is top of the list I feel

[drssg121]

Vxr Astra is tempting too seats look very good ... anyone got one ?

[ZX10R NIN]

I have a friend who has one & they're a good car as much as I like the Cloverleaf which are a very sweet car I'd take the VXR over one every time, the Astra is a nice place to while away miles in.

It's better than the Megane in this respect but even in non Cup Chassis form the Megane has the better chassis & I can confirm the seats are lovely, I would say at least test drive one.

Another leftfield option is the Mazda MPS:

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

But in all honesty it'd be way down on my list.

[drssg121]

I think that is sound advice I will look at the vxr and the Megane
The civic is going on eBay from Saturday once it’s gone I’ll have a look
Cheers