Daily/Track Toy £4k Budget?
Discussion
Hi,
Currently selling my Leon TDi which means ill soon be in the market for something cheaper.
I want a car thats considerably cheaper hence my budget as im trying to be sensible with saving... So with a £4k budget in mind im currently leaning towards the likes of the 9N2 Polo GTi (1.8T) or the EP3 Civic Type R (MK6 i believe?)
Im a VAG specialist so i know exactly what to expect with the polo and i'd go for a MK5 GTI if it wasnt for my budget only stretching to one thats been round the world and driven into every curb in the UK..
I have never owned a Honda which is why im surprised with myself on this one, i think the incentive would be to buy another engine for it on the side an bolt on some description of forced induction..
I've considered the likes of E36/46 BMW's but i think the novelty will quickly wear off going sideways everywhere.
Essentially what im getting at with this thread is anyone that has any input as to other ideas for VAG cars that may tick my box.
Thanks in advance.
Currently selling my Leon TDi which means ill soon be in the market for something cheaper.
I want a car thats considerably cheaper hence my budget as im trying to be sensible with saving... So with a £4k budget in mind im currently leaning towards the likes of the 9N2 Polo GTi (1.8T) or the EP3 Civic Type R (MK6 i believe?)
Im a VAG specialist so i know exactly what to expect with the polo and i'd go for a MK5 GTI if it wasnt for my budget only stretching to one thats been round the world and driven into every curb in the UK..
I have never owned a Honda which is why im surprised with myself on this one, i think the incentive would be to buy another engine for it on the side an bolt on some description of forced induction..
I've considered the likes of E36/46 BMW's but i think the novelty will quickly wear off going sideways everywhere.
Essentially what im getting at with this thread is anyone that has any input as to other ideas for VAG cars that may tick my box.
Thanks in advance.
If you are considering the Polo GTI then it's also worth hunting down a Ibiza Cupra
That said the mk5 GTIs are in budget and offer a better chassis & engine with potential for good upgrades , likewise a Leon FR 2.0TSFI as you are no doubt aware.
As it happens I'm a big fan of the mk5 and am currently driving a EP3 Civic type R - i paid £2k for one last year and it's been an absolute blast. I've swapped to eibach spings, jdm anti roll bar, put larger 225/45 tyres on & added a larger exhaust + modified intake for the noise. The steering is a bit of a let down as it can feel slow to self centre but it's not a deal breaker as the engine & gearbox make up for it.
I'm not a fan of them myself but they are VERY good, the Renault Sport Megane 225 and Clio 197 have to be worth a test drive at the very least.
That said the mk5 GTIs are in budget and offer a better chassis & engine with potential for good upgrades , likewise a Leon FR 2.0TSFI as you are no doubt aware.
As it happens I'm a big fan of the mk5 and am currently driving a EP3 Civic type R - i paid £2k for one last year and it's been an absolute blast. I've swapped to eibach spings, jdm anti roll bar, put larger 225/45 tyres on & added a larger exhaust + modified intake for the noise. The steering is a bit of a let down as it can feel slow to self centre but it's not a deal breaker as the engine & gearbox make up for it.
I'm not a fan of them myself but they are VERY good, the Renault Sport Megane 225 and Clio 197 have to be worth a test drive at the very least.
The Clio has been on the list but unfortunately due to it being a daily driver the interior really does not pull me in enough to part with my money for one.
I have considered the Leon but then again its that same EA113 engine with that platform that i may find on track to be quite lazy. The MK5 was my first option but as stated im quite picky when it comes to it and the ones that satisfy me are pushing into the £5k area.
Ive driven an EP3 but a long time ago, in all fairness id do the basics (Coilovers, Brake Lines + Pads, Intake and Exhaust with some Tyres) and i'd be happy! where as with the EA113 engines id be too tempted to start spending money on K04's Intercoolers, Brakes, Suspension and all the bells and whistles that come with tuning one of those engines as its what i do for a living!
I have considered the Leon but then again its that same EA113 engine with that platform that i may find on track to be quite lazy. The MK5 was my first option but as stated im quite picky when it comes to it and the ones that satisfy me are pushing into the £5k area.
Ive driven an EP3 but a long time ago, in all fairness id do the basics (Coilovers, Brake Lines + Pads, Intake and Exhaust with some Tyres) and i'd be happy! where as with the EA113 engines id be too tempted to start spending money on K04's Intercoolers, Brakes, Suspension and all the bells and whistles that come with tuning one of those engines as its what i do for a living!
With you being a VAG specialist I'd say go for the Leon FR:
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...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Slightly biased as im selling one lol....
Have you considered any of the VAG platform with 4WD? Had for cheap money at less than your budget with room for modification if required.
I've a Golf 2.8 v6 4wd which has enough power and torque (200/200 pretty much) to be plenty fun on the track (4wd allowing you to use it) but is a really comfortable daily. Put in mind as a friend bought a similar s3 (turbo albeit) for the track knowing what the 4wd with setup suspension will give him.
I will say the standard suspension is the let down on the Golf which is why i upgraded mine to r32 spec pretty much.
Possible food for thought, if not good luck on the search!
Have you considered any of the VAG platform with 4WD? Had for cheap money at less than your budget with room for modification if required.
I've a Golf 2.8 v6 4wd which has enough power and torque (200/200 pretty much) to be plenty fun on the track (4wd allowing you to use it) but is a really comfortable daily. Put in mind as a friend bought a similar s3 (turbo albeit) for the track knowing what the 4wd with setup suspension will give him.
I will say the standard suspension is the let down on the Golf which is why i upgraded mine to r32 spec pretty much.
Possible food for thought, if not good luck on the search!
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