Hot Hatch Downgrade options
Discussion
Looking to free up some cash temporarily while I decide what I want to buy for more of a long term purchase, had a lot of interest in my Trophy so have started looking around
I have a tiny commute to work so I just want something that’s fun to drive at the weekend but still space for a dog and something my other half wont hate to be in.
Options I’ve looked at;
Fiesta ST - Really would want one with the Mountune Kit, preferably ST3 but only for keyless entry so not completely necessary. Just worried about the ride, although don’t see how it can ride any worse than the cars I’m used to, and also the interior leaves a little to be desired. Seem to be quote expensive still as you go past the higher mileage options.
R56 Mini JCW (2013) - Had an R53 Cooper S and didn’t love it compared to my Clio’s but these JCW’s have always appealed and they do seem like a decent competitor to the Fiesta without worrying about finding a Mountune car that’s been driven hard and seem to sound better. Looking between 10-11k at the most and wouldn’t touch an N14. Never really liked the interior and don’t think even the N18 are especially reliable.
Scirocco R Manual - Obviously completely different to the above, but always loved the styling, similar power and size to my Megane so that’s another appealing part when you look at what you can get these for now. Didn’t love the DSG in my TTS of the same age so would probably go manual and should take some potential bills out
Really want to stick under 12k and trying to avoid anything I’ve had before this time!
Just want something fun, maybe a bit more discreet than a LY Megane and something that has low ownership cost inc. depreciation
I have a tiny commute to work so I just want something that’s fun to drive at the weekend but still space for a dog and something my other half wont hate to be in.
Options I’ve looked at;
Fiesta ST - Really would want one with the Mountune Kit, preferably ST3 but only for keyless entry so not completely necessary. Just worried about the ride, although don’t see how it can ride any worse than the cars I’m used to, and also the interior leaves a little to be desired. Seem to be quote expensive still as you go past the higher mileage options.
R56 Mini JCW (2013) - Had an R53 Cooper S and didn’t love it compared to my Clio’s but these JCW’s have always appealed and they do seem like a decent competitor to the Fiesta without worrying about finding a Mountune car that’s been driven hard and seem to sound better. Looking between 10-11k at the most and wouldn’t touch an N14. Never really liked the interior and don’t think even the N18 are especially reliable.
Scirocco R Manual - Obviously completely different to the above, but always loved the styling, similar power and size to my Megane so that’s another appealing part when you look at what you can get these for now. Didn’t love the DSG in my TTS of the same age so would probably go manual and should take some potential bills out
Really want to stick under 12k and trying to avoid anything I’ve had before this time!
Just want something fun, maybe a bit more discreet than a LY Megane and something that has low ownership cost inc. depreciation
Edited by DUBS73P on Monday 28th September 16:46
I have a fiesta ST3 and it’s a lot of fun to drive, even without the Mountune upgrade.
The ride is pretty firm as you would expect, but I wouldn’t say it’s particularly uncomfortable. I’ve never been in a Megane so can’t give you a comparison I’m afraid. Mine is a 66 plate and I have heard that those from 65 onwards have some suspension revisions which improved the ride. Yes, there are more comfy cars about and I couldn’t say I’d want to do long motorway drives in it but I guess it goes with the territory in a small hot hatch. The seat is fairly tight, and I’m not a big bloke. It holds you in place round the twisties but could become a bit tiresome if you do high miles.
Have to say that I could happily live without keyless entry. I know that with Renault (in laws have one) the car will lock and unlock itself when you are more than a certain distance away. With the Fiesta you have to press a button on the door handle. That’s okay but a bit annoying if I’ve parked the car and then need to get something out of the boot having then to go back and click the door handle. Also, the ST is very prone to car theft and almost everyone recommends a decent steering lock which I have. So even though the car is keyless I still have to faff about with the steering lock anyway! But I’d still have the ST3 as you get cruise and climate control, folding mirrors and mine has parking sensors, camera and sat Nav although I don’t know if they were standard.
The ride is pretty firm as you would expect, but I wouldn’t say it’s particularly uncomfortable. I’ve never been in a Megane so can’t give you a comparison I’m afraid. Mine is a 66 plate and I have heard that those from 65 onwards have some suspension revisions which improved the ride. Yes, there are more comfy cars about and I couldn’t say I’d want to do long motorway drives in it but I guess it goes with the territory in a small hot hatch. The seat is fairly tight, and I’m not a big bloke. It holds you in place round the twisties but could become a bit tiresome if you do high miles.
Have to say that I could happily live without keyless entry. I know that with Renault (in laws have one) the car will lock and unlock itself when you are more than a certain distance away. With the Fiesta you have to press a button on the door handle. That’s okay but a bit annoying if I’ve parked the car and then need to get something out of the boot having then to go back and click the door handle. Also, the ST is very prone to car theft and almost everyone recommends a decent steering lock which I have. So even though the car is keyless I still have to faff about with the steering lock anyway! But I’d still have the ST3 as you get cruise and climate control, folding mirrors and mine has parking sensors, camera and sat Nav although I don’t know if they were standard.
I'd say test drive a Astra GTC VXR they're actually a good underrated steer as well as being well spec'd:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009013...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009013...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
DUBS73P said:
R56 Mini JCW (2013) - Had an R53 Cooper S and didn’t love it compared to my Clio’s but these JCW’s have always appealed and they do seem like a decent competitor to the Fiesta without worrying about finding a Mountune car that’s been driven hard and seem to sound better. Looking between 10-11k at the most and wouldn’t touch an N14. Never really liked the interior and don’t think even the N18 are especially reliable.
You'd get a F56(2014 on) Cooper S with the BMW B48(2.0 turbo) engine at your budget. The F56 isn't as easy on the eye as the R56, but in the right spec the interior is a nice place to sit I reckon. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff