£10k "Commute"

[getabiggerhammer]

Good evening

Being a marine engineer I'm in the very fortunate position that I can, some of the time, join the ship in the morning and then go home at night.

The drive involves some fun back roads and then out into the sticks towards home.

Early 30's but not wanting anything too shouty, but at the time fun.

Wife has a X3 M40d, which I rarely see use of.


Many years ago I had a Clio 197 and wish I'd kept it in the garage even now.

I've toyed with the idea of a 595 Abarth, Up GTi but not convinced they're for me.


Give me some ideas that I should be looking at.

A degree of reliability is of course a must with not too many expensive repairs should the usual issues go wrong.


Look forward to narrowing things down....

Edited by getabiggerhammer on Saturday 17th October 20:25

[ChrisH72]

If you're looking for a small hot hatch for B road fun then for 10k I'd suggest a Fiesta ST3. I've owned mine for 3 months now and really enjoy driving it. They seem to be generally reliable too.

[ZX10R NIN]

With the cheapest up GTI being around 11-12k (& despite the reviews a Fiesta Zetec S is a better steer) there are some cracking hatches for that money:

RS Megane Lux with the Cup Chassis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009234...

Clio RS 200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010084...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007301...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010034...

Twingo RS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202002036...

ST200 they're not subtle but they're a bloody good steer

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009073...

Fiesta ST-3 MP215

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008102...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009073...

Peugeot Sport 308 GTI 270 very subtle but a cracking steer

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...

Peugeot Sport 208 GTI not quite as sweet as the Fiesta but close & a bit more subtle

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009254...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008132...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009063...

Or a bit of a sleeper are these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009304...

This is basically a PS 208 GTI but most will look at it as a 1.2

[getabiggerhammer]

Very much appreciated to you both so far.

Certainly plenty to get stuck into there.

Had never thought of the Clio's bigger brother.

[ZX10R NIN]

For me it would be the Megane/308 & finally the Fiesta ST.

[getabiggerhammer]

ZX10R NIN said:

For me it would be the Megane/308 & finally the Fiesta ST.

Really do like the look of the 308. Would never have even crossed the mind.

[DoubleD]

What about the newer clio?

[ZX10R NIN]

Good cars but you'll want the 220 Trophy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...

[DoubleD]

Is the none trophy no good?

[getabiggerhammer]

I read reviews on them when first launched and it seemed they had lost their way in everything that the RS Clio's stood for, especially moving to the 5 door only option.

They just don't seem to have the same appeal as everything before them, only going off what I have read.

[ChrisH72]

I thought it was the gearbox that put most people off.

But I did sit in a Clio 200 at available car and thought it was very nice inside. Never drove it though. I did drive a 208gti (not Peugeot sport) and it left me a bit cold. The fiesta felt a lot more special to drive, more focused and fun.

[samoht]

If you don't need so much in the way of practicality, you could consider an MX-5 (Mk3.5) or GT86 for £10k, either should be reliable.

[ZX10R NIN]

DoubleD said:

Is the none trophy no good?

It's not that it's no good but it's not as good as the N/A Clio 200 & the gearbox was a bit off in it's operation, the 220 addresses a lot of those issues.

[DoubleD]

ZX10R NIN said:

DoubleD said:

Is the none trophy no good?

It's not that it's no good but it's not as good as the N/A Clio 200 & the gearbox was a bit off in it's operation, the 220 addresses a lot of those issues.

Thats a shame. Seems like a good idea having a small quick cheap auto 5 door. I cant really think of another. Apart from VAG 1.4 tsi cars, but i think they have lots of issues.

Edited by DoubleD on Saturday 17th October 23:50

[ZX10R NIN]

Try one I've supplied a few 1.6T 200's & they're happy with them so I'd say try one, you can update the shift to 220 levels too.

[getabiggerhammer]

I've found a fairly local 308 GTi that I'm going to test today, will do the same with a Megane and Clio this coming week too.

Do appreciate the quick replies, all very informative and useful comments. Still remain intrigued by the 595 Abarth, particularly the 165 & 180 bhp versions.

[ChrisH72]

I spent quite some time looking into the Abarth.

They do look the business, more interesting than the Fiesta that's for sure. Never did get round to driving one but based on reviews they're said to be a bit compromised. I wanted cruise too and you can't get it on the 595.

The facelift 595 looks very good but I could only find the standard 145bhp in budget. Worth remembering that they can easily be remapped to 165 or even 180 though as it's the same engine. In reality I'm sure the 145 would feel quick enough.

The final thing that steered me towards the ST3 rather than the RS Mégane was that you can get a much newer car for the money. And I didn't need the extra size or power.

[getabiggerhammer]

ChrisH72 said:

I spent quite some time looking into the Abarth.

They do look the business, more interesting than the Fiesta that's for sure. Never did get round to driving one but based on reviews they're said to be a bit compromised. I wanted cruise too and you can't get it on the 595.

The facelift 595 looks very good but I could only find the standard 145bhp in budget. Worth remembering that they can easily be remapped to 165 or even 180 though as it's the same engine. In reality I'm sure the 145 would feel quick enough.

The final thing that steered me towards the ST3 rather than the RS Mégane was that you can get a much newer car for the money. And I didn't need the extra size or power.

All worth noting. Have read up extensively on the ST3 this evening and all positive. Had considered the remap route but given it will do approx 2-3k miles per year I want to make sure I make the right choice.

[getabiggerhammer]

Test drove the 308 GTi this morning and was left feeling a little disappointed. In the flesh, a all round good looking car and on the inside given my budget I could get past the large array of plastic.

It just felt lacking in terms of pulling power and any sort of cornering ability. All in all it failed to make me want to get back in another.

I think maybe I am going to compare it back to the 197 Cup I owned approx 10 years ago and maybe for that reason I should stick to looking for a low mileage 197 or 200 if any are around. Given the low miles it will do it each it may even appreciate, who knows.

The continued suggestions and discussion remain of interest

[ChrisH72]

If you really liked the 197 and wish you’d kept it then perhaps you’re on the right lines with another clio. The facelift 200 from 2009-13 was said to be the best incarnation. You’d easily get a late, low mileage one within budget, probably with cup chassis and recaro seats which seem to be must have options. Keep it in good order and I dare say it’ll hold its value too.