4k hot hatch

[iacabu]

Back in Nov 21 I posted a thread looking to buy a V8. I came pretty close to buying an e500 or x5 4.8is. I chickened out and ended up with a diesel! Yes I know, what on earth was I thinking?? But it’s a mapped e60 535d and it looks great. Still had bork potential but I managed to find a nice one in my budget and I’ve loved the car for over 12 months.

However, I have done less than 4k miles in those 12 months, 95% of which are short journeys. Not what I need a diesel for (which I knew already), especially when it’s getting low 20s mpg.

My other problem is that as much I love the looks, speed and comfort of the car, it’s missing some feeling and character…yes, I realise I bought a diesel over a V8!

That leads me to this point and the car is in for MOT today ready to advertise for sale.
I tend to want a car that is the opposite of the one I currently have, so here’s the list:


- Focus ST – I’ve always loved Fords and owned a few including two mk3 Fiesta turbos. Been out for a drive in a couple and I could get on with
one. MPG doesn’t bother me and I’d be on the lookout for one with key maintenance items done.

- Audi S3 8l – old, but I like the looks and they seem pretty quick for they are, with a certain level of comfort. Reliable? I’ve heard otherwise

- Golf GTI mk5 – nice car for the money. Not as interesting as the Focus? I didn’t really want a 4cyl, but there’s only 1 car here that isn’t

- Leon Cupra R – Similar thoughts to the other VAG cars

- Astra VXR – I think I’ve ruled this one out based on looks and size compared to the Focus and Golf


I think you’ve probably got the theme by now. I’d considered a 130i, but I have a hankering for a turbo hot hatch and I’m not sure how comfortably they fall within budget.

Past cars include a 106 gti, 330ci, na mx5, 172 Cup and r53 MCS. I enjoyed each of those cars, but they aren’t what I’m looking for this time round.

This car will be a daily driver and occasional short journey baby chariot (9 months old, but we have a GLC as the family car)

Would love to hear your informed opinions and experience with any of the above or their alternatives.

Edited to add pic of the outgoing 535d

Edited by iacabu on Friday 27th January 11:33

[Truckosaurus]

As you suggest I'd be tempted by the Focus just for the 5 cylinder noise.

You can get the same engine in the Volvo C30 but they are few and far between.

[Belle427]

5 pot focus will be a bit thirsty but it's probably where I'd go if you can find a good one.

[andymc]

not at £4k, in this price range they will be money pits

[CrippsCorner]

My history sounds similar to yours... Clio RS and MINI hot hatches.

I currently have an Astra VXR which is performing great after a few modifications. I test drove a Golf GTI before hand but I just couldn't get the deal I was after. Considered a Scirocco? The GT ones are alright, and also a 1 Series M Sport coupe. Older but do drop below £4k - These are both on my next list!

[Xcore]

Get a tidy Clio 182 for that.

Obvious choice is a mk5 gti, but they are very dull.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for the Focus ST the 5 cylinder adds character to the drive, for a smidge over 4k you can get a facelift model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301153...

ST-2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207147...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301073...

[DaveE87]

The Focus ST engine is a gamble, just Google "Focus ST cracked liners". Mpg is crap too, whether pottering about or driving quickly. I once managed to do just 55 miles in half a tank in my mates car, but to be fair I was hooning it.

From your options I'd personally go for the Leon. This is a bit above your budget, but with some haggling you might get it down a bit:

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/classifieds/cl...

[Tony_T]

A remap and a few suspension upgrades can really liven up a MK5 Gti.

[ZX10R NIN]

Cracked liners is normally boost related & they're are lots running healthy power numbers with no issues, OP they're a cracking car.

[RoVoFob]

iacabu said:

Back in Nov 21 I posted a thread looking to buy a V8. I came pretty close to buying an e500 or x5 4.8is. I chickened out and ended up with a diesel! Yes I know, what on earth was I thinking??

My other problem is that as much I love the looks, speed and comfort of the car, it’s missing some feeling and character…yes, I realise I bought a diesel over a V8!

I think you’ve probably got the theme by now. I’d considered a 130i, but I have a hankering for a turbo hot hatch and I’m not sure how comfortably they fall within budget.

Past cars include a 106 gti, 330ci, na mx5, 172 Cup and r53 MCS. I enjoyed each of those cars, but they aren’t what I’m looking for this time round.

This car will be a daily driver and occasional short journey baby chariot (9 months old, but we have a GLC as the family car)

Would love to hear your informed opinions and experience with any of the above or their alternatives.

If you want a V8 and love the looks, speed and comfort of your current big car, get a large V8, not a four-cylinder hatchback! All of the cars you’ve mentioned are slower, less upmarket and more front-wheel-drive than the 535d, so is there a risk you’ll feel like you’re compromising just as much with a hot hatch as your current diesel?

This V8 A6 is £4,295 and has been on sale since before Christmas (when it was £4,995). I did a history check on it before buying my current A6 and the last owner had it for something like 10 years and the last 13 or so MOTs were advisory-free. I’d wager that this is as safe a big V8 as you can get for £4k: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301173...

I’m an enormous fan of the 130i, but £4k is pushing it, unless you’re happy with a very high-mile one (the mechanicals are pretty sturdy, so wouldn’t be the worst idea).

My current garage is 2007 A6 4.2 V8 FSI (had a 2006 non-FSI beforehand) and a 130i, so if you have questions about either, fire away…

[iacabu]

andymc said:

not at £4k, in this price range they will be money pits

There's plenty about for this money that seem to be reasonably cared for, just need to be careful

CrippsCorner said:

My history sounds similar to yours... Clio RS and MINI hot hatches.

I currently have an Astra VXR which is performing great after a few modifications. I test drove a Golf GTI before hand but I just couldn't get the deal I was after. Considered a Scirocco? The GT ones are alright, and also a 1 Series M Sport coupe. Older but do drop below £4k - These are both on my next list!

Hadn't really looked at the sciroccos, though they are nice

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say go for the Focus ST the 5 cylinder adds character to the drive, for a smidge over 4k you can get a facelift model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301153...

ST-2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207147...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301073...

I like how much more modern the facelift looks but Id be happy with either. I'm just going on condition

DaveE87 said:

The Focus ST engine is a gamble, just Google "Focus ST cracked liners". Mpg is crap too, whether pottering about or driving quickly. I once managed to do just 55 miles in half a tank in my mates car, but to be fair I was hooning it.

From your options I'd personally go for the Leon. This is a bit above your budget, but with some haggling you might get it down a bit:

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/classifieds/cl...

There certainly are some internet horror stories, but I wouldn't call it a gamble. I'll be on the lookout for one with the blockmod for piece of mind.

There was a cupra r 225 in red at work today. Looked great and very tempting, but the 1.8t has it's share of reliability stories too

RoVoFob said:

If you want a V8 and love the looks, speed and comfort of your current big car, get a large V8, not a four-cylinder hatchback! All of the cars you’ve mentioned are slower, less upmarket and more front-wheel-drive than the 535d, so is there a risk you’ll feel like you’re compromising just as much with a hot hatch as your current diesel?

You are 100% correct. However, I have that itch for a fun little hatch again. I won't be surprised if it's only 6 months before I'm after a bigger car, but it's just something I want to do right now. I can always change again.

My perfect scenario would be to have bigger budget for something like a 340i/M4, or the hot hatch as a 2nd car to tinker with. Unfortunately not in that position though

[maz8062]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225254076447?hash=item3...

Bullet proof with a factory LSD.

[iacabu]

maz8062 said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225254076447?hash=item3...

Bullet proof with a factory LSD.

These are nice and I like the dash when you're sat in them, but it's not the power delivery I'm after.

[ZX10R NIN]

iacabu said:

You are 100% correct. However, I have that itch for a fun little hatch again. I won't be surprised if it's only 6 months before I'm after a bigger car, but it's just something I want to do right now. I can always change again.

My perfect scenario would be to have bigger budget for something like a 340i/M4, or the hot hatch as a 2nd car to tinker with. Unfortunately not in that position though

Always buy on condition, just for context my friends & I ran an ST running 330bho for around two years it also did 15+ trackdays between us & is still on the road with a smidge over 127+k on the clock.

[s m]

As something different if you can’t get a nice 130i for 4K….


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175564573877?mkcid=16&a...

You can probably haggle a few hundred off

[Shiv_P]

Mk2 ST great car, loved mine

[anonymous-user]

Ive just emailed you re the 535d if you're still selling

[RoVoFob]

iacabu said:

RoVoFob said:

If you want a V8 and love the looks, speed and comfort of your current big car, get a large V8, not a four-cylinder hatchback! All of the cars you’ve mentioned are slower, less upmarket and more front-wheel-drive than the 535d, so is there a risk you’ll feel like you’re compromising just as much with a hot hatch as your current diesel?

You are 100% correct. However, I have that itch for a fun little hatch again. I won't be surprised if it's only 6 months before I'm after a bigger car, but it's just something I want to do right now. I can always change again.

My perfect scenario would be to have bigger budget for something like a 340i/M4, or the hot hatch as a 2nd car to tinker with. Unfortunately not in that position though

Ah, I get it. It’s nice to switch things up, too. I’m on second car number five in the last 18 months…two V8s, two five-pots and a VR6.

I’d imagine the Focus ST would work best for you, from your shortlist. You get the smallish, agileish hot hatch bits, plus a warbling torquey five-pot engine that gives it the more grown up appeal of a bigger car.

Another slightly left-field alternative would be an old S60 2.4 T5. I had one last year and it really surprised me with how decent the steering, gearbox and handling were - and with 260hp it was seriously quick, too. Could be an odd halfway point between a hot hatch and your current 535d. Mine was around £3,000. Paintwork and bodywork wasn’t the best, but the mechanicals were really good.

[RoVoFob]

RoVoFob said:

Another slightly left-field alternative would be an old S60 2.4 T5. I had one last year and it really surprised me with how decent the steering, gearbox and handling were - and with 260hp it was seriously quick, too. Could be an odd halfway point between a hot hatch and your current 535d. Mine was around £3,000. Paintwork and bodywork wasn’t the best, but the mechanicals were really good.

Here we go: £3,800 S60 2.4 T5, invisible silver, but far quicker and more engaging to drive than you expect, has amazing seats and this one has the optional speaker upgrade, which is really good. I’m sure you think I’m mad, but I promise you, it’s a really fun, satisfying car to live with.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/volvo/2005-volvo-s60-2.4...