Hot hatch for 3k, can it still be done?

[CJ997]

Hello,

The last time I bought a car was 5/6 years ago, back then this forum was awash with 3k hot hatch recommendations such as the 182, EP3 type R, etc etc.

A few years later and now I find myself wanting a cheap weekend toy, ideally I'd love a hot hatch (warm is fine) with enough room in the back for a car seat to go in if the family barge is broken/in the garage. MPG isn't a massive issue as I will do 2k miles a year in it.

So far my options seem to be, 172, Seat Leon Cupra, Fiesta ST150 or a Octavia VRS.

Is there anything else I'm missing or are these my options?

[BoRED S2upid]

Mini copper s? Good for 190bhp should go quite well? And thousands out there.

[aka_kerrly]

I certainly expect to find a decent hot hatch for £3k, i went for mk5 Golf GTI & Ep3 Civic Type R (both purchased for under £3k each) , i ruled out the Mini Cooper S & Clio 182/197 for being too small, the FN2 was a massive disappointment as was an Astra VXR. The only other hot hatch i'd throw into your mix is the BMW 325TI!!

The Civic & the Golf are Chalk and cheese cars, both great in many ways!!! Mine are both modified somewhat which adds to the dramatic difference in characters.

[ZX10R NIN]

Focus ST-3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305127...

Warm hatch wise the 1.6T Astra GTC SRI would get my vote:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306309...

Alfa Giulietta Veloce 170, very good cars & a little underrated:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303305...

2.5T C30 SE:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303205...

Other hot hatches:

FN2 Type R GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305307...

Corsa VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306098...

Do your checks but this FN2 may be worth a look:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...

Leftfield.

Laguna Coupe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...

Nor a hot hatch but a CLK500 is a nice place to be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306088...

320:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306088...

[CJ997]

God I love that Laguna coupe, might have to look into that one more!!

[nobrakes]

CJ997 said:

God I love that Laguna coupe, might have to look into that one more!!

Nice car. Great pictures. No nonsense words in the advert.

[ZX10R NIN]

GT version of the above:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...

[phazed]

You mention the vRS.
I bought one a few years ago admittedly for track days, a MK1.

Forget the 101 things I have done for track use. As a usable hatch, plenty of room, golf Gti underpinnings. Tuning, mine is remapped, sports cat and free flow system and bigger intercooler. All standard turbo and engine. Puts out 245bhp and 310 torque. Goes like stink and is super reliable.

I also like the fact that they are so rare on the roads now.

Mine.

[ChrisH72]

The Laguna coupe is such a forgotten car. I saw one on the road fairly recently and actually had no idea what it was!

In a similar vein there's the Pug 407 coupe which still looks good. I had wondered if you could get an RCZ for 3k but they're slightly over. Could be worth a look though as they do have back seats.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023020840...

Or there's a slightly more obscure hot hatch here. Again a little over budget but quite cool.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023061484...

[Cambs_Stuart]

They are some really interesting and fun cars for the budget. 4 years ago i was in a similar position and went for a clio 172, which I've still got. It's a lot of fun to drive, despite the fact they're getting on for 20 years old you still se a lot of track days. Plus you can just about fit a couple of small people in the back.

[CJ997]

phazed said:

You mention the vRS.
I bought one a few years ago admittedly for track days, a MK1.

Forget the 101 things I have done for track use. As a usable hatch, plenty of room, golf Gti underpinnings. Tuning, mine is remapped, sports cat and free flow system and bigger intercooler. All standard turbo and engine. Puts out 245bhp and 310 torque. Goes like stink and is super reliable.

I also like the fact that they are so rare on the roads now.

They're a lovely car, the only problem seems to be too few options at my price range nowadays, there's a Mk1 on ebay but the sellers description puts me off travelling to view it. The laguna is top of my list at the moment for when I come to buy once my current car is gone in a couple weeks time.

[phazed]

I know of a silver one that the guy will part with.

It used to be mine, one advanced police driver owner before me.

Long story short, the guy I bought the black Octavia from bought my silver car and has never used it due to personal circumstances. I had a stage one remap done when I had it. It is in pretty immaculate condition, absolutely no rust at all.

If you are interested, I will give you his details.

[Xcore]

Be prepared to put abit of work in to something sub 3k. Paid just over 2k for my r26 Meg in March, spent abit of time doing small bits for the mot but it was sorted in a weekend!

[georgeyboy12345]

3 grand is kind of like shed money these days, so you'll be getting into older, more leggy stuff. Still a few rough diamonds out there if you shop about, like these. All bonafide hot hatches too, not warm hatches.

Renault Clio 182 with recent timing belt and dephaser. Suspicious about the lack of photos though
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306309...


R53 Mini Cooper S. It's had the expensive supercharger service not too long ago, which means it won't need one again for another ~70k miles
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305147...


Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.8T 20v again with recent timing belt
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306208...


Or the same engine in the larger Seat Leon Cupra 1.8 20v T
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303305...


Vauxhall Corsa VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306228...


Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306258...


VW Golf GTI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...

[TameRacingDriver]

It's hard to look past an R53 Mini Cooper S for me at that price. I had one with an estimated 190 bhp courtesy of a 17% pulley, and it certainly went well with instant response from the supercharger along with that whine was certainly enjoyable and gave it a character that few other cars can match for this price.

I had an FN2 Type R and if you can get one and stick a Hondata on it and a fast road setup, you will have a laugh I'm certain, those two mods transform it.

Though I must admit the earlier suggestion of a 325Ti is a very compelling option as well - a 6-cylinder RWD hot hatch for 3 grand has to be worth consideration.

[Canon_Fodder]

Octavia and Laguna - while both nice cars - are relatively big and cumbersome.

which may be OK for the OP - or not

[anonymous-user]

Just find the most cared for Fn2 you can for your budget.
If you can add slightly more after, get Kprok100 remap up to 240ish BHP - Job done.
Had a cheap ep3 in similar spec and its easily the most fun i've had in the car in recent years.

Couldnt imagine grabbing the keys to an Octavia on a nice summers evening...

[Manxwilliams]

Renault Sport Twingo133
Back seats slide back/forward.
Great Fun without doing stupid speeds.

[CJ997]

Canon_Fodder said:

Octavia and Laguna - while both nice cars - are relatively big and cumbersome.

which may be OK for the OP - or not

I considered the octavia previously as a bit more of a "sensible" hatch, 5 doors for the kids, decent boot.

And well the laguna, the only reason was because I like the look of it..

[CJ997]

TameRacingDriver said:

It's hard to look past an R53 Mini Cooper S for me at that price. I had one with an estimated 190 bhp courtesy of a 17% pulley, and it certainly went well with instant response from the supercharger along with that whine was certainly enjoyable and gave it a character that few other cars can match for this price.

I had an FN2 Type R and if you can get one and stick a Hondata on it and a fast road setup, you will have a laugh I'm certain, those two mods transform it.

Though I must admit the earlier suggestion of a 325Ti is a very compelling option as well - a 6-cylinder RWD hot hatch for 3 grand has to be worth consideration.

I've never considered the R53, the temptation is there but I'd have to take one out for a drive before I committed. Might have to find a local one and see if I can take it for a drive.