26k Budget What would you buy?

[ibox2019]

27k budget
Under 15k miles
Average mpg 40ish
Fun to drive
5 door hatchback or saloon
Very reliable
Nippy but not silly
Stealth(ish) looks
Decent maintenance costst

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

You are describing a VW Golf R in Lapis blue

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

..apart from the 40 mpg thing

[MDUBZ]

..... and fun.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

MDUBZ said:

..... and fun.

That's a in the eye of the beholder. Had plenty of fun in mine! (But probably not as much as in the back of my Morris Minor Traveller in 1977 )

[ibox2019]

Yeah i did look at the gold r at one point but the 4 exhausts just scream too much attention for my liking

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Sounds like a good excuse to post fun



Proper good blast to the Italian lakes. The definition of fun

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

ibox2019 said:

Yeah i did look at the gold r at one point but the 4 exhausts just scream too much attention for my liking

And being gold wouldn't help

[ibox2019]

haha yeah

[Boringvolvodriver]

What about something like this



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407051...

[RichFN2]

1st choice for me would be a Honda Civic FK8 sportline. Basically a Tyre R with more subtle looks(interior included)and slightly smaller alloys. Only downside is there are hardly any for sale compared to the normal version



Otherwise I would be tempted with a MK8 Golf GTi Clubsport, they look great in the right colour with the upgraded wheels and they are just creeping into your budget.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408243...
Cupra Leon is effectively the same car but not keen on those wheels.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408283...

[T1547]

Could one of these work?

I’ve had a couple now and find them great all rounders.

Obviously different engine options also available to suit price/performance.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408303...

[MDUBZ]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

MDUBZ said:

..... and fun.

That's a in the eye of the beholder. Had plenty of fun in mine! (But probably not as much as in the back of my Morris Minor Traveller in 1977 )

I thought mine was very competent, but the steering is a bit numb, the fun started at speeds which could have you spending time at HMs pleasure. I would probably have another but with 3 doors and a manual so I didn't get the farty gear change.

[mdk1]

ibox2019 said:

27k budget
Under 15k miles
Average mpg 40ish
Fun to drive
5 door hatchback or saloon
Very reliable
Nippy but not silly
Stealth(ish) looks
Decent maintenance costst

Skoda Octavia VRS should cover all of the above.

[ChrisH72]

If you want fun and lower running costs I'd look to the class below as you'll get a newer car for much less that your budget.

Fiesta ST3 mk8.5

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024091138...

I20N

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024091440...

Both should crack 40mpg and put a smile on your face.

Slightly bigger with more space is the 308Gti. Quite understated looks wise.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024072922...

[Jag_NE]

3 series.

[S366]

Personally, I think the only car that would fit the bill is a Golf GTI. Any reason why you have such a low mileage requirement? Going up to 50k will open up a load more options.

[ZX10R NIN]

CLA 35:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409194...

235i GC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408223...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409174...

Giulia Veloce:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409123...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...

Ti:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409244...

Focus ST estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407302...

S60 T5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409174...

[Jimjimhim]

RichFN2 said:

1st choice for me would be a Honda Civic FK8 sportline. Basically a Tyre R with more subtle looks(interior included)and slightly smaller alloys. Only downside is there are hardly any for sale compared to the normal version



Otherwise I would be tempted with a MK8 Golf GTi Clubsport, they look great in the right colour with the upgraded wheels and they are just creeping into your budget.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408243...
Cupra Leon is effectively the same car but not keen on those wheels.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408283...

Stealth looks and Civic don't go together!

[Harry you Potter]

Be sensible and keep £25k. Enter the world of bangernokics with a Volvo V70 or Vauxhall Insignia tourer. That’s what it is all about these days.