What Hot Hatch for under £10k

[Chrisw666]

How about an older Clio Trophy and a bit of cash for a damper rebuild?

If you have the ST to use another toruey turbo car isn't really that different, IMO the Clio/MCS (yes I know it would be FI)/CTR or 130i would be what I was looking at if it was hot hatch only criteria.

[Martin_Hx]

If you can afford the up keep i would deff be going for something a little more special !

I have had an EP3 for 4 years now and its still very fun and addictive to drive

How about a TVR ! Or something along those lines anyway... If i were you i would aim for something which wont drop like a stone in depreciation after you have bought it

[blearyeyedboy]

Hmm... if 0-60 is important, it seems you need something:

• light and Clio size with about 200bhp
• Focus/Astra/Octavia size - (Occys are roughly the same weight!) - but with 230+bhp to get that 6.5 seconds to 60 you want
• Change the brief and go for a wild card like a Monaro

If you can afford it, I reckon a wild card is a good call. Does it need to carry stuff if you've got one hatch in the family? Could you live with a VX220, E46 M3, Subaru or Monaro (as 4 very different examples of alternative?)

[oj121]

Yeah the more I think about it and read what people are saying do i really need another hatch for the sake of loving hot hatches? I do love them as they are so practical when you may need it BUT my car is never the dog car really. If i need a dog car I can just use the wifes.

It makes sense to go for something different as im struggling to find a hatch that as good an all rounder as the Focus that I really like.
Maybe its time to be selfish as buy something crazy. Like they say your not a true petrol head unless u own an alfa but you should also own a sports car in your life too. I wouldnt want anything too old (2003/4) would be the limit really(prob psycological) and not over 50k miles.
Im liking as a wildcard
Monaro - just because
350Z
z4(3.0)
Alfa GTA(147&poss 156)

Im so confused.

[blearyeyedboy]

oj121 said:

Im so confused.

Our work is done.

Seriously, now you've got ME looking at 10k silly machines and wondering what's more fun than an Occy vRS that I could trade in for 7-and-a-bit-k...

Just looking at a Mustang that won't fit down the lane to my house!

[Steameh]

As an aside, there is a buttload of space in the Monaro.

[paulmoonraker]

I know I have said it already, but a WRX PPP is a barrel of fun and the acceleration is balistic. My nan lives up your way, and she gets plenty of visits - any excuse!

I promise not to mention one again

-P

[Grovsie26]

oj121 said:

You would struggle to get a good DC5 with half decent miles for 8k. They all sit fairly closely around the 10k mark.
I am thinking the Golf might be 10 years too early for me. Too sensible if there is such a thing.
It may also be the same boat with the MPS. It looks a little mundane and boring. It sounds grandads new shopping mobile rather than hot hatch.

You must be looking in the wrong places mate. I got mine last July for 9k and it had 40k miles.

10k is about the upper limit for mint ones with low miles, it's a K20A, it's not the mileage, it's how well it's been looked after. Id much rather buy a older DC5, with more miles thats been cherished and got good history.

The market has really dropped, you could easily pick up a good one for less than 8.5k on the owners club.

[oj121]

Really? That little? Ive been looking at the PH classified ads for an idea at prices. Would still love a DC5.

There are a few decent example Monaros running around for 8.5-9.5K. There are so so tempting to the child in me.

[oj121]

Where were you finding DC5s for 8.5k? There is one leggish one for sale on dc5 owners for 8.5k out of a grand total of 3. One is over budget, one is the upper reaches and one is that leggyish one.

[navier_stokes]

oj121 said:

Yeah the more I think about it and read what people are saying do i really need another hatch for the sake of loving hot hatches? I do love them as they are so practical when you may need it BUT my car is never the dog car really. If i need a dog car I can just use the wifes.

It makes sense to go for something different as im struggling to find a hatch that as good an all rounder as the Focus that I really like.
Maybe its time to be selfish as buy something crazy. Like they say your not a true petrol head unless u own an alfa but you should also own a sports car in your life too. I wouldnt want anything too old (2003/4) would be the limit really(prob psycological) and not over 50k miles.
Im liking as a wildcard
Monaro - just because
350Z
z4(3.0)
Alfa GTA(147&poss 156)

Im so confused.

I wasn't going to mention it based on your OP, but if your now considering a Z4 but want a hot hatch.... why not a 130i?

It might be a bit leggy for £10k but they are pretty bullet proof and servicing is reasonable...

[oj121]

I really dont like the look of the 130. It was pushing my resistances to look at the z4 to be honest lol

[oj121]

Def going to go with either the DC5(if a decent one can be found)
OR a large displacement car. 3.0l or more for me although loving the alfa soundtrack.

[adycav]

oj121 said:

I really dont like the look of the 130. It was pushing my resistances to look at the z4 to be honest lol

You can't see it when you're in it! At least have a try in one...

[k-ink]

I've owned a lot of hot hatches. 147 GTA looks and sounds nice, but isn't too great in many other respects. My S3 was superior. My R32 was better again - maybe the best all rounder. My Subaru PPP was by FAR the quickest but the interior was terrible.

Not sure what to suggest. It depends how much you want to spend on fuel. Not so much now, but what it will cost in years to come. I think I'd try and be cautious and go for something smaller, lighter, with an engine of 2 litres NA or less. I think some of these cars will be worthless in five years, sadly.

[mattbvw]

oj121 said:

Clio 197 - Its Renault Sport but its been hammered at times in the press for various things and EVO slated its straight line performance in a recent test against other like minded hatches. Is the 200 really that much better?

I've had/driven most recent Renaultsports and, whilst the Clios may not have the turbo punch of, say, a Corsa VXR, I cannot think of a more resolved hot hatch package, at any price. And I say this having been to several trackdays where 'performance magazines' have been in attendance, in Renaultsports, and when you quiz them - they genuinely adore the things... They aren't consistently called the 'GT3 of hot hatches' for no reason. Try one!

[Grovsie26]

If you want a DC5, it might take a few months of waiting for the right car, as they are obviously a import and there aren't that many around.

Id keep checking the DC5 forum good one's for good money come up all the time, what the max you want to spend?

Also important, is what colour you want, as the CW and Blue are the most common, red and silver and really rare and black's quite rare as well.

Then there's the C-Pack, which is Folding Wing mirrors, tinted rear windows and rear wiper. Push start button is also an extra.

There's one on the owners club a facelift 54 plate, with 55k miles thats up for £9500, so should get a older one for 8k.

Just had a quick look, here's one for £8250 with 61k miles:
http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2274...

Another:
http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2356...

This one is modified a fair bit has a awful rear bumper and non standard wheels, and bonnet but some other good mods 27k miles:
http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2370...

8k:
http://www.itr-dc5.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2277...

Edited by Grovsie26 on Thursday 28th April 16:02

Edited by Grovsie26 on Thursday 28th April 16:05