Golf Mk5 GTI vs BMW 120 vs Mini Cooper S

[Mr Peel]

Was in similar position to OP 3 months ago. I bought a 3-door manual Mk5 GTI on 85k with a good service history. Got a few minor issues to sort out (wind noise, remote locking works intermittently on driver's door) but seems solid overall. Leather has held up well. Uses a bit of oil but I think they all do. Not a thrilling drive but a satisfying one.

[ZX10R NIN]

vacant-100 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The Focus's do come in none lairy colours too & the engine is a real peach.

Thanks for all these, some food for thought in there... will check if any are local and perhaps have a look!
Didn't consider the 3.2 A3 - is it generally a reliable engine?

Think I'll discount the 4-cylinder 1 series for now, heard some horror stories.

The only real issue is that some can stretch their chains which is an engine out job but it's not every engine that does this.

[Maracus]

ZX10R NIN said:

vacant-100 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The Focus's do come in none lairy colours too & the engine is a real peach.

Thanks for all these, some food for thought in there... will check if any are local and perhaps have a look!
Didn't consider the 3.2 A3 - is it generally a reliable engine?

Think I'll discount the 4-cylinder 1 series for now, heard some horror stories.

The only real issue is that some can stretch their chains which is an engine out job but it's not every engine that does this.

The chain stretch can be tested using VAG COM or similiar iirc.

[vacant-100]

So I'm still looking, having discounted the BMW 1-Series and A3 3.2 (tax is £500 a year on them) and Mini Cooper S (too small), I'm now torn between

Mk2 Focus ST - you seem to get a bit more for your money with these, and after a couple of test drives it's nicer than the Golf to drive in my opinion. Is there anything I need to be aware of with these other than the obvious, oil, cam belt, tyres etc?

Volvo C30 - I've not driven one of these and to be honest it's an outsider

Golf GTI Mk5 - I liked it, but actually prefer the Focus. Had some decent feedback on them though, so not sure I need too much more info on it.

[VAGLover]

V8mate said:

Sounds like a severe case of transference.

If she doesn't know how to drive, why would she have any view on the matter?

You don’t need to do something to have a view on it! She may have a theoretical understanding of oversteer..