Best Buy Hot Hatch for VFM

[DUBS73P]

What would you say is the best buy for a Hot hatch in terms of value for money?

Car needs to be 2010 or newer, budget upto 17k but main priority is VFM

I really want an M135i as to me that's the perfect package of Size, power, correct wheel driven and running costs, but having just sold an E92 M3 for 16.5k, im really struggling to justify spending the same money on a car that's going to depreciate and is no doubt less special

I've previously had 2 Megane 250 Cups and im really struggling to see anything that is a better overall package for the money? Only struggle would be going back to french after having a string of German cars and a Jap before those.

Other cars im considering;

Scirocco R
Golf R MK7
Focus RS MK2
Audi TT S (Just enough space for me to include)
Audi S3
BMW 335i (N55, not a hot hatch, but i did love the M3 so this does come into consideration)

[Integroo]

If value for money is what you are concerned about, why do you want to spend 17k?

Spend 5k, get something a bit older.

[xjay1337]

Golf Mk5 GTI is best value all round hot hatch.

Current stuff, has to be a Golf R.

[culpz]

Depends what you want from a hot-hatch. Best overall VFM would be the M135i, i reckon. For what you get, it's fantastic. The issue for me would be it's a bit too good. To me, hot-hatches are about fun and the German stuff, IMO, ends up feeling a bit too clinical and serious. I'd go as far to say that the M135i is more of a small, capable GT car, as apposed to a hot-hatch.

The Megane 250/265 is a proper driver's hot hatch though. It's all about the pleasure of driving and having that engagement in the process, but there's obviously less focus on comfort and usability. It's still a very usable car though but it's capabilities really need to be pushed to show it's full character. The Golf R is similar to the BMW but more of a great all-rounder with less engine.

[RSTurboPaul]

If you're looking for something that won't depreciate but will also give you a good drive, how about a Megane R26.R?

Prices seem to have stayed consistently high due to being a limited edition and a great steer, so I don't think you could go wrong with one if you liked your previous Meganes.

[DUBS73P]

RSTurboPaul said:

If you're looking for something that won't depreciate but will also give you a good drive, how about a Megane R26.R?

Prices seem to have stayed consistently high due to being a limited edition and a great steer, so I don't think you could go wrong with one if you liked your previous Meganes.

I always wanted the R26R, so i bought the standard R26. Fantastic drive, pretty much exactly what i want in terms of fun, but i had so many little niggly problems, I don't think i could deal with that again despite undoubtedly being even better than the R26.

[DUBS73P]

Integroo said:

If value for money is what you are concerned about, why do you want to spend 17k?

Spend 5k, get something a bit older.

I've just come from a Z4 coupe as well, i want to go back to something a little newer for some of the creature comforts while getting a more entertaining drive back ideally.

Point well made though, completely understand what you mean.

[Ahbefive]

Out of your list it would be the Golf R or Focus RS for me although the RS will probably hold it's value better.

Depends if you want something that looks outrageous or subtle.

Best VFM is having something that won't throw big bills or depreciate much if at all.

[MOBB]

Best VFM for that size/kind of car would be a Megane or Cupra I would say,

[Jonny_gti]

17k is getting you an early Audi RS3 cant see much topping that for performance and overall package

[RSTurboPaul]

Jonny_gti said:

17k is getting you an early Audi RS3 cant see much topping that for performance and overall package

I thought he wanted a fantastic drive, not numb steering lol

[MrBarry123]

Probably not what you want to hear but a nice E92 M3 for £16.5k is great value for money.

[nickfrog]

Integroo said:

If value for money is what you are concerned about, why do you want to spend 17k?

Spend 5k, get something a bit older.

It's all subjective though, a £17k car can be better VFM than a £5k car. For me a M135i at £17k would be better VFM than say a £5k Fiesta.

[DUBS73P]

MrBarry123 said:

Probably not what you want to hear but a nice E92 M3 for £16.5k is great value for money.

They are a bargain at face value for the entry point, however, when one is about to throw up big bills of 4 Tyres, A slightly leaky Diff, possibly another actuator, and all that after 12mpg and over £500 a year tax, they start to make a little less sense as an ownership proposition

I was happy to let it go for £1000 profit in the end.

[Ahbefive]

Jonny_gti said:

17k is getting you an early Audi RS3 cant see much topping that for performance and overall package

I'm not sure that massive running costs helps. with VFM. Also £17k will only get you a mega miler or a Cat C/D.

[treeroy]

if you want value for money then get whatever depreciates the least.

[Yipper]

Pound for pound, for VFM, at that price-range, nothing will beat a Golf R with a remap.

Does everything.

[nickfrog]

Yes particularly when it goes pop and VW rejects the warranty claim. Another Yippered thread.

[xjay1337]

nickfrog said:

Yes particularly when it goes pop and VW rejects the warranty claim. Another Yippered thread.

For 18k it will not be a main dealer jobby.

Stop picking on him, its a valid point anyway.

[nickfrog]

Not picking on him, I think what he says is absurd and subjective anyway, it's only valid if you agree but for me the Golf R would be terrible VFM.