Sporty vs Practical new car

[cjttchris]

I'm lucky enough to be on the look for a new car. My budget is 8k, however, if there is something far superior I could push to 11k.

I am in a pretty odd situation, one which I did not expect to be in. Long story short I have inherited 2 cars (I am shocked and more than thankful) but do not particularly want them. One is a Nissan Leaf... and the other is a Ssangyong Korando, none of which peak my interests. So instead I am looking for something sporty with a nice punch, but also not stupidly thirsty, something around 30-40mpg if possible? It is also worth noting I am 21 years of age, so insurance does sting me sometimes, however, I am lucky enough to have the perfect postcode which keeps them low.

I have been on the lookout for cars, with which I have been doing some research on, but find it helpful to have a second opinion etc. These are the cars I have been looking at so far, some I prefer, but would like to see the opinions:

VW Golf GTI Mk6
BMW 330ci E46
SEAT Cupra R
Ford Focus ST-3
BMW 330i E93
Audi S3

[Pistonheader101]

Fiat punto
Vauxhall Corsa
Ford fiesta
Volkswagen polo
Peugeot 306

All very good cars on insurance at 21. All could reach 30-40mpg and selected models 0-60 in under 7 seconds (Think gti/st equivalent). 11k should get you a nice 3-5 year old example.

[LarsG]

cjttchris said:

I'm lucky enough to be on the look for a new car. My budget is 8k, however, if there is something far superior I could push to 11k.

I am in a pretty odd situation, one which I did not expect to be in. Long story short I have inherited 2 cars (I am shocked and more than thankful) but do not particularly want them. One is a Nissan Leaf... and the other is a Ssangyong Korando, none of which peak my interests. So instead I am looking for something sporty with a nice punch, but also not stupidly thirsty, something around 30-40mpg if possible? It is also worth noting I am 21 years of age, so insurance does sting me sometimes, however, I am lucky enough to have the perfect postcode which keeps them low.

I have been on the lookout for cars, with which I have been doing some research on, but find it helpful to have a second opinion etc. These are the cars I have been looking at so far, some I prefer, but would like to see the opinions:

VW Golf GTI Mk6
BMW 330ci E46
SEAT Cupra R
Ford Focus ST-3
BMW 330i E93
Audi S3

If like me you have kids, anything with legroom to stop them moaning there isn't any space in the back.

[LarsG]

Focus 1.6 182, cheap Insurance, can get a good spec like titanium x, £6-8000, 0-60 7.9sec, 138mph top end, 35mpg. Add a K&N, and bluefin it for an extra 20bhp.

[ZX10R NIN]

All are good options but if you want the best hot hatch then you need to be looking at the Megane RS250:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A good middle ground between the above & the VAG products is the 2.5T Focus ST it's a sweet steer & has a cracking engine:

ST-3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If your insurance can cope then take a close look at the 335i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A leftfield insurance friendly option is the IS250 F Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Don't worry about the old man image (that's mainly a UK thing) associated with the Lexus they can look suitably aggressive:

[jam_up]

You should be able to get a nice Fiesta ST-2 (perhaps even with the mountune kit fitted) for under 10k.

Of the cars you’ve listed, I’d say the most economical is the mk6 GTI - I have one and have averaged 33 mpg over the winter months of mostly motorway commuting!

[cjttchris]

Pistonheader101 said:

Fiat punto
Vauxhall Corsa
Ford fiesta
Volkswagen polo
Peugeot 306

All very good cars on insurance at 21. All could reach 30-40mpg and selected models 0-60 in under 7 seconds (Think gti/st equivalent). 11k should get you a nice 3-5 year old example.

I have looked at the polo's as I think they look great and are said to be pretty nippy too. I forgot to mention that I currently own a BMW 318ci and the insurance for that is relatively cheap. I think the other cars you have listed don't give me the look factor.

ZX10R NIN said:

All are good options

I like the ideas you have pitched, especially the Megane RS! The only thing I worry about it the service costs, I have heard that they are relatively high for them, maybe because they are slightly rarer?

I also wanted to know how easy it should be for me to test drive cars? I have previously always bought privately, so I don't know what I should do when it comes to test driving, as that would be the real test for me having not driven a fast car before.

[TheVole]

Left-field choice (and I'm slightly biased...) - how about a Volvo C30 T5? Basically a Focus ST in a more grown-up and - to my eyes at least - more attractive body. Cheaper to insure too, and £8k should get you one with plenty of change for insurance or modifications if that's your bag. This is mine:



Alternatively:

Renault Megane RS

Lexus IS250 (as previously recommended)

MINI Cooper S JCW

VW Scirocco (personally I prefer these to a TT)

[SaggyOstrich]

Out of the options you've selected I'd say the BMW 330ci E46 is the best option.... but given the budget I'd go for a Megane RS.

[cjttchris]

TheVole said:

Left-field choice (and I'm slightly biased...) - how about a Volvo C30 T5? Basically a Focus ST in a more grown-up and - to my eyes at least - more attractive body. Cheaper to insure too, and £8k should get you one with plenty of change for insurance or modifications if that's your bag.

I love the look of yours, honestly stunning. That exact reason is why I like the BMW E46 330ci, which IMO is the best looking car for its age. In this case, if I was to choose between the 2 I would go for the BMW but will keep the Volvo on the lookout list.

[Hammy98]

cjttchris said:

I'm lucky enough to be on the look for a new car. My budget is 8k, however, if there is something far superior I could push to 11k.

I am in a pretty odd situation, one which I did not expect to be in. Long story short I have inherited 2 cars (I am shocked and more than thankful) but do not particularly want them. One is a Nissan Leaf... and the other is a Ssangyong Korando, none of which peak my interests. So instead I am looking for something sporty with a nice punch, but also not stupidly thirsty, something around 30-40mpg if possible? It is also worth noting I am 21 years of age, so insurance does sting me sometimes, however, I am lucky enough to have the perfect postcode which keeps them low.

VW Golf GTI Mk6

I'd look for a Mk6 Golf Edition 35 if you can get one, or if you don't mind going slightly older Mk5 Edition 30s still look relatively fresh and could be remapped to leave everything you've mentioned for dead - provided they are standard.

As another poster mentioned, Volvo C30 T5 is also a good shout. They are a bit tough to find especially if you want a facelift model with reasonable mileage. My dad ran a D5 for a couple of years with the dynaudio sound system and the music quality was unreal, that would be part of my criteria if I was looking for one. There's a chap on youtube called carcleaninguru who runs one which I believe is wrapped in polestar blue with a few other modifications, its a very nice car. - Look him up

[cjttchris]

Hammy98 said:

I'd look for a Mk6 Golf Edition 35 if you can get one, or if you don't mind going slightly older Mk5 Edition 30s still look relatively fresh and could be remapped to leave everything you've mentioned for dead - provided they are standard.

As another poster mentioned, Volvo C30 T5 is also a good shout. They are a bit tough to find especially if you want a facelift model with reasonable mileage. My dad ran a D5 for a couple of years with the dynaudio sound system and the music quality was unreal, that would be part of my criteria if I was looking for one. There's a chap on youtube called carcleaninguru who runs one which I believe is wrapped in polestar blue with a few other modifications, its a very nice car. - Look him up

Yeah, I have been looking at the Mk6 Golf's especially this morning. The more I look at them, the more good looking they get and the more I can see myself in one. The possibility for various modification is also interesting as I get very bored of cars very easily, but being able to add to it really would keep me keen. The Mk6 Edition 35 is hard to come by right? And also they look around the 12-14k mark?

Funnily enough, I have watched a couple of videos from that guy, he is the one who packs his cleaning equipment into the boot right? It is a very nice car, but isn't his newer? Regardless I have had a look online, and they seem quite hard to come by for a decent spec and mileage.

Edited by cjttchris on Wednesday 14th March 13:47

[Hammy98]

cjttchris said:

Yeah, I have been looking at the Mk6 Golf's especially this morning. The more I look at them, the more good looking they get and the more I can see myself in one. The possibility for various modification is also interesting as I get very bored of cars very easily, but being able to add to it really would keep me keen. The Mk6 Edition 35 is hard to come by right? And also they look around the 12-14k mark?

Funnily enough, I have watched a couple of videos from that guy, he is the one who packs his cleaning equipment into the boot right? It is a very nice car, but isn't his newer? Regardless I have had a look online, and they seem quite hard to come by for a decent spec and mileage.

Edited by cjttchris on Wednesday 14th March 13:47

Yep the Ed35 is a bit harder to come by than the regular Mk6, the tuning potential is much greater as it has the same engine as the mk6 Golf R. If you keep an eye out you should be able to snag one at the top end of your budget - one went on ebay for 10.5 a few weeks ago.

And you're right on with that being the guy. Occasionally checking autotrader there's been a few that have shown up with high 30s early 40ks mileage for around 11k. Facelift cars as well.

If you have a narrowed down list of cars you're considering I'd set up alerts for them on autotrader and on here so that you don't miss any!

[ZX10R NIN]

cjttchris said:

I like the ideas you have pitched, especially the Megane RS! The only thing I worry about it the service costs, I have heard that they are relatively high for them, maybe because they are slightly rarer?

I also wanted to know how easy it should be for me to test drive cars? I have previously always bought privately, so I don't know what I should do when it comes to test driving, as that would be the real test for me having not driven a fast car before.

The Megane RS will cost less or about the same as the VAG/BMW's you're considering so running costs won't be an issue, also if you're looking at an Edition 35, I'd definitely say take a look at the Megane.

It's still the better car & if you're considering a MK6 which will definitely mean a stretch away from your 8k & means you can
get yourself an ideal spec RS250:

Lux with the Cup Chassis & the Recaros (the Megane is the best car in it's class when it comes to being a drivers car)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edition 30

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edition 35

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

As good as the above 35 is I'd probably go for this Scirocco R if Iwas sticking with VAG.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A leftfield VAG option (& nearer to the original budget) is the R32 with it's lovely exhaust note & they're holding their money quite well, the downside is the £520 VED:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[cjttchris]

I think I need to narrow down my list, otherwise, I could be looking forever. Mind you there is not a massive rush for me. I am planning on test driving the main culprits and then purchasing sometime in May-July. So far I would say that I would prefer a car <10k, as the step up in performance is not massive. From what you have all said I would look at:

Mk5 Golf GTI Ed30 (Used to have a Golf mk5 1.6, but had a tonne of problems with it...)
Mk6 Golf GTI (I think realistically the ed35 is out of my budget, but I do prefer the looks of this over mk5)
BMW 330ci (Was going to upgrade to this anyway regardless of the inheritance, but not so sure now)
Megane RS (Not a massive fan of the looks, but would like to test drive one alongside the above to see its potential)

I'm surprised that not many have said much about the 330ci, as looking around online almost everyone prefers that over Golfs?!

[jam_up]

With regards to the mk6 GTI, keep away from models registered before 2011 due to timing chain tensioner issues. I'm not sure exactly which date they fixed this but I think any car with the LED rear lights is fine. Mine was registered March 2011 and it's had no issues.

A DSG model is worth a test drive - you'll either love it or not.

I suspect ED35's will be just out your budget, but they'd certainly offer more room for tuning due to the bigger k04 turbo compared to the standard GTI. That said I'm pretty sure the ED30 runs the same spec as the ED35 but just under older skin. I suppose it's a toss up between a the GTI's newer exterior/interior (nicer imo, biased ofc!) and the performance potential of the ED30 - a simple stage 1 remap takes it near 300 bhp...

[cjttchris]

jam_up said:

With regards to the mk6 GTI, keep away from models registered before 2011 due to timing chain tensioner issues. I'm not sure exactly which date they fixed this but I think any car with the LED rear lights is fine. Mine was registered March 2011 and it's had no issues.

A DSG model is worth a test drive - you'll either love it or not.

Update! I went for a test drive today in a Mk6 GTI 2011 DSG model (with the rear LED's which are much nicer than the plain). I don't want to jump to conclusions just yet, but in the short drive I went on, I absolutely loved it. The driving position was much nicer than my BMW, probably because I am quite tall and big, and the smoothness was insane.

Long story short, I am pretty much sold on that model, but for 2011 the price jumps up around to around 12k which is out of budget, I will just have to wait for the right one to come up. Will still go and test drive a Mk5 and 330ci though.