Budget performance

[exelero]

Hello. Looking to buy something within 6 weeks. My requirements would be 200ish BHP hatch or saloon and fun to drive. Budget ideally 2-3 grand. So far I was looking at Megane Renaultsport, Volvo T5 (S60), Mk2 Focus St, Civic Type R, Jaguar X-Type 2.5 or 3.0. What did I miss?

[ZX10R NIN]

Focus ST-2

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

Mondeo 2.5T

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

Leftfield:

Mercedes C320/350 Coupe

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

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

[exelero]

Thanks. Merc’s of that age rot, don’t they? The wheels on that Focus are ugly tho.

I’ve been in a megane before although it wasn’t the sport. Does the sport have the same high seating position??

[Google [bot]]

Mazda 3/6MPS

[Toed64]

Nice suggestions for £3000!

The Focus would be my choice and the most fun...if you don't like the wheels you could get them refurbed for about £200.

Those Mondeos are very stealthy fast cars and superb to drive, but the C350 Merc is a performance/quality bargain.

[ColdoRS]

ZX10R NIN said:

Focus ST-2

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

Mondeo 2.5T

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

Leftfield:

Mercedes C320/350 Coupe

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

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

Can’t believe you can get a Focus ST for 3 grand! Bargain.

[exelero]

[redacted]

[exelero]

Google [bot] said:

Mazda 3/6MPS

Good shout!

[Shiv_P]

[redacted]

[wjb]

You could just sneak into an FN2 Type R if you haggle.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

[exelero]

Not bad although I would prefer the older (lighter) version and half of my colleagues drive this..

[Draculaw]

Sorry for a slight hijack, but what’s a “safe” mileage for a Focus ST? There are a few near me around the 3k mark, but they have 125k+ in the clock? For a 13 year old car that’s not too bad in my opinion, but should I be worried about high cost repairs?

[NicheMonkey]

How about a Mk5 Gti?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

I bought a cheap one for commuting/dirty work/dump in any car park or street for 2k after my commuting distance dropped to 20 miles and its been great! A remap really transformed it.

There were a lot of sheds at that price range so be careful, I ended up with a 150k miles Dsg with the all important fastidious previous owner who had done all the servicing on time aswell as having new Eagle F1 assymetrics all round, it's had 4 DSG services! With all the documentation to prove and touch wood the box runs smooth.

For the money it's a been great cheap fast (ish) car

[Cambs_Stuart]

What about a Subaru impreza? You should be able to get an older model in that budget. Just look out for rust.

[Toed64]

[redacted]

[exelero]

Draculaw said:

Sorry for a slight hijack, but what’s a “safe” mileage for a Focus ST? There are a few near me around the 3k mark, but they have 125k+ in the clock? For a 13 year old car that’s not too bad in my opinion, but should I be worried about high cost repairs?

A block mod is about 500£ ask the owner if he did it already, apparently it is essential if you want more performance/ peace of mind

[Zad]

Toed64 said:

Sadly, it's got a hot-air induction kit too...

That was my thought too. "Circa 260bhp" could be anything, and the re-map could be a good one or it could be a chav special. I suspect they have added together 5 bhp for the filter, 15 bhp for a remap, intercooler etc etc. The Ford ST version of the Volvo 5-pot needs the block sorting if it is to take a decent power raise and not have issues (the RS version is fine).

The cabin trim will just be some sticky-backed-plastic and will peel off with a hair drier. For now, spray the wheels black and then get them refurbed when you have a few quid.

advert said:

Price Due To The Clutch Needing Replacement, The Car Still Drives But Will Need A Replacement Clutch Asap

So they didn't put an RS clutch in when they "Stage 1" modified it, and they seem to be running away from their own car now. Hmm.

A well fettled Mondeo 2.5T is a really nice car, but no sports car. I'd want to know if/when it had had a replacement turbo/clutch/etc too. They are durable machines, but at 121K there could be a bill coming up.

[briang9]

Octavia vRS?

[Zad]

The Mondeo ST220 3.0 V6 is smaller / lighter than the 2.5T one, sweet engine too, but not exactly economical. Lots of toys, great chassis, and you sit "in" it rather than "on" it like the Focus.

[exelero]

RS clutch and flywheel ca 1000£ with fitting.



Btw is the 2.5t mondeo Turbo or “T” stands for titanium?