Small Japanese Warm Hatch Suggestions
Small Japanese Warm Hatch Suggestions
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Discussion

re33

Original Poster:

334 posts

184 months

Tuesday 1st May 2018
quotequote all
Wanting to spend about £3-4K on a small warm hatch for a daily driver. Have had a bad experience with a 1.3L Swift so not sure I want a sport, any other suggestions? Thanks.

colin79666

2,123 posts

133 months

Tuesday 1st May 2018
quotequote all
I know you had a bad experience but the MK2 Swift Sport is about the best fun you can have in something that costs less than a Fiesta ST, fairly reliable too provided it has been serviced as per the book. 2012-2013 models are popping up under £5k now.

Slushbox

1,484 posts

125 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
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Corolla T-Sports are in that price range. Not so sporty below 6000 rpm then all hell breaks loose at 6200.

re33

Original Poster:

334 posts

184 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
quotequote all
I think the Corolla is a bit big. I did like the driving experience of the Swift but it was the most unreliable car I have ever had and I only owned it for a couple of months. It probably was just a lemon so might be worth another go.

Seems strange to me that there is no mildly sporty Yaris (there is GRMN now but it's a bit new and more a proper hothatch), Jazz or Mazda 2.

European car wise there is far more choice in this area, Fiesta, C2, Clio, Corsa and Polo all have fast-ish and fast versions.

designforlife

3,742 posts

183 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
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Glanza V turbo?

£4k should pick up a useable one, and they are rapid little things.

egor110

17,612 posts

223 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
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Honda civic type r ep3

re33

Original Poster:

334 posts

184 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
quotequote all
Had an EP3 last year. Definitely one of the best cars you can get per pound but looking for something a bit smaller.

Hadn't thought of Glanza Turbo. Will have a look and see if there are any that haven't been completely destroyed!

egor110

17,612 posts

223 months

Wednesday 2nd May 2018
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How come your only looking at jap stuff ?

Clio 172/182 are a bit smaller than the civic , ignore all the french st horror stories and do a bit of research .

FIREBIRDC9

746 posts

157 months

Wednesday 9th May 2018
quotequote all
colin79666 said:
I know you had a bad experience but the MK2 Swift Sport is about the best fun you can have in something that costs less than a Fiesta ST, fairly reliable too provided it has been serviced as per the book. 2012-2013 models are popping up under £5k now.
What he said , except MK1 wink

Lots of people say the Mk1 is more fun than the Mk2.

Just avoid Motorways.