Dilemma with new car purchase

[freenote]

Guys,
Test drove an approved used m135i at 17k the other day. There’s no doubt it’s a great car and I’m looking for something a bit sporty although not too hardcore. The problem is it seems too capable. As soon as I’ve put my foot down, a few seconds later I’m up with the rest of the traffic and it doesn’t feel like it needs any skill. Now I understand this makes it essentially a safer and better car but I want be able to enjoy more of the car more of the time.
On th other hand I drove an Audi TTS at 9k manual which seemed a bit more chuckable and a bit more connected to the road.
I’ve also driven a legacy gtb which I’ve always wanted at 3k and I loved the turbo lag and value but felt it’s a touch old at 20 years for the price being asked given condition.

What should I Do? Would prefer to spend anything from 3-8k and this would be something daily/fun to replace one of the fleet.

I can’t make my mind up. First world problems but my indecisiveness is frustrating. Any thoughts welcomed.

I should add I fancy getting back into a turbocharged car for tuning potential and nothing too small - I like to stretch out a little.

Edited by freenote on Saturday 9th March 22:20

[ZX10R NIN]

Your top end budget would land you a TT RS, or you could go for a Megane RS with the Cup Chassis at either end of your budget, they're true drivers cars that will daily with ease & then when you want to have some fun it'll be right there with you.

250

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

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

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

265

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

275 Cup S

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

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

Trophy 275

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

Or if you want something less focused (pardon the pun) then the 2.5T Focus in ST-3 form is a very good option.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 10th March 06:11

[freenote]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Unless they’ve improved hugely none of those interiors look up to scratch to me. I’m coming from a Lexus so I don’t really want to take a huge step backwards.

Budget is ideally up to £8k so I could squeeze a TTS just about but I think it’ll be bottom end and a bit rough.

[ZX10R NIN]

freenote said:

Thanks for the suggestions.

Unless they’ve improved hugely none of those interiors look up to scratch to me. I’m coming from a Lexus so I don’t really want to take a huge step backwards.

Budget is ideally up to £8k so I could squeeze a TTS just about but I think it’ll be bottom end and a bit rough.

Why not look at the S3 you can get a good example for 8k, with regard to the interior go & look at a Megane before writing it off also it's a much richer driving experience than anything you've mentioned.

[DoubleD]

freenote said:

Thanks for the suggestions.

Unless they’ve improved hugely none of those interiors look up to scratch to me. I’m coming from a Lexus so I don’t really want to take a huge step backwards.

Budget is ideally up to £8k so I could squeeze a TTS just about but I think it’ll be bottom end and a bit rough.

Go for an Audi if you want nice soft plastics, or the Renault if you want the car to be fun to drive.

[stuart_83]

ZX10R NIN said:

look at a Megane before writing it off also it's a much richer driving experience than anything you've mentioned.

Agree with this. The Mégane was of a far better quality than I expected. Most touch points were fine, bar maybe the sat Nav control.

Far better to drive than the Octavia VRS I ended up buying instead of it ... D'oh. Regretted it massively, as like the Audi the Skoda made more sense and felt more plush, but to drive it wasn't even close to the Renault.

I still want one now.