Fast daily driver up to 18k alternative to S1 - Page 1 - Car Buying

CX53

Original Poster

3,025 posts

139 months

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Monday 22nd April 2019

Hi all

I’ve decided to treat myself to a half decent car. I’ve mostly had old heaps, some of them fun, the most recent being a BMW where I found that I’m not overly keen on RWD (perhaps there’s something wrong with me laugh

)

My mate has just bought an Audi S1 and let me have a go in it, before it gets a map and new exhaust etc. I’ve never been a massive fan of Audi’s and have owned a few ‘numb’ feeling VAG cars before, but I was very impressed with the little S1’s shove, and the reassuring grip from the Quattro. Interior quality was excellent, which is important to me, as I do 20+k miles pa.

I also liked fuel economy in the Audi too, as the 2.0 TFSI has averaged him a pump to pump 33mpg (first tank since he bought the car, which is pretty good for the pace I thought.

So, can anyone suggest any alternatives for me which I could look at? I don’t want the exact same car as my mate even though I really liked it.

Requirements:
- As new and as low mileage as possible as I will pile on the miles
- Reasonable residuals with the last point in mind
- As quick, if not quicker than the S1 with similarly decent economy potential for commuting (loved the switchable valve thing for driving modes)
- Preferably FWD or 4/AWD, unless someone can convince me i should try a different RWD car.
- Maximum 18k budget, would prefer between 15 and 17k
- hatch, saloon or coupe preferred, no estates or convertibles
- A bit of an occasion to drive, nice interior/noise/acceleration, but without being too harsh and uncomfortable

Newer shape S3’s can creep into budget just, but this means higher mileage, and not keen on previous shape. I like the golf GTI performance pack, but just seems to much less ‘special’ Than the S1 noise wise, very muted compared to the quad exhausts. Seat Leon cupra same as the golf... M135/140 I like the idea of but again RWD... maybe winter tyres in bad weather would inspire more confidence and they do sound good, but can’t imagine MPG as good as the VAG lump.

Any thoughts appreciated, hopefully will get some contenders shortlisted to view this week!

Cheers

SiT

1,242 posts

230 months

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Monday 22nd April 2019

Well comparable to the S1 I would suggest you consider an Abarth, they tick most of your boxes and for the budget you have your looking at new or pre-registered cars.

The noise with the stock exhaust is hilarious not to mention the Monza upgrade. They are quick little cars and light too. The Competizone models are stunning and some have beautiful carbon backed Sabelt sports seats. MPg will be better than S1, I used to get 40mpg in my Essenes andcthat was mostly short trips.

They are pretty well put together to be fair, clearly not up to Audi standards but depends on what’s more important. I had pan roof on mine and on a sunny day with roof open and exhaust on full chat it was a riot to drive.

I am considering a short term lease of a new one at present as a stop gap in the ‘toxic’ green colour they now offer. Massive following for the cars and plenty of mods/upgrades around for them.

Perhaps more a 2+2 than the S1 but I seated for average sized adults in mine without too much difficulty.

Try one and I guarantee you will be smiling from ear to ear! Even if you only doing 30mph to grab a pint of milk!

Si

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

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[news]

Monday 22nd April 2019

CX53

Original Poster

3,025 posts

139 months

[report]

[news]

Monday 22nd April 2019

SiT said:

Well comparable to the S1 I would suggest you consider an Abarth, they tick most of your boxes and for the budget you have your looking at new or pre-registered cars.

The noise with the stock exhaust is hilarious not to mention the Monza upgrade. They are quick little cars and light too. The Competizone models are stunning and some have beautiful carbon backed Sabelt sports seats. MPg will be better than S1, I used to get 40mpg in my Essenes andcthat was mostly short trips.

They are pretty well put together to be fair, clearly not up to Audi standards but depends on what’s more important. I had pan roof on mine and on a sunny day with roof open and exhaust on full chat it was a riot to drive.

I am considering a short term lease of a new one at present as a stop gap in the ‘toxic’ green colour they now offer. Massive following for the cars and plenty of mods/upgrades around for them.

Perhaps more a 2+2 than the S1 but I seated for average sized adults in mine without too much difficulty.

Try one and I guarantee you will be smiling from ear to ear! Even if you only doing 30mph to grab a pint of milk!

Si

Thanks for your post, I’ve spent a bit of time on YouTube listening to the noise of the things laugh

very cool little cars. I’m not overly keen on them and was hoping for something with a bit more power and torque, and perhaps a little more suited to a long run, but appreciate the suggestion nonetheless.

CX53

Original Poster

3,025 posts

139 months

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Monday 22nd April 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

Crikey, lots of food for thought. Thank you very much for taking the time to post up those links.

Initial thoughts are you’re probably right about something a bit bigger being more suitable for my mileage.

I didn’t realise the newer type R’s were in budget. I love the mad styling and actually really like the look of that white one. A lot... off I go to look at some reviews of this model type R before I can arrange to test one.

The S3s seem a very capable car, as do the Leons. I’ve also loved the 308’s styling ever since I had a 1.2 pure tech or whatever it’s called as a courtesy car. Not sure I could bring myself to spend that much on the GTI mind.

Awesome suggestions I’d never have thought of thrown in there too. I’ll take some time and have a proper look through. beer

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

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Monday 22nd April 2019

I forgot to say the Infiniti interior makes them a nicer place to be than the A Class & the actual drive is the same as the A250

KnackeredSwede

417 posts

130 months

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Tuesday 23rd April 2019

If you could be bothered to change an exhaust for better noise, and a cheeky remap, something like a Kia Proceed GT could be had nearly new for that money, and would be a great quick hatch.

Astra VXR’s are great value but w

k interior.

smithyithy

7,890 posts

147 months

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Tuesday 23rd April 2019

JCW Mini? I don't think they're far off the S1 in performance terms; FWD but handle brilliantly; interior in the new generation is excellent IMO - a nice, well put-together place to be; should be economical - my Cooper S averaged about 35mpg doing 12k p/a with a mix of motorway and quick A/B roads, always in Sport mode wink

pb8g09

3,207 posts

98 months

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Tuesday 23rd April 2019

I bought an S1 last August. I had sold it before the end of the year. It was utterly competent but changing gear felt too soft and unmechanical (compared to a Z4 manual for example) and the car itself just felt like a non-event to drive except baiting the lease boys in TDIs on motorway slip roads.

If I went back I would have got a Mini JCW as it was hilarious. I couldn’t get past the image at the time but I could now for the sake of my own enjoyment.

I now have a 6 cylinder Z4 manual and a new bathroom for the price of the S1 and now the sun is coming out it’s the best decision I’ve made.

CX53

Original Poster

3,025 posts

139 months

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Wednesday 24th April 2019

Hi everyone, quick thread update.

First of all, thanks for your replies, I did loads of research on most of the options given.

I had a bit of a push to find something new as my current car had a new issue on top of a couple of other niggles.

After a few test drives, I found that I really liked the golf GTI’s most out of everything as a good all rounder with safe handling, but they lacked that shove in the back under hard acceleration.

So I’ve ended up with a tornado red 2015 Golf R, and I’m loving it so far, it’s a very capable car and whilst mine seems to be a modest spec with no sat nav and manual gearbox, I think it’s the perfect tool for the job for me.. it’s got a nice noise and a good bit of grunt and grip in race mode, but can also be a sedate cruiser to work and back in eco mode.

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

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Wednesday 24th April 2019

Glad you got sorted OP.