Best Hot Hatch for 4k?

[jkk45]

As above.

I'm 24, and had licence for 6 years (sadly no NCD discounts, as haven't been driving continuously for long enough). I do have Pass Plus, but I know not every insurance provider gives discount for this.

What's the best hot hatch for 4k, that will have good service history within that price point?

Obviously, I know the standard answer is mk5 Golf GTI. But would there be any options. I kinda think it looks a bit boxy for me.

Also, is it best to buy on condition/service history over age/mileage?

Edited by jkk45 on Tuesday 2nd July 22:24

Edited by jkk45 on Tuesday 2nd July 22:24

[ZX10R NIN]

It would be the Focus preferably in ST-3 trim, it's a better steer than the GTI & it also has that bombastic 5 pot:

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

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

ST-2

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

Or take a look for an F1/Cup Clio RS:

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

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

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

If you fancy a VAG car then I'd go for the Leon Cupra:

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

[jkk45]

ZX10R NIN said:

It would be the Focus preferably in ST-3 trim, it's a better steer than the GTI & it also has that bombastic 5 pot:

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

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

ST-2

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

Or take a look for an F1/Cup Clio RS:

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

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

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

If you fancy a VAG car then I'd go for the Leon Cupra:

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

Any idea of the real world MPG figures on the Focus, as looks really good. I'm guessing not great as its a 2.5l 5 cylinder

[ZX10R NIN]

jkk45 said:

Any idea of the real world MPG figures on the Focus, as looks really good. I'm guessing not great as its a 2.5l 5 cylinder

I averaged 26mpg with mine & that seems to be around the average.

[1602Mark]

325ti, Bilstein & Quaiffe LSD?

[PTF]

130i

[ZX10R NIN]

For 4k how many miles will that have on the clock?

[zedx19]

I have a mk2 Focus ST on a 2010 plate, had it over 2 years now having come from a 2012 Mondeo with the 2.0 Ecoboost engine out the newer Focus ST. Before that, had all sorts of hot hatches but out all of them, the ST comes a joint top for fun with a 306 GTi-6 I had. The engine dominates everything, full of character, fizz and bang and very tunable. The handlings ok, not as good as the GTI-6 I had but still quite involving, grippy and you can get the rear involved. Generally reliable, I've had 2 droplinks go and that's about it over around 20k (mines on 78k now). MPG wise, I get 35mpg average on a run, 30mpg pottering about, 17mpg if you drive it in anger. I've tweaked mine, few mods to see around 280-290bhp.

For 4k however, you'll be looking at the ropey end of the market for a Focus ST. There's the whole cracked liner thing that puts a lot of people off (I've had block mod done when cambelt/waterpump was replaced 18 months back). I had a 10k budget when I was looking and even at that price point 95% of ST's I looked had were dogs, ragged to within an inch of their life. You'll need to search for a long time to find one, I recommend looking at as many as possible to give you an idea on what feels right and what feels wrong.

[Scottchester]

Assuming 3drs are acceptable:
Civic type
Clio 197
Corolla t sport (and lots of spare cash)

[tc3nitro]

Clio 197/200 cup all day !

[Court_S]

tc3nitro said:

Clio 197/200 cup all day !

Agree, another vote for one of these.

[RowanF]

100% 197/200 !