Yet another what car... Sorry!

[piperdelux]

Been done to death I know, apologies!

OH has an X plate Polo, it's been a reliable servant, but due to electronics gremlins, leaks, amongst other things, looking for upgrade in new year.

She is working from home and doing very few miles, it's very much a second car. Used primarily for ferrying the 3 year old around, this will of course change when she is eventually able to drive to work again.

Requirements are;

Petrol only due to low mileage

Budget £5k max but hoping to spend less in all honesty

Had been set on 4/5 doors due to the baby seat, but reading other threads I think a 2 door could be doable?

Reliable, and decent on safety,again due to the little one. And the OH of course 🙃

No ruinous known 'issues'.

I know that 'interesting' is very subjective, but that would be a bonus. I am in an A6 Avant lease, and as great as it is, fun it ain't! Something to put a smile on my face at the weekend would be ace.

I'm aware probably asking for a lot. I've been looking at your fiestas, focus etc, but nothing has inspired me. Swift sport possibly?

As always, grateful for any suggestions, thanks all.

[irocfan]

A mini might be appropriate

[jwilco]

Mazda 2 sport? My OH has one with the 1.3 litre engine and that's too slow... but I bet it'd be a lot more fun with the 1.5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012116...

[piperdelux]

Thanks for the replies. The Mazda is not one that was on my radar at all. Cheers

[Summit_Detailing]

MINI Cooper S
Mercedes SLK
TT

[ZX10R NIN]

Peugeot RCZ if it's just your OH & the little one then this makes a lot of sense:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012167...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012187...

Or if you want something more modern/practical & a proper fun steer then go for the 208 GTI it will mean a stretch of budget but it's worth it if you want a fun steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012187...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008252...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...

[piperdelux]

The 208 looks great VFM, thanks for taking the time to reply. I really like the RCZ but practicality wise the 208 makes much more sense.

Thanks all, any more suggestions welcome. Happy Christmas.

[piperdelux]

Any thoughts on whether a mark 5 good GTi would fit the bill? I've never owned one, a mate reckons I should consider one. I think they still look great. I guess my budget would mean a leggy example, are there any particular issues that should be putting me off? Thanks all.

[jwilco]

piperdelux said:

Any thoughts on whether a mark 5 good GTi would fit the bill? I've never owned one, a mate reckons I should consider one. I think they still look great. I guess my budget would mean a leggy example, are there any particular issues that should be putting me off? Thanks all.

I guess all Mk5 Golfs are getting a bit long in the tooth. £5k would get you a semi decent example...

And on the plus side, Pistonheads even say they are better than a Mk8
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-features/vw-go...

[ZX10R NIN]

piperdelux said:

Any thoughts on whether a mark 5 good GTi would fit the bill? I've never owned one, a mate reckons I should consider one. I think they still look great. I guess my budget would mean a leggy example, are there any particular issues that should be putting me off? Thanks all.

They're decent but not the most engaging of steers which was something you wanted in which case I'd say go for the Focus in ST-3 spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011306...

ST-2

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010185...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

I'd say that if you want something a bit more modern whilst still being a decent (& bigger than the 208GTI) steer then Giulietta Veloce is a very good pick it's warm hatch rather than hot but it's still a decent steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...

[piperdelux]

Thanks again for such a detailed reply. I really like the look of that first ST. Are they known to be pretty reliable? I'm well aware there are no guarantees when looking at this sort of year and budget, but obviously looking to avoid ruinous repair bills where possible.

The size of it, and being 5 door, I can EASILY sell that to the OH as a practical solution 😁

[anonymous-user]

Not interesting at all , but Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris would fit the bill ?

[ZX10R NIN]

piperdelux said:

Thanks again for such a detailed reply. I really like the look of that first ST. Are they known to be pretty reliable? I'm well aware there are no guarantees when looking at this sort of year and budget, but obviously looking to avoid ruinous repair bills where possible.

The size of it, and being 5 door, I can EASILY sell that to the OH as a practical solution ??

There's a potential issue with the liners but this normally affected cars running high boost, apart from that the only real is you'll be seeing 24-28mpg at best.

Check that the Cam belt has been done because it'll be due just on age alone.

They're great cars.

[loskie]

Fabia Estate

[Matt Clay]

We've got a 5 door swift sport and it ticks all your boxes but I think it'll be a struggle to find a 5 door for £5k. Couldn't comment on the 3 door as wife was adamant she wanted 5.

[anonymous-user]

Alfa Giulietta 1.4TB?

Gem of a 1.4 turbo petrol, looks fantastic, 5 doors.