Buying a used hot hatch in 2021
Discussion
Hello all,
Wondering if some fellow PHer's could offer some car buying advice please - I'm looking to replace my car of 12 years (Fiat Grande Punto Sporting, stop laughing in the back!) with something more modern and I've got my eyes on a few different hot hatches. Very interested in a Leon Cupra as always liked them, but I also want to try out a Hyundai i30N, Focus ST, maybe a Type-R if the right example comes up.
Its been years since I've been on a forecourt, and with COVID etc I have absolutely no idea how things are working out there at the moment. Are dealerships pretty much back to normal where you can just turn up, have a browse, salesman comes over for a chat and you can go for a test drive? or do you find you're having to make an appointment for just that specific car?
Now, I'm fortunately in a position where I have around 24k to spare - intending this car to be my next long term motor. Looking at autotrader and the cost cap for most of the above seems to be around 25 grand, 19 plate with say 10,000 miles on it (manufacturer dependent). The Leons especially have quite a few different trims and there are alot of examples. If you were in a similar position, would your gut say just to go out and buy the newest you can(19 plate with DSG for example), or drop a year or two (say 17/18 plate with a manual) and trim 2-3k off?
Thanks!
'Suki
Wondering if some fellow PHer's could offer some car buying advice please - I'm looking to replace my car of 12 years (Fiat Grande Punto Sporting, stop laughing in the back!) with something more modern and I've got my eyes on a few different hot hatches. Very interested in a Leon Cupra as always liked them, but I also want to try out a Hyundai i30N, Focus ST, maybe a Type-R if the right example comes up.
Its been years since I've been on a forecourt, and with COVID etc I have absolutely no idea how things are working out there at the moment. Are dealerships pretty much back to normal where you can just turn up, have a browse, salesman comes over for a chat and you can go for a test drive? or do you find you're having to make an appointment for just that specific car?
Now, I'm fortunately in a position where I have around 24k to spare - intending this car to be my next long term motor. Looking at autotrader and the cost cap for most of the above seems to be around 25 grand, 19 plate with say 10,000 miles on it (manufacturer dependent). The Leons especially have quite a few different trims and there are alot of examples. If you were in a similar position, would your gut say just to go out and buy the newest you can(19 plate with DSG for example), or drop a year or two (say 17/18 plate with a manual) and trim 2-3k off?
Thanks!
'Suki
AFAIK you could just turn up and I'd expect they would talk to you. From what I saw in my local franchised Merc place, it's kinda like other retail, there are some covid 'processes' in place but open to walk-ins, same at Porsche Piccadilly. OTOH there's generally a benefit to calling ahead and talking to someone, unless it's a spur of the moment thing.
Zero7 said:
Hot hatches like anything have shot up in the last 4 months, a Type R has gone up by around £4k - £6k, if not in a rush might be worth holding out a while to see how the performance car market plays out.
While supply and demand is driving up used prices in general, the FK8 is rather a special case where Honda cunningly reduced supply to zero by knocking down the factory and selling the site as a parcel depot. Other hot hatches are still in production, albeit bottlenecked by the chip shortage, so aren't in quite the same situation.If I were you I'd buy the car I want for the budget I have, and accept it being a year or two older. I'd imagine a lot of cars haven't put on that many miles in the past 18 months, anyway. The downside is you're out of warranty on most cars past 3 years, not on the Hyundai though.
24k would get you into a brand new Suzuki Swift Sport and have 4k left over. Just been looking at one today myself (currently with a Fiesta ST). Nowhere near as quick as the ST in a straight line but a better daily IMO and it would still give a better drive than the GP in TJet or MJet form as it is so lightweight which is a rarity these days.
Edited by colin79666 on Tuesday 7th September 21:04
Fuyursuki said:
Hello all,
Wondering if some fellow PHer's could offer some car buying advice please - I'm looking to replace my car of 12 years (Fiat Grande Punto Sporting, stop laughing in the back!) with something more modern and I've got my eyes on a few different hot hatches. Very interested in a Leon Cupra as always liked them, but I also want to try out a Hyundai i30N, Focus ST, maybe a Type-R if the right example comes up.
Its been years since I've been on a forecourt, and with COVID etc I have absolutely no idea how things are working out there at the moment. Are dealerships pretty much back to normal where you can just turn up, have a browse, salesman comes over for a chat and you can go for a test drive? or do you find you're having to make an appointment for just that specific car?
Now, I'm fortunately in a position where I have around 24k to spare - intending this car to be my next long term motor. Looking at autotrader and the cost cap for most of the above seems to be around 25 grand, 19 plate with say 10,000 miles on it (manufacturer dependent). The Leons especially have quite a few different trims and there are alot of examples. If you were in a similar position, would your gut say just to go out and buy the newest you can(19 plate with DSG for example), or drop a year or two (say 17/18 plate with a manual) and trim 2-3k off?
Thanks!
'Suki
The first thing you need to do is test drive as many as possible (visit a car supermarket) as when you drive them you'll know what one is for you.Wondering if some fellow PHer's could offer some car buying advice please - I'm looking to replace my car of 12 years (Fiat Grande Punto Sporting, stop laughing in the back!) with something more modern and I've got my eyes on a few different hot hatches. Very interested in a Leon Cupra as always liked them, but I also want to try out a Hyundai i30N, Focus ST, maybe a Type-R if the right example comes up.
Its been years since I've been on a forecourt, and with COVID etc I have absolutely no idea how things are working out there at the moment. Are dealerships pretty much back to normal where you can just turn up, have a browse, salesman comes over for a chat and you can go for a test drive? or do you find you're having to make an appointment for just that specific car?
Now, I'm fortunately in a position where I have around 24k to spare - intending this car to be my next long term motor. Looking at autotrader and the cost cap for most of the above seems to be around 25 grand, 19 plate with say 10,000 miles on it (manufacturer dependent). The Leons especially have quite a few different trims and there are alot of examples. If you were in a similar position, would your gut say just to go out and buy the newest you can(19 plate with DSG for example), or drop a year or two (say 17/18 plate with a manual) and trim 2-3k off?
Thanks!
'Suki
My top 5 would be these:
Megane RS300 a very sweet & special steer hard to find but it would get the nod
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106294...
308 GTI it's a cracking steer & you can get pretty much brand new one for a smidge over 25k (before haggling) limit:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107074...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108206...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108206...
Focus ST with the Performance Pack
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...
i30N Fastback 275 more of an old school hot hatch but a blast to drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108075...
Hatchback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107275...
Not quite a true hot hatch but the M140i Shadow Edition is a very good leftfield option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105283...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107134...
The Cupra is a really good car very competent and easy to live with you won’t have any issues. I’d also consider a Mk7 GTI Clubsport or R as the residuals would be stronger over the long run if that matters to you.
VW group hot hatches seem to have fragile clutches in the manual cars at the 300bhp mark and so would say go DSG especially with the DSG being so good.
Focus ST I’d skip and pick up a Focus R.S.
I30N is suppose to be a cracking drive and reliability won’t be a problem.
Prices are a bit of a joke at the moment so don’t feel pressure to buy right away. Personally I think the used prices of Audi S3s are going to come crashing down soon as there are 100s just sitting there over priced and would be similar to the Cupra.
There isn’t a bad hot hatch in the last or current generation so just pick whatever flavour you like and suits you best.
Happy hunting!
VW group hot hatches seem to have fragile clutches in the manual cars at the 300bhp mark and so would say go DSG especially with the DSG being so good.
Focus ST I’d skip and pick up a Focus R.S.
I30N is suppose to be a cracking drive and reliability won’t be a problem.
Prices are a bit of a joke at the moment so don’t feel pressure to buy right away. Personally I think the used prices of Audi S3s are going to come crashing down soon as there are 100s just sitting there over priced and would be similar to the Cupra.
There isn’t a bad hot hatch in the last or current generation so just pick whatever flavour you like and suits you best.
Happy hunting!
A budget of £24k gets you into virtually every used hot hatch there is.
Find a few local ones at dealers and call up to book a test drive, I believe most/all are doing test drives now, even if they are on your own rather than with a salesman.
A FWD Fiesta ST is going to feel very different to drive than a RWD M140i and a 4WD S3 will feel difference to both of them so you need to get in them and go for a drive, the last thing you want is to drop £24k on PH recommendations and regret it.
Personally I quit like the i30N, they look like a proper hot hatch should and its power is more towards where a modern hot hatch should be. With VW/AUDI/BMW churning out 300bhp from their hot hatches, I think the <200bhp ones are no longer going to be hot hatches, especially when you can get some 'standard' cars running similar power.
Find a few local ones at dealers and call up to book a test drive, I believe most/all are doing test drives now, even if they are on your own rather than with a salesman.
A FWD Fiesta ST is going to feel very different to drive than a RWD M140i and a 4WD S3 will feel difference to both of them so you need to get in them and go for a drive, the last thing you want is to drop £24k on PH recommendations and regret it.
Personally I quit like the i30N, they look like a proper hot hatch should and its power is more towards where a modern hot hatch should be. With VW/AUDI/BMW churning out 300bhp from their hot hatches, I think the <200bhp ones are no longer going to be hot hatches, especially when you can get some 'standard' cars running similar power.
I'm in a similar situation. 12yr old Octavia vRS that's starting to fail. Been looking at Type-R's but prices are nuts. Nothing decent below £28k. Discounted a lot of cars but I'm leaning on a i30N being a very good 2nd option. Lots of mods available and the FL apparently has a better turbo and with a few tweaks and a map can see 400bhp, much like a Tuned Type-R. Was also considering Cupras but someone put me off saying the seats are weak and fail on bolsters and crack at the shoulders.
The only thing I've found with salesmen is they are hit and miss. At Hyundai he knew hardly anything about the car. A case of me knowing more than him and didn't seem that interested in giving a test drive, when the one we sat in was specifically for that. Was picking figures out of the air for options and was more expensive new and used than anywhere. Another downside is they are my nearest and the next nearest that's not part of their group is Aberystwyth. Would be a fun day out though and I have family there to visit.
In contrast to when I had a walk round my local SEAT, the saleswoman came outside to ask if I needed help, told her I know the brand, used to the engine as it's in mine, etc so she reeled off all the spec and differences of the four she had onsite. What a difference!
The only thing I've found with salesmen is they are hit and miss. At Hyundai he knew hardly anything about the car. A case of me knowing more than him and didn't seem that interested in giving a test drive, when the one we sat in was specifically for that. Was picking figures out of the air for options and was more expensive new and used than anywhere. Another downside is they are my nearest and the next nearest that's not part of their group is Aberystwyth. Would be a fun day out though and I have family there to visit.
In contrast to when I had a walk round my local SEAT, the saleswoman came outside to ask if I needed help, told her I know the brand, used to the engine as it's in mine, etc so she reeled off all the spec and differences of the four she had onsite. What a difference!
Thank you for the replies everyone, some definite food for thought! Good to know that dealerships are open and test drives are a thing again, I definitely want to drive as many different models as I can before making my decision.
Alot of good omens about the Hyundai, I've seen a couple around and they do look sweet as. Appreciate what people are saying about the price hikes too over COVID, getting the test drives out of 5-6 different cars will take a while to organise anyway - this is going to be my treat after a couple of crap personal years so while there's no rush I'd be happy paying a bit more to get something over the next couple of months.
Thanks again!
'Suki
Alot of good omens about the Hyundai, I've seen a couple around and they do look sweet as. Appreciate what people are saying about the price hikes too over COVID, getting the test drives out of 5-6 different cars will take a while to organise anyway - this is going to be my treat after a couple of crap personal years so while there's no rush I'd be happy paying a bit more to get something over the next couple of months.
Thanks again!
'Suki
Edited by Fuyursuki on Wednesday 8th September 13:19
Not related to the hot hatch topic because I have no experience of any of them!
But my sister was looking for a Fiat 500 Twinair in June and found one about 50 miles away. She called the dealer and made an appointment to view it and I took her there as I seem to be the person everyone in the family asks about cars!
Based on that experience though I think you could be hanging around quite a while if you just walked in and if not local making an appointment might save you time, not least because the car will be ready!
After copying some ID the salesman sent us off for a test drive (distancing was still in force at the time but Sis was my "bubble").
She bought it and while they wouldn't budge on price they delivered for free - which saved another 100 mile round trip!
But my sister was looking for a Fiat 500 Twinair in June and found one about 50 miles away. She called the dealer and made an appointment to view it and I took her there as I seem to be the person everyone in the family asks about cars!
Based on that experience though I think you could be hanging around quite a while if you just walked in and if not local making an appointment might save you time, not least because the car will be ready!
After copying some ID the salesman sent us off for a test drive (distancing was still in force at the time but Sis was my "bubble").
She bought it and while they wouldn't budge on price they delivered for free - which saved another 100 mile round trip!
My opinion is probably not going to go down well here - replies will be along the lines - it's bland, it's boring, etc, etc...
But my brother has a 66 plate DSG Golf R, had it from new, lovely spec; pan roof, lapiz blue, dcc, etc and every time I get to drive it can't help but think that it is truly the do-all car. Fantastic to drive, superbly reliable (he's at 45,000miles and has been running APR stage 1 since week 6), quick, quick, quick, plenty of grip when winter comes, the kids + dog all fit and it still looks nice after a good spruce up.
If he ever decides to sell, i'd want first refusal - and well within your budget, in fact you'd probably manage a newer 7.5R with the virtual dash. Great car.
But my brother has a 66 plate DSG Golf R, had it from new, lovely spec; pan roof, lapiz blue, dcc, etc and every time I get to drive it can't help but think that it is truly the do-all car. Fantastic to drive, superbly reliable (he's at 45,000miles and has been running APR stage 1 since week 6), quick, quick, quick, plenty of grip when winter comes, the kids + dog all fit and it still looks nice after a good spruce up.
If he ever decides to sell, i'd want first refusal - and well within your budget, in fact you'd probably manage a newer 7.5R with the virtual dash. Great car.
Mr Tidy said:
Not related to the hot hatch topic because I have no experience of any of them!
But my sister was looking for a Fiat 500 Twinair in June and found one about 50 miles away. She called the dealer and made an appointment to view it and I took her there as I seem to be the person everyone in the family asks about cars!
Based on that experience though I think you could be hanging around quite a while if you just walked in and if not local making an appointment might save you time, not least because the car will be ready!
After copying some ID the salesman sent us off for a test drive (distancing was still in force at the time but Sis was my "bubble").
She bought it and while they wouldn't budge on price they delivered for free - which saved another 100 mile round trip!
It's all useful stuff! out of interest, was it a main franchise dealer/car supermarket/something more local to that area?But my sister was looking for a Fiat 500 Twinair in June and found one about 50 miles away. She called the dealer and made an appointment to view it and I took her there as I seem to be the person everyone in the family asks about cars!
Based on that experience though I think you could be hanging around quite a while if you just walked in and if not local making an appointment might save you time, not least because the car will be ready!
After copying some ID the salesman sent us off for a test drive (distancing was still in force at the time but Sis was my "bubble").
She bought it and while they wouldn't budge on price they delivered for free - which saved another 100 mile round trip!
clarki said:
My opinion is probably not going to go down well here - replies will be along the lines - it's bland, it's boring, etc, etc...
But my brother has a 66 plate DSG Golf R, had it from new, lovely spec; pan roof, lapiz blue, dcc, etc and every time I get to drive it can't help but think that it is truly the do-all car. Fantastic to drive, superbly reliable (he's at 45,000miles and has been running APR stage 1 since week 6), quick, quick, quick, plenty of grip when winter comes, the kids + dog all fit and it still looks nice after a good spruce up.
If he ever decides to sell, i'd want first refusal - and well within your budget, in fact you'd probably manage a newer 7.5R with the virtual dash. Great car.
Good suggestion to be fair, I honestly never really considered the R simply because there's a load of them around here (Bradford) due to all those cheap lease deals a handful of years ago. I'll add that to the list But my brother has a 66 plate DSG Golf R, had it from new, lovely spec; pan roof, lapiz blue, dcc, etc and every time I get to drive it can't help but think that it is truly the do-all car. Fantastic to drive, superbly reliable (he's at 45,000miles and has been running APR stage 1 since week 6), quick, quick, quick, plenty of grip when winter comes, the kids + dog all fit and it still looks nice after a good spruce up.
If he ever decides to sell, i'd want first refusal - and well within your budget, in fact you'd probably manage a newer 7.5R with the virtual dash. Great car.
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