Fun commuter, 5- 15k

[Patrick1964]

I’m selling my “weekend” 987S and looking for a fun, reliable car for my three day a week commute of 25 miles each way on B and A roads in North Wales.
We have “family” cars for the dogs, holidays etc so it doesn’t need to be big, although I’m 6ft 3in and getting into a MINI isn’t easy, although with a sensible stretching regime (I have a very stiff back) a JCW would be a good option.
As I say, a MINI isn’t absolutely off the list, but the only other cars which feel like they may tick the boxes are
Suzuki Swift Sport - I like the idea of one of these, not that powerful but great fun and the lower insurance group would mean I could add my partner’s daughter to the insurance for when she’s home (not essential).
Also I can pick up a nice ZC32 for way under budget.
Fiesta ST - ideal, apart from the image (not sure I care) and they get nicked.
Clio 200 - needs to be driven hard to be fun? Chocolate gearbox? Poor MPG?

As stated, the main criteria are fun and reliability, although north of 25mpg
would help.

Thanks

Edited by Patrick1964 on Wednesday 18th May 10:51

[Belle427]

Not sure I'd be selling the Pork tbh.
Maybe look at something like a 370Z?
Interesting cars with a nice engine.

Edited by Belle427 on Wednesday 18th May 14:08

[Rory1984]

Up! Gti...

Just sold my Granturismo for a totally different experience and have not spent a minute missing it as a result of the VW purchase.

So much more fun than i had anticipated and plenty of options for subtle improvements. I am not tall however, though interior space is very good.

[ninjag]

Swift Sport would be on my list, we have a regular one with a 1.2 n/a engine and even that is fairly nippy with great go-kart handling. It is a bit small inside though.

What about a Focus ST for a little extra space?

Civic Type-R?

[MattyD803]

My money would be on an EP3 Civic Type R - Great fun to throw about, lovely VTEC roar when your feeling silly, usual Honda reliability and generally quite solidly built - Plus, kept in good condition and serviced properly, it'll probably hold or even appreciate during your ownership as well....and as a 6'3" ex-owner, they have plenty of leg and head room. MPG round town being sensible 25-30mpg, on a steady motorway run, 35-40mpg is easily achievable. 6-8k should get you a low mile mint example, 5k for something older/leggy/modified.

Downsides - quite old tech by today's standards, so you'd probably want to allow for a good head unit upgrade to offer up DAB & Apple Car Play etc. Also - image, potentially. No Auto option, no folding mirrors, no dual zone climate etc - but who really needs that....

An alternative to this if you want a touch more power, even better handling and a little more uniqueness, the Integra DC5's are wonderful....and a little lower key, but you'll be looking 12-14k for a good example.

I'm also a Golf GTi 'fan' - your budget will get you into a choice of Mk5, Mk6 and maybe early Mk7 models....Excellent way to commute, especially if you want lower down torque, DSG auto and a few extra toys and if you spend wisely on an Edition 30/35 and you'll find it holds its value very well. No where near the same levels of fun / 'hoonery' though....just depends what you want to be able to do with it.

Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 18th May 15:40

Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 18th May 16:28

[Tuscan Wil]

Abarth 595 Competitizione

[ChevronB19]

Rory1984 said:

Up! Gti...

Just sold my Granturismo for a totally different experience and have not spent a minute missing it as a result of the VW purchase.

So much more fun than i had anticipated and plenty of options for subtle improvements. I am not tall however, though interior space is very good.

This. Very nearly as fun to drive as my Elise.

[ZX10R NIN]

At the higher end of your budget it would be a 308 PS GTI 270, a great drivers car & a nice place to be:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204024...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205125...

Next would be the Astra GTC VXR these are another great steer but also have the benefit of adjustable damper so when your not full "flat crest followed by 4 right" you can slacken the ride off & let the Recaro's hold you.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204014...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204295...

Both cars are bigger than listed but are great steers.

On the smaller car front the 208 GTI is a very good pick & if your back is an issue go for the slightly softer Prestige:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205055...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205035...

Or if you decide you can live with a JCW then go for the PS 208 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...

Or it's DS3 Performance brother:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204204...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205165...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204164...

[georgeyboy12345]

Some ideas that I don't think have been mentioned yet

Abarth Punto Evo SS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203153...


Renaultsport Megane Cup 265
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112140...


Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...


Audi S1
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...


DS3 Performance
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204164...


Fiat Panda 100HP
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201311...


Seat Leon Cupra 290
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109247...


Toyota GT86
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...


Subaru BRZ
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...

[ChrisH72]

Plenty of choice there but as I have one I'm going to recommend the Fiesta ST for the kind of driving you have planned.

I'm very undecided about what to eventually replace mine with as it's such a great car. If it weren't for the fact that I love the thrill of changing cars and am in a position to do so I really wouldn't bother. It's slightly annoying that I'll need to spend quite a lot for a significant upgrade. One possibility is a 987! Not sure I really want the running costs though.

The mk7 ST came out 9 years ago and even the latest ones are now 5 years old. Originally many were bought by young lads on cheap finance deals so they gained a bad reputation. I don't see nearly as many about nowadays and IMO the image is changing. Lots have been modded or crashed and what's left tend to be nice standard well looked after examples. I think they're appreciated by petrol heads as fun cars and great value and that will only improve over time.

Security is still an issue but there are a few inexpensive things you can do to alleviate the risk of theft. Use a Faraday bag if you have keyless entry. Buy a decent steering lock. Relocate the OBD port.

I like the Swift Sport and Up gti but I wonder if they have enough power for you coming from the Porsche? I'm not into big power but feel I wouldn't want anything much slower than the Fiesta. It feels about right for our roads.

[davey68]

Would highly recommend mk7 Fiesta ST with one caveat. Bought my ST-3 new 2016 with Mountune MP215 upgrade from new. Fantastic car, great fun, handling was good. Turbo torque is addictive and in a light car it goes well. Although the interior is a generation behind new it still has heated seats, screen, DAB, nav, cruise etc. I averaged 36 mpg and overall very few better cars in the price bracket. The caveat, mine was stolen off my drive a couple of weeks ago! Didn't break in for the keys, no broken glass on the drive so Police suspect it was targeted and they used a keyless scanner to fool the system. Once in they can drive away. Gutted to be honest I had no intention of selling it but please be aware they are targets.

[Patrick1964]

Thanks all - some great options. I think it's going to be an ST, with some security enhancements, garaged at night.

[pb8g09]

I've got a similar thread going for similar budget.

Audi S1 if the MPG is the priority on the wet roads in Wales for the rain.

Megane RS250/265 for the roads you're driving on.

Those would be the alternatives for me at that budget. M135i perhaps too.

[ChrisH72]

davey68 said:

Would highly recommend mk7 Fiesta ST with one caveat. Bought my ST-3 new 2016 with Mountune MP215 upgrade from new. Fantastic car, great fun, handling was good. Turbo torque is addictive and in a light car it goes well. Although the interior is a generation behind new it still has heated seats, screen, DAB, nav, cruise etc. I averaged 36 mpg and overall very few better cars in the price bracket. The caveat, mine was stolen off my drive a couple of weeks ago! Didn't break in for the keys, no broken glass on the drive so Police suspect it was targeted and they used a keyless scanner to fool the system. Once in they can drive away. Gutted to be honest I had no intention of selling it but please be aware they are targets.

They are certainly still being stolen unfortunately. Do you mind me asking, did you have any additional security in place for yours?

I've always kept my keys in a Faraday pouch over night as I know they can use a laptop to pick up the signal and gain entry. Also have a disclok which is a but of a pain to use but at least provides good visual deterrent. It's always at the back of my mind though, more so than other cars I've had.

[AnneTeak]

BMW 130i?

[davey68]

Hi Chris, no didn't use a steering lock which in hindsight is probably stupid. Might have been enough to put them off. Keys were in pocket of my coat in cupboard in the house, not sure how easy it is to pick up the keyless signal. I also thought that once idle for 15 minutes they stopped emitting the signal but that may be wrong. Regardless, it has gone and not been recovered. Really gutted so if you do get one take some additional security precautions. My cousin works for JLR and quite a few of his colleagues bought ST's on the car scheme and a fair number have been stolen. Fast Fords do seem to be targets.

[Terry Tibbs]

You won’t go wrong with an ST. Had mine for about 18 months now and it’s been a hoot. It’s got the mp215 kit on it (previous owner did it) and a quick shift but otherwise stock. Don’t think it really needs any more, quick enough for me!
I use a disklok, and I’m careful where I park it as yeah they do get targeted.