Fiesta ST what next M140i or something else?
Discussion
Currently have 17 plate Fiesta st-3 looking for a change as had car 3 years.
Want something faster budget £25k but could stretch a little more for right car.
Current car has 28k miles so want something newer 2019+ with less mileage and faster.
Initial thought is M140i or new shape M135i this would smash budget.
Want a 5 door as have teenage daughter and a real pita having 3 door.
Want something faster budget £25k but could stretch a little more for right car.
Current car has 28k miles so want something newer 2019+ with less mileage and faster.
Initial thought is M140i or new shape M135i this would smash budget.
Want a 5 door as have teenage daughter and a real pita having 3 door.
What about a BMW 440i Gran Coupe? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206227...
Depends if you fancy a change or just the next level up of hot hatch?
FK8 Type R
I30N Fastback
I went from an E92 325i to my current ST3 and prefer the Fiesta in just about every way. A 440i would be a different league to a 325i but its still a big, heavy cruiser which is fine if that's what your after.
FK8 Type R
I30N Fastback
I went from an E92 325i to my current ST3 and prefer the Fiesta in just about every way. A 440i would be a different league to a 325i but its still a big, heavy cruiser which is fine if that's what your after.
ChrisH72 said:
Depends if you fancy a change or just the next level up of hot hatch?
FK8 Type R
I30N Fastback
I went from an E92 325i to my current ST3 and prefer the Fiesta in just about every way. A 440i would be a different league to a 325i but its still a big, heavy cruiser which is fine if that's what your after.
This just arrived & replaced a Megane 280RS 69 plate & already the size difference is bringing back memories of my clio Trophy from 2006!FK8 Type R
I30N Fastback
I went from an E92 325i to my current ST3 and prefer the Fiesta in just about every way. A 440i would be a different league to a 325i but its still a big, heavy cruiser which is fine if that's what your after.
They are crazy prices currently but got this for less than your budget with cash to maintain & run for a year or two
Smithers1981 said:
Currently have 17 plate Fiesta st-3 looking for a change as had car 3 years.
Want something faster budget £25k but could stretch a little more for right car.
Current car has 28k miles so want something newer 2019+ with less mileage and faster.
Initial thought is M140i or new shape M135i this would smash budget.
Want a 5 door as have teenage daughter and a real pita having 3 door.
I would suggest that the Fiesta ST is actually a better steer than the BMW. Want something faster budget £25k but could stretch a little more for right car.
Current car has 28k miles so want something newer 2019+ with less mileage and faster.
Initial thought is M140i or new shape M135i this would smash budget.
Want a 5 door as have teenage daughter and a real pita having 3 door.
The BMW is a good sporty mini GT car but its not an out and out handling machine. Dynamically its poor out the box. Its under sprung. Not stiff enough and leaves little in the way of feedback before it snaps on you. You can of course rectify this with numerous after market mods. BIRDS is your friend here. The much can be said of the 1 series since its inception. I had the 130i and it was a cracking motor but let down handling wise (and yes i've driven M135i and M140i) but they are not M-Cars. (currently own an M3). So bare in mind it will be quick in a straight line at traffic lights but on b-roads and roads that upset the suspension (like most UK roads) then it does feel (and is) compromised.
From a hatchback perspective its also compromised on its size in the rear but there is leg room and your teenage daughter and her friends can fit. It has a nice interior and its a relatively nice place to sit - just like any BMW. Does the job fine, not the next level in fit and finish but its good.
The fact you want a car from 2019 onwards in that price bracket and to be a hot hatch narrows down the list somewhat of competitors.
Golf Gti TCR - Rare, great steer. Much better dynamically without a doubt and a lovely rare car. Much nicer to look at than the BMW and much more space full stop.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209149...
Or again if you want class leading handling and joy to drive the FK8 Type R is the pick of the bunch - BUT you'd be lucky to find one in budget. Though they do exist -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209019...
(More likely find an FK2 and not much between them dynamically) but both are rare on the road and divisive in their looks.
Always class leading in handling and feel the Renault Megane RS300 Trophy would also be a choice. Rare. Lovely to look at and very muscular in the flesh. It stands out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...
It takes some time to get to grips with the 4 wheel steer but once you have it nailed its bloody brilliant. A few journos that tested them originally didn't have the time to get to grips with it, but any long term review will tell you its as good a steer as any. They are great cars.
I would take any of the 3 above dynamically and for enjoyment over the BMW.
If you aren't too fussed about how good a steer it is and don't mind it being a little bit more of a tool. Then the Audi S3 saloon is a good shout. Its not as fun or dynamic as the rest, but its good at what it does and classes ahead of its previous incarnations as a driving tool. Not to say that its as good as the others, IMHO its not. But its a consideration in the bracket you are looking at.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208138...
Just a few ideas for you. Good look OP.
Thanks for replies it’s a minefield, the S3 is tempting have considered newer ST but fancy a change tbh, interior is important as is infotainment as current Nokia style display on ST leaves lots to be desired.
Personally never been a ‘golf’ man nothing against them just not for me.
What is most important newer or less miles would people say?
Personally never been a ‘golf’ man nothing against them just not for me.
What is most important newer or less miles would people say?
Had a rwd M135i and M140i one auto, one manual. The engine is great. The handling dreadful. Floaty front end when you really push it.
Let’s put it this way, on a spirited drive on the NY Moors, I tried keeping up with an i30n. Not a chance, those things go round corners on rail and could just get the power down much better when coming out of corners.
If I were you, I’d go for one of those (Performance version if you can). They’re a proper hot hatch, the Beemer felt more like a tourer by comparison to me.
Let’s put it this way, on a spirited drive on the NY Moors, I tried keeping up with an i30n. Not a chance, those things go round corners on rail and could just get the power down much better when coming out of corners.
If I were you, I’d go for one of those (Performance version if you can). They’re a proper hot hatch, the Beemer felt more like a tourer by comparison to me.
I’d recommend you get something with more than four cylinders, unless you are absolutely focused on driving dynamics.
Having a nice, premium engine with a good turn of pace is a bit of me car wise. The amount of time you can press on in corners is tiny unless you make a weekend of finding driving roads etc.
Having a nice, premium engine with a good turn of pace is a bit of me car wise. The amount of time you can press on in corners is tiny unless you make a weekend of finding driving roads etc.
Given that you can't really make a mistake if you enjoy driving/cars, you will get an interesting experience of some kind whatever you go for so my opinion is this.
On the one hand, pick something that you lust after and can afford.
On the other hand, if you want to make sure you're moving forward, buying better, work out what you like and dislike about your current car and check reviews and recommendations based on this.
For instance, if you only want performance and don't care about economy or practicality, then pick another small but more powerful hot hatch.
If you enjoy driving, then even a 1.8 litre Mk 3 Golf Cabriolet will be fine down a country lane. (Ask me how I know.)
If it's all about powerrrrrrr and impressing off the lights, then you'll have to look up 0-60 times and base your decision on that.
On the one hand, pick something that you lust after and can afford.
On the other hand, if you want to make sure you're moving forward, buying better, work out what you like and dislike about your current car and check reviews and recommendations based on this.
For instance, if you only want performance and don't care about economy or practicality, then pick another small but more powerful hot hatch.
If you enjoy driving, then even a 1.8 litre Mk 3 Golf Cabriolet will be fine down a country lane. (Ask me how I know.)
If it's all about powerrrrrrr and impressing off the lights, then you'll have to look up 0-60 times and base your decision on that.
Smithers1981 said:
Just seen the type-R really tempted!
If you’re talking about the FK8, try one but I’d suggest only if you can do it. I’ve had a MK7 ST3 ST for almost four years & have driven various FK8’s, you will be amazed at the seat comfort & ride quality in comparison, let alone the rest!
If you don’t mind the looks it’s definitely worth serious consideration.
If you're considering a 440i then take a look (I know you said you were a badge snob but it's worth a test drive) at the Kia Stinger:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206297...
Giulia Veloce 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210010...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210130...
S4 with the Virtual Cockpit:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...
Leftfield
Q50 S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209169...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210020...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206297...
Giulia Veloce 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210010...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210130...
S4 with the Virtual Cockpit:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...
Leftfield
Q50 S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209169...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210020...
Are you any further forward on this yet OP?
I was looking at mk8 Fiestas on AT today and can't get past the value really. £15k buys a 2019 ST3 with performance pack and reasonable mileage. It's very hard to justify an extra £10k for something with a slightly bigger boot and half a second quicker to 60. It remains one of my top options for next time.
I was looking at mk8 Fiestas on AT today and can't get past the value really. £15k buys a 2019 ST3 with performance pack and reasonable mileage. It's very hard to justify an extra £10k for something with a slightly bigger boot and half a second quicker to 60. It remains one of my top options for next time.
Iv an m140 had it about 18 months it’s the perfect all rounder for me don’t know what I’d replace it with without significantly increasing budget.
Mines modified with suspension mods and running 500bhp and last week did a 900 mile round trip from the north to Cornwall, did 80mph on cruise comfortably and returned 42mpg, then took a detour on the way home for a track day at Donington where it held up very well against much more exotic/track prepped stuff.
Mines modified with suspension mods and running 500bhp and last week did a 900 mile round trip from the north to Cornwall, did 80mph on cruise comfortably and returned 42mpg, then took a detour on the way home for a track day at Donington where it held up very well against much more exotic/track prepped stuff.
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