Warm hatches for £17k?
Discussion
I'm actively looking for a new car at present, initial intention was to find a decent 2016/17 Golf GTi with full history and a few extras but after looking at a few examples locally, some of the descriptions of them being immaculate or mint have fallen short.
I've discounted the R on the basis that a lot will have been owned by idiots and in owning one, I also run the risk of not finding it where I have left it. Similar story for a Focus ST unfortunately.
I've not ruled the Golf out but I am trying to broaden my search.
I've got a couple of other options on the list:
A Class AMG line
2018on Focus 1.5 182 ST Line x
Something from BMW - 3GT?
Skoda Octavia VRs
Audi A5?
Anything else?
Having had a number of diesels over the past 10 years I think I'm going back to petrol. My commute is 80 miles round trip on dual/single a roads which I might do a few times a week, average about 11-12k per year. Must have 4 seats, doesn't have to be 5 door. Good stereo and ideally a sunroof option are the specs I look for. Planning to keep the car for a while so trying to source the right one. I know Vauxhall's usually get recommended but I really don't want one, maybe its because my childhood was stained by Cavaliers and Astra's.
I've discounted the R on the basis that a lot will have been owned by idiots and in owning one, I also run the risk of not finding it where I have left it. Similar story for a Focus ST unfortunately.
I've not ruled the Golf out but I am trying to broaden my search.
I've got a couple of other options on the list:
A Class AMG line
2018on Focus 1.5 182 ST Line x
Something from BMW - 3GT?
Skoda Octavia VRs
Audi A5?
Anything else?
Having had a number of diesels over the past 10 years I think I'm going back to petrol. My commute is 80 miles round trip on dual/single a roads which I might do a few times a week, average about 11-12k per year. Must have 4 seats, doesn't have to be 5 door. Good stereo and ideally a sunroof option are the specs I look for. Planning to keep the car for a while so trying to source the right one. I know Vauxhall's usually get recommended but I really don't want one, maybe its because my childhood was stained by Cavaliers and Astra's.
You could actually get a Leon Cupra 300 for £17k which is similar to the Golf R but perhaps attracts a bit less attention. Or a warm version would be the FR 2.0 190 which is very subtle and also a newer car for the money. Auto only on that FR though if that’s a consideration.
For what you describe though I’d probably be looking very closely at the Octavia VRS.
The sunroof option does limit choice quite considerably. My wife absolutely must have an opening sunroof on her car and it’s not easy to find.
Another interesting motor which did come with a sunroof is the Alfa Giulietta. I haven’t looked but I’m sure £17k would get the later 1.8tb Veloce, also auto only.
For what you describe though I’d probably be looking very closely at the Octavia VRS.
The sunroof option does limit choice quite considerably. My wife absolutely must have an opening sunroof on her car and it’s not easy to find.
Another interesting motor which did come with a sunroof is the Alfa Giulietta. I haven’t looked but I’m sure £17k would get the later 1.8tb Veloce, also auto only.
Probably considered hot, rather than warm, but I'd be looking at a decent RS Megane.
Something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
Might have to look around for something with a sunroof though.
Something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
Might have to look around for something with a sunroof though.
I just acquired a 2016 Octavia vRS hatch in “they forgot to paint it Grey” for just shy of 14k. It’s been incredibly well maintained. 1 previous owner. Tight as a drum.
It’s definitely not as well finished as a Golf but for essentially the same car underneath it’s great value.
I found similarly that GTIs in this price bracket were leggy not well looked after examples or crash repaired jobbies.
Not sure if you can get the vRS with a Sunroof (although from what I’ve read VAG sunroofs aren’t immune to issues and potentially expensive fixes) so I’d steer clear.
A tank of Tesco momentum will do me around 400miles of mainly motorway driving (having said that I’ve only had the car 2 weeks and I’ve been enjoying the loud pedal so YMMV). My commute is half yours per day but roughly the same per annum.
I had a 2017 Leon Fr (1.8tsi manual) before the vRS and despite being “cheaper” than the Leon the Octavia is a much nicer car to live with. Although I have found I’m being egged on to race more in the Octavia over the Leon.
Sadly can’t really speak for any other the others on your list. I’m sure one of the walking car encyclopaedias will be along soon enough to fill in the rest of the gaps.
It’s definitely not as well finished as a Golf but for essentially the same car underneath it’s great value.
I found similarly that GTIs in this price bracket were leggy not well looked after examples or crash repaired jobbies.
Not sure if you can get the vRS with a Sunroof (although from what I’ve read VAG sunroofs aren’t immune to issues and potentially expensive fixes) so I’d steer clear.
A tank of Tesco momentum will do me around 400miles of mainly motorway driving (having said that I’ve only had the car 2 weeks and I’ve been enjoying the loud pedal so YMMV). My commute is half yours per day but roughly the same per annum.
I had a 2017 Leon Fr (1.8tsi manual) before the vRS and despite being “cheaper” than the Leon the Octavia is a much nicer car to live with. Although I have found I’m being egged on to race more in the Octavia over the Leon.
Sadly can’t really speak for any other the others on your list. I’m sure one of the walking car encyclopaedias will be along soon enough to fill in the rest of the gaps.
If the problems with the GTI's you're finding are mostly cosmetic, you could budget for some repairs to get it up to standard? I've done similar things in the past for cars that had a few cosmetic concerns but seemed mechanically sound and with good history. I've even replaced interior panels and trim if they're marked. It meant the total amount spent for the car was broadly the same as the premium you may pay for a 'mint' car, but I know exactly what has happened to it.
I say this as the GTI is annoyingly good at everything, so it's hard to dismiss the idea. You can buy a car that's faster (Cupra 300, Golf R), or more fun (Megan), or more practical (Octavia VRS and it's massive boot!), but there's always a downside. The downside of a Golf GTI is the lack of character or excitement, but it's bloody capable and easy to live with.
I say this as the GTI is annoyingly good at everything, so it's hard to dismiss the idea. You can buy a car that's faster (Cupra 300, Golf R), or more fun (Megan), or more practical (Octavia VRS and it's massive boot!), but there's always a downside. The downside of a Golf GTI is the lack of character or excitement, but it's bloody capable and easy to live with.
Chicken Chaser said:
I'm actively looking for a new car at present, initial intention was to find a decent 2016/17 Golf GTi with full history and a few extras but after looking at a few examples locally, some of the descriptions of them being immaculate or mint have fallen short.
I've discounted the R on the basis that a lot will have been owned by idiots and in owning one, I also run the risk of not finding it where I have left it. Similar story for a Focus ST unfortunately.
I've not ruled the Golf out but I am trying to broaden my search.
I've got a couple of other options on the list:
A Class AMG line
2018on Focus 1.5 182 ST Line x
Something from BMW - 3GT?
Skoda Octavia VRs
Audi A5?
Anything else?
Having had a number of diesels over the past 10 years I think I'm going back to petrol. My commute is 80 miles round trip on dual/single a roads which I might do a few times a week, average about 11-12k per year. Must have 4 seats, doesn't have to be 5 door. Good stereo and ideally a sunroof option are the specs I look for. Planning to keep the car for a while so trying to source the right one. I know Vauxhall's usually get recommended but I really don't want one, maybe its because my childhood was stained by Cavaliers and Astra's.
Here are some cracking alternates.I've discounted the R on the basis that a lot will have been owned by idiots and in owning one, I also run the risk of not finding it where I have left it. Similar story for a Focus ST unfortunately.
I've not ruled the Golf out but I am trying to broaden my search.
I've got a couple of other options on the list:
A Class AMG line
2018on Focus 1.5 182 ST Line x
Something from BMW - 3GT?
Skoda Octavia VRs
Audi A5?
Anything else?
Having had a number of diesels over the past 10 years I think I'm going back to petrol. My commute is 80 miles round trip on dual/single a roads which I might do a few times a week, average about 11-12k per year. Must have 4 seats, doesn't have to be 5 door. Good stereo and ideally a sunroof option are the specs I look for. Planning to keep the car for a while so trying to source the right one. I know Vauxhall's usually get recommended but I really don't want one, maybe its because my childhood was stained by Cavaliers and Astra's.
PS 308 GTI great steers & underrated:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211031...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101...
Or the warm 308 GT 225:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211231...
Megane RS275 with the Cup Chassis:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212022...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210160...
Or the newer model Megane in GT Nav 205 form:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208038...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
You can get an i30N but you'll have to hunt for one at your price point:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211272...
Or the warm Kia Ceed GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210150...
If you like the A250 AMG Line then take a good look at the Infiniti Q30 Sport (they're the same car but the Infiniti gets the slightly nicer interior) 210. they're also good value:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211252...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210110...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206106...
Leon Cupra 300 if you want a VAG product this is the pick for your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211161...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209280...
V40 T5 R Design 245:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207157...
Objective Alpha said:
id probably have a Volvo V40 T5
Rare car and i suppose no one expects how fast it is. fasters than the 2014 golf GTI
i had a standard V40 and was honestly such a somfy, well built nice car
This would be my choice too I think. Possibly an RS Megane also but probably the Volvo.Rare car and i suppose no one expects how fast it is. fasters than the 2014 golf GTI
i had a standard V40 and was honestly such a somfy, well built nice car
Or an Up GTi.
Thanks all for the feedback, I'm looking at the warm rather than hot hatches as I don't really want a focussed car which is poor on fuel and hard on comfort. It's there to get me to work in comfort, relatively good on fuel for a long run and capable of carrying the family 2+2. Out other vehicle is a crew van which we use for days out so it's not always suitable for wherever we might be off . Not sure if the Cupra 300 or the Mégane would be a bit wearing in the same use?
I had considered the Mini f56 in 3 door (the 5 door too ugly) but I think it's pretty tight for 4 of us.
It's not so much the cosmetics, I've seen a tidy one which was a bit higher mileage and slightly older than what I'd like but then some others which clearly hadn't been looked after - missed services, budget mismatched tyres, scabby kerbed diamond cut alloys and still strong prices. Ive bought some great cars previously through private sales and people who really look after their motors but as mentioned on another thread, there seems to be a real lack of private sellers, probably because they don't want the hassle.
I had considered the Mini f56 in 3 door (the 5 door too ugly) but I think it's pretty tight for 4 of us.
It's not so much the cosmetics, I've seen a tidy one which was a bit higher mileage and slightly older than what I'd like but then some others which clearly hadn't been looked after - missed services, budget mismatched tyres, scabby kerbed diamond cut alloys and still strong prices. Ive bought some great cars previously through private sales and people who really look after their motors but as mentioned on another thread, there seems to be a real lack of private sellers, probably because they don't want the hassle.
ZX10R NIN said:
Chicken Chaser said:
What I wanted to ask of others is, would you still consider diesel?
For your type of journey a diesel will be fine it's just down what you prefer.Chicken Chaser said:
Thanks all for the feedback, I'm looking at the warm rather than hot hatches as I don't really want a focussed car which is poor on fuel and hard on comfort. It's there to get me to work in comfort, relatively good on fuel for a long run and capable of carrying the family 2+2. Out other vehicle is a crew van which we use for days out so it's not always suitable for wherever we might be off . Not sure if the Cupra 300 or the Mégane would be a bit wearing in the same use?
I had considered the Mini f56 in 3 door (the 5 door too ugly) but I think it's pretty tight for 4 of us.
It's not so much the cosmetics, I've seen a tidy one which was a bit higher mileage and slightly older than what I'd like but then some others which clearly hadn't been looked after - missed services, budget mismatched tyres, scabby kerbed diamond cut alloys and still strong prices. Ive bought some great cars previously through private sales and people who really look after their motors but as mentioned on another thread, there seems to be a real lack of private sellers, probably because they don't want the hassle.
In which case the Megane GT/T5 V40 & Q30 Sport would be my pick.I had considered the Mini f56 in 3 door (the 5 door too ugly) but I think it's pretty tight for 4 of us.
It's not so much the cosmetics, I've seen a tidy one which was a bit higher mileage and slightly older than what I'd like but then some others which clearly hadn't been looked after - missed services, budget mismatched tyres, scabby kerbed diamond cut alloys and still strong prices. Ive bought some great cars previously through private sales and people who really look after their motors but as mentioned on another thread, there seems to be a real lack of private sellers, probably because they don't want the hassle.
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