Another £20k What Car thread

[Legacywr]

Looking to buy a daily, around 20k to spend, could go a little more…

Happy to buy privately, but there are no private sellers.

There’s quite a range of cars I'm interested in, so it might seem a bit strange.

Main criteria, it needs to have something about, not sure what it is, but the something nice to see on your drive sort of thing, reasonable on fuel, preferably manual.

I was really keen to try a Puma ST-Line 155, drove one, what a disappointment, the engine sounds so bad.

I’ve also driven a Nissan Juke Tekna+, this was a nice drive, everything on it, and the 2020+ model looks great too.

Others I’ve considered are the 308 Gti, mk7.5 Golf Gti, Peugeot 208 and 2008 both GT Line, Suzuki Swift Sport (this would be the cheapest option} Toyota C-HR…

[CrippsCorner]

Hot hatches and SUVs eh :P

Civic Type-R - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101...

You've tried a Golf GTI, but what about a Golf R/Audi S3?

X3 M Sport - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...

Wildcard: Evo

[Legacywr]

No, I haven’t driven the Golf.

I don’t want diesel, plus BMW make some of the ugliest SUV’s available

[ChrisH72]

What did you think of the Puma aside from the engine? You can gey a Puma ST for 23k so slightly over budget. Or similar money gets an i20N.

[ZX10R NIN]

I have to say the 308 GTI would be my pick from your list.

[Legacywr]

I drove a 2020 208 GT today, drove very well, oddly you can only get the 130bhp in the auto model.

Saw a lovely black 308 Gti on my way home, I’d need to search out a car with the Denon upgrade… thin on the ground though.

[Legacywr]

I should add, I want a good sound audio system.

To answer the Puma question, it didn’t feel very special, and the B&O system is pants.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you like good sound quality I'd find a specialist & get a speaker upgrade as at this end of the market I have found that most of the upgrades are okay at best.

[Legacywr]

The Bose in the Juke is surprisingly good. The whole spec is extremely good.

[Vsix and Vtec]

Out of the suggestions so far, I'd go for the Type R. Proper grown up hot hatch, with looks that will turn heads and performance to keep you interested long after the honeymoon purchase period has faded. The fact they're very well built and if driven gently (if your right foot will let you!) will return low to mid 40's on a run are all big ticks in the box too. Lets be honest, Honda are legendary for building cars that just don't really ever let you down.

Moving away from hot hatches, 20k will get you into a higher mileage 911, a half decent Boxter, or even a Jaguar XE if you want something more luxury focused.

You've not really mentioned use case, so I don't know if we need to factor in dog/kid space?

[Legacywr]

I like the current Type R, but well out of budget?

None of the earlier models do it for me.

Not looking for a sports car either.

4 proper seats are a must.

[Legacywr]

Hasn’t been a good week for looking at cars

[SiT]

So the standout choice for me has to be a Golf R in either hatch/estate guise of a 7.5 vintage. I just bought an estate a fortnight ago and am impressed on a daily basis about its depth of abilities and its seeming Swiss Army Knife nature. One minute we are loaded up for Christmas day, sitting surefooted on the wet/greasy roads visiting family in warmth, comfort and safety achieving 35+ mpg the next its in full attack mode, banging through the gears keeping up with some far more exotic machinery.

Its like a cross between a RS4 and a Nissan GTR and £20k gets you into a 7.5 with ease.

Good luck!

Si

[Legacywr]

I love the R, but the Gti would suit my needs much better, fuel consumption and other costs.

Another thought a i30N…

Don’t feel sorry for me, please! But, there are so many types of car to consider at this price point

[CG2020UK]

I still recommend a GTI I miss mine and thought it was just an incredible all rounder with no weaknesses.

What about a Seat Leon Cupra?

Megane RS?

Not the biggest fan but BMW M135i/235i?

Alfa Romeo Guilia Veloce?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212152...

[JohnG36]

SiT said:

So the standout choice for me has to be a Golf R in either hatch/estate guise of a 7.5 vintage. I just bought an estate a fortnight ago and am impressed on a daily basis about its depth of abilities and its seeming Swiss Army Knife nature. One minute we are loaded up for Christmas day, sitting surefooted on the wet/greasy roads visiting family in warmth, comfort and safety achieving 35+ mpg the next its in full attack mode, banging through the gears keeping up with some far more exotic machinery.

Its like a cross between a RS4 and a Nissan GTR and £20k gets you into a 7.5 with ease.

Good luck!

Si

What like is steering, is there any feel or feedback?

[SiT]

JohnG36 said:

What like is steering, is there any feel or feedback?

I know the car gets slated for its lack of feel but all modern cars have gone in the same direction and it’s dulled down.

Personally I think in Race it weights up nicely for fast road use, I understand it’s no Megane RS and I wouldn’t suggest you buy one if you want to spend time on track but as a fast daily it’s more than acceptable.

Si

[ChrisH72]

Legacywr said:

I love the R, but the Gti would suit my needs much better, fuel consumption and other costs.

Another thought a i30N…

Don’t feel sorry for me, please! But, there are so many types of car to consider at this price point

I like the i30N but it just doesn't seem great value to me.

IMO the i20N has more about it.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022100705...

Not too much over budget. The other day motorpoint had a nice blue one for 21995 but it must've sold quick.

You get a fairly new car with everything on it. I'm pretty sure it has Bose sound too.

[Legacywr]

The i30N seems to have pretty lousy fuel consumption.

What’s the Dynaudio like on the Golf?

[ninjag]

208 GTi and have plenty of change. Fun car.