Sub £25k fun daily driver
Discussion
Needing some help. Looking for a interesting next car.
Simple Criteria;
-Good steering, with somekind of feedback.
-Ideally 4 seats with usable boot.
-Interesting engine.
Cars I've considered, Subaru legacy 3.0r spec b, Forester sti, civic type R, bmw m135i.
Even thought about a gen1 focus st170.
I'm nearly 30, live in Northern Scotland and get my speed fix from sportbikes.
A mx5 would do the trick but not sure if the 2 seater setup will get the stamp of approval.
Never driven a golf R, have driven 997s 911 so know what a decent car feels like.
Cheers.
Simple Criteria;
-Good steering, with somekind of feedback.
-Ideally 4 seats with usable boot.
-Interesting engine.
Cars I've considered, Subaru legacy 3.0r spec b, Forester sti, civic type R, bmw m135i.
Even thought about a gen1 focus st170.
I'm nearly 30, live in Northern Scotland and get my speed fix from sportbikes.
A mx5 would do the trick but not sure if the 2 seater setup will get the stamp of approval.
Never driven a golf R, have driven 997s 911 so know what a decent car feels like.
Cheers.
I was going to suggest an M4 but probably too much of a cruiser for what you want.
Wait 3-4months I’d say the M2 will be in budget and you’d really enjoy.
There has been good suggestions but I’m going to ignore the engine requirement and offer up to left field choices that I really rate and might suit despite have 2L engines.
What about an RS Megane you’d walk away with a great one for significantly less than your budget?
Alfa Romeo Guilia Veloce possible?
Wait 3-4months I’d say the M2 will be in budget and you’d really enjoy.
There has been good suggestions but I’m going to ignore the engine requirement and offer up to left field choices that I really rate and might suit despite have 2L engines.
What about an RS Megane you’d walk away with a great one for significantly less than your budget?
Alfa Romeo Guilia Veloce possible?
Found myself in pretty much the same position, albeit my bikes kept getting stolen (wonders of living close to London).
I test drove a i30n, Civic Type R (FK8), a DC5, an M2 (N55) and Fiesta ST MK8.
FK8 was most impressive dynamically, amazing seats and gearbox also very practical. Did find it quite big though for small b roads and feel like it would need to visit a track regularly to extract the most fun. Rest of the interior was disappointing and it sounded disappointing despite engine being very strong.
i30n was the most configurable, but all the sound was from the exhaust which isn't what I prefer. Found it a bit harsh even on softest setting, also had the cheapest interior feel. Still a fun drive and looks the part.
DC5 was amazing when pushing on, but rest of the time was a bit impractical for my needs (back seats and low speed driving). Also I had the feeling I would constantly be paranoid using it in winter for fear of rust.
M2 I decided was a bit of a stretch at this price point, getting bottom of the market. Higher miles and potential much more serious bills. Felt special, but it had the least supportive seats (OG M2) and worst gear change of the lot.
Fiesta ST MK8 I originally wasn't even considering as on paper it didn't stack up (1.5l 3cyl), but after reading endless reviews singing its praises I gave it a go.
For me it had the most complete package, most fun for on the road driving and your local b roads. All the control weights were good, the engine has that uneven cylinder warble with loads of character. Plenty of torque and a light car by modern standards meant it just felt very eager even in just normal driving.
Also prefer the interior over i30n and FK8, B&O system is impressive, car play/android auto, heated everything.
Ended up test driving 3 different examples to make sure it was for me, just put my deposit down today and will collect in a week.
Well under your budget and loads of examples to choose from including the performance editions which have KW V3 coilovers standard. Worth giving one a go if you're looking for most b road fun.
I test drove a i30n, Civic Type R (FK8), a DC5, an M2 (N55) and Fiesta ST MK8.
FK8 was most impressive dynamically, amazing seats and gearbox also very practical. Did find it quite big though for small b roads and feel like it would need to visit a track regularly to extract the most fun. Rest of the interior was disappointing and it sounded disappointing despite engine being very strong.
i30n was the most configurable, but all the sound was from the exhaust which isn't what I prefer. Found it a bit harsh even on softest setting, also had the cheapest interior feel. Still a fun drive and looks the part.
DC5 was amazing when pushing on, but rest of the time was a bit impractical for my needs (back seats and low speed driving). Also I had the feeling I would constantly be paranoid using it in winter for fear of rust.
M2 I decided was a bit of a stretch at this price point, getting bottom of the market. Higher miles and potential much more serious bills. Felt special, but it had the least supportive seats (OG M2) and worst gear change of the lot.
Fiesta ST MK8 I originally wasn't even considering as on paper it didn't stack up (1.5l 3cyl), but after reading endless reviews singing its praises I gave it a go.
For me it had the most complete package, most fun for on the road driving and your local b roads. All the control weights were good, the engine has that uneven cylinder warble with loads of character. Plenty of torque and a light car by modern standards meant it just felt very eager even in just normal driving.
Also prefer the interior over i30n and FK8, B&O system is impressive, car play/android auto, heated everything.
Ended up test driving 3 different examples to make sure it was for me, just put my deposit down today and will collect in a week.
Well under your budget and loads of examples to choose from including the performance editions which have KW V3 coilovers standard. Worth giving one a go if you're looking for most b road fun.
Dorje said:
Found myself in pretty much the same position, albeit my bikes kept getting stolen (wonders of living close to London).
I test drove a i30n, Civic Type R (FK8), a DC5, an M2 (N55) and Fiesta ST MK8.
FK8 was most impressive dynamically, amazing seats and gearbox also very practical. Did find it quite big though for small b roads and feel like it would need to visit a track regularly to extract the most fun. Rest of the interior was disappointing and it sounded disappointing despite engine being very strong.
i30n was the most configurable, but all the sound was from the exhaust which isn't what I prefer. Found it a bit harsh even on softest setting, also had the cheapest interior feel. Still a fun drive and looks the part.
DC5 was amazing when pushing on, but rest of the time was a bit impractical for my needs (back seats and low speed driving). Also I had the feeling I would constantly be paranoid using it in winter for fear of rust.
M2 I decided was a bit of a stretch at this price point, getting bottom of the market. Higher miles and potential much more serious bills. Felt special, but it had the least supportive seats (OG M2) and worst gear change of the lot.
Fiesta ST MK8 I originally wasn't even considering as on paper it didn't stack up (1.5l 3cyl), but after reading endless reviews singing its praises I gave it a go.
For me it had the most complete package, most fun for on the road driving and your local b roads. All the control weights were good, the engine has that uneven cylinder warble with loads of character. Plenty of torque and a light car by modern standards meant it just felt very eager even in just normal driving.
Also prefer the interior over i30n and FK8, B&O system is impressive, car play/android auto, heated everything.
Ended up test driving 3 different examples to make sure it was for me, just put my deposit down today and will collect in a week.
Well under your budget and loads of examples to choose from including the performance editions which have KW V3 coilovers standard. Worth giving one a go if you're looking for most b road fun.
Interesting, thankyou. Surprised that the fiesta won it against a fk8 and a m2. Both cars on my shortlist essentially. I test drove a i30n, Civic Type R (FK8), a DC5, an M2 (N55) and Fiesta ST MK8.
FK8 was most impressive dynamically, amazing seats and gearbox also very practical. Did find it quite big though for small b roads and feel like it would need to visit a track regularly to extract the most fun. Rest of the interior was disappointing and it sounded disappointing despite engine being very strong.
i30n was the most configurable, but all the sound was from the exhaust which isn't what I prefer. Found it a bit harsh even on softest setting, also had the cheapest interior feel. Still a fun drive and looks the part.
DC5 was amazing when pushing on, but rest of the time was a bit impractical for my needs (back seats and low speed driving). Also I had the feeling I would constantly be paranoid using it in winter for fear of rust.
M2 I decided was a bit of a stretch at this price point, getting bottom of the market. Higher miles and potential much more serious bills. Felt special, but it had the least supportive seats (OG M2) and worst gear change of the lot.
Fiesta ST MK8 I originally wasn't even considering as on paper it didn't stack up (1.5l 3cyl), but after reading endless reviews singing its praises I gave it a go.
For me it had the most complete package, most fun for on the road driving and your local b roads. All the control weights were good, the engine has that uneven cylinder warble with loads of character. Plenty of torque and a light car by modern standards meant it just felt very eager even in just normal driving.
Also prefer the interior over i30n and FK8, B&O system is impressive, car play/android auto, heated everything.
Ended up test driving 3 different examples to make sure it was for me, just put my deposit down today and will collect in a week.
Well under your budget and loads of examples to choose from including the performance editions which have KW V3 coilovers standard. Worth giving one a go if you're looking for most b road fun.
Would you say the steering on the fiesta offers any level of feel and feedback?
Cheers
JohnG36 said:
Interesting, thankyou. Surprised that the fiesta won it against a fk8 and a m2. Both cars on my shortlist essentially.
Would you say the steering on the fiesta offers any level of feel and feedback?
Cheers
FK8 was objectively the best dynamically and would be fastest by some margin on any road tbh. While the engine was impressive, it didn't have much character. Ultimately I felt I wouldn't get as much much fun driving it daily as the Fiesta.Would you say the steering on the fiesta offers any level of feel and feedback?
Cheers
If the roads around you are a bit faster and negligible chance of getting in trouble, FK8 is likely better suited.
The Fiesta is a bit strange in that I can't pick out one individual aspect that is stand out better than everything else, but the sum of its parts leads to a very engaging experience;
Fiesta just feels designed specifically for British b roads somehow. Whereas M2 feels best suited to wider alpine passes with lots of hairpins.
FK8 has largest breadth, feels designed for track but also hugely impressive on country roads. Just lacked some character for me.
JohnG36 said:
Needing some help. Looking for a interesting next car.
Simple Criteria;
-Good steering, with somekind of feedback.
-Ideally 4 seats with usable boot.
-Interesting engine.
Cars I've considered, Subaru legacy 3.0r spec b, Forester sti, civic type R, bmw m135i.
Even thought about a gen1 focus st170.
I'm nearly 30, live in Northern Scotland and get my speed fix from sportbikes.
A mx5 would do the trick but not sure if the 2 seater setup will get the stamp of approval.
Never driven a golf R, have driven 997s 911 so know what a decent car feels like.
Cheers.
For A/B road fun I'd be looking a these three:Simple Criteria;
-Good steering, with somekind of feedback.
-Ideally 4 seats with usable boot.
-Interesting engine.
Cars I've considered, Subaru legacy 3.0r spec b, Forester sti, civic type R, bmw m135i.
Even thought about a gen1 focus st170.
I'm nearly 30, live in Northern Scotland and get my speed fix from sportbikes.
A mx5 would do the trick but not sure if the 2 seater setup will get the stamp of approval.
Never driven a golf R, have driven 997s 911 so know what a decent car feels like.
Cheers.
Megane RS300 Trophy a clear step on from the 280:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...
Peugeot Sport 308 GTI, now some people go on about the price of the brakes which while not cheap won't need changing until around 50k:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207197...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
i30 N Performance slightly old school hot hatch thrills with another three years of Manufacturer Warranty left too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210261...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212122...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211262...
At around under 20k the Astra GTC VXR is a very good steer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...
If you live in northern Scotland, surely something RWD like an M4 isn't the best idea as a daily driver anyway?
Here's some ideas
Peugeot RCZ
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211181...
Slightly more practical Peugeot 308 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
Renaultsport Megane
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...
Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204295...
Hyundai i30 N
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Audi S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...
Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212292...
Porsche 996 Carrera 4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
Here's some ideas
Peugeot RCZ
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211181...
Slightly more practical Peugeot 308 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
Renaultsport Megane
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208108...
Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204295...
Hyundai i30 N
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...
Audi S4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...
Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212292...
Porsche 996 Carrera 4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
Glad you liked the ST3 Fiesta, I have the latest one & it’s a hoot.
Previous three years had Meggy RS280 Cup pack & the Fiesta is defo more fun day to day & far more fun on tight twisty roads.
ST3 has heaps more kit which is a bonus, the HFS, Steering wheel & seats are great on these cold days.
All the mags rave about the ST & I can see why, it reminds me of my Clio Trophy from way back in 2006
You should get a new or nearly new for 25k?
Oh & feed back is excellent, pointy & front end is planted.
Previous three years had Meggy RS280 Cup pack & the Fiesta is defo more fun day to day & far more fun on tight twisty roads.
ST3 has heaps more kit which is a bonus, the HFS, Steering wheel & seats are great on these cold days.
All the mags rave about the ST & I can see why, it reminds me of my Clio Trophy from way back in 2006
You should get a new or nearly new for 25k?
Oh & feed back is excellent, pointy & front end is planted.
Edited by g40steve on Monday 2nd January 00:10
Driven all three the VXR is a very good car & you'll be hard pressed to beat it, with it's adjustable dampers it flicks between daily & fun duties with ease & the seats are lovely along with the LSD & Hiper strut suspension setup these are a fun car.
The 308 is even better the only downside is the dash layout which is a marmite thing, Peugeot designed it so you look over the top of the steering wheel but a lot try setting it up to look through it which doesn't normally work.
I'd say try one to see if it works for you, again the LSD & suspension setup come into their own on damp A/B roads.
The Fiesta is a riot & you'll get a later one with the more compliant set up as a daily they wouldn't work for me but they're a very good steer.
So for me it would be the 308 then VXR & finally the Fiesta BUT when your down to a final three, test drive them all & see what one suits YOU best.
The 308 is even better the only downside is the dash layout which is a marmite thing, Peugeot designed it so you look over the top of the steering wheel but a lot try setting it up to look through it which doesn't normally work.
I'd say try one to see if it works for you, again the LSD & suspension setup come into their own on damp A/B roads.
The Fiesta is a riot & you'll get a later one with the more compliant set up as a daily they wouldn't work for me but they're a very good steer.
So for me it would be the 308 then VXR & finally the Fiesta BUT when your down to a final three, test drive them all & see what one suits YOU best.
Astra gtc vxr and 308 gti look promising. Also stumbled across ford focus rs AWD for just under 25k along with the newer 2019 focus st. Both with very good reviews. The 5 door prospect would suit practical needs better. Anyone got any feedback on the fords. Again, interested to know details about steering quality and gearbox, as I'd like a satisfying drive over out and out performance. Cheers
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