1 car but is the brief impossible??
Discussion
I’ve made a couple of recent mistakes on car purchases and it’s left me trying to really not make a 3rd.
My current stable is a mk3 Focus RS and a Megane RS265.
I need to go to one vehicle.
The focuses grip and tech is excellent. But it lacks composure on uk roads. It’s also quite unreliable (poor build quality).
The Megane is b-road sharp and a hoot to drive, but it’s crashy on uk roads. It lacks any creature comforts and when you aren’t going 10/10ths it’s just almost pointless.
I need something that is comfortable to sit in with decent quality as it’s used to commute up and down the mway for work (ham, Manchester and London). Tech needs to be there or easily upgradable.
I like the awd usability of the focus given uk roads and weather but that very much narrows the field so can be a compromise as long as the ride isn’t crashy and uncomposed.
I like a great engine/exhaust combination. Something with some drama. I’m used to circa 20-25mpg and don’t really want less but as long as it can hit 300 miles to a tank I’d be ok.
I also like something different.
It’s a tough brief. I don’t think I can get what I want around the 15k mark. But wondered what options people would consider so thought I’d ask the question.
My current stable is a mk3 Focus RS and a Megane RS265.
I need to go to one vehicle.
The focuses grip and tech is excellent. But it lacks composure on uk roads. It’s also quite unreliable (poor build quality).
The Megane is b-road sharp and a hoot to drive, but it’s crashy on uk roads. It lacks any creature comforts and when you aren’t going 10/10ths it’s just almost pointless.
I need something that is comfortable to sit in with decent quality as it’s used to commute up and down the mway for work (ham, Manchester and London). Tech needs to be there or easily upgradable.
I like the awd usability of the focus given uk roads and weather but that very much narrows the field so can be a compromise as long as the ride isn’t crashy and uncomposed.
I like a great engine/exhaust combination. Something with some drama. I’m used to circa 20-25mpg and don’t really want less but as long as it can hit 300 miles to a tank I’d be ok.
I also like something different.
It’s a tough brief. I don’t think I can get what I want around the 15k mark. But wondered what options people would consider so thought I’d ask the question.
I’ve never been in one, but what about a 308 GTI PS? They seem to get rave reviews on here, and can be had under your budget.
They apparently sound quite well from standard and look to have the suppleness that something like an FK2 doesn’t have. Not sure if the engine is interesting or special enough, though, and the looks are a bit plain for my liking.
They apparently sound quite well from standard and look to have the suppleness that something like an FK2 doesn’t have. Not sure if the engine is interesting or special enough, though, and the looks are a bit plain for my liking.
White-Noise said:
I would think a golf r comes close but it's not different. You can get them with adaptive suspension and akrapovic exhaust iirc
It may be seen as a boring option but if you need a combined comfy commuter and fun car I too would be looking at a Golf R with DCC.For perspective I have a Clubsport S which is an absolute hoot but equally at home going to the supermarket (albeit out of budget).
Discombobulate said:
White-Noise said:
I would think a golf r comes close but it's not different. You can get them with adaptive suspension and akrapovic exhaust iirc
It may be seen as a boring option but if you need a combined comfy commuter and fun car I too would be looking at a Golf R with DCC.For perspective I have a Clubsport S which is an absolute hoot but equally at home going to the supermarket (albeit out of budget).
I got a late Leon Cupra with similar needs and it's been excellent, DCC makes it far more composed than my old FN2 (which I actually really miss) and it's so much more grip from VAQ diff. Topped off with the Golf R engine and a decent infotainment system in a sensible size hatch makes it the perfect daily for me 
I have no dramas with traction in the winter but if it's a must have from your RS then a Golf R has that covered. A few nicer materials in the lower part of the cabin compared to the Leon but tradeoff is an extra 100kg, and budget creep is also required. Also consider an S3 for the nicest interior of the 3.
An FK8 would be the perfect car but they seem to command strong money.
I have no dramas with traction in the winter but if it's a must have from your RS then a Golf R has that covered. A few nicer materials in the lower part of the cabin compared to the Leon but tradeoff is an extra 100kg, and budget creep is also required. Also consider an S3 for the nicest interior of the 3.
An FK8 would be the perfect car but they seem to command strong money.
How about a jag xe s.
The different modes transform the car,its almost like owning 2 cars. Will do 35mpg+ on the motorway pretty easily with the 8 speed zf. And it's a nice sounding engine and good steer with double wishbone suspension etc.
A better handling car than a 3 series I think, (I've only driven a 320d mind you) but that's also what Ian mccallum says. The media love to hate on them on and swoon over anything German.
The different modes transform the car,its almost like owning 2 cars. Will do 35mpg+ on the motorway pretty easily with the 8 speed zf. And it's a nice sounding engine and good steer with double wishbone suspension etc.
A better handling car than a 3 series I think, (I've only driven a 320d mind you) but that's also what Ian mccallum says. The media love to hate on them on and swoon over anything German.
If a Golf R is too ordinary or common how about going for something slightly older?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022041045...
Or
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276774806115?mkcid=16&a...
Or
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17739684
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022041045...
Or
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276774806115?mkcid=16&a...
Or
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17739684
If you ditch the AWD requirement your best bet is a BMW 240i or the older 235i.
Great engine with plenty of mods available for suspension, etc. great for comfortable commute and also for a spirited blast in an interesting road. More interesting than a point and shoot Golf R for example. IMHO.
For drama them an A45 as it has AWD.
Great engine with plenty of mods available for suspension, etc. great for comfortable commute and also for a spirited blast in an interesting road. More interesting than a point and shoot Golf R for example. IMHO.
For drama them an A45 as it has AWD.
stevekoz said:
I’ve made a couple of recent mistakes on car purchases and it’s left me trying to really not make a 3rd.
My current stable is a mk3 Focus RS and a Megane RS265.
I need to go to one vehicle.
The focuses grip and tech is excellent. But it lacks composure on uk roads. It’s also quite unreliable (poor build quality).
The Megane is b-road sharp and a hoot to drive, but it’s crashy on uk roads. It lacks any creature comforts and when you aren’t going 10/10ths it’s just almost pointless.
I need something that is comfortable to sit in with decent quality as it’s used to commute up and down the mway for work (ham, Manchester and London). Tech needs to be there or easily upgradable.
I like the awd usability of the focus given uk roads and weather but that very much narrows the field so can be a compromise as long as the ride isn’t crashy and uncomposed.
I like a great engine/exhaust combination. Something with some drama. I’m used to circa 20-25mpg and don’t really want less but as long as it can hit 300 miles to a tank I’d be ok.
I also like something different.
It’s a tough brief. I don’t think I can get what I want around the 15k mark. But wondered what options people would consider so thought I’d ask the question.
At this price point you're going to have to sacrifice on something my guess is ride comfort & being a good steer won't be one of them so that leaves tech & age which does leave you with some good options that you'll have to upgrade the tech on.My current stable is a mk3 Focus RS and a Megane RS265.
I need to go to one vehicle.
The focuses grip and tech is excellent. But it lacks composure on uk roads. It’s also quite unreliable (poor build quality).
The Megane is b-road sharp and a hoot to drive, but it’s crashy on uk roads. It lacks any creature comforts and when you aren’t going 10/10ths it’s just almost pointless.
I need something that is comfortable to sit in with decent quality as it’s used to commute up and down the mway for work (ham, Manchester and London). Tech needs to be there or easily upgradable.
I like the awd usability of the focus given uk roads and weather but that very much narrows the field so can be a compromise as long as the ride isn’t crashy and uncomposed.
I like a great engine/exhaust combination. Something with some drama. I’m used to circa 20-25mpg and don’t really want less but as long as it can hit 300 miles to a tank I’d be ok.
I also like something different.
It’s a tough brief. I don’t think I can get what I want around the 15k mark. But wondered what options people would consider so thought I’d ask the question.
Non AWD first.
308 GTI cracking steer & comfortable on a long run & are well suited to wet welsh roads:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412057...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412137...
Astra GTC VXR these are a smidge of the Megane in terms of handling but because of the adjustable dampers you can slacken of the ride to make these a good commuter. They're a bit old school but there's nothing wrong with that in my book:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408303...
Jaguar XE S these ride superbly & are a very good steer they have bags of character & the V6 is a peach.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410195...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409234...
AWD
JCW Clubman, the ride quality may not be what you're looking for:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410295...
R32, modern classic, easy to upgrade the tech a cracking engine note & a car that's not going to depreciate much over the coming years:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412067...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411065...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411256...
Obviously the car that ticks the boxes the RS3, they're not as good a steer as some of the above but I'd buy one over a Golf R everytime:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411126...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411136...
The RSQ3 is another option & you'll get a newer lower mileaage one vs the RS3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410145...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412177...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411176...
RS5 very special & you'll just be over 25mpg on a run:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410115...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412237...
Leftfield
Insignia VXR:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412207...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412147...
Some really great options.
Spent Xmas and NY thinking about it. Hope everyone had a good one however you were celebrating or whatever you were doing.
I will putting both the Focus RS and Megane RS on the market this week.
I think of all the options I like the idea of a slightly older big engine car like the rs4 as it gives some drama and a nice balance between interior comfort and good steer. Without it being too sharp that it compromises daily duties.
But generally to me, it seems to me Audi or BMW fits the bill best.
I like the idea of the r32 as left field but I’m not keen on golfs in general. Image issues where I live. Mind you can be said of any car where I live lol
Thanks all for the ideas. I’ll post back up once I’ve chosen something and bought it.
Spent Xmas and NY thinking about it. Hope everyone had a good one however you were celebrating or whatever you were doing.
I will putting both the Focus RS and Megane RS on the market this week.
I think of all the options I like the idea of a slightly older big engine car like the rs4 as it gives some drama and a nice balance between interior comfort and good steer. Without it being too sharp that it compromises daily duties.
But generally to me, it seems to me Audi or BMW fits the bill best.
I like the idea of the r32 as left field but I’m not keen on golfs in general. Image issues where I live. Mind you can be said of any car where I live lol
Thanks all for the ideas. I’ll post back up once I’ve chosen something and bought it.
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