What Car £5-7k

[TheArchitect]

I'm thinking of getting a new motor soon but unsure what to go for, so far i quite like the idea of a Mini Cooper S, but i cant find anything else that jumps out.

My requirements are;
sub 80,000miles
£5-7k
Fun
Capable of sitting on motorway comfortably (ie not silly short gearing)
30mpg ish average
Not cost the earth to run each year in maintenance
Will be a daily driver
Reliable
160+ bhp
Will last 4 years

So whats out there?

Edited by TheArchitect on Wednesday 14th April 21:52

[smash_bannana]

ST220!!

[Rouleur]

^^^ This, or a Focus ST170 - ticks all of those boxes except for 'last 4 years'. I think you'll struggle to find anything interesting which is that new on your budget, but the ST was made up to 2004 so you're nearly there. I'm picking one up on Saturday - 04 plate, 40k miles, one owner, xenons, quick clear screen, climate control, £5.5k... They are a bit slower than I'd like but have a great chassis.

[TheArchitect]

Rouleur said:

^^^ This, or a Focus ST170 - ticks all of those boxes except for 'last 4 years'. I think you'll struggle to find anything interesting which is that new on your budget, but the ST was made up to 2004 so you're nearly there. I'm picking one up on Saturday - 04 plate, 40k miles, one owner, xenons, quick clear screen, climate control, £5.5k... They are a bit slower than I'd like but have a great chassis.

sorry meant will last 4 years of use, not built in the last 4 years. shall edit OP.

not keen on the ST170 too close to my old car in terms of what it is.