What next after Octavia vRS 1.8T Mk1? Approx. £5K budget

[voodoo172]

Hi Everyone,

Not sure which way to go with this one so I'm after a bit of advice. I'm looking to change car pretty soon as my Octavia MK1 vRS 1.8T is starting to need some work doing that will probably cost more than the car is worth to keep it going. So I'm thinking that cutting my losses would be best.

I'm looking for something faster, in standard form, than the Octavia that's also going to be reliable but that also isn't a Golf. What ever I go for, I'll be looking to keep it for at least the next couple of years, so modification potential would be a plus. Does't have to have more than 2 seats and don't really fancy an average MPG of lower than 25 unless it's a special case. Do tend to prefer RWD but not precious about that either. Age also isn't too important.

Not long ago I did have an MX-5 MK2 as my second car/project - which was great fun, but I've now sold it and got that out of my system. In reality I didn't fit comfortably in it (too tall) so wouldn't be looking to get another.

I've got around a £5K budget to play with plus I'll probably look at part-exing the Skoda.

So far I'm considering:

• Ford Focus ST-3
• Subaru Impreza WRX
• Nissan 350z

Are there any other likely candidates that I'm missing?

Cheers

[Ahbefive]

I think the cars on your list are good options to be honest.

Do you want comfort? Fun? Economy? Speed?

[voodoo172]

Well I definitely want some fun in there and a little more speed, but comfort comes 3rd and economy dead last really.

Also what are people's thoughts on Boxsters? I've been seeing a fair few 3.2 S variants going for ~5K , they tend to be 2000ish registered. They could go on the potential list as well, just not sure whether I'd fit at 6'2?

[Blackpuddin]

Impreza P1 now being touted as a good investment. They only built 1000. The ones that haven't been ragged to death are appreciating, with some dealers asking £30k for them. You might be lucky and still find a private one for not too much over £5k.

[Ahbefive]

Blackpuddin said:

Impreza P1 now being touted as a good investment. They only built 1000. The ones that haven't been ragged to death are appreciating, with some dealers asking £30k for them. You might be lucky and still find a private one for not too much over £5k.

You must be dreaming. You'd be very lucky to find one for less than £10k.

[voodoo172]

Besides the cost of a P1, to me it doesn't look as if the classic impreza has aged that well.

At the minute a focus st and 350z are front runners. Going to try and have a look at a couple this weekend.