What to go for? ( small, fun, practical, reliable)
Discussion
Hi all. Newbie here, though lurked for a while.
Want to treat myself to a new (well, used) car, but struggling to find what I want.
Currently have old workhorse Skoda 1.9tdi and little 1.25 Fiesta; I just really want a more powerful/torquey version of the latter, but I don't in my gut like the ecoboost 3 cylinder (maybe over scared by coolant issue reviews - but see user name!) Maybe the 1.6 STs? (Or can they have issues too?)
I want something hatchback or coupe, won't ever take more than 2 people, but do take a lot in the boot/back seats. Looks are important, handling on country twisties very much so. Am not a boy racer (am not a boy in any possible sense). Am a small person though, prefer small cars. Don't need super power, though enough to get up the hills without dropping right through the box (the Skoda's good enough, just not great handling).
Willing to spend £15k, but ideally a lot less for a used. Simple and basic is fine: oldskool, me. FWD preferable.
Want a long term keeper to live and have lasting fun relationship with.
So, good people, any recommendations?
So far, I'm considering Fiesta st line 140 or 1.6 ST, Civic 1.6dtec sports (OK not the most powerful, but like the looks), gt86 (bit pricey?), Celica if I could ever get a low mileage one (maybe), pug rcz (but heard of a lot of issues there too)....
Please be gentle... :-)
Want to treat myself to a new (well, used) car, but struggling to find what I want.
Currently have old workhorse Skoda 1.9tdi and little 1.25 Fiesta; I just really want a more powerful/torquey version of the latter, but I don't in my gut like the ecoboost 3 cylinder (maybe over scared by coolant issue reviews - but see user name!) Maybe the 1.6 STs? (Or can they have issues too?)
I want something hatchback or coupe, won't ever take more than 2 people, but do take a lot in the boot/back seats. Looks are important, handling on country twisties very much so. Am not a boy racer (am not a boy in any possible sense). Am a small person though, prefer small cars. Don't need super power, though enough to get up the hills without dropping right through the box (the Skoda's good enough, just not great handling).
Willing to spend £15k, but ideally a lot less for a used. Simple and basic is fine: oldskool, me. FWD preferable.
Want a long term keeper to live and have lasting fun relationship with.
So, good people, any recommendations?
So far, I'm considering Fiesta st line 140 or 1.6 ST, Civic 1.6dtec sports (OK not the most powerful, but like the looks), gt86 (bit pricey?), Celica if I could ever get a low mileage one (maybe), pug rcz (but heard of a lot of issues there too)....
Please be gentle... :-)
I was thinking of a gt86 before getting to the last paragraph.
See if you can research depreciation on them as I think they are very good. It may actually cost less to own than a fiesta.
Pretty reliable and 5 year warrenty if you were to buy a fairly new one. 14 reg - £13k
That 1.6 civic will be painful. At least look at the 1.8 petrol sport, but even that is a boring drive. £9k
If those are pushing your budget too far then a 15 reg Suzuki swift sport would put a smile on your face. £7k
See if you can research depreciation on them as I think they are very good. It may actually cost less to own than a fiesta.
Pretty reliable and 5 year warrenty if you were to buy a fairly new one. 14 reg - £13k
That 1.6 civic will be painful. At least look at the 1.8 petrol sport, but even that is a boring drive. £9k
If those are pushing your budget too far then a 15 reg Suzuki swift sport would put a smile on your face. £7k
Edited by Torquey on Tuesday 6th April 21:22
Edited by Torquey on Tuesday 6th April 21:23
Just spend 10k on a late mk7.5 fiesta ST3.
It does exactly what you say you want from your original post. I have a 2017 66 plate and it's excellent. Mine had 67k miles on when I bought it last year for £9k and no problems so far. Seems to be a very reliable engine and an absolute hoot to drive. Try one.
It does exactly what you say you want from your original post. I have a 2017 66 plate and it's excellent. Mine had 67k miles on when I bought it last year for £9k and no problems so far. Seems to be a very reliable engine and an absolute hoot to drive. Try one.
If you're happy to spend £15K, then it would have to be a Mk8 Fiesta ST for me. Incredibly fun to drive and considerably better than the Mk7 in my opinion. Even if you had £25K to spend, it would still be hard to look past one of these.
This one looks like a good buy – ST3 with Performance Pack (Quaife LSD) and the LED headlights https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11308171
PS. Welcome to PH!
This one looks like a good buy – ST3 with Performance Pack (Quaife LSD) and the LED headlights https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11308171
PS. Welcome to PH!
Thanks.
I've made appointments to join the madding post Lockdown throngs on Monday and look at a Civic 1.8 petrol (at least I'll know) and an ST3 mk7 1.6 on 2016 plate - if they're still available. I think that I really want the latter, just find this whole spending (to me) huge amounts of money bit rather terrifying...
Colour is an issue with me: or, rather absence of. Has to be black. Narrows the options a bit (at least, the nearby ones).
GT86/brz looks lovely, but seems out of my price range, sadly. Seen 2 nice examples not too far away, but £20k effectively.
I've made appointments to join the madding post Lockdown throngs on Monday and look at a Civic 1.8 petrol (at least I'll know) and an ST3 mk7 1.6 on 2016 plate - if they're still available. I think that I really want the latter, just find this whole spending (to me) huge amounts of money bit rather terrifying...
Colour is an issue with me: or, rather absence of. Has to be black. Narrows the options a bit (at least, the nearby ones).
GT86/brz looks lovely, but seems out of my price range, sadly. Seen 2 nice examples not too far away, but £20k effectively.
Wusss said:
Thanks.
I've made appointments to join the madding post Lockdown throngs on Monday and look at a Civic 1.8 petrol (at least I'll know) and an ST3 mk7 1.6 on 2016 plate - if they're still available. I think that I really want the latter, just find this whole spending (to me) huge amounts of money bit rather terrifying...
Colour is an issue with me: or, rather absence of. Has to be black. Narrows the options a bit (at least, the nearby ones).
GT86/brz looks lovely, but seems out of my price range, sadly. Seen 2 nice examples not too far away, but £20k effectively.
First things first don't be afraid to travel the money you may lose by taking a day off/or spend a Saturday looking at options further afield pales into insignificance compared to the 15k you're going to be spending, getting the right car is better than getting the nearest one.I've made appointments to join the madding post Lockdown throngs on Monday and look at a Civic 1.8 petrol (at least I'll know) and an ST3 mk7 1.6 on 2016 plate - if they're still available. I think that I really want the latter, just find this whole spending (to me) huge amounts of money bit rather terrifying...
Colour is an issue with me: or, rather absence of. Has to be black. Narrows the options a bit (at least, the nearby ones).
GT86/brz looks lovely, but seems out of my price range, sadly. Seen 2 nice examples not too far away, but £20k effectively.
Also spending 15k on a warm hatch isn't the best value at your price point because while you'll get a newer car you also get stronger depreciation.
Go to a car supermarket as it's easier to jump in & out of different models so you can get an idea of what works for you interior wise & once you've settled on a top three then organise a few test drives (you don't have to buy just because you've had a test drive) & see what works for you.
Small hot hatch wise these are the three I'd be looking at:
208 GTI Prestige handlling is only a smidge off of the ST Fiesta but it's a nicer car inside than the MK7 & they have a lower purchase price:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...
The Fiesta ST is a cracking steer & with you're budget I'd at least test drive a MK8 overall it's a better car than the Mk7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103280...
A clean low mileage MK7 can be picked up for between 10-11k but I think I'd go for the 208:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103300...
My final pick is a bit leftfield but these are really good sorted cars that are often overlooked but for me are a very good third option.
Clio RS220 Trophy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102199...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...
Now if you can live with the size of a hot hatch then there are two I'd look at:
Astra GTC VXR are a great steer & very good value right now:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...
The second is the 308 GTI but you'll have to hunt for a black one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101047...
Warm hatch wise these three are my choices.
Infiniti Q30 Sport the interiors are another level on from anything else listed the drivetrain is well proven & you'll get good one for your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102139...
Kia ProCeed GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...
Megane GT Nav hard to find but if one comes up well worth a look:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104010...
Small Warm Hatches
Fiesta ST Line X Edition 155
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...
140
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102179...
Rio GT Line S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...
Clio RS Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
Thanks. Some interesting suggestions there. The Pug 208 I didn't know about and will look into.
Think the Kia's way underpowered for what I want and need, and not really my kind of looks.
Fiesta mk8 I don't like as much as mk7 (especially interior bits - not that I'm a grand fan of that, either!) but wouldn't dismiss it.
Not happy with the 1.0 ecoboost engines, else would have considered st lines, yes.
In my heart I'm really a coupe fan, but trying to get anything that isn't a huge "family"+ car these days isn't easy. (Maybe I can find something smaller inside, but previous things tried like Focus & Octavia have simply been too large inside for me (arm reach, width etc), whereas the Fiesta just about fits OK (my old Saxo and Metros were nice...)
Was looking, just external shape wise, at the Vauxhall Insignia or the Peugeot 508, but...????
Is the RCZ really as bad as some reports make out?
Back to the research! Not sure where our nearest car supermarket is, but yes it's a good idea. Used to do that a lot, back in the day. We have a huge amount of main dealers but very few stock anything over a couple of years old.
I will travel a certain distance to buy, sure: not time constrained as don't work, but first I need to know what I want, I think.
Think the Kia's way underpowered for what I want and need, and not really my kind of looks.
Fiesta mk8 I don't like as much as mk7 (especially interior bits - not that I'm a grand fan of that, either!) but wouldn't dismiss it.
Not happy with the 1.0 ecoboost engines, else would have considered st lines, yes.
In my heart I'm really a coupe fan, but trying to get anything that isn't a huge "family"+ car these days isn't easy. (Maybe I can find something smaller inside, but previous things tried like Focus & Octavia have simply been too large inside for me (arm reach, width etc), whereas the Fiesta just about fits OK (my old Saxo and Metros were nice...)
Was looking, just external shape wise, at the Vauxhall Insignia or the Peugeot 508, but...????
Is the RCZ really as bad as some reports make out?
Back to the research! Not sure where our nearest car supermarket is, but yes it's a good idea. Used to do that a lot, back in the day. We have a huge amount of main dealers but very few stock anything over a couple of years old.
I will travel a certain distance to buy, sure: not time constrained as don't work, but first I need to know what I want, I think.
The RCZ is actually a decent car the 200bhp version is the one to go for, as you can get a nice last of the line one for sensible money,
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...
Audi TTS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...
370Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...
M235i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
228i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104020...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101027...
135i Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...
Mini Cooper Works Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103079...
GR86
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103300...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104010...
SLK 200 AMG Sport not a coupe but a nice compact hardtop convertible:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011226...
Abarth 124
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...
Audi TTS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...
370Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...
M235i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102279...
228i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104020...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101027...
135i Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...
Mini Cooper Works Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103079...
GR86
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103300...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104010...
SLK 200 AMG Sport not a coupe but a nice compact hardtop convertible:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011226...
Abarth 124
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...
I had an RCZ for a couple of years - albeit a diesel - and it was a great cruising GT but the crashy ride and dead steering meant is was nowhere near as much on B roads as the Fiesta Zetec-S it replaced - and that was on the std 18" rims so lord knows what they're like on 19". Stunning looking thing though, and comfortable and refined on the motorway
I'm looking at the same question as you OP and have very much the same tastes...
I've also had a DS3 - ticks a few boxes (mine was Diesel again tho) and currently a BMW 218 which feels rather heavy and is quite expensive...
I will probably get an 95hp Fiesta ST-line 3 door (not the X version with its unwanted tech additions) to try to keep it simple, 2 yo examples with a years OEM warranty go for about £10k which seems fair value
I'm looking at the same question as you OP and have very much the same tastes...
I've also had a DS3 - ticks a few boxes (mine was Diesel again tho) and currently a BMW 218 which feels rather heavy and is quite expensive...
I will probably get an 95hp Fiesta ST-line 3 door (not the X version with its unwanted tech additions) to try to keep it simple, 2 yo examples with a years OEM warranty go for about £10k which seems fair value
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