Suggestions please.

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

Currently looking for a replacement car, currently have an Octavia VRS diesel estate, that has a few issues, and in my opinion, not worth repairing, also, now I drive a van for work, so only do about 10 miles a week, so pointless to have a diesel.

Im after something petrol, at least 4 seats, something a little nippy, 6k budget, live in stoke on trent, so dont want to go travelling up and down the country looking at random cars ideally, I kind of like the idea of something slightly higher up, as Im now used to that with my van (obviously not the fact im getting old), and something fairly reliable.

Went to look at a Type R GT yesterday, but paint bubbling all along the top of the window.

And tempted to go and look at this, but concerned about the potential bork factor.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112240...

Any suggestions welcome.

[Acapulco99]

Focus ST would be a good option.

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

Acapulco99 said:

Focus ST would be a good option.

Had one, liners went on it, did love it though

[Acapulco99]

Smurfsarepeopletoo said:

Acapulco99 said:

Focus ST would be a good option.

Had one, liners went on it, did love it though

What sort of mileage was that at? There is a forged on with linered block on ebay currently which would save that being an issue. Theybare great cars for the money.

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

They went at about 135000, figured it would be ok over 100000 lol

[GreatGranny]

IMO all of the below will be less bork factor than the X5

Tribeca

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201121...

M Class

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201121...

Rav4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201040...

Touareg

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201151...

[stevekoz]

Yes, i would say the BORK factor on an X5 is probably quite high. Especially at the budget you are looking at.

Much less of a bork factor and just easier to work on regardless and still staying with BMW. At your budget i would seriously consider the BMW 130i.

265bhp
RWD
Manual 6 speed gearbox
One of the last n/a straight 6 engines

I had one of these prior to a Type R GT and it was night and day. The handling of the 130i is good out the box. However, with a few upgrades using m3 e46 parts (lots fit and are relatively cheap) it turns it into night and day. I called mine a baby m3 and a lot of people with the 130i would agree.

It really is a very good car. Yes, looks wise its not to everyones taste. But its different. It doesn't stand out or shout like other hot hatches in that bracket. But it is under the radar. Very quick sub 6seconds to 60 with the right tyres and weather. Much more fun than most things in this bracket being rwd. I think it would be worth considering.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...

I don't normally recommend the Audi S3 because honestly, i think they are a little sterile and numb and not all that great to drive in much more than a straight line. However, that is when you consider how much they are new. When you consider how much you can now get one for. It becomes a different prospect and offers AWD handling and a fairly rapid hot hatch that does everything "well" but just not "great". However for the money be daft not to consider -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...


That said the earlier mk 1 s3 is now becoming almost that bit more special again because it is old and it is rarer these days and when you look at his one, that is a very nice looking car -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201161...

For more driving pleasure and great reliability as well as noise and the whole JDM vibe. The 350z is hard to beat. Its a great engine, handling is great. Reliability is good. Yes only 2 seats but its a very good all round package to consider -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...

Saving the best for last in my opinion (as i own one so i'm bias). The Megane r26.

This is pretty much the r26r baby brother. Just missing some of the weight saving components, a slightly small track. But i don't think, for the money, you can beat it on a twisty road. The car is seriously a great drivers car. The LSD is great. The turn in is sharp and precise. The back end remains playful and correctable at speed despite being fwd. It really is a very very good car. I struggle to find a car that handles and feels as good as this to drive without spending over 3 times what your budget is. I know because i've tried.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275093309346?hash=item4...

[georgeyboy12345]

Keep looking for a Civic Type R, hopefully you can find one with no rust. This one looks decent
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111290...


Other ideas

Mercedes CLK350
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112140...


Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24v
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105052...

[ZX10R NIN]

Not high up but there are some swift nice options out there as long as they don't have to be hot hatches:

Giulietta Veloce 170

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201221...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201111...

Astra GTC SRI 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...

Skyline 350 GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...

Infiniti G37 Saloon:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201231...