Fast (ish) petrol family car
Discussion
Lets try this again.
Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
Edited by Lukas239 on Thursday 11th August 14:18
If you can get a good one, a Mk7 Golf Gti is a great choice. We had one when our first was born. My wife still wants another Gti 4 years on from it going.
Alternatively, you could consider the Golf in a Spanish frock - Leon Cupra 280. This one is over budget but maybe with some haggling - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
We had a Cupra 300 Estate and Hatch. Both were great. The Hatch in particular felt like a real hooligan of a car. The 280 would be no different. Just as practical as the Golf also.
Something less obvious (and quite rare) - Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T with 250hp - Good value at £12,500 with low mileage. All the space you could really need.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...
For just slightly more - Insignia VXR - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205155...
As you have already said, the Peugeot 308 Gti looks a decent shout also - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
Alternatively, you could consider the Golf in a Spanish frock - Leon Cupra 280. This one is over budget but maybe with some haggling - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
We had a Cupra 300 Estate and Hatch. Both were great. The Hatch in particular felt like a real hooligan of a car. The 280 would be no different. Just as practical as the Golf also.
Something less obvious (and quite rare) - Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T with 250hp - Good value at £12,500 with low mileage. All the space you could really need.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...
For just slightly more - Insignia VXR - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205155...
As you have already said, the Peugeot 308 Gti looks a decent shout also - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
madmatteo said:
If you can get a good one, a Mk7 Golf Gti is a great choice. We had one when our first was born. My wife still wants another Gti 4 years on from it going.
Alternatively, you could consider the Golf in a Spanish frock - Leon Cupra 280. This one is over budget but maybe with some haggling - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
We had a Cupra 300 Estate and Hatch. Both were great. The Hatch in particular felt like a real hooligan of a car. The 280 would be no different. Just as practical as the Golf also.
Something less obvious (and quite rare) - Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T with 250hp - Good value at £12,500 with low mileage. All the space you could really need.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...
For just slightly more - Insignia VXR - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205155...
As you have already said, the Peugeot 308 Gti looks a decent shout also - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
Seats are lovely and will definitely add to the list. Thanks Alternatively, you could consider the Golf in a Spanish frock - Leon Cupra 280. This one is over budget but maybe with some haggling - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208088...
We had a Cupra 300 Estate and Hatch. Both were great. The Hatch in particular felt like a real hooligan of a car. The 280 would be no different. Just as practical as the Golf also.
Something less obvious (and quite rare) - Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T with 250hp - Good value at £12,500 with low mileage. All the space you could really need.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205256...
For just slightly more - Insignia VXR - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205155...
As you have already said, the Peugeot 308 Gti looks a decent shout also - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
I have to declare badge snobbery; i simply could never own a Vauxhall and will discount them although they fit the brief.
Had the same dilemma a few months back. I always came back to ye olde faithful Octavia vRS and that's what I bought (2016 as I don't like the face lift). It's quick, comfortable and doesn't eat petrol if driven sensibly. This is my 3rd vRS and *touches wood* I have never had a drama with any of my previous ones. I've always purchased from a dealer as the 1 year Skoda warranty alleviates most worries.
Seat Leon 1.8tsi fr technology. Not as quick as the GTI options but they are nice to drive and fast enough to be interesting. Mine averages over 37mpg on my commute into Leeds but will do close to 50mpg on longer trips sticking to the speed limit. This one is in budget and has a 2 year Seat warranty and service plan for £129.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207117...
Lukas239 said:
Lets try this again.
Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
308GTI has hugely expensive front brakes, especially the discs. A set including pads from Peugeot is close to £1k so I’d avoid. I did in a similar situation.Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
Edited by Lukas239 on Thursday 11th August 14:18
I have a BMW 428i Gran Coupe which is a lovely place to be. 245HP, 0-62 in around six seconds and mine is the frankly amazing 8 speed ZF automatic. I’ve had it for a year, done 9k miles in that time, other than an oil change it’s needed nothing but I put a new air filter in anyway myself as the existing one was three or four years old. The long journey after picking it up I got 46mpg at 70-75 on the motorway. Average daily use is 32-35MPG but there’s probably 25-30% stop start town driving in there too. It has cruise, heated seats and widescreen sat nav, isofix in the back and can be quite fun to hustle and can be very quick too but also is very smooth and quiet when cruising. I started a thread in readers cars last year and have been updating it periodically.
Lukas239 said:
Lets try this again.
Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
The 308 PS GTI270 is the pick but they're not the cheapest to run the brake discs need changing at between 40-55K at a cost of £500-700, which I think is fine but others see it as expensive.Sold a 208 GTi (great, if unreliable hatch) when a littlun arrived, bought a 5 cylinder Volvo V60. The estate offers lots of practicality and the car has a fair few clever features & creature comforts, however, it's miserable to drive. As such, i'm looking to replace with the following criteria;
- Max 14k
- Petrol only. Miles are going down and diesel is going up, i don't think i'll own a diesel vehicle again in the near future.
- 4/5 doors
- Estate > Hatchback > Saloon in order of preference
- Reasonable boot & collapsible rear seats.
- Isofix
- As close to 200bhp as possible.
- Realistic MPG of 35 or more. The GTi had 208bhp and averaged 43mpg in my ownership, Volvo is at ~41.
- Cruise
- Heated seats always lovely but not a must
- Perhaps most importantly, not riddled with reliability issues. I'm always happy to throw money at a car but i hate driving something with a known catastrophic fault; think timing chain on aforementioned Peugeot. This can ruin ownership for me.
Current options
- Peugeot 308 GT/GTI = Both use the same engine as the 208 in either 208 or 250/270 guise. bigger & more practical, lovely interior, phenomenal MPG for how much performance you get BUT ?same engine reliability issues?
- Golf Gti 5 door. Mk6 have chain issues (apparently easily rectified for not much more than a cambelt change cost?) or MK7 which are lovely. Top end of the budget though.
- Octy VRS. Same as above but more practical. Would want a MK3 for the budget.
- Mercedes A250. Know nothing about this but specs say >200bhp with 45mpg.
- Focus ST (2012 onwards) but research suggests mpg in the 20s far more likely.
Any thoughts, opinions or considerations appreciated & happy to entertain older, cheaper options if there are any.
Edited by Lukas239 on Thursday 11th August 14:18
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...
I'm going to give you give you some very good alternates.
Infiniti Q30 Sport 210 , these are exactly the same car as the A250 but with a nicer interior & AWD, but they're hard to find:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207288...
Volvo V40 T5 R Design Lux Nav 245:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206237...
Insignia VXR Estate/Hatch a cracking drivers car that's often overlooked BUT you're looking at real world 30's mpg wise:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205155...
2.0T Q50 Sport these come fully loaded & use the same Mercedes 2.0T drivetrain as the A/C Class:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206176...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206176...
I would say take a look at the Q50 35h Sport 365, but the rear seats don't fold:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...
XE R Sport 240:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204054...
Lexus IS250 F Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208038...
Mondeo Vignale 240:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
Titanium:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207147...
Shrugging for victory said:
Had the same dilemma a few months back. I always came back to ye olde faithful Octavia vRS and that's what I bought (2016 as I don't like the face lift). It's quick, comfortable and doesn't eat petrol if driven sensibly. This is my 3rd vRS and *touches wood* I have never had a drama with any of my previous ones. I've always purchased from a dealer as the 1 year Skoda warranty alleviates most worries.
What sort of MPG do you get?Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff