Car Change - Can you help? Max 8k budget
Discussion
Hey all
I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all 😁
I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all 😁
208GTi or Mini Cooper S tend to be the defaults if the ST is not for you.
Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
macron said:
208GTi or Mini Cooper S tend to be the defaults if the ST is not for you.
Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
Which Mini Cooper S version is best? Is it the f56 version? Or is an older 2013ish JCW better with older engine?Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
I forgot to mention my abarth is a 2010 plate.
Not considered the 208gti, do they hold their value as good and is build quality in Peugeot still not that great (correct me if I'm wrong)
macron said:
208GTi or Mini Cooper S tend to be the defaults if the ST is not for you.
Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
And yeah I agree with the clio and dated nature of the Renault worries me the most. Depends on what you're looking for really, Clio is ace with known weak spots, and very dated inside. They are old now. Hold their headline price maybe, but that ignores what it costs to maintain. Alfa is rare and well regarded. 208 is pretty good all round.
Good luck testing a few out!
My current favourite is the Alfa on the list so far
Edited by Turnip Farmer on Tuesday 26th December 06:06
Turnip Farmer said:
Hey all
I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all ??
The Alfa is a very good warm hatch & it's different too, they're reliable but they are oil sensitive.I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all ??
For me I'd be looking at one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307310...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312164...
They're a great steer you don't see lots on the road.
Next would be the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308060...
R32, I love these objectively they don't make sense but they have so much character & they manage to feel special at low speed too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
Out of these three, if the cars going to be a daily then the VXR wins BUT if you're only doing low miles then I'd take the R32 & budget on having to refresh components along the way.
We’ve had 2x Peugeot 208 GTI and they were brilliant and faultless.
Highly recommend a test drive.
Keep an eye out for the prestige model as comes with panoramic sun roof, cruise control, dual zone climate, auto wipers and lights, sat nav, heated seats and a spare full alloy wheel.
We had an ownership 39mpg avg, insurance was great was pennies to run. Backseats are actually useable for adults and the boot opening means it is easier to use than it’s rivals. Try and aim for a facelifted car mid 2015 and newer as more reliable and engine nicer with more torque.
Always regret not taking it on the track but was a blast on a B road and very quick. Maybe not as hardcore feeling or outright fun as its rivals but then we had no issues using them as our daily drivers and ultimately they were still the faster car.
Highly recommend a test drive.
Keep an eye out for the prestige model as comes with panoramic sun roof, cruise control, dual zone climate, auto wipers and lights, sat nav, heated seats and a spare full alloy wheel.
We had an ownership 39mpg avg, insurance was great was pennies to run. Backseats are actually useable for adults and the boot opening means it is easier to use than it’s rivals. Try and aim for a facelifted car mid 2015 and newer as more reliable and engine nicer with more torque.
Always regret not taking it on the track but was a blast on a B road and very quick. Maybe not as hardcore feeling or outright fun as its rivals but then we had no issues using them as our daily drivers and ultimately they were still the faster car.
ZX10R NIN said:
Turnip Farmer said:
Hey all
I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all ??
The Alfa is a very good warm hatch & it's different too, they're reliable but they are oil sensitive.I'm thinking of changing my Abarth 500, I've had it for about 9 years now and fancy something different.
I've narrowed a small shortlist
1. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf
Anyone owned one of these? Are they any good and any issues?
2. Renault Clio RS Cup 200
Never owned a Renault but have driven few Peugeots in the past. These look fun to drive but super basic inside. Trying to find one that hasn't been driven hard might prove difficult.
3. Golf R32 mk5
Really like these cars but aware the running costs will be more than the above ones and also being older but they have a lot of character.
Is there any other cars I should consider? I've stayed away from Fiesta ST as they seam super common.
Which out the 3 above would you pick? Or if non of above which would you buy instead?
Many thanks all ??
For me I'd be looking at one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307310...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312164...
They're a great steer you don't see lots on the road.
Next would be the Peugeot Sport 208 GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308060...
R32, I love these objectively they don't make sense but they have so much character & they manage to feel special at low speed too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
Out of these three, if the cars going to be a daily then the VXR wins BUT if you're only doing low miles then I'd take the R32 & budget on having to refresh components along the way.
The pug looks a good shout too.
What's your thoughts on the Renault clio?
Turnip Farmer said:
Thanks for the feedback, I've not considered the Vauxhall, what are they like for reliability compared to the others on my list and others you mentioned, considering Vauxhall aren't always know for quality.
The pug looks a good shout too.
What's your thoughts on the Renault clio?
The VXR's are very reliable, adjustable shocks aren't cheap if they need replacing but they're also the thing that makes them steer so well & helps with the flexibility of it being a good daily/then a cracking A/B road steer.The pug looks a good shout too.
What's your thoughts on the Renault clio?
They're no less reliable than anything listed or that will be listed.
The Clio is a ball of a steer but you'll want a Cup/Cup chassis model to fully enjoy one, personally I'd take the RS Megane over the Clio.
ZX10R NIN said:
Turnip Farmer said:
Thanks for the feedback, I've not considered the Vauxhall, what are they like for reliability compared to the others on my list and others you mentioned, considering Vauxhall aren't always know for quality.
The pug looks a good shout too.
What's your thoughts on the Renault clio?
The VXR's are very reliable, adjustable shocks aren't cheap if they need replacing but they're also the thing that makes them steer so well & helps with the flexibility of it being a good daily/then a cracking A/B road steer.The pug looks a good shout too.
What's your thoughts on the Renault clio?
They're no less reliable than anything listed or that will be listed.
The Clio is a ball of a steer but you'll want a Cup/Cup chassis model to fully enjoy one, personally I'd take the RS Megane over the Clio.
Also seen the Mini F56, around 2014 plate, these look good. What's your thoughts on these?
My list is getting bigger and bigger haha!
Turnip Farmer said:
Cool, thank you, I'll have a look at them, they do look quite well specced. The Megane looks good too any particular version of the RS Megane?
Also seen the Mini F56, around 2014 plate, these look good. What's your thoughts on these?
My list is getting bigger and bigger haha!
The Mini is a good option personally I've never got on with them but there are lots of people that do, I've found the ride rubbish & the chassis isn't that good compared to it's rivals in the junior hot hatch segment, the PS 208 GTI is a better option in everyway.Also seen the Mini F56, around 2014 plate, these look good. What's your thoughts on these?
My list is getting bigger and bigger haha!
I've given this some thought over the last day or so.
I still like the Alfa but as this will be driven by my wife also car then we both have to like it, the Alfa doesn't seem as popular so I its off the list, I know the looks aren't for everyone. The Astra isn't a popular choice sadly either although bang for buck that seems good so that's gone, the mini has gone from the list too.
The Pug 208 Gti is a maybe so we'll have a closer look at them and the Clio RS is liked but the slightly newer shape, is it the RS Lux?
The megane RS is liked too.
Number 1 choice at moment is Mazda 3 MPS although there is hardly any around at moment. These look good value for money and quite rare. Anyone had one here? What is there to look out for on them and are they good as a daily?
The Focus ST is also another popular choice as is the Golf R32.
One choice out there which is a bit leftfield is Kia Proceed GT, are these anygood or rubbish? I know they are more of warm hatch but they don't actually look half bad.
So basically short list is
1. Mazda 3 Mps (when can find one)
2. Focus ST
3. Gold R32
Maybe - Clio RS, Megane RS and Peugeot 208 Gti.
I still like the Alfa but as this will be driven by my wife also car then we both have to like it, the Alfa doesn't seem as popular so I its off the list, I know the looks aren't for everyone. The Astra isn't a popular choice sadly either although bang for buck that seems good so that's gone, the mini has gone from the list too.
The Pug 208 Gti is a maybe so we'll have a closer look at them and the Clio RS is liked but the slightly newer shape, is it the RS Lux?
The megane RS is liked too.
Number 1 choice at moment is Mazda 3 MPS although there is hardly any around at moment. These look good value for money and quite rare. Anyone had one here? What is there to look out for on them and are they good as a daily?
The Focus ST is also another popular choice as is the Golf R32.
One choice out there which is a bit leftfield is Kia Proceed GT, are these anygood or rubbish? I know they are more of warm hatch but they don't actually look half bad.
So basically short list is
1. Mazda 3 Mps (when can find one)
2. Focus ST
3. Gold R32
Maybe - Clio RS, Megane RS and Peugeot 208 Gti.
A friend recently, within the last month, just bought a 265 Megane at £10k, so slightly above your budget. But it is 1 owner and v low miles.
What a car, it’ll run rings round the other cars mentioned and I’m very jealous.
I suspect a 250 will be just as good and likely to be in budget.
What a car, it’ll run rings round the other cars mentioned and I’m very jealous.
I suspect a 250 will be just as good and likely to be in budget.
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