Best hot hatch for around 5k?
Discussion
Need a new second car with a budget of about 5k? Needs to be a hatchback for the missus but as I will be driving it just as much as her I quite fancy a hot hatch.
So what's the best thing out there for that money, with reasonable mileage?
Currently looking at GTI's. Quite fancy a Mazda 3 MPS but the model (2009-) is just out of my price range.
So what's the best thing out there for that money, with reasonable mileage?
Currently looking at GTI's. Quite fancy a Mazda 3 MPS but the model (2009-) is just out of my price range.
Edited by Zammy on Wednesday 11th January 12:42
Zammy said:
Need a new second car with a budget of about 5k? Needs to be a hatchback for the missus but as I will be driving it just as much as her I quite fancy a hot hatch.
So what's the best thing out there for that money, with reasonable mileage?
Currently looking at GTI's. Quite fancy a Mazda 3 MPS but the model (2009-) is just out of my price range.
The mk5 Golf GTi was certainly a favourite of the motoring press at the time is was around and you will easily get a good one for around £5k. Civic Type-R is another one to have a look at. There is a good 5th gear video where the two are compared. You will find it on youtube.So what's the best thing out there for that money, with reasonable mileage?
Currently looking at GTI's. Quite fancy a Mazda 3 MPS but the model (2009-) is just out of my price range.
Edited by Zammy on Wednesday 11th January 12:42
Edit: It was a Focus ST in the fifth gear comparison.
I'd usually echo the opinions of others on here and recommend a Renaultsport Clio or Megane as well as the usual Mini Cooper S, Civic Type R, Corsa VXR contenders etc.
But the best hot hatch for 5k, as an all-rounder, for me, would probably be the Golf GTI. It's not the most fun or engaging drive compared to the above but they are great cars.
But the best hot hatch for 5k, as an all-rounder, for me, would probably be the Golf GTI. It's not the most fun or engaging drive compared to the above but they are great cars.
cj2013 said:
Requirements?
3 door or 5 door?
Running Costs?
Boot Space?
Kids?
Spec/required features?
Bit vague without it
Sorry should of added3 door or 5 door?
Running Costs?
Boot Space?
Kids?
Spec/required features?
Bit vague without it
3 door or 5 door? 5 door
Running Costs? Not too fussed as won't cover too much mileage compared to my other car.
Boot Space? As below
Kids? Working on it, so yep decent boot space would be good for the future.
Spec/required features? Not too fussed if not fully loaded.
No particular hate of any make, also whether its turbo or NA....either really aslong as it's near enough the 200bhp or over mark.
Edited by Zammy on Wednesday 11th January 13:25
Zammy said:
Sorry should of added
3 door or 5 door? 5 door
Running Costs? Not too fussed as won't cover too much mileage compared to my other car.
Boot Space? As below
Kids? Working on it, so yep decent boot space would be good for the future.
Spec/required features? Not too fussed if not fully loaded.
No particular hate of any make, also whether its turbo or NA....either really aslong as it's near enough the 200bhp or over mark.
I went through this recently. Swift Sport isn't 5 door, Megane can be (rarer) but are unreliable.3 door or 5 door? 5 door
Running Costs? Not too fussed as won't cover too much mileage compared to my other car.
Boot Space? As below
Kids? Working on it, so yep decent boot space would be good for the future.
Spec/required features? Not too fussed if not fully loaded.
No particular hate of any make, also whether its turbo or NA....either really aslong as it's near enough the 200bhp or over mark.
Edited by Zammy on Wednesday 11th January 13:25
I went through the same thought process and ended up with a Panda 100hp
cj2013 said:
Zammy said:
Sorry should of added
3 door or 5 door? 5 door
Running Costs? Not too fussed as won't cover too much mileage compared to my other car.
Boot Space? As below
Kids? Working on it, so yep decent boot space would be good for the future.
Spec/required features? Not too fussed if not fully loaded.
No particular hate of any make, also whether its turbo or NA....either really aslong as it's near enough the 200bhp or over mark.
I went through this recently. Swift Sport isn't 5 door, Megane can be (rarer) but are unreliable.3 door or 5 door? 5 door
Running Costs? Not too fussed as won't cover too much mileage compared to my other car.
Boot Space? As below
Kids? Working on it, so yep decent boot space would be good for the future.
Spec/required features? Not too fussed if not fully loaded.
No particular hate of any make, also whether its turbo or NA....either really aslong as it's near enough the 200bhp or over mark.
Edited by Zammy on Wednesday 11th January 13:25
I went through the same thought process and ended up with a Panda 100hp
Zammy said:
I tried this couple of years ago then ended up with a swift which was supposed to be a temporary car! So this time want to make sure I get something I really want.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
cj2013 said:
No way! I thought they were well out of reach and that one is sold now! That's another to add to list then...ThanksZammy said:
And another...didn't realise they were pulling 265hp. Only problem with bmw is we already own one and the missus always worries she will get stuck in the snow we never have.
Get winter tyres. My sister's family had a 1-series and an A4 Avant. They went everywhere in the A4 in the ice until they put winters on the 1-Ser. She said the transformation was such that they left the A4 on the drive after that!Had the same decision recently with the same budget and bought a Megane 225 for £3k instead. Looked at lots of other stuff in the meantime but shortlisted the following for my not very scientific reasons:
Focus ST: Heavy on fuel and seem to be pretty shagged for £5k
BMW 130: £5k is bottom end of the market for these. Stolen/crashed/crap spec/huge miles
Golf GTI: Too prosaic and not special enough. I know others disagree and I do see the appeal in something that just works though.
Civic Type R: Wanted the non breadvan one (not good with Honda model codes!) and they were too expensive
Impreza Turbo: Complete minefield. Lots of nice ones about but expensive to keep nice and run everyday. The "hawkeye" 2.5's came up at this price which I still think are the best looking ones but high tax and I was told the engine was a gamble? Not sure how true that is but it stopped me digging further. Still would like one though.
I might push the budget for a good Megane R26 now but wouldn't rule out good 225's if I was buying again. On a side note a friend of mine has replaced a Mazda 3 MPS (smiley faced one) with a Megane 275 and reckons it is hugely cheaper to run and the Mazda was ruining him financially which surprised me. That said, my Megane is not cheap to run either.
Focus ST: Heavy on fuel and seem to be pretty shagged for £5k
BMW 130: £5k is bottom end of the market for these. Stolen/crashed/crap spec/huge miles
Golf GTI: Too prosaic and not special enough. I know others disagree and I do see the appeal in something that just works though.
Civic Type R: Wanted the non breadvan one (not good with Honda model codes!) and they were too expensive
Impreza Turbo: Complete minefield. Lots of nice ones about but expensive to keep nice and run everyday. The "hawkeye" 2.5's came up at this price which I still think are the best looking ones but high tax and I was told the engine was a gamble? Not sure how true that is but it stopped me digging further. Still would like one though.
I might push the budget for a good Megane R26 now but wouldn't rule out good 225's if I was buying again. On a side note a friend of mine has replaced a Mazda 3 MPS (smiley faced one) with a Megane 275 and reckons it is hugely cheaper to run and the Mazda was ruining him financially which surprised me. That said, my Megane is not cheap to run either.
Edited by StoatInACoat on Wednesday 11th January 16:23
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