Quick, fun daily car - 9k budget

[Brasssy]

Hi guys,

I've only ever driven one car really, an '02 Polo 1.9 TDI which has been passed down the family from new. It's alright and gets me from A to B but I want something more fun and sporty. Male, single, 29 and I mainly commute to work, gym, shopping, random car journeys (when not in lockdown). Live in Cumbria so plenty of fun roads to accelerate too fast so I would like something fairly nippy and exciting.

Been racking my brain for a while now. I know that it's best to test drive to find out what you like but I thought I'd get some additional input.

Requirements: Not too big, 2/3 door, can be 2 seated, (sub-8 seconds to 60), Manual, Petrol, 9k budget (can be less or slightly more)

Cars I've been looking at:

Clio/Megane RS - Interior keeps putting me off (additional head unit may be needed), exterior quite nice.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010124...

Audi TT - Really like the interior, high maintenance costs? Are they actually fun to put your foot down?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102058...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...

Civic Type R EP3 / Integra DC5 - Would love a decent Integra but pobably looking at 11k+. Championship White EP3? Fun and manageable to daily drive?

MX5 - Hate dealing with rust. Do Mk3 versions suffer from rust?

Abarth - Interior looks a bit naff. Any good?

350Z - Tax and interior put me off. Some nice looking versions though.

VW Scirocco - Quite like the style. Fun though?

Many thanks.

[Terry Tibbs]

I was in a similar situation and I ended up with a Fiesta ST.
I was initially put off because they are ten a penny and seem to be car of choice for the yoof but after a 20 minute test drive I was smitten.
I’ve driven plenty of hot hatches over the years and for me the ST is bang on right. If you can, get a test drive in one.
Or do a search on here, plenty of threads with lots of opinions on them.

[Brasssy]

Terry Tibbs said:

I was in a similar situation and I ended up with a Fiesta ST.
I was initially put off because they are ten a penny and seem to be car of choice for the yoof but after a 20 minute test drive I was smitten.
I’ve driven plenty of hot hatches over the years and for me the ST is bang on right. If you can, get a test drive in one.
Or do a search on here, plenty of threads with lots of opinions on them.

My work car park literally looks like a Ford dealership so haven't really given them a thought just because how common they are. Might have a look around though.

[dontfollowme]

Golf GTI Edition 30? Mini Cooper S?

[Mk_berks]

I bought an mx5 “back then”, felt much faster than it was, and coming from an NA 1.8 diesel escort (!) with 120k miles the danger factor was containable...

[Brasssy]

dontfollowme said:

Golf GTI Edition 30? Mini Cooper S?

Cooper S definitely an option. Looking into it more and it has real character. Might have to give that a test drive to get a feel for it.

[CG2020UK]

Peugeot 208GTI would be worth a test I had one and adored it! Brilliant spec as standard, quick, really economical (47mpg on the motorway) and spacious enough.

Just get the face lifted car with the 208bhp 300nm engine as superior drive, think 2015 plus.

Should get under budget as well.

[TameRacingDriver]

Brasssy said:

Hi guys,
Clio/Megane RS - Interior keeps putting me off (additional head unit may be needed), exterior quite nice.
Audi TT - Really like the interior, high maintenance costs? Are they actually fun to put your foot down?
Civic Type R EP3 / Integra DC5 - Would love a decent Integra but pobably looking at 11k+. Championship White EP3? Fun and manageable to daily drive?
MX5 - Hate dealing with rust. Do Mk3 versions suffer from rust?
Abarth - Interior looks a bit naff. Any good?
350Z - Tax and interior put me off. Some nice looking versions though.
VW Scirocco - Quite like the style. Fun though?

Clio / Megane RS - Generally a good steer, Clio 200 is a decent choice but that seems a lot. Also consider the Mk2 Trophy or a Megane 265 or similar
TT - No experience of it but I would have thought it wont be especially exciting but will be a nice place to sit
Type R - A championship white EP3 is the same running gear as the DC5 so a solid choice with good residuals. I'd prefer a good DC2 though
MX5 - Mk3s still rust
Abarth - mate had one, didn't last long. Rubbish driving position, annoying noise and crap ride were his main gripes IIRC
350Z - Had one, loved it, noise and torque were addictive. More of a 7/10ths sort of car handling wise
Scirroco - Its a squashed Golf, I'd probably rather the TT

How about a BMW 130i? If you go 130i then a 3 door LE version is available. Spend the change on some Birds suspension, decent cat back exhaust, a diff, some decent brake pads and enjoy. Fast, fun, sounds good and not too expensive to run. If you don't like the looks then consider the Z4 3.0 Si instead.

[samoht]

I'd not be able to resist looking at a 986 Boxster with a £9k budget, no particular practicality requirements and Cumbrian roads to enjoy.

[stevekoz]

Brasssy said:

Hi guys,

I've only ever driven one car really, an '02 Polo 1.9 TDI which has been passed down the family from new. It's alright and gets me from A to B but I want something more fun and sporty. Male, single, 29 and I mainly commute to work, gym, shopping, random car journeys (when not in lockdown). Live in Cumbria so plenty of fun roads to accelerate too fast so I would like something fairly nippy and exciting.

Been racking my brain for a while now. I know that it's best to test drive to find out what you like but I thought I'd get some additional input.

Requirements: Not too big, 2/3 door, can be 2 seated, (sub-8 seconds to 60), Manual, Petrol, 9k budget (can be less or slightly more)

Cars I've been looking at:

Clio/Megane RS - Interior keeps putting me off (additional head unit may be needed), exterior quite nice.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010124...

Audi TT - Really like the interior, high maintenance costs? Are they actually fun to put your foot down?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102058...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...

Civic Type R EP3 / Integra DC5 - Would love a decent Integra but pobably looking at 11k+. Championship White EP3? Fun and manageable to daily drive?

MX5 - Hate dealing with rust. Do Mk3 versions suffer from rust?

Abarth - Interior looks a bit naff. Any good?

350Z - Tax and interior put me off. Some nice looking versions though.

VW Scirocco - Quite like the style. Fun though?

Many thanks.

So out the list i would rank as follows just on personal opinion -

1. Megane rs250/265/275 etc.
2. DC5
3. EP3
4. MX-5
5. 350z
5. TT
6. Abarth
7. Scirocco

The megane is excellent, lots of fun. Very quick. Very little issues in the way of reliability and actually put together quite well. Get a car spec'd with the Recaro seats etc. You won't really mind where you are sat. However, boot area is small. Tech isn't exactly wow factor.

DC5 - A great car. Not as good as the DC2 but its just brilliant fun. If you think the interior of the megane is bad. The honda will be worse. Its far more sparse and much more dated.

EP3 - Great handling and great engine. Again interior wise its just seats and the wheel and nothing much else.

I would say out of the top 3 they are more about engagement and driver enjoyment than they are about interior comfort etc.

MX-5 - Its a great car. Handles great. I'd be looking for a BBR one if i was in the market as it just elevates them. You can drive them hard, they are reliable and just a great steer. Bit cramped if your tall or a big lad. But i think they just lack that bit of power sometimes. Hence why it comes where it does. Not saying its bad by any means just underpowered for me.

The 350z sounds great. Is a good steer but not great. The 370z is a good drivers car. The 350z isn't as polished but that v6 makes a lovely noise. Alot have been ruined by crazy mods and big loud exhausts if that is your thing then fine. They are thirsty, harsh, bit hard to live with everyday.

I've put it equal to the TT. I don't really gel with the TT but its a capable car. My ex had one. But it was Just not special and not really fun. Which is alot of Audi cars for me. Just my personal opinion though. Interior felt quite dated really, wasn't much different to an a3. Not very sharp just felt numb to drive. And yes, maintenance costs were quite high when bigger ticket items went wrong.

Abarth - Not owned one but i think they are fun. Design wise stands out a little, noise is fun, quick if not fast. Not sure how they steer. I personally like the interior of some of these but depends on the version - and there are LOTS to chose from.

Scirocco - Although based on the GTi its not one. It just isn't as fun to drive. Probably is the best interior space and design wise it looks ok ish but i would have a golf over one every time.

On that note. I would choose the Megane. A 250 in Cup spec with wingbacks if you can find one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Megane-RS250-Cu...


Else i would go for a nice golf gti, like the edition 30 if you can find a nice one. They will likely not lose you much in the long run. They may "look" like a normal golf but for those that know its a nice thing and they stand out. Bit rarer than the rest. They are alot of fun to drive.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101027...

[ZX10R NIN]

Firstly let me say the Megane RS is the best drivers hot hatch & the interior is actually decent a Lux with the Cup Chassis & Recaros is the pick but buy the best Cup car you can find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012247...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101117...

BUT if you want something a bit newer with a good chassis that'll put a smile on your face & they're nice (Recaro's as standard) inside & right now they're the VFM hot hatch.

They're also IMO one of the better looking hatches.

Astra GTC VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101288...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101057...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012297...

If you're looking at the 350 then I'd go for the 370 it a better buy at your price point & for me justifies the extra in tax:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012137...

If you want a 2+2 370 then take a look at thee Infiniti G37:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012076...

2.0T Focus ST-3 with a Mountune remap

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...

If it was me I'd be going for the VXR if I was after a hot hatch whilst not as sweet a steer as the Megane it's not that (better than the Golf) far off & is a nice place to be with some having android auto/car play.

Or the 370 is it's a coupe you're looking for.

[Brasssy]

Thanks for your help guys.

Been put off the Cooper S/JCW idea that I had due to the unreliability and niche components making it difficult work on/service. Or so I've read.

The Megane RS is certainly getting good reviews, the design is kind of growing on me as well. I originally thought the rear looked too big. I feel like if I can find the right spec then I could really enjoy this for a few years.

Limiting myself here but I'm really just not interested in Fords. Everyone drives them around where I live/work and I want something that stands out a little bit more.

Astra GTC VXR an interesting choice. Probably most similar to the Megane spec and has some nice tech and looks quite sporty.

If I can find the right older Honda that could still sway me. Would be making sacrificies but I like it's ruggedness and raw driver engagement.

[Roboticarm]

I've had 2 Abarth's and they are great fun. I've had golf gti Clio 172 and various others but the Abarth put the biggest smile on my face.

The base engine 135 and later 145 are good but the mid spec 160 and later 165bhp are the best of the range in my view. The 180s are good but the difference is less noticeable than the 135 Vs 165

They are pretty quick but feel quicker than they are too so fun can be had without needing to be at license losing speeds. The combination of size, noise and raw feel are hard to beat.
Good on fuel, great round town, decent in the motorway, loud, handle like a dream etc

In terms of interior the base spec feels a bit too close to the stock 500 but the the higher spec with leather makes a huge difference, the higher spec also has digital climate instead of the twist dials and the later ones have touch screen too

Here's my 2, a 2014 135 custom and a 2019 165bhp Turismo

[TameRacingDriver]

Brasssy said:

Thanks for your help guys.

Been put off the Cooper S/JCW idea that I had due to the unreliability and niche components making it difficult work on/service. Or so I've read.

The Megane RS is certainly getting good reviews, the design is kind of growing on me as well. I originally thought the rear looked too big. I feel like if I can find the right spec then I could really enjoy this for a few years.

Limiting myself here but I'm really just not interested in Fords. Everyone drives them around where I live/work and I want something that stands out a little bit more.

Astra GTC VXR an interesting choice. Probably most similar to the Megane spec and has some nice tech and looks quite sporty.

If I can find the right older Honda that could still sway me. Would be making sacrificies but I like it's ruggedness and raw driver engagement.

Not sure what Mini generation you're on about, but as far as I know, the R53 isn't particularly unreliable, I know the N14 engine in the R56 was a bit of a hand grenade, allegedly. The one I'd go for is the best R53 Cooper S you can find - don't bother with the Works, the parts are extremely rare and expensive, and you can make the standard S faster than a stock Works for not a huge sum of money, certainly a lot less than it would cost to buy a Works. In fact, for a 9K budget, I'm sure you'd get a low mileage face lift model with LSD, modified with coilovers / good quality suspension, get the engine fully tricked out for around 240 bhp, R56 brake upgrade and you would have a weapon of a car. Mine is probably running 200 with more basic mods but it feels fast with the responsive supercharger. Full of character.

I do like the Meganes though I must admit. I would definitely consider one of those.

I'm the same as you with Fords, although personally, I loathe Vauxhalls, the VXRs almost always seem to be driven by knuckle draggers.

DC5 would be a good shout if you can get into one, or a DC2 if you can find a non-rotten one. As a wildcard you could always try the FN2 Championship White edition with the LSD, then stick a Hondata map on it, lots and lots of fun.

[ChrisH72]

I get that you don't want a Ford.

Last summer I was after exactly what you describe. 9k budget for a quick, fun daily. The default choice is the Fiesta ST and I really didn't want one for exactly the same reasons as you. I've had Ford's before and enjoyed them a lot but the ST is sooooo common and has a pretty chavvy image. It also has an outdated interior of questionable quality which coming from an E92 325i felt like too much of a step down. So I went around the houses looking mg at anything and everything else available including rivals like the 208Gti and larger hot hatches like the Mégane rs250.

The 208 was quite appealing and I was pretty sold on one until I went for a drive and just found it to be dull and inspiring. Not sporty enough I'm afraid.

I tried mini but my budget was stuck between the r56 with the engine reliability issues (also very cramped) and the f56 which looks a bit lardy. I also didn't want BMW running costs after the 3 series.

Mégane was indeed very nice but 9k will only buy a 10yr old car with high miles, especially if you want the right spec like cup chassis and reccaro seats.

Audi TT nice looking but not the best drive and too little room in the back. Also Audi running costs.

I could go on but you can see where this is going...

£8995 for a 2017 66 plate Fiesta ST3. A bit leggy but one owner and FMDSH. It was for sale at my local Ford dealership so I thought no harm in looking. Needless to say I bought the car and it is just brilliant. To be honest I couldn't care less how many you see or what people think of it, I know I'll be keeping it and enjoying it for quite some time.

[TameRacingDriver]

JayEmm did a review on the Fiesta ST and said he almost wanted to dislike it, as he doesn't particularly like Fords, or common cars, particularly ones with that sort of image, but he also loved it. I nearly had one on my shortlist last year, but in the end went for my R53 mainly because it was less than half the price, and these days I think the R53 isn't too common and usually quite well liked nowadays (I disliked them quite a bit when they were new almost 20 years ago now).

[mbwoy84]

Fiesta ST. Tailored made for this situation. Especially with a few tweaks.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'd be going in the direction of the 370Z or Mini Cooper S...but then I'm bias because I have both of them!

I like the idea of the Fiesta ST as well.

[pb8g09]

Can have my R53 S for £1300 if you like. Needs a key repair and a little (common) rust above the rear number plate otherwise she's good to go!

[MC Bodge]

Is the R53 Cooper S a bit hard riding for enthusiastic Cumbrian minor roads driving?

I've found that softer, but well-damped, cars are better on roads like that.