Looking hot hot hatch

[Lamborghini Doors]

Hi all I am looking for a new hot hatch. My budget is up up to 40k. I'm looking for something quite new, so max 1 years old.

I have my eyes on the usual suspects:

M135i
S3
Golf r
A35

I'm liking the golf, seems the fastest out if the bunch, though the quality seems a bit poor. I current have a TTS MK3, though sadly need some more practicability.

What do you guys recommend? Yet to drive any of the cars.

[LamedonM]

Nearly new m140i and add LSD, mperformace or blestein suspension and m performance exhaust. You would then have B58 3Litre, 6 cylinder engined, stable, fast and practical car in your hand with exquisite exhaust note. All with the above upgrades would come under 40K

[PH User]

Spilt your budget and get something properly fun like an Elise or similar.

[anonymous-user]

I’d just drive them, it’s a ton of money and it’s your car. They’re all good, they just have different strengths and weaknesses.

I’ve not learnt much in life, but one thing I have is that listening to groupthink on cars is totally pointless. Buy something because you love it, not because the internet/reviews etc say it’s “the best”. The only way to get there is to go and drive them.

[ZX10R NIN]

If I was spending 40k on a hot hatch my biggest concern would be depreciation all the cars on your list depreciate heavily so I'd be haggling & stretching the budget to get an A45 AMG:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104081...

RS3 but you'll have to give up the 1 year old criteria:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...

But I'll be honest if you want something seriously capable I'd be looking for an AUC or a car I can get on the a Manufacturer Approved Warranty scheme & go for the next segment up as they're still great steers that have done the worst of their depreciation.

M3 Competition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103130...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103170...

Giulia QF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101258...

C63 BiTurbo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104151...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101228...

[Lamborghini Doors]

ZX10R NIN said:

If I was spending 40k on a hot hatch my biggest concern would be depreciation all the cars on your list depreciate heavily so I'd be haggling & stretching the budget to get an A45 AMG:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104081...

RS3 but you'll have to give up the 1 year old criteria:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104131...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...

But I'll be honest if you want something seriously capable I'd be looking for an AUC or a car I can get on the a Manufacturer Approved Warranty scheme & go for the next segment up as they're still great steers that have done the worst of their depreciation.

M3 Competition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103130...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103190...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103170...

Giulia QF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101258...

C63 BiTurbo

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104151...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101228...

Thank you for the suggestions. The reason I am looking for a year old max is I am planning on keeping the car for at least 3 years and I have been stung in the past with older cars costing me a bomb to repair outside warranty.

Did not realise I could afford an newer A45 or RS3. I think they are the two cars I will test drive (although the rs3 is very similar to the TTS I reckon in terms of drive? Though I am tempted by the C63.

I'll drive a few cars and see how it goes.

[Wills2]

If a full term warranty is important I'd go for a new golf gti clubsport get the full warranty and save 5k on your budget.

[nickfrog]

PH User said:

Spilt your budget and get something properly fun like an Elise or similar.

I like that thinking.

You could spend £20k in a Megane 280 Cup which will probably be a better steer than the car listed and £20k in something a bit more special that won't depreciate much.

[Zarco]

I'd stretch the budget for an A45 AMG S given your criteria. Proper bit of kit by all accounts. There's a few for just over £40k on Autotrader.

[ZX10R NIN]

As I said you can get everything I listed & put it on a manufacturer approved warranty which will save you from any unwanted bills yes you'll have to pay for it but you'd have to do that if you were keeping the A45/RS3 3/4 years.

That's why I'd be looking at the next segment above.

[mike9009]

Lamborghini Doors said:

Thank you for the suggestions. The reason I am looking for a year old max is I am planning on keeping the car for at least 3 years and I have been stung in the past with older cars costing me a bomb to repair outside warranty.

Did not realise I could afford an newer A45 or RS3. I think they are the two cars I will test drive (although the rs3 is very similar to the TTS I reckon in terms of drive? Though I am tempted by the C63.

I'll drive a few cars and see how it goes.

I understand it is personal choice, but in three years you are likely to lose £15k in depreciation at average mileage. However, buy one at four years old, take the risk and likely pocket £10k contingency in repair bills.

My 14 year old 330i has only sprung one bill of £500 in four years ownership.

Fully accepting it is your money and choice and maybe peace of mind is important to you - but I don't think it is a 'sound' financial decision to buy a one year old car because cars 'cost a bomb' to fix out of warranty. Depreciation 'costs a bomb' and it is a near certainty......

[Belle427]

RS3 would fit the bill, seem to hold their value very well though but that’s a good thing for you.