Fast hatchback

[Ebro]

Hi there,

I’ve not posted before but I know that my late husband (passed away in 2019) received invaluable advice from you guys and he managed to buy an M140i. Sadly I had to give this back to BMW when he died. I loved this car and of all the things that happened afterwards in regard to material things, it was losing the car that caused tears! We shared a passion for all things fast!

My wonderful auntie gave me my great aunts car - Mitsubishi Lancer - and whilst I wish it had ‘evo’ on the back, didn’t squeak, wasn’t rusting through the bottom and the windows didn’t randomly refuse to close (after it was broken into) I am eternally grateful for it and her kindness.

But now it’s becoming too expensive to fix and I miss being able to overtake on the motorway, so I’m looking for a hot hatch (0-60/2 in under 5 seconds) again. I have £25-30K cash. Here are my questions for you, I hope you can help;

1. Should I buy a second hand hot hatch, or would they have been ragged?
2. Is a 2018 Ford RS worth looking at?
3. Is it better to buy new - with warranties/services included etc.
4. Will I get something new on my budget?!
5. Is the basic M2 any good? Obviously I would love the 3L bi turbo but it’s too expensive...

Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you!!

Em.

[Leon R]

1. Should I buy a second hand hot hatch, or would they have been ragged? It could have been but that is what they are for, buy one that has been looked after and you will be ok.

2. Is a 2018 Ford RS worth looking at? It is worth a test drive yes.

3. Is it better to buy new - with warranties/services included etc. If you want a fixed monthly cost then yes that is sensible.

4. Will I get something new on my budget?! Yes but not something that is comparable (size and power) to the ones mentioned, you would have to size down to a Fiesta ST or similar to get one in budget outright. If finance is an option then pretty much any hot hatch is an option for you.

5. Is the basic M2 any good? Obviously I would love the 3L bi turbo but it’s too expensive... Yes it is very good.

[ChrisDT]

What about a Yaris GR? They are circa £30k (used) and have quite a following and financially should do quite well over the next couple of years.

As already mentioned most hot hatches would have had some kind of 'hot' use, but that is what they are designed for though, mostly.

[Ebro]

Thank you. Do you think BMW has better handling than a FordRS? Or is my answer just an M2?!

[david-j8694]

Given you loved the M140i, you could always buy another one. Every M140i on Autotrader is under £30k, so you'd be able to get a really tidy example.

Or did you specifically want a hot hatch instead?

To answer the questions:
1. Should I buy a second hand hot hatch, or would they have been ragged?
They'll be bought buy people who want fast cars and like driving fast, I would suspect. That's no big issue, though, as that's what they're designed for. Buy on condition and history and you'll be fine.

2. Is a 2018 Ford RS worth looking at?
Definitely test drive one. Quite a raw car, but an absolute blast to drive. Won't feel quite as premium as the BMW inside.

3. Is it better to buy new - with warranties/services included etc.
Personal preference. I'd never buy new myself, as depreciation is almost always too severe. I think you'll be fine with something a couple of years old and a warranty.

4. Will I get something new on my budget?!
Absolutely. 30k gets you some tasty motors.

5. Is the basic M2 any good? Obviously I would love the 3L bi turbo but it’s too expensive...
It gets overshadowed, naturally, by the Competition version, but it's a great car. I'd take it over a hot hatch any day of the week. It's barely any faster than an M140i in a straight line, though.

Edited by david-j8694 on Thursday 6th May 15:20

[ZX10R NIN]

Ebro said:

Hi there,

I’ve not posted before but I know that my late husband (passed away in 2019) received invaluable advice from you guys and he managed to buy an M140i. Sadly I had to give this back to BMW when he died. I loved this car and of all the things that happened afterwards in regard to material things, it was losing the car that caused tears! We shared a passion for all things fast!

My wonderful auntie gave me my great aunts car - Mitsubishi Lancer - and whilst I wish it had ‘evo’ on the back, didn’t squeak, wasn’t rusting through the bottom and the windows didn’t randomly refuse to close (after it was broken into) I am eternally grateful for it and her kindness.

But now it’s becoming too expensive to fix and I miss being able to overtake on the motorway, so I’m looking for a hot hatch (0-60/2 in under 5 seconds) again. I have £25-30K cash. Here are my questions for you, I hope you can help;

1. Should I buy a second hand hot hatch, or would they have been ragged?
2. Is a 2018 Ford RS worth looking at?
3. Is it better to buy new - with warranties/services included etc.
4. Will I get something new on my budget?!
5. Is the basic M2 any good? Obviously I would love the 3L bi turbo but it’s too expensive...

Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you!!

Em.

Firstly buy a lightly used car as they represent the best value, now hot hatches are great fun but at 30k I'd be going for the next step up, so that means Focus RS/A45/CLA45 AMG/RS3 as they're depreciating more slowly than the regular hot hatches, which will counteract the slightly higher running costs.

With regards to warranties pretty much all of these cars will qualify for a Manufacturer Approved Warranties so you'll have peace of mind.

Don't be afraid to test drive every car on your shortlist as only YOU will know which one you click with.

Focus RS great cars & a blast to drive:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104211...

CLA45 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104040...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205...

A45 AMG Premium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105022...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012127...

The RS3's hold their money the best so you'll be looking at something starting with 40k on the clock rather than less than 20k on the cars above but I'd still say they're worth at least a test drive.


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012307...

As good as the cars above are at 30k I'd be more inclined to go for something a bit more special.

M4 great cars & for me the better buy vs the M2 but both are very capable steers these can still be Warrantied (with an inspection if they're not AUC cars) as above:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101127...

Lexus RC F special cars that get under your skin & these have lower maintenance costs too but they're hard to find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104241...

Mustang GT as good as the RS (& it's bloody good) the Mustang is a more special feeling car & they're very good value:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104151...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012157...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105012...

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

M2 good cars personally I'd buy the M4:

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

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104281...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...

[Ebro]

That’s really useful. Thank you so much. I had wondered about depreciation and also the eco-boom, but in the end I just wanted something fun! Mustang, oooo. Thanks for reassurance about test drives. Will look at links. Cheers.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're all fun steers it depends on what fun you want, the Megane RS300 Tropthy is a blast:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101198...

As is the 308 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104010...

& i30 N Performance

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010044...

[Ebro]

The Lexus and Mustang seem a bit thirsty - like my old M3.

The Renault & Peugeot are interesting but over the 5s but thank you for posting.

I think I’ll test drive the M4 (faster than affordable M2 & more options) and RS3.

Thanks.

[stevekoz]

Ebro said:

The Lexus and Mustang seem a bit thirsty - like my old M3.

The Renault & Peugeot are interesting but over the 5s but thank you for posting.

I think I’ll test drive the M4 (faster than affordable M2 & more options) and RS3.

Thanks.

Having driven (not owned either) both the M4 and the M2Comp. The M4 struggled to put all its power down. Like in the wet, it was a bit unruly. Granted not my car and could have been down to tyres. But it struggled for traction. The M2 in the same conditions didn't really struggle as much. Having the M4 in comfort made a difference, but then i wouldn't be buying it to have in comfort mode all the time.

I think its how it delivers the power in the m4, it has masses of torque and it comes with such a wallop. But also the suspension and the track of the car, its a shorter wheelbase of say an m5 and the tyres are narrower and i just didn't like the dampening. My friend who had one, instantly kind of regretted buying it as he couldn't use it how he wanted - ended up with a 2016 911 as a replacement, alot more enjoyable, same kind of power but just more useable and easier to handle.

Alot of m4 owners will agree i think about the suspension on the standard car and having taken it for a blast down some welsh roads, you can find it being quite scary and backing off and i'm not talking ludricous speeds here. I'm not a hooligan. It simply is quite uncomposed. The M4 comp solved that i think from what i've read. But i've no experience of that.

The M2comp on the other hand, obviously not as fast. But it was just a lovely thing to drive, felt more composed. Didn't have much issue in the wet, yes it may spin up in 2nd even 3rd if hammering it down and you were a bit too heavy footed but it was controlled and and more composed.

Just my insight into the two.

[InitialDave]

Have a drive of a GR Yaris, see if that fits your needs, they're fun little things. 5 year warranty that allows track use, too.

[stevekoz]

stevekoz said:

Having driven (not owned either) both the M4 and the M2Comp. The M4 struggled to put all its power down. Like in the wet, it was a bit unruly. Granted not my car and could have been down to tyres. But it struggled for traction. The M2 in the same conditions didn't really struggle as much. Having the M4 in comfort made a difference, but then i wouldn't be buying it to have in comfort mode all the time.

......Just my insight into the two.

Sorry @OP just to clarify my point as reading back i felt it may be lost. The M4 is more powerful and should be "faster" as you commented, but, i could use more of that power in the M2 and that made it overall, feel faster. I would just test drive both and see what you think. Maybe once on a dry sunny day and once in the wet. Just for comparison.

[Ebro]

Thanks, that’s useful to know re M4 and M2.

Just had another look & there are some really nice Mercedes A45 AMG’s. What’s the downside of those cars? Are they expensive to maintain and repair? How do they handle compared to BMW’s?

Sorry I have so many questions!

[cerb4.5lee]

Ebro said:

Thanks, that’s useful to know re M4 and M2.

Just had another look & there are some really nice Mercedes A45 AMG’s. What’s the downside of those cars? Are they expensive to maintain and repair? How do they handle compared to BMW’s?

Sorry I have so many questions!

Mercedes main dealer servicing is a little bit more expensive than BMW in my experience, but I believe that the A45 AMG's are good all round cars though. In terms of handling the A45 will be more surefooted than most Bmw's(especially in poor weather) because they are 4WD rather than RWD.

Edited by cerb4.5lee on Friday 7th May 17:29

[Ebro]

Thank you.

[ZX10R NIN]

stevekoz said:

Having driven (not owned either) both the M4 and the M2Comp. The M4 struggled to put all its power down. Like in the wet, it was a bit unruly. Granted not my car and could have been down to tyres. But it struggled for traction. The M2 in the same conditions didn't really struggle as much. Having the M4 in comfort made a difference, but then i wouldn't be buying it to have in comfort mode all the time.

I think its how it delivers the power in the m4, it has masses of torque and it comes with such a wallop. But also the suspension and the track of the car, its a shorter wheelbase of say an m5 and the tyres are narrower and i just didn't like the dampening. My friend who had one, instantly kind of regretted buying it as he couldn't use it how he wanted - ended up with a 2016 911 as a replacement, alot more enjoyable, same kind of power but just more useable and easier to handle.

Alot of m4 owners will agree i think about the suspension on the standard car and having taken it for a blast down some welsh roads, you can find it being quite scary and backing off and i'm not talking ludricous speeds here. I'm not a hooligan. It simply is quite uncomposed. The M4 comp solved that i think from what i've read. But i've no experience of that.

The M2comp on the other hand, obviously not as fast. But it was just a lovely thing to drive, felt more composed. Didn't have much issue in the wet, yes it may spin up in 2nd even 3rd if hammering it down and you were a bit too heavy footed but it was controlled and and more composed.

Just my insight into the two.

Comparing apples with apples the M2 has the some of the same issues as the M4, the Comp models with different mapping torque limiters & suspension work they improve a lot.

Now I've had an M4 & no I didn't get on with mine but I had one of the best V8's ever made sitting in the garage with it's great N/A delivery not helping the M4's case.

I have supplied a lot of these & fettled a few & from what I've seen/felt a change of springs (Eibach/H&R) seem to help traction as well as improving the ride & mapping smooths the delivery.

OP test drive one they're a good car, now for me the Mustang will tick a lot of boxes, they have a nice trick of feeling special at low speed. As a steer they're good & maintenance costs are sensible too.

The A45/CLA45 are very good hatches they cost a little bit more to run than say something like a Golf R but they're a better more special car than the Golf, as is the RS3.

As I said for me I'd want something a bit more special for that kind of outlay, which is why I'd be looking along the lines of the Mustang/RC-F/M4.