8-10k Hot Hatch - better than a Golf GTI?

[Scottland]

Hi,

On the hunt for a hot/warm hatch over the next few months. I'm struggling to find anything better than a Golf GTI - but thought would throw it to the PH masses to tell me I'm wrong?

Here's my criteria:
- Nothing 'too' old, looking for 2009 onwards
- 4/5 Door only, unfortunately can't compromise on that
- Better handling preffered over more power
- Manual really preferred, would maybe consider an Auto/Dual clutch if it was worth it


I've considered an Octavia VRS, which is available much cheaper than the Golf but isn't as 'sharp'. Focus ST (mk3), I've had a mk3 facelift in the past, so probably wouldn't want another. Audi S3's command a premuim, and to be honest I think I prefer the Golf anyway.


What else have I missed? A 2010 Golf GTI mk6 for 10k doesn't seem great value, but I guess given the current used car market not much is.

[M.F.D]

Such ashame you can't compromise on the 3dr, as the Mk3 Megane RS is an absolute peach. So much so, I'm looking for a similar scenario to you and contemplating my fourth.

E87 130i 5dr? Not loads of room, but 270bhp and if you add an LSD then you have a really competent, easy to run hot hatch.

Mk2 Focus ST, you could get a cracker within budget and that 5pot is lovely. I'd have one over a Mk 3 ST personally.

[CG2020UK]

Mazda 3 MPS?

Few £K more would get you a 308GTI.

If you didn’t need 5 door but only the room an Astra GTC VXR would hit budget.

Mk6 GTI just need to make sure timing chain sorted.

[ZX10R NIN]

Giulietta Cloverleaf:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111129...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...

Mazda3 MPS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203294...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204024...

Insignia VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201061...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...

[Canon_Fodder]

5 door Cooper S

I would actually get the Cooper as I too prefer less power - they'd be cheaper of course but the same idea...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

[furrywoolyhatuk]

Mk5 r32 golf?!

[MARLBOROLITES]

Isn't an early Golf R within your price point? I've saw some lovely examples 12 months or so ago around the £10k mark. I prefer the earlier ones to the newer. Their lines are more sympathetic to the eye in my view.

[Driver101]

There is a 2012 BMW 125i for £9,999 on AT.

A Kia Ceed GT as an outsider and much newer car.

[georgeyboy12345]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi is my top pick - goes much better than a Golf GTI!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...


BMW 125i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204024...


Seat Leon 1.8 TSI FR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204295...


Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI (essentially the same as above)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...


Vauxhall Astra 1.6i Turbo SRI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204144...

[PomBstard]

I’d be looking for something more exciting and/or reliable than a Mk6 Golf GTI. We had a 2011 for 3 years and whilst it was clearly capable, it was utterly dull as a day-to-day prospect and didn’t really feel that entertaining when being spanked. It also lit up its dash lights for fun - we had it from 5-8 years old - EML was a favourite.

As already mentioned, make sure timing chain/tensioner is done, and maybe the inlet manifold as this can crack.

But maybe consider some of the other suggestions before going for a Golf - life’s too short.

[Scottland]

Thanks for the suggestions

E87 - Will take a look, might be a bit small.

Mk2 Focus ST - Never really liked that shape, and seem really poor value considering mk3's aren't much more?

Mazda 3 MPS - Yeah I've seen these. Not really sure what they're like, I'll try and find one to check out

Alfa Guilietta - Not sure how reliable these are? Do I need a brave pill?

5 door Mini will be way too small, I've looked at them in the past

Golf R32 might be worth a shout

Don't really know anything about the Kia Ceed GT other than they exist. Are they actually decent or just luke warm?

[Belle427]

I have an Edition 30 for sale in the classifieds with some nice mods that may tick most of your boxes.
Needs some cosmetic tlc but I feel I’ve priced it sensibly.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Belle427 said:

I have an Edition 30 for sale in the classifieds with some nice mods that may tick most of your boxes.
Needs some cosmetic tlc but I feel I’ve priced it sensibly.

Was going to suggest a mint ED30. 10k should get a decent one and I'd rather have that than a standard mk6. Doesn't the TSI engine in the mk6 have various problems vs the TFSI in the mk5? Apart from that they're basically the same car underneath...

[ZX10R NIN]

Scottland said:

Thanks for the suggestions

E87 - Will take a look, might be a bit small.

Mk2 Focus ST - Never really liked that shape, and seem really poor value considering mk3's aren't much more?

Mazda 3 MPS - Yeah I've seen these. Not really sure what they're like, I'll try and find one to check out

Alfa Guilietta - Not sure how reliable these are? Do I need a brave pill?

5 door Mini will be way too small, I've looked at them in the past

Golf R32 might be worth a shout

Don't really know anything about the Kia Ceed GT other than they exist. Are they actually decent or just luke warm?

The Alfa will be just as reliable as the Mini & BMW listed, you have to get past old adages.

[Dannbodge]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Belle427 said:

I have an Edition 30 for sale in the classifieds with some nice mods that may tick most of your boxes.
Needs some cosmetic tlc but I feel I’ve priced it sensibly.

Was going to suggest a mint ED30. 10k should get a decent one and I'd rather have that than a standard mk6. Doesn't the TSI engine in the mk6 have various problems vs the TFSI in the mk5? Apart from that they're basically the same car underneath...

I've also got an Edition 30 for sale

They're cracking little cars. Love mine but I've only done 300 miles in it in 6 months, so no point me keeping it!

The Mk5 was the better of the two (mk5 and 6) as they're essentially the same car just the MK6 got bigger and heavier and as pointed out, the TFSI is better then the gen 1 ea888 in the mk6.

Edited by Dannbodge on Wednesday 11th May 13:20

[ninjag]

Scottland said:

Thanks for the suggestions
Mazda 3 MPS - Yeah I've seen these. Not really sure what they're like, I'll try and find one to check out

I had a Mazda 6 MPS which has the same engine and it's very good and loves a Short Ram or Cold Air intake. The 6 has AWD though but the 3 is lighter. If planning to remap the fuel pump internals will need upgrading, not a huge task but just something to be aware of.

[A500leroy]

juke nismo?