Advice Looking for new car

[ukbiker32]

As per title I’m looking for a new car got quite a list that interest me max budget probably 5k could stretch for right car with maybe 2k of finance on top If anyone’s had any from the list below I’d like to hear any Pros cons or issues you’ve had personally thanks. Or anything not as obvious that is reasonably quick.

Mini JCW
BMW 130i
Alfa brera 3.2
S4 or S4 convertible
Older Audi S3 1.8
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
Renault megane 225
Ford Focus St3.
Mondeo mk4 2.5T
Vectra VXR
Subaru Impreza wrx

Edited by ukbiker32 on Tuesday 23 August 13:44

[66HFM]

Hi ukbiker,

I've had a Mini R53 JCW and 2 x Audi S3 1.8 (210 & 225bhp).
The last of the S3s were on a 53 plate and are 19 years old, the main problem is fining one that hasn't be ragged to death and chipped / modified, unless that is what you were after.
My rare T reg S3 (210) was a great car and the only thing I had go wrong with it was the clutch going, which meant the RAC having to send a breakdown truck for it to be recovered, my 2nd S3, an 03 reg was an even better car although basically the same car with an extra 15bhp. It was in great condition and I loved its understated looks with only the chrome mirrors giving any hint of its performance away, never had any problems in the 2 years of owning it and only sold due to baby No.1 on the way and a lot of nagging to not have a 3 door car anymore...

The JCW Mini was great again although bought at the same time we had an A4 Avant S Line, so was more of a 2nd car, once again most people just thought it was a standard Cooper S, only those who looked closer noticed the Works badges and engraved exhaust etc, I had no problems with it and got the money back that I paid for it 12 months previously.
The main expense I had on it was that it came with split rims which needed refurbishing and I was limited as to who could do them properly...
Just make sure you get the original JCW paperwork document for it.

A later shape S3 would be my choice now, 56/07 reg although around the £7k figure...

[fantheman80]

my thoughts and my thoughts only;

Mini JCW - great fun, sound great
BMW 130i - drifty but anonymous
Alfa brera 3.2 - slow as a fridge but look gorgeous
S4 or S4 convertible - sound great, convertible floppy
Older Audi S3 1.8 - Lovely
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro - why when you can get an s3
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro- See above, but looks better granted
Renault megane 225 - needs to be an r26
Ford Focus St3. - the 2.5? Sounds good but a gt and needs to be mapped
Mondeo mk4 2.5T - Are you a taxi?
Vectra VXR - This is a joke right?
Subaru Impreza wrx - servicing costs savage

[ukbiker32]

Thanks for the reply mate I do like the look of the older S3 also like that 07 shape one too and my mate had one was a nice car think it would have to be in blue. Always wanted a JCW I had a 540i and while it was really nice to drive the fuel bill was ridiculous so I’ve also got that in mind with what I buy next especially the way petrol prices have been and tax also. I’ve currently got a 1.4 T jet Punto running 184bhp and while it’s fun and surprises some cars I also want a bit more comfort. Considering putting a TD04 on
My Punto would get around 240bhp or might just leave it as it is and use as a track car. Always hate when this time comes along cause at the moment there isn’t one particular car I really like well there is but far too expensive ha.

[ukbiker32]

fantheman80 said:

my thoughts and my thoughts only;

Mini JCW - great fun, sound great
BMW 130i - drifty but anonymous
Alfa brera 3.2 - slow as a fridge but look gorgeous
S4 or S4 convertible - sound great, convertible floppy
Older Audi S3 1.8 - Lovely
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro - why when you can get an s3
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro- See above, but looks better granted
Renault megane 225 - needs to be an r26
Ford Focus St3. - the 2.5? Sounds good but a gt and needs to be mapped
Mondeo mk4 2.5T - Are you a taxi?
Vectra VXR - This is a joke right?
Subaru Impreza wrx - servicing costs savage

Thanks for your input mate I almost bought the Vectra last week, but decided to think more about my decision you’ve definitely put me off now haha. I think a JCW would be a good choice and wouldn’t lose much in resale same with most of them in the list I think. Getting fed up of bikes more the weather and not getting a chance to go out on them. so looking to get rid of at least one and keep the other so to replace that looking for something that I will use daily and have fun in.

[RoVoFob]

ukbiker32 said:

Mini JCW
BMW 130i
Alfa brera 3.2
S4 or S4 convertible
Older Audi S3 1.8
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
Renault megane 225
Ford Focus St3.
Mondeo mk4 2.5T
Vectra VXR
Subaru Impreza wrx

Edited by ukbiker32 on Tuesday 23 August 13:44

Three-time 130i owner here. As an affordable, quick, engaging car that offers decent torque and high-end power, plus good reliability and fuel economy, I don’t think it can be beaten from the options you’ve highlighted. You get a car that has a big engine and rear-wheel-drive traction but is still light and economical compared with the four-wheel-drive options. Hence why I’ve had three…!

[Belle427]

130 for me too.

[fflump]

I would also consider your annual budget for insurance and maintenance.

e.g. I would imagine that £5-7k on an S4 would just be the start of your expenditure.

[HiAsAKite]

fflump said:

I would also consider your annual budget for insurance and maintenance.

e.g. I would imagine that £5-7k on an S4 would just be the start of your expenditure.

This. If you are contemplating anything of that age, esoecially starting with "S", make sure you have a couple of £k emergency slysh fund.

To be honest, chances are, you wont need it, but unless you are following a bangereconomics approach (which £5k is a bit rich for!), then you need that "in case"

HaaK ( habitual buyer of 10-14 year old cars with 100k+ mileages)

[ukbiker32]

Thanks for the input after looking at options over the last few days I seen a Fiesta st2 @300bhp looked quick. And also like the look of pug 308GTI but reading about a few suspension and electrical issues with them.

[ZX10R NIN]

ukbiker32 said:

As per title I’m looking for a new car got quite a list that interest me max budget probably 5k could stretch for right car with maybe 2k of finance on top If anyone’s had any from the list below I’d like to hear any Pros cons or issues you’ve had personally thanks. Or anything not as obvious that is reasonably quick.

Mini JCW
BMW 130i
Alfa brera 3.2
S4 or S4 convertible
Older Audi S3 1.8
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
Renault megane 225
Ford Focus St3.
Mondeo mk4 2.5T
Vectra VXR
Subaru Impreza wrx

Edited by ukbiker32 on Tuesday 23 August 13:44

With your budget I'd be taking a good look at the 2.5T Focus ST they're a cracking car with a good chassi & a peach of an engine:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204064...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206216...

208 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208158...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203123...

[ukbiker32]

I really like the focus ST look good exterior wise ,inside looks fine and good reputation and in budget. Today I’ve been looking at Audi A5 3.0 TDI anyone had one?