What to buy next?
Discussion
Hello All,
Recently found myself purchasing an RS3 to replace my Focus RS and sadly that didn't happen - the RS3 turned out to have issues and i had to return the car and got a refund.
When looking i had decided that i had a budget of roughly 15k to spend and the RS3 8p seemed a good fit. It was practical in size and comfort and extremely useable with AWD as well as being ballistically fast and handled "ok" for a heavy front wheel drive.
Sadly during the interim of having to get my money back my Focus threw up yet more issues that i've had to solve and its eaten into my budget which isn't great as i find myself looking for something similar to the RS3 and Focus RS but now only having appro 12k to spend.
I know that i cannot got a car that is as Fun or as quck as the Focus or RS3. It is no longer possible.
I simply don't kno what cars to look at next.
From a drivers perspective the Megane RS is of course a shout - but ultimately they are small and cramped inside and with very few creature comforts.
I'd like something that has character, is relatively quick (or can be modified to over 300hp) and that has space for 3 tall people (my eldest daughter is 5'10 and her sister is not far behind).
I have to discount Golfs - in my area the insurance for a GTI or R is extortionate (birmingham) and my daughters hate the image that they have and i can't blame them. lol (More to do with where we live than the car itself but you get the point).
So I need/want something that also has a good record of reliability too - as the the Focus has been i money pit and just a very POOR car. Despite it being so fun, build quality is none existent. I do alot of miles 15-20k a year. So not having it broken down all the time would be helpful so it needs to be able to take a lickin' and keep on tickin' as they say.
I feel i've exhausted every option if i'm honest so looking for some help and inspiration. I wondered if splitting my money across two cars would be more sensible but then both cars would still need to take 3 people so not like i could have a cheap boxster or and an estate so i'm not sure its worth considering.
Anway. Any comments, advice or ideas would be welcome. It has started to get quite exhausting just trolling through adverts.
Recently found myself purchasing an RS3 to replace my Focus RS and sadly that didn't happen - the RS3 turned out to have issues and i had to return the car and got a refund.
When looking i had decided that i had a budget of roughly 15k to spend and the RS3 8p seemed a good fit. It was practical in size and comfort and extremely useable with AWD as well as being ballistically fast and handled "ok" for a heavy front wheel drive.
Sadly during the interim of having to get my money back my Focus threw up yet more issues that i've had to solve and its eaten into my budget which isn't great as i find myself looking for something similar to the RS3 and Focus RS but now only having appro 12k to spend.
I know that i cannot got a car that is as Fun or as quck as the Focus or RS3. It is no longer possible.
I simply don't kno what cars to look at next.
From a drivers perspective the Megane RS is of course a shout - but ultimately they are small and cramped inside and with very few creature comforts.
I'd like something that has character, is relatively quick (or can be modified to over 300hp) and that has space for 3 tall people (my eldest daughter is 5'10 and her sister is not far behind).
I have to discount Golfs - in my area the insurance for a GTI or R is extortionate (birmingham) and my daughters hate the image that they have and i can't blame them. lol (More to do with where we live than the car itself but you get the point).
So I need/want something that also has a good record of reliability too - as the the Focus has been i money pit and just a very POOR car. Despite it being so fun, build quality is none existent. I do alot of miles 15-20k a year. So not having it broken down all the time would be helpful so it needs to be able to take a lickin' and keep on tickin' as they say.
I feel i've exhausted every option if i'm honest so looking for some help and inspiration. I wondered if splitting my money across two cars would be more sensible but then both cars would still need to take 3 people so not like i could have a cheap boxster or and an estate so i'm not sure its worth considering.
Anway. Any comments, advice or ideas would be welcome. It has started to get quite exhausting just trolling through adverts.
stevekoz said:
Hello All,
Recently found myself purchasing an RS3 to replace my Focus RS and sadly that didn't happen - the RS3 turned out to have issues and i had to return the car and got a refund.
When looking i had decided that i had a budget of roughly 15k to spend and the RS3 8p seemed a good fit. It was practical in size and comfort and extremely useable with AWD as well as being ballistically fast and handled "ok" for a heavy front wheel drive.
Sadly during the interim of having to get my money back my Focus threw up yet more issues that i've had to solve and its eaten into my budget which isn't great as i find myself looking for something similar to the RS3 and Focus RS but now only having appro 12k to spend.
I know that i cannot got a car that is as Fun or as quck as the Focus or RS3. It is no longer possible.
I simply don't kno what cars to look at next.
From a drivers perspective the Megane RS is of course a shout - but ultimately they are small and cramped inside and with very few creature comforts.
I'd like something that has character, is relatively quick (or can be modified to over 300hp) and that has space for 3 tall people (my eldest daughter is 5'10 and her sister is not far behind).
I have to discount Golfs - in my area the insurance for a GTI or R is extortionate (birmingham) and my daughters hate the image that they have and i can't blame them. lol (More to do with where we live than the car itself but you get the point).
So I need/want something that also has a good record of reliability too - as the the Focus has been i money pit and just a very POOR car. Despite it being so fun, build quality is none existent. I do alot of miles 15-20k a year. So not having it broken down all the time would be helpful so it needs to be able to take a lickin' and keep on tickin' as they say.
I feel i've exhausted every option if i'm honest so looking for some help and inspiration. I wondered if splitting my money across two cars would be more sensible but then both cars would still need to take 3 people so not like i could have a cheap boxster or and an estate so i'm not sure its worth considering.
Anway. Any comments, advice or ideas would be welcome. It has started to get quite exhausting just trolling through adverts.
I'm surprised that insurance on a Golf R is extortionate but you managed to insure its big brother an Audi RS3, although I get that insurance on cars can be random...Recently found myself purchasing an RS3 to replace my Focus RS and sadly that didn't happen - the RS3 turned out to have issues and i had to return the car and got a refund.
When looking i had decided that i had a budget of roughly 15k to spend and the RS3 8p seemed a good fit. It was practical in size and comfort and extremely useable with AWD as well as being ballistically fast and handled "ok" for a heavy front wheel drive.
Sadly during the interim of having to get my money back my Focus threw up yet more issues that i've had to solve and its eaten into my budget which isn't great as i find myself looking for something similar to the RS3 and Focus RS but now only having appro 12k to spend.
I know that i cannot got a car that is as Fun or as quck as the Focus or RS3. It is no longer possible.
I simply don't kno what cars to look at next.
From a drivers perspective the Megane RS is of course a shout - but ultimately they are small and cramped inside and with very few creature comforts.
I'd like something that has character, is relatively quick (or can be modified to over 300hp) and that has space for 3 tall people (my eldest daughter is 5'10 and her sister is not far behind).
I have to discount Golfs - in my area the insurance for a GTI or R is extortionate (birmingham) and my daughters hate the image that they have and i can't blame them. lol (More to do with where we live than the car itself but you get the point).
So I need/want something that also has a good record of reliability too - as the the Focus has been i money pit and just a very POOR car. Despite it being so fun, build quality is none existent. I do alot of miles 15-20k a year. So not having it broken down all the time would be helpful so it needs to be able to take a lickin' and keep on tickin' as they say.
I feel i've exhausted every option if i'm honest so looking for some help and inspiration. I wondered if splitting my money across two cars would be more sensible but then both cars would still need to take 3 people so not like i could have a cheap boxster or and an estate so i'm not sure its worth considering.
Anway. Any comments, advice or ideas would be welcome. It has started to get quite exhausting just trolling through adverts.
Have you thought about a Seat / Cupra Leon, or perhaps coming down a level to an Audi S3?
66HFM said:
I'm surprised that insurance on a Golf R is extortionate but you managed to insure its big brother an Audi RS3, although I get that insurance on cars can be random...
Have you thought about a Seat / Cupra Leon, or perhaps coming down a level to an Audi S3?
The RS3 was an 8p so had a key which makes alot of difference. Like the insurance on an Evo 6 is less than a Golf GTI/R, likewise an Impreza STI is cheaper than the Cupra. The key and ability to steal the car make a big difference - at least where i live (central b'ham). Have you thought about a Seat / Cupra Leon, or perhaps coming down a level to an Audi S3?
Cupra is not in budget though. Unless its mk2 and that is just a ghastly car.
S3 just feels dull to drive - point and squirt is fine and its comfortable. Arguably not much different to an RS3 but the RS3 had the 5pot which gave it noise and drama so you can forgive it handling a bit "meh". The s3 has none of that really so around town its fine, but can't ever see myself getting up sunday morning and choosing to go for a drive through wales in it, the same way i can my old m3 or Focus RS.
By no means the cars fault but my budget has been massively eaten into by a depreciation and maintenance. So i'm left looking to fill a gap with money that might actually not really allow it. Which i realise is problematic.
ChrisH72 said:
Great suggestion that. wyson said:
With your budget, and the need to do reliable mileage like that, I d put on my sensible shoes and give up the idea of getting a hot hatch.
Get the newest boggo thing I can afford with good seats and refinement.
Yeah i hear that. Totally see where you are coming from its good advice. Get the newest boggo thing I can afford with good seats and refinement.
Its a big struggle that im having mentally - as driving is my only hobby that gets me out, i work from home, live alone, only share custody with my kids so when it comes to needing to clear my head or get a bit of enjoyment. I grab the keys and go for a drive. Add to that, that its become something my kids enjoy with me too, we love going out to shows and showing "our" cars etc. Going for drives at the weekend.
So just getting a dead stick econobox is going to kill alot of that enjoyment for me. Which with the way the market pricing is going and cars becoming stupid price wise its sad times.
If you want more space in the back then maybe look at an Octavia vRS. It's not going handle quite as well as the equivalent Golf/Leon but has space in the back for an adult and a massive boot. 12k should get you a Mk3 with a bit over 200bhp but there are a few people tuning them for more power, but I doubt you'd manage 300bhp from on though.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Monday 21st July 14:30
Can you get into an M135i for 12k now? Seem to be proving to be pretty reliable and north of 300bhp out of the box and good fun to drive. Not the roomiest car in the back, but I could comfortably sit behind myself (5 11") and our teenagers didn't complain (well at least not about the car 
)
However, insuring with a Birmingham post code may rule it out.
Chris
)However, insuring with a Birmingham post code may rule it out.
Chris
paul_c123 said:
Something isn't adding up here - had a Focus RS, then an Audi RS3, but can't afford to insure a Golf GTI and doesn't like it anyway....?
The Focus RS for me at nearly 50 was cheaper to insure in my area than a Golf R. I'd have no reason to make it up. I didn't say i can't afford to insure it - i could but why would i want to pay more for a lesser car.
And yes, I don't like the Golf Platform - the image they have, where i live is of drug dealing, street racing, balaclava wearing thugs.
The only golf I like are Mk2 gti, Mk4 r32 and Mk5 r32 and that is because of the noise and rarity.
They are also cheaper to insure - again because they need a physical key to start them.
The RS3 8p had a key so it was cheaper to insure than a Golf R and marginally cheaper than my Focus RS. Which was much newer.
TBH where i live there are only a handful of companies that will touch me with a performance car. As said i'm nearly 50, never had an accident, never been convicted of a driving offence, have over 25years NCB. It is just the way of things. If you have different experience where you live - i'm happy for you. NEVER live in central b'ham is what i'd say
But you are right i can't stand a GTI or R from the newer MQB(?) platform. Personal preference.
ChrisH72 said:
probably the best drivers car available for the money and the newest. Yet. I cannot get past the looks. I guess i could flip the list on its head.
Big miles, space and reliability are what I should want from the car.
But to fill the gap of what I need its very different paradigm.
So I want - Noise, Theatre. For it to be relatively quick and a good steer. As my budget doesn't allow anything new or not already ragged i can kiss reliability goodbye. So something that is less difficult - maybe naturally aspirated over turbo then? Also because of this age doesn't really play a massive factor so anything say 2003 onwards.
Something that is a good steer on country roads and interesting. It needs to be interesting. Not just a box with wheels. Something you may strike a conversation up with a fellow enthusiast.
Big miles, space and reliability are what I should want from the car.
But to fill the gap of what I need its very different paradigm.
So I want - Noise, Theatre. For it to be relatively quick and a good steer. As my budget doesn't allow anything new or not already ragged i can kiss reliability goodbye. So something that is less difficult - maybe naturally aspirated over turbo then? Also because of this age doesn't really play a massive factor so anything say 2003 onwards.
Something that is a good steer on country roads and interesting. It needs to be interesting. Not just a box with wheels. Something you may strike a conversation up with a fellow enthusiast.
ChrisH72 said:
Could you split the budget for two cars?
Big miles, reliable, economical, roomy.
Diesel Toyota of some kind. Maybe an estate.
Noise, theatre, good steer.
Z4 3.0si or a 350z maybe. MX5 if you can do without the noise.
Where my head is moving more towards (though it swings back and forth like a yo/yo) - the 2nd car would still need to fit 3 people though sadly. Incase the first doesn't work, i have to be able to pick up and drive both kids around, one to school, the other to college etc. Big miles, reliable, economical, roomy.
Diesel Toyota of some kind. Maybe an estate.
Noise, theatre, good steer.
Z4 3.0si or a 350z maybe. MX5 if you can do without the noise.
It may be that you're looking specifically at hatches but would you consider V8s?
I recently bought a Mercedes CLS55 for £12k, 480bhp, 76k and quite something to drive. Admittedly it's not as nimble on a winding road as a lighter hot hatch but you'd be surprised how capable they are and what they offer for the money. Not saying buy that specific car but there's some epic stuff out there for not too much money and they'll be an event to drive, practical and you may find surprisingly cheap to insure.
I recently bought a Mercedes CLS55 for £12k, 480bhp, 76k and quite something to drive. Admittedly it's not as nimble on a winding road as a lighter hot hatch but you'd be surprised how capable they are and what they offer for the money. Not saying buy that specific car but there's some epic stuff out there for not too much money and they'll be an event to drive, practical and you may find surprisingly cheap to insure.
Alex_225 said:
It may be that you're looking specifically at hatches but would you consider V8s?
I recently bought a Mercedes CLS55 for £12k, 480bhp, 76k and quite something to drive. Admittedly it's not as nimble on a winding road as a lighter hot hatch but you'd be surprised how capable they are and what they offer for the money. Not saying buy that specific car but there's some epic stuff out there for not too much money and they'll be an event to drive, practical and you may find surprisingly cheap to insure.
Not considered something like that to be honest. Its a good idea think outside the box for sure. I am widening my horizons to see what other options are out there so its good advice to look at things that may not be considered ordinarily. I recently bought a Mercedes CLS55 for £12k, 480bhp, 76k and quite something to drive. Admittedly it's not as nimble on a winding road as a lighter hot hatch but you'd be surprised how capable they are and what they offer for the money. Not saying buy that specific car but there's some epic stuff out there for not too much money and they'll be an event to drive, practical and you may find surprisingly cheap to insure.
stevekoz said:
ChrisH72 said:
Could you split the budget for two cars?
Big miles, reliable, economical, roomy.
Diesel Toyota of some kind. Maybe an estate.
Noise, theatre, good steer.
Z4 3.0si or a 350z maybe. MX5 if you can do without the noise.
Where my head is moving more towards (though it swings back and forth like a yo/yo) - the 2nd car would still need to fit 3 people though sadly. Incase the first doesn't work, i have to be able to pick up and drive both kids around, one to school, the other to college etc. Big miles, reliable, economical, roomy.
Diesel Toyota of some kind. Maybe an estate.
Noise, theatre, good steer.
Z4 3.0si or a 350z maybe. MX5 if you can do without the noise.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025041915...
Leaves you 8.5k for the daily
stevekoz said:
The Focus RS for me at nearly 50 was cheaper to insure in my area than a Golf R. I'd have no reason to make it up.
I didn't say i can't afford to insure it - i could but why would i want to pay more for a lesser car.
And yes, I don't like the Golf Platform - the image they have, where i live is of drug dealing, street racing, balaclava wearing thugs.
The only golf I like are Mk2 gti, Mk4 r32 and Mk5 r32 and that is because of the noise and rarity.
They are also cheaper to insure - again because they need a physical key to start them.
The RS3 8p had a key so it was cheaper to insure than a Golf R and marginally cheaper than my Focus RS. Which was much newer.
TBH where i live there are only a handful of companies that will touch me with a performance car. As said i'm nearly 50, never had an accident, never been convicted of a driving offence, have over 25years NCB. It is just the way of things. If you have different experience where you live - i'm happy for you. NEVER live in central b'ham is what i'd say
But you are right i can't stand a GTI or R from the newer MQB(?) platform. Personal preference.
No worries, I guess insurance is a strange thing, I don't have the same kinds of issues with my choice of cars! I didn't say i can't afford to insure it - i could but why would i want to pay more for a lesser car.
And yes, I don't like the Golf Platform - the image they have, where i live is of drug dealing, street racing, balaclava wearing thugs.
The only golf I like are Mk2 gti, Mk4 r32 and Mk5 r32 and that is because of the noise and rarity.
They are also cheaper to insure - again because they need a physical key to start them.
The RS3 8p had a key so it was cheaper to insure than a Golf R and marginally cheaper than my Focus RS. Which was much newer.
TBH where i live there are only a handful of companies that will touch me with a performance car. As said i'm nearly 50, never had an accident, never been convicted of a driving offence, have over 25years NCB. It is just the way of things. If you have different experience where you live - i'm happy for you. NEVER live in central b'ham is what i'd say
But you are right i can't stand a GTI or R from the newer MQB(?) platform. Personal preference.
Errrrrr......does a Merc AMG A35 appeal at all?
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