hi everyone, im looking at buying a hot hatch as ive got a baby on the way and need something cheaper to run than my impreza wr1 i currently have and buy the mrs a car also. I had a focus st turbo before which was ok and id consider again but was wondering whats best to get for my current budget, ive looked at megane 225's, mk5 golf gti's, mk1 focus rs, leon cupra r, audi s3's ect ect. Opinions would be much appreciated as im really struggling to make my mind up! I should think whatever i buy will be or will get mildly tuned as standard power in any of these is very dull after some of the cars ive owned. cheers

 

The Golf mate ! fast, reliable, handles well, holds its value and who can knock a golf GTI oh and there is a great VW seen

 

I do like the golfs but the only thing is im not sure if there just a bit dull and ordinary. Ive been in a mates one which is standard and thought it felt pretty slow really. Never driven one myself so i should try one i spose, bet they go a lot better with a remap

 

Golf or Leon

 

Sod the golf. Get the Seat Leon Fr.
Same platform as the golf. Still vw engineering but it has more flair than the golf and looks better imho

 

dont get megane 225 there poo unless you can stretch to a F1 or R26

 

The Mk5 Golf GTI is not that quick, there is allot of weight to shift for the 197bhp, the focus RS is lovely although i would not want to depreciate it by making a daily driver, out of the cars you mention i woul say the Megane or leon

 

Leon Cupra R. The same as a Golf underneath but looks better anyway and loads of tuning bits. 250 bhp with a simple remap. Much better value for money than the equivalent golf GTI.

 

Provided you can live with the limited space Cooper S?

 

I agree with the Cupra. Get a well looked after one and get yourself to RevoTeknik

 

I like the leons but never been in one, about the only negative thing i could say about them is there starting to look their age especially compared to the new ones, what do people not like about the meganes? I know there french and not the best looking but seem very good value, you can a good low mileage one for this kinda money and most of the others will be high miles and older, have seen the odd f1 for this money.

 

Meganes have huge problems with dodgy electrics which is why a lot of people don't go near them and they depreciate quick.

They're also quite heavy.

 

Golf, Leon or Focus ST as a daily IMO. Go try them all and see what YOU pefer

 

i'd go leon myself.

 

Sounds like leons are by far the most popular, going to have to try out a few cars when i get time i think.

 

Civic type r are a fun car to drive and quick out the box.

 

Why did you not mention the civic type r? definitely one to consider for that money. I know it doesnt have 4 doors like most of your short list, but the focus rs doesnt so im guessing 4 doors isnt at the top of your list.

 

Fabia VRS -

Diesel 130bhp 60mpg - very underated - add a chip and you are in the region of 170-180bhp with insane fuel economy

I have a mint one for sale as well lol

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1501?logcode=p

 

Focus ST mk2.

 

CTR's at your budget would provide bullet proof reliable fun, still look good, bit blan inside but made up for by the awsome seats and fantastic gear stick position, very nice ride off the power and great handling on the power - had three in my family and they have been adictive cars.

Cupra R's imo still look the part in the right colour.

Megans seem to be a bit troublesome, that said, my mate has an F1 and that has been spot on, rapid little thing as well.

Golf imo looks bland

S3's look good and you would get a nice one for the money, I have the newish shaped S-line and it is a nice place to be but wouldn't say it was or feels as rapid as things like the CTR's, maybe down to the build quality, not sure how quick the S3 earlier shape would be in comparison.

At your budget thought i would be looking for a mint car over the newest car if that makes sense.

 

I would personally have a MK5 Golf Gti out of the lot, Girlfriend got one with all options ticked and it's one of those cars I enjoy driving. whether it's cruising or want to drive quick, aswell as being presentable. Easy to mod with nice gains.

Never seen them for 6.5k, prices are much higher.

For your budget it would have to be out of a Civic Type R, or Audi S3

 

I missed ctr's off the list, there ok and id consider one but dont think they go that well compared to others on the list and only give similar fuel economy. Ive been spoilt by tourqey turbo cars i guess!

 

Oh and no 4 doors arent essential

 

Had leon Cupra R and it was a great car... Far better option than the golf in my opinion.

 

Also had many CTRs and they are an awesome car, Infact for fun factor I would go for one of them...

 

Type r for me, bullet proof.

 

if you like the looks then go and test drive the 3 mps, im certain u will be impressed, i loved my CTR but it really isn't a patch on the mps in anyway

 

ppl saying cooper s and st mk 2.. are theses available for 6500?

 

I like the mazdas dont reallt know much about them tbh, there 4 wheel drive arent they? What are they like on fuel? How do they handle? You can get a leggy focus st just about and cooper s start from 4.5k ish, i like them but not sure about the image really

 

civic type r go very well mate im sure i read somewere yhey wer quicker than a 225 st

 

My old man had a Leon Cupra R quick and practical used it everyday never let us down once. Had a ST now quicker but if your looking for mpg ST isnt really the best.

 

260bhp FWD with LSD as standard, 30mpg round town, Half Leather Recaro Sports Seats,Bose Sound System, Bi Xenon headlamps, Multi function steering wheel, Air conditioning, Climate Control, Computer, Radio/CD Multichanger, ABS and DSC, Headlight washers, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Trip computer, Front fog lights, Front head restraints, Alarm, Body coloured bumpers, Electric door mirrors, Front/Back electric windows, Heated door mirrors, Height adjustable drivers seat, Remote central locking etc etc

They handle spot on, rsmat off here took mine out and he was well impressed with it IMO its punching well above the focus ST in everyway ( apart from looks personal preference ) i know it was a 1.5seconds quicker round the top gear track then the ST ( if that means anything? ) and its a full second quicker 60-100mph then the ST

Of course im a tad bias but if you at least go and drive one then you will know where im comming from

 

Il have to try one of them aswell, they do sound like a lot of car for the money. Most of the reviews arent great though with most saying the steering is a bit iffy and they tourqe steer quite bad. Going to need a whole weekend to drive all these!

 

audi s3 mate had one for nearly 5 yrs absolutely stunning car get it remaped and you got a quick, reliable,comfortable and good looking car

 

I also read that from the reviews before i bought one... like i said the key is to go drive one

 

I've only been in the Mazda 3 sport not the MPS but that was a very nice car to be in - spacious even for a 6ft4 chap like me and went well even with 3-4 people inside. Look pretty smart too I think. I'd also be tempted by a CTR or ST225.

 

your not going to find an ST worth having for £6500

Not yet anyway.

 

mk5 golf gti any day for me im affraid, had a 06 plate a couple years ago and was a spot on motor, definately prefered it over my ctr and 172 clio, just feel so well made, have a great following and heritage etc, hold there value oh and go like stink when mapped doubt you will find one for your budget tho tbh looking at 8k+ for even a high miler !

 

all i can add is watch 5th gear and top gear review on line Golf gets there vote every time and who are we to argue with plato