Mondeo's MOT is due next month and although I'm optimistic about it passing, it doesn't do any harm lining up a replacement if it all goes tits up.

I'm torn between going cheaper - ST170, C4 VTS etc around 4k

and

Going a bit more expensive - Type R FN2, Clio 197

I've had a Focus ST before but would rather stay away from turbos as I can't stop myself from spending loads and loads on power Whereas with an NA car I can't really see the point as it's big money for relatively little gains.

What do you guys think? Oh, I can't be arsed with low 20s mpg, it needs to be 30+ when on a run

 

Little gains, but perform totally different to turbo cars.

What about something like an Octavia VRS? I think they did them with the diesel lump, a remap has them kicking out 200+ if I'm not mistaken? Plus a shitload of torque

Oh, and the ST170's are terrible on fuel, so definitely not if it's economy you're after.

 

I like them with the diesel lump as well as the Leon FR. Not sure if I do the miles for it to benefit me greatly though... I don't mind mid 20s economy around town as long as it's reasonable on the motorway as I travel 20 miles each way to work and back.

My mate has got an FN2 and it does mid 30s pootling along on the motorway. The 197s are supposed to be a bit worse due to the short gearing

 

Yeah my mate said about the ratios being annoying.

The Leon is a good shout, I love the slightly older shape, around 2004 I think? Although the newer ones are cool with the rear door handles fitted into the body.

 

i've seen quite a few nice volvos around which have turbo and big brakes as standard. They look pretty nice imo but not sure how much they are to buy mate. It would be something different to the normal options

 

Clio 182 or even a 172 but the facelift?

My old 172 would do 42-44mpg at 70mph on the motorway and did a 14.7 at pod with only a airfilter and exhaust.

Gavin.

 

Leon cupra R are very good cars, worth looking at?

 

I like them but her indoors doesn't Possibly get one anyway as they are cheap

I'd have an EP3 Type R but the FN2s are not much more now and they look a lot newer

 

Turbo though... I'd be number chasing again Been there done that Otherwise it'd be a Mk1 FRS

 

Nissan 350Z

 

They're also slower, not as reliable and handle far worse than the EP3 mate... if you're wanting an N/A car then how about a DC5 Integra Type R??

Failing that, if it has to be a UK car or a hatchback, then a last of the line EP3 Premier that came with Recaros/Tints/AirCon etc as standard.


Cheers,
Grant

 

I like the EP3. I wouldn't want to spend 6-7k on one though. Probably around 5k so it would be one with about 50k on the clock

 

Cracking suggestion, but good luck finding a DC5 for his budget!

 

Easy get a DC5 for 8k these days mate, some are even cheaper than that!! You could probably even get a later facelift model for c10k now... I assumed he was thinking about spending c9k on an FN2 Type R.


Cheers,
Grant

 

I thought his budget was more around the 5k mark, that's why I said it

My mate payed 6.5k for a pre-facelift, had it shipped over from IRL, only done something like 40k miles! Full titanium exhaust and a swanky LSD that I can't remember the name of. Not a bad deal

 

Tribant?????

 

What about a focus diesel sport. very similar to a st170 but with the oil burner engine.