So I'm bored of my E91 320d auto. I do 8 miles a day to work and then back again in mixed roads and stop start traffic. I'm not really seeing any saving from a diesel and just want to get back into petrol again and something fun.

I'd shortlisted the following

Mk1 Audi TT (225 with remap or 3.2 V6)
Renaultsport Megane 225
Focus ST 225

Budget is about £4k, so I know I'm not going to get a low miler in any of them, but can anyone offer any comparisons? I read that the Focus ST is the heaviest on juice, but is that just because they sound nice so you want to keep them on the boil?

I'm thinking the ST2 because I prefer cloth seats to leather (call me weird, I know), and I want xenons. I've read about the block mod, which is something I can factor in if getting cambelt done, but from research this is hit or miss and really only effects mapped cars with even some over 300bhp holding out OK.

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

My old Mk2 ST2 was about the only car I've regretted selling. The engine just sounds so good and it's a superb all round car. Comfy and calm if you want, or shouty and fast should the mood take you.

The Mrs had a MK1 TT 225 - no mistaking the style and build but by god it cost some to keep it maintained properly. More of a cruiser than a nimble B road attack car.

 

Pity your looking for a st 2 as my old st3 has just come back up for sale.

Mark

 

I’ve got a meg 225 as I couldn’t afford a mk1 Focus Rs
It’s miles better than an st170 and the only thing it hasn’t got that the mk1 Rs has is an LSD.

Mines an 08 it was cheap as chips to buy but they are money pits to maintain. I did plan on tracking it but I don’t think I can afford the extra maintenance

There are lots and lots of common faults but most of them can be sorted diy. There are a lot of parts that are unique to the 225/R26 some are main dealer only. some are on back order with no eta like the springs. But I know lots of bits for the mk1 Rs are no longer available.

It’s defiantly fun but I would love a Focus St3 facelift.

 

Only car I regret selling too, wicked fun and the 5 pot noise is so addictive. It's just a shame that they are cheap enough now to be in chav territory, puts me off wanting another!

 

We have had a ST2 for about 5 years now, purchased it on 99k miles its on about 118k now, hasn't really had any major issues, a few repairs here and there. I keep our cars well serviced, its due a few repairs this weekend but none of it is expensive. Unlike its fuel consumption, it seems to average 19mpg with the wife driving and she isn't a fast driver. Its a unmodified example, maybe would benefit from a remap?

 

 

I'm happy to consider leather, I just prefer cloth

 

I used to get 19mpg from my 330i auto, so I reckon I could handle that

 

 

Ahhhhh, didn't know that, not that it matters as I very rarely have anyone in the back.

 

Just sold my ST3 for the money you will be hard pressed to find a better car in the ford scene, selling another ST3 too but may be out of your budget, see link https://passionford.com/forum/cars-f...ml#post6771754

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...01805056237662

This one is quite close to me, and very cheap, which I am always wary of. The exhaust looks misaligned though, is that cause for concern?

Edit, only just spotted the mileage LOL

 

tbh £4000 buys you a entry level st possibly with issues where as around 6-8k buys you a proper one thats sorted with paperwork and history