cfoster

My missus has just sold her Zetec S (W plate) and is after a replacement car, she's got a few ideas in her head but she's always open to suggestions of an alternative. This is where we need help!!

Basically her only requirements are as follows:

Mustn't be any slower than her Zetec S (which cant be too difficult!!)
Around a 02 plate or newer
Air con a must!
Max budget of around 6k

So far we've looked at a Fiesta ST which we both liked (interior a bit gash though and worried about depreciation!), a Renault Clio 182 Cup (I liked it but she found the clutch too heavy!) and a VW Beetle 2.3 V5 which to be honest we both liked!! Before we go for the beetle are there any other similar cars out there to look for that are similar that I have missed? Engine size isnt an issue as she has a work petrol card (but obviously not too big!!)

Cheers
Chris

Mike C

iTrader: (1)

Focus 2.0 ESP. Not exciting, but nice car IMO, sharp handling, very nice to drive, looks good, very low insurance group, good on fuel, reliable and would do everything you want it to for half your budget easily I reckon.

Focus ST170 if you fancy something with a bit more power, more toys etc.

Want more performance? Seat Leon Cupra R. I just got a mate's 52-plate remapped from him. Went from 180bhp-225bhp, and I really enjoyed it when I took it for a blast. Looks nice in an understated kind of way, holds the road excellently, lovely to drive, nice easy clutch and the brakes are absolutely superb. Again, can be bought WELL within budget. The air con was ice cold too, and very well built, not a noise coming from anywhere.

BMW 318ci E46. Later one with the very nice 2.0 Valvetronic engine, which is very good on fuel, and a great car to drive.

Think I'd go for the Seat personally. WELL impressed by it, really surprised me how good it was to drive.

There's a few ideas for ya anyway!

Alps Pacino

ep3 civic type-r,

jammerrs

mk4 golf gti?

astra mk5?

Charlie Chalk

iTrader: (1)

F150 :cry

wide ka

1.8t beetle, the v5 has a thirst issue!

Mrs T

mk4 golf gti turbo i was looking at one of them

jason_nike

My missus has a BMW 330 sport convertible, they are very quick cars, worth the extra money, even our young daughter gets in fine

rickbartlett

as above seat leon cupra r

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure every manufacturer has their 'bad apples' but a mate had a V5 VW and had literally endless problems with it. As said above the 1.8T is a much better bet.

Mike C

iTrader: (1)

The Leon is in a different league IMO after driving both. I thought they were virtually identical, but the Seat is a far superior car to drive.

cfoster

I like the Leons but she doesnt . Shame as i know they are superb (I even like the Cupras!).

She wont go near a Focus unfortunately and E46 beemers are too big (she thinks). I've had a mk4 Golf but didnt really like it. The beetle we looked at seems ok, a friend of mine has had it since new (02 plate) and its only done 19000 miles so as new!! Got all the factory extras (aircon/sunroof/winter pack/summer pack etc). Drove it earlier, seems 'ok', obviously not as quick as the F150 and certainly not as juicy!!

Gonna take a peek up London road at some of the dodgy dealers to see if there are any models that catches her eye! I like the Mini Coopers but not sure if the 'S' has come into the 6k price yet?

Chris

slammedorion

Lupo GTi