[KadeSdad]

To kerb my need until the end of summer I am looking to get a little run around but need help in deciding what will be the best to look at. My budget will be £10K. Ideally I want something that I can get the max return on (in an ideal world) looking to keep for 5/6 months tops. Won't be a daily driver so I'd be unlucky if I put more than 1K miles on it before selling on.

I've always wanted an R26, but are there any other recommendations?

[davyk31]

These hot hatch threads usually end up with a Golf GTI which would be my recommendation, still one of the best cars I ever owned. Clios look like good fun too if you want something a bit smaller but not sure I could live with the Frenchness of them.

[peterg1965]

A few ideas.....

Leon Cupra

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2007-SEAT-LEON...item3a65f712e8

Golf GTI (mk5)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-Golf-GTi-MK...item3cb813a801

207 GTi (you might struggle to get your money back though)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PEUGEOT-207-1-...item3f0a538d6d

Alfa Romeo Brera

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2006-06reg-Alf...item588df6685f

I would have thought a sensibly bought Golf Mk5 GTI would get you your money back in 6 months (maybe I should be doing this!)

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

I would have thought a sensibly bought Golf Mk5 GTI would get you your money back in 6 months (maybe I should be doing this!)

There seems to be a lot of variations with the Golf, DSG, Golf 30 etc. As I have been a VW fan I wouldn't know what to look for really. They also look a bit, dare I say 'plain' imho

But I haven't driven one so can't comment on the drive...

[Kerr]

I still like the Mazda 3 MPS.

In a straight line it will give a Focus RS a real run for it's money.

Not many people seem to know about them either.

10k you are looking at the old model with expensive road tax though

[ab2pcs]

Mini Cooper S ...supercharged ...not the turbo

[davyk31]

Agree that the Golf does look a little plain but the interior is a nice place to be and that VW badge carries a bit of prestige wherever you go. Engine very nice, quite a lot of torque for a 2.0 petrol. The ED30 was a special edition basically a run out model for the Mk V, put the BHP up to 230 with a few differences in trim, wheels etc. A bit rarer but desirable due to the extra power so might be a bit more expensive.

I haven't driven a DSG but have read planty of reports saying that its a great box well suited to the GTI engine.

Cooper S as mentioned above is a great little toy too, I would disageee with the poster above and say go for turbo rather than the Supercharged version.

[red355]

we have run late Mk5 GTI for the last couple of years (its actually 3 today) .... yes its a fine car and its arrival was one of the reasons I lost interest in my 335D E92 Coupe even with the evolve remap to 340BHP the 200BHP golf is just more fun for day to day driving (sorry Carlos). I consistently get 36 to 37 MPG from the golf.... and significantly less from the 335Ds replacement cars V8


the GTI replaced my wifes MINI Cooper S (supercharged), which was prob more fun but less practical and not as refined for a 90 mile a day A & B road trip to the office. If you can find a ED30 for 10k then get it checked over as they hold their value very well and 10k is V-cheap


R26 great when they are running but that version of megane in general has a very poor reliability record. Guy at work has one and he loves it

[dxb335d]

Only reason I couldn't have the golf is bacause the amount of
chavs that buy them.

Great car though!

[webwysard]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Only reason I couldn't have the golf is bacause the amount of
chavs that buy them.

Great car though!

+1

[MEGA]

If buying used get the Cooper S (SC)

If new what about the DS3?

[prt71]

+1 on a Mk5 Gti, best car I've ever owned.

Dsg almost perfect and map it, transforms it from quick to very quick. Almost like a big capacity NA engine, power everywhere. I had a R32 for 6 months as well but other than the engine noise the Gti a better car, + you get 31 mpg as opposed to about 23.

[ab2pcs]

"I would disageee with the poster above and say go for turbo rather than the Supercharged version."


I had a JCWS..from JCW garages 225 bhp ...... supercharged .............it was stonkingly fast

[RichJ]

Focus rs Mk1 - a great car and being very limited numbers you shouldn't lose much money in a short time period. I used to have one, quick and handles like it's on rails.

[Gibbo]

Up the budget and go for the Delta Intergrale.

[Billyray911]

How rigid are you about having a hot "hatch"?.Have you thought about a DC5 integra type R , an S2000...or a fabia vrs?

[KadeSdad]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Mega, already had a Mini Cooper S (and wasn't blown away to be honest) but not a JCW car.

Gibbo, can't stretch to a mint example :-(

Hearts set on a R26, got a box to tick!

[parapaul]

Originally Posted by KadeSdad

Hearts set on a R26, got a box to tick!

In that case, stop talking and start ticking!

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by parapaul

In that case, stop talking and start ticking!

Already on it!

[rogerxp]

Originally Posted by KadeSdad

Already on it!

Another busy day in the office . Good luck hunting mate .

Will get an e-mail over to you today/tomorrow; sorry, been bombed out...

[RagingKileak]

R26 is a great car. A mate has one. They DO feel cheap and are badly equipped though.

Matt

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

R26 is a great car. A mate has one. They DO feel cheap and are badly equipped though.

Matt

Ahh Matt, glad you came along....so if I was to look at the Golf what is the best to go for