Best bang for buck hot hatches?

[Coco]

My choices would be purely based on the driving experience that the little Terriers give.

<£2k = 106 Rallye
<£4k = 172 Cup
<£7.5k = 182 Trophy (Integra DC2 if we can also count coupes!)

From driving most of the hot-hatches available I've found that spending any more dosh means that you have to start looking at other ownership areas, i.e. looks, toys & comfort. And as such I would only consider the following, the rest of the competition are too 'normal' for what I want from a hot-hatch;

<£10k = Focus RS
<£12.5k = Megane R26
<£20k = Megane R26R
>£20k = You have to be a fool!

 

[SeatIbiza]

I'm sure my old Seat Ibiza cupra can be had for under £3k. I really liked that car and a lot of tuning potential. Over 2.5 years of ownership i only had to replace the front engine mount (i think i was lucky as many go through coil packs/mafs like they're going out of fashion!)

 

[Aspect]

I should possibly start a new thread about this, but i'll ask first anyway. The engines in the EP3 CTR, how are the high milers? Im seeing a lot of 90k+ in classifieds at very tempting prices. I've never bought a car with that many miles, so just wondering if anyone has any experience in how they last and what to look out for.

 

[The Running Man]

sub £2k Almera GTi

sub £8k Celica T Sport/GT

i would also add to that list...

 

[EdGey]

I thought this thread was about hot hatches??

they are aren't they?

 

[dale1uk]

they are aren't they?

Not really. With 0-60 in 7.9 and a top end of 129mph I'd put it in the 'warm' hatch category tbh.

 

[mattyprice4004]

I quite liked a Pug 106GTi I got taken out in, that thing couldn't half shift.

Other ones I've liked are the ST24 (fairly hot) and MG ZS180 (now under £1k! )

 

[MikeHiow]

Not really. With 0-60 in 7.9 and a top end of 129mph I'd put it in the 'warm' hatch category tbh.

So the original "hot hatches" need to go in the 'warm' hatch category then?

 

[Vigoro]

So the original "hot hatches" need to go in the 'warm' hatch category then?

None of the original hot hatches are in the 5-7k group from what i can see though

 

[Third Opinion]

how about 2k-3k Fiat Stilo Abarth. 2.4 litre semi-auto with the equipment of a 30k sports car.

 

[Gonzo0]

Surprised the Focus RS hasnt been mentioned more.

Plenty of bang for your buck IMO and are really holding their value atm.

2 weeks till I have one

 

[Joshy]

I'm with Mr. Clarkson on this one.

Call it deluded Fanboyism if you will, but I fully believe that a 205 GTI modified with a modest budget (Around £5,000) will out handle, out Pace and out "Make you Grin like an idiot after every drive" every single car mentioned in this thread so far.

 

[Biohazard]

same could be said for almost any french hot hatch

 

[Joshy]

same could be said for almost any french hot hatch

Anything from the old school, yeah

I look at today's hot hatches and just cannot really be impressed. They've grown far too fat for my liking. The R26R weighs 1230KG. For what is supposed to be a super lightweight, stripped out hot hatch with very few creature comforts that is nothing short of ridiculous. I know, someone will pop up and say weight isn't everything, but as far as I'm concerned it is a very important factor, especially for a "fun" driving experience.

I think everything went wrong after the Saxo/106 GTI era.

 

[Sipha]

Clio 172 Turbo/Supercharged

Upwards of 260Bhp @ ATF, and similar torque Figures.

Circa £5k.

 

[Coco]

Call it deluded Fanboyism if you will, but I fully believe that a 205 GTI modified with a modest budget (Around £5,000) will out handle, out Pace and out "Make you Grin like an idiot after every drive" every single car mentioned in this thread so far.

As above, can we throw the same 5 large at the other cars mentioned in this thread to turn them into weapons? - NOT that I would want to.

I think everything went wrong after the Saxo/106 GTI era.

To be fair to the manufactures they have been fairly restricted due to the requirements for crash protection & consumer demands for more toys/comfort as time has marched on.
I've owned a 205 GTI & also a 172 Cup at the same time, speaking in terms of the enjoyment of pedaling I found the Clio more rewarding & it was also able to drive to a track, blast around it & take me home again without fear of mechanical failure.

Having said the above, I'm absolutely gagging to get a 106 Rallye into my garage, a sprinkle of power, chuff all weight & nothing but a steering wheel & pedals to play with, love it!

 

[Aspect]

how about 2k-3k Fiat Stilo Abarth. 2.4 litre semi-auto with the equipment of a 30k sports car.

I currently own a Stilo 1.6 and have given the Abarth some thought in the past. I've heard however that it isn't actually that quick, especially considering the size of the engine.

 

[Mucky_Pup]

I've only owned two cars, 1) 1.3 Mk.4 Fiesta, and 2) 2.5 Mk.2 Focus ST-3. So I'd recommend the ST-3, lol.

 

[ChrisD.]

Early DC5 for 9k. Hatchback enough for me. 5k-7k EP3.

Agreed. Though you can get a DC5 for £8000 these days.

 

[Murney]

Civic type-r EP3 4-6K

Sold my 04 plate a year ago with around 36k on the clock with mods and got 6100 for it, could have got around 7k if I held out but needed the money asap for house deposit. Still see the 04 platess go for around 7k now in good condition.

I now drive an N reg fiesta....... ooo the joy lol