Get me in a fast car again...

Build quality that bad on the Renault then? That is a shame :(. I can put up with a few naff plastics/cheaper materials but if it is going to be a rattley nightmare then i would rather steer clear.

This is one aspect that obviously steers me in the direction of the Golf GTI but i feel like i might be underwhelmed with it's power compared to the Megane/MK2 Cupra. I guess i have to way up whether i want out and out speed or a more refined/nicer cabin.

Could always get the GTI remapped sometime down the line though i guess...
 
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Had a brief stint in a 130i courtesy car, which I gladly gave full boot everywhere. Was a great car to throw around, thats bmw's best 6 cylinder theyve ever made imo, on the way out too so it would good to own either a 1 or 330 whilst you can. If you don't need the back seats for much then its a good choice imo
 
Hm, a 130i is a tempting choice.

Rear wheel drive though so i'm a little worried about the winter/ice/snow but then it hasnt snowed around here so far this winter so i could just "cross that bridge if i come to it" i guess.

30mpg+ achievable? What can you get, fuel economy wise on the motorway?

I would have though it would be more expensive to fix e.t.c than a leon/golf/megane as well.
 
Would expect low to mid 30s easily achievable if you're kind to it. Winter will be fine, I drove an e36 328i around in proper snow all winter 2010 here in glasgow with no great difficulty, that was on summer tyres. Budget in a set of winters or all weathers even on steel wheels n you'll be laughing.

Bmw parts aren't actually that expensive, the labour is though so as ever you need a specialist really. I don't know much about 1 series in terms of reliability but generally the 6 cylinder engines are bomb proof if looked after so would expect suspension etc to be main concern
 
You can easily get 30s on a cruise if you drive like Fox ;)
I can't :p

If you're really that worried about snow, get some steelies and winter tyres. Driven wheels don't make a blind bit of difference in snow with proper tyres.
 
nanospider said:
Not so sure on the meganes, but with the clios the renaultsport versions seem to be put together with a bit more care and in a different factory than the regular models.
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IIRC the Meganes are the same.

Doesn't mean to say its still awful. But interior is always low on my priortie list to care :)
 
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Well at the moment i am thinking either a Megane R26 230 F1 Renau.. (e.t.c!) or a MK2 Leon Cupra.

I know i will have to test both to find out for my self which one i would like but i would assume the Leon would be the better built of the two and probably suffer from less depreciation.
 
mjt said:
Boo hiss. Go and look at a 130i anyway.
You not even interested in a Mk1 Leon?
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I havent ruled anything out yet. :)

Thank you for the suggestions/thoughts though. I have a lot of thinking to do!

It is a shame that no car ever ticks every single box! :p, well, when you have a budget anyway!
 
MrMoonX said:
megane -will break electronically

Mazda 3 MPS- is just as thirsty as the focus and has an absolute bend you over and rape tax banding

Astra - if putting more tacky plastic trim wasn't possible in a car they just surpassed themselves
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And you speak from experience as you've owned all three cars yes? Personal opinion is exactly that, PERSONAL. It was just 3 other cars I could think of that are similar to what he wanted.

Oh, and i forgot to mention, you didn't even suggest anything else, just said my suggestions weren't very good. Way to post and help the OP!
 
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Not knowing much about the 130i I feel compelled to ask is £8K really a good budget to be looking at facelift 130i's? Or is it just that there are a few available at this price but mostly bottom of the market examples?

Genuinely interested to know because if so at £8k a facelift 130i is a cracking car for the money!
 
Crizzy said:
Not knowing much about the 130i I feel compelled to ask is £8K really a good budget to be looking at facelift 130i's? Or is it just that there are a few available at this price but mostly bottom of the market examples?

Genuinely interested to know because if so at £8k a facelift 130i is a cracking car for the money!
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It's quite ambitious imo, unless you're comfortable with high mileage
 
I was going to spend 6 or 7K on an E46 diesel but have am pretty sure I've decided to spend less and get as late a MK1 Leon Cupra R as I can with about 5k. It might not be as economical but hopefully the LCR isn't as likely to go wrong. I also need 4 doors as theres 3 of us. We tried an S3 but my daughter felt really sick in the back.

In fact, I was let down by the S3. Considering its higher price compared to the Leon, it is more or less the same car. I honestly don't think I'll miss the faux 4WD.
 
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