15k sports hatch - need advice

[NathWraith]

If it were me, and I had a CTR GT and 15K to spend. I'd pick up a good 07ish STI for a bit less. I couldn't justify personally, spending 15K on a car and buying something that was essentially on a par or there abouts with what I already have.

But! If I had to choose out of those. I'd go for either the Cupra R or the Megane. Depending on how I felt on the day of purchase. If I felt I wanted the extra doors the Curpa, if not the Megane.

Megane all the way.

Cupra R just spins. Interior is terrible and handles like a brick. I was incredible disappointed to the lengths that I bought a Hybrid instead.

 

[cokecan]

There's a few r32 golfs in that price bracket but more like 4 years old.

Quite a few MK5's will be in the 15K range, but going from a CTR to R32 will be a bit of a shock to the OP. While the R32 is certainly a quick car, it doesn't feel fast and is noticeably heavy (because it is a big heavy car!). Power delivery is completely different.

I absolutely love my R32 but if I'd come from a CTR, I would be pretty underwhelmed with the R32. Instead I'd be looking at the GTI or similar car with a turbo.

 

[Gold_Leader]

Megane all the way.

Cupra R just spins. Interior is terrible and handles like a brick. I was incredible disappointed to the lengths that I bought a Hybrid instead.

The only Seat experience I've had was with the Mk 4 and the Mk 5 Ibiza's that I owned. The handling on those was surprisingly good I thought, for the size and class of car. But these were both 1.4 engines will less then 100bhp. So I couldn't comment on the Cupra's handling, but I could imagines it's a bit like eating custard with a fork, it does the job, but there's better ways. I agree with the interior. Some of the worst I've came across.

But like I said with 15k I'd be looking at STI's or 330i's.

 

[rjk]

Is it just me that thinks none of these cars are a great improvement on the OPs existing car? Seems a waste of money in my eyes

Not just you, change for the sake of it I guess.

change to a newer car probably. hence the 3 year old or newer requirement.

OP, i quite like your list of cars tbh. i would consider a megane really but a TFSI Rocco would be a a good move too.

 

[Relentless81]

MK2 Mazda 3 MPS's are coming in around 12K now well within your budget, worth a look, 256BHP lots of kit, rare site no knuckle draggers tend to know what they are, that would be my choice with your requirements

 

[Tute]

I'd beg, borrow, and steal the extra £2-3K for a Focus RS. No question.

 

[Begbie]

I'd beg, borrow, and steal the extra £2-3K for a Focus RS. No question.

Are the running costs on these things not crazy?

Personally I'd rather have a Clio, great chuckable things. Depending what's in your price range, but the 200 is a blast. Dare I even say more fun than the 182!

 

[Rybo89]

Hmmmmmmm. They are reliable but some parts are LOLFORD££££PRICE.

I would love one.

 

[-Ad-]

Is it just me that thinks none of these cars are a great improvement on the OPs existing car? Seems a waste of money in my eyes

Not just you, change for the sake of it I guess.

A big +1 from me.

Are you going to get, what, £6ks more from these other cars? Hell No!

Why waste your time, effort and money to do a sidestep into something newer. Enjoy the current CTR and use they money on some nice holidays or other things. At least you'll get some enjoyment out of them rather than plughing it into another hatchback where you'll never see that money again.

Bonkers idea.

 

[Janesy B]

With the FN2 CTR considered as 'the crap' CTR and the Megane that's probably closer to a Focus RS than anything else, I can see why you'd want to swap. I have a friend who is sick of his FN2 considering the swap up to an RS 250. Scope for power upgrades is much better too.

I'd beg, borrow, and steal the extra £2-3K for a Focus RS. No question.

Is stretching your budget to scrape into the arse end of the MK2 Focus RS market really the best idea?

 

[AndrewNR]

Is stretching your budget to scrape into the arse end of the MK2 Focus RS market really the best idea?

Out of the OP's original list it will be the one that depreciates the least, if at all.

From the list I'd choose the Megane.

Personally I'd probably get a BMW 13x or 33x, but I guess these may be out of budget at < 3 years old?

 

[peterattheboro]

Definitely a Focus RS if you can afford it. It might cost a bit more in running costs but it shouldn't depreciate too much so would balance it out.

 

[jellybeard999]

How are GT86 prices?

 

[Janesy B]

How are GT86 prices?

Look on auto trader, it's not hard, you'll be wasting your time but it's not hard. What will be hard is trying to fit two people in the back of one if they have legs. Seeing as the OP wants 4 seats, I'm assuming he wants to actually use them.

 

[DJ_Bucho]

My mate has a Mazda 3 MPS, have you thought about one of those. He absolutely loves his, it's really nice inside as well and it's got a good bit of power to back it up as well. Their not that common on the road either, so you have a bit of exclusivitity

 

[-Ad-]

Their not that common on the road either, so you have a bit of exclusivitity

Who's?

And, it's a Mazda 3, not an NSX

 

[Tute]

With the FN2 CTR considered as 'the crap' CTR and the Megane that's probably closer to a Focus RS than anything else, I can see why you'd want to swap. I have a friend who is sick of his FN2 considering the swap up to an RS 250. Scope for power upgrades is much better too.



Is stretching your budget to scrape into the arse end of the MK2 Focus RS market really the best idea?

From when I looked, it's not that bad actually. Even at the bottom end most have been half decently looked after. I'd have no qualms about spending that personally.

 

[Participant]

Anything to get away from a Honda tbh. Zero desirability, 100% riceability.