Sub 20k bit of fun.

Goates

Goates

Goates

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So I am looking at getting a new car to enjoy for a couple of years. I am at the point where I have a half decent job and very few outgoings so spending a little bit a month on a car whilst continuing to save for more important things is possible.

I have narrowed it down to two choices. The Fiesta ST or the new Mini Cooper S.

After looking at both cars today (not yet driven either of them) I am leaning towards the Cooper S. It is a slightly more expensive car but feels a lot more like a 20k car compared to the ST.

Anyone have any further suggestions?. I have considered a GT 86 but even used they have yet to reach 20k.
 
The miles on that first one... :eek:

With Toyota's 100,000 mile warranty though, if you were going to be doing low miles, it might be a good buy with 3 and a half years warranty left.
 
wingman said:
The miles on that first one... :eek:

With Toyota's 100,000 mile warranty though, if you were going to be doing low miles, it might be a good buy with 3 and a half years warranty left.
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I wouldn't care too much in honesty. Although it would have to be cheaper as you can get one with a lot less miles on for not much more!
 
It wouldn't bother me either, as with my annual mileage it doesn't make too much difference. I was more shocked at the idea of someone covering 55k miles in 18 months in a new GT86.

And yeah, the price difference doesn't reflect the mileage difference. I'd be wanting to pay a grand or two less than that.
 
wingman said:
It wouldn't bother me either, as with my annual mileage it doesn't make too much difference. I was more shocked at the idea of someone covering 55k miles in 18 months in a new GT86.

And yeah, the price difference doesn't reflect the mileage difference. I'd be wanting to pay a grand or two less than that.
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Hate to say it but most likely "motorway miles".

Agreed.

When they become sub £15K they become a lot more feasible in my eyes! (at least for me)
 
For over a couple of years I'd pick the Mini Cooper S, generally a nicer place to be than the Fiesta and I can see the Fiesta's depreciating faster. Saying that, especially with the Mountune kit, the Fiesta ST is an intriguing car!

NathWraith said:
Hate to say it but most likely "motorway miles".

Agreed.

When they become sub £15K they become a lot more feasible in my eyes! (at least for me)
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Ha, I think this is one of those occasions where you can justify the term motorway miles. It's pretty much guaranteed!

Annoying when you're looking at a 12 year old E46 330 with 150,000 miles the seller says "last 50,000 miles all motorway". Hmm, okay! Take my money! :/
 
GT86 has great balance, looks superb and even though I've seen about 4 today in Stoke its still a pretty rare car. Its major downfall is a severe lack of power, yes I've driven one.

135i on the other hand does have balance but the engine/power is too much for the RWD, as assuming that car has no diff which the 135i really does need. Still straight line, put your foot down and you will probably forgive all that, seriously quick cars and also when you eventually maybe have the lust for more power it comes easy and not for much money, though at which point 1k on a diff should also be budgeted for.
 
A Fiesta St is 20K? List price for the most expensive St-3 model (the most kitted out one) is 19k so it is a bit unfair to label it as a 20k car. You can get an St -3 from a broker for a shade over 16k...

What does a fully kitted out Cooper S cost?

Edit - just looked, for a similar spec to an ST-3, over 22k on drive the deal!....So that is a £6k difference! To be honest if you want a Cooper S with any sort of respectable spec, there are other cars I would go for in that price bracket.
 
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Porsche Boxster S (987), mines going up for sale shortly at around £14k so that is well under budget (which leaves you enough money to keep aside should anything go wrong).

Can't think of many better cars under £20k than a Boxster S.

Obviously running costs are worlds away from a Fiesta or Mini but with an OPC warranty you would know the yearly outgoings and the £6k saved would keep the car running for 3-4 years easily.
 
Peerzy said:
Porsche Boxster S (987), mines going up for sale shortly at around £14k so that is well under budget (which leaves you enough money to keep aside should anything go wrong).

Can't think of many better cars under £20k than a Boxster S.

Obviously running costs are worlds away from a Fiesta or Mini but with an OPC warranty you would know the yearly outgoings and the £6k saved would keep the car running for 3-4 years easily.
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A good shout if supplied with warranty or without as long as bores have being checked before purchase.

Insurance could be a positive surprise as well.
 
Gibbo said:
A good shout if supplied with warranty or without as long as bores have being checked before purchase.

Insurance could be a positive surprise as well.
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Mine's going up with 14 months warranty - hopefully that'll help it shift.

My insurance was always stupidly cheap as well, 21 with 0 NCB was £650, I'm now 24 and with 2 NCB and it's £390.
 
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