Hot hatch recommendations - £20k
- Thread starter gobbo
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![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Soldato
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Wasn't for the fact I just had a quick look on AT for prices between the two I was about to argue the ST would surely be a better buy cause it would be cheaper, but I'm very wrong.
Looking between the two, around the same mileage and year they're both similar priced for some weird reason, The M135 surely wins here, That lovely straight six sound, 320bhp, 5s to 60, nicer interior, badge snobbery and not bad mpg figures either, I know where my money would be going.
If the Focus was cheaper then I would have picked it.
About a month ago the book value for my focus ST3 was 19.4K for private sale and about 20.2k for a dealer sale
So am not sure how you think the OP maximum budget of 20K is to big for a focus ST..
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Because it's not worth spending that much money on one. You can do but it's too much really.
So you don't understand that market but felt despite that obviously the ST was the best choice?!
That's right!
You could get a brand new Focus ST-3 with 0% finance for about £22k from drive the deal (well you could when i looked a few months ago).
I guess you would be looking at older M135is compared with Focus ST's, not that it matters (apart from warranty possibly although as has been mentioned you could just pay for the extended warranty on one).
Personally if I had the OP's budget and didn't do many miles and running costs weren't an issue i would choose the M135i as well. However it would have to be the facelift as the non facelift is pig ugly and the steering wheel looks very dated. I mean i don't really like the look of the facelift either as it always just seems like a very oddly shaped and proportioned car. In pure aesthetic terms, it is probably one of the least attractive hatchbacks available, especially the non facelift.
I guess you would be looking at older M135is compared with Focus ST's, not that it matters (apart from warranty possibly although as has been mentioned you could just pay for the extended warranty on one).
Personally if I had the OP's budget and didn't do many miles and running costs weren't an issue i would choose the M135i as well. However it would have to be the facelift as the non facelift is pig ugly and the steering wheel looks very dated. I mean i don't really like the look of the facelift either as it always just seems like a very oddly shaped and proportioned car. In pure aesthetic terms, it is probably one of the least attractive hatchbacks available, especially the non facelift.
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Associate
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- 18 Jan 2012
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Have a similar requirement and budget to the OP and have thinking about an M135. When did the LCI version get released? As it sounds they are worth holding out for.
Associate
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- 18 Jan 2012
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Cheers Fox.
Spent this morning having test drives, Focus ST-3, then over to BMW for the Mini Cooper S and M135i (and an M140i).
After a 45-minute test drive of B road, A road and motorway I decided to go with a used M135i that the dealer had in stock as an AUC. It's a 2014 pre-LCI, 5 door in Alpine White, auto, pro nav, H&K, driver assistance pack, enhanced Bluetooth and visibility pack, the only thing missing that would be a "nice to have" was the adaptive suspension but having test driven the M140i that was fitted with it, I'm sure I can live without it!
The dealer did put together a package for an M140i with the spec I wanted and even with the discounts they could apply (and looking at Broadspeed/C2C) I just couldn't justify it to myself.
The ST-3 just felt like a much lower class of car compared to the M135i, even comparing a 2017 model to a 2014 model.
Cooper S just didn't feel "right" performance wasn't on par with the ST-3 or M135i and I just couldn't get on with the awkward proportions of the 5 door.
After a 45-minute test drive of B road, A road and motorway I decided to go with a used M135i that the dealer had in stock as an AUC. It's a 2014 pre-LCI, 5 door in Alpine White, auto, pro nav, H&K, driver assistance pack, enhanced Bluetooth and visibility pack, the only thing missing that would be a "nice to have" was the adaptive suspension but having test driven the M140i that was fitted with it, I'm sure I can live without it!
The dealer did put together a package for an M140i with the spec I wanted and even with the discounts they could apply (and looking at Broadspeed/C2C) I just couldn't justify it to myself.
The ST-3 just felt like a much lower class of car compared to the M135i, even comparing a 2017 model to a 2014 model.
Cooper S just didn't feel "right" performance wasn't on par with the ST-3 or M135i and I just couldn't get on with the awkward proportions of the 5 door.
I saw you'd replied and was expecting a photo of an Audi S3 along with a statement telling me how I should buy an Audi
Good choice op it's obviously the best option for your budget but did you have to get recession white 
that is the one colour that the millions of leased 116d drivers seem to pick you could have gone with a more adventurous colour so you don't blend in with them all
that is the one colour that the millions of leased 116d drivers seem to pick you could have gone with a more adventurous colour so you don't blend in with them all Good choice op it's obviously the best option for your budget but did you have to get recession white
There is a certain amount of fun to be had blending into all the other 1 series out there. IMO the pre LCI looks pretty handsome in white
Thank you for your valuable input Simon, I'll make sure I always do what you tell me in future
I assume I should have bought an E92 M3 given it fits none of my requirements?Also congrats on guessing how much I paid given a description of the car and only knowing what my budget is
Not sure where you're coming from here. The M135i is a seriously good car for the money. It's very practical, very quick, and in terms of value for money I don't think you can do much better in the £20k space if you want a modern performance car.
For us, it sits alongside an M3 and an Aston Martin Vantage, and really holds its own.
Your budget was £20k?Thank you for your valuable input Simon, I'll make sure I always do what you tell me in future
Also congrats on guessing how much I paid given a description of the car and only knowing what my budget is
Fox thought it was too high for a Focus. I think it's too high for a 1series when compared to what you wanted from a car.
I bought my car as I had a kid and needed another seat. I didn't want a fertility wagon and whilst it's not my first choice at all it is a jack of all trades and is the only car that replicates the nature of an S2000.
I assume you aren't comparing interiors in this comparison ?