£15K for fun, fast, every day all rounder...?

Legend · 26 Sep 2017 at 17:40

Not quite sure about this one. Reliability is definitely important to me, so anything too old, crazy mileage or expensive maintenance isn't really something I want the hassle of. I don't need (or really want) a big car, but a 2-seater isn't going to be practical, so 4-seats (or 2+2 at a minimum) would be necessary.

The Fiesta ST, Fiat 500/595 Abarth, Audi A1/S1, Mini Cooper S have all caught my eye so far. Any others worth looking at?

wingman · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:18

That money gets you into a 2012/2013 M135i, it's faster than those others you mentioned but not as fun, but it's definitely an all rounder. Slap a warranty on it (£35 p/month) and away you go.

Mini Cooper S are hugely fun, can definitely be a daily if you don't regularly carry anyone in the back. If you do, I'd forget about that, the A1 and the Abarth.

Blackhawk47 · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:24

TTS mk2 would be perfect.

I think an S1 would be a stretch? I’d be surprised if you can get one for £15k.

[TW]Fox · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:35

Blackhawk47 said:
TTS mk2 would be perfect.

For £15k I'd want more than a car thats basically a 2003 model A3.

Blackhawk47 · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:44

[TW]Fox said:
For £15k I'd want more than a car thats basically a 2003 model A3.

Same old fox.

The TT is not the same as a 14 year old A3.

[TW]Fox · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:45

What's the difference between a 2.0T TT and a 2.0T A3 other than the bodystyle then?

Nasher · 26 Sep 2017 at 18:51

There's less space inside a TT?

That's about it lol, pretty much the same car underneath. If you want a sports car to be a sports car, there are better choices for the money which actually drive like a sports car. Some even have correct wheel drive.

Blackhawk47 · 26 Sep 2017 at 19:02

[TW]Fox said:
What's the difference between a 2.0T TT and a 2.0T A3 other than the bodystyle then?

Power, driving position, interior, exterior, exhaust, the way it feels to drive...do I need to name more?

wesimmo · 26 Sep 2017 at 19:07

What about RenaultSports if you're looking at hot hatch types?

Both Megane and Clio might suit you and are very good handling cars.

I've got 2 RenaultSports for daily drivers, a Clio 200 for me to commute in and a Twingo 133 for the missus to potter round locally (and me to hoon around locally!) and I'm very happy with both. The Twingo is especially amusing, but obviously not the car for you.

Vita · 26 Sep 2017 at 19:10

Bmw 335d

Nasher · 26 Sep 2017 at 19:20

Fun, not sensible

mjt · 26 Sep 2017 at 20:58

Z3M
Audi S5
BMW M135i
SLK 55 AMG

ci_newman · 26 Sep 2017 at 21:04

How about a GT-86? 2+2 and lots of fun and fast in the twistys

Gaygle · 26 Sep 2017 at 22:11

Tbh this has M135i written all over it, assuming that is within the realms of what you call "fast"

Nasher · 26 Sep 2017 at 22:39

ci_newman said:
How about a GT-86? 2+2 and lots of fun and fast in the twistys

Back seats are only useful for people with no legs though.

Housey · 26 Sep 2017 at 22:50

[TW]Fox said:
For £15k I'd want more than a car thats basically a 2003 model A3.

Some bloke came up to me the other day at an event and said "so these R8's are a TT with some different panels and a V10 where the boot was, it's not like a proper sports car". Tempted though I was to say yes, yes that is exactly what it is but the TT has nicer air vents. Instead I said no, one if a Golf and one is a monocoque with an engine bolted on the back. He looked confused but by the time his next question came out I was in a different county and he carried on collecting used coffee cups.

I hate the general public.

Clarkey · 26 Sep 2017 at 22:55

Name a car which isn't a monocoque

Housey · 26 Sep 2017 at 23:09

He called my TT a Golf I was annoyed!!!

Oh wait, that's not right