~£15k Coupe Suggestions

Razor-BladE

Razor-BladE

Razor-BladE

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Hi all,

I am looking at changing my car (Ford Focus 2008 1.6 Zetec) because as reliable as it is, it's just not very quick (~12s to 60mph) or particularly fun in the corners. And accelerating/overtaking from 30/40mph is pretty slow.

I was looking at various warm/hot hatches (Fiesta/Focus ST, Mazda 3 MPS, Alfa Giulietta, Kia Ceed GT, Hyundai i30 Turbo, Clio RS) but I can't see myself particularly needing 5 seats (might be handy the odd occasion but can probably do without), or that much space and most of them looks wise doesn't really feel that 'special'.

Also, I'm in a decent enough position to afford a newer/nicer car so why not treat myself!

I've only ever driven this Focus, a 2010 Honda Jazz, 2002 Vauxhall Astra and 2001 Renault Clio so will be my first step into owning a sportier car.

I really like the coupe/GT look so I think I'm set on that for sure. The only requirement is that I will need to fit a massage table in (70cm x 100cm x 18cm), otherwise I'd consider the Z4 coupe (despite being 06/07, love the look), or MX5 RF.

I've loved the look of the TT since the 1st generation and this latest version looks really good. It looks like a really nice place to sit inside and super quick. General consensus says that it's not particularly fun but given that I'm coming from a Focus, anything will be a massive upgrade. 2015/16 S line S tronic quattro version will set me back around £18k?

I've also been looking at the GT86 which I understand might be a weird comparison to the TT. It does look great, and it's apparently a really fun car to drive, but interior isn't as nice as the TT and torque in the mid rev range is reportedly lacking. But again coming from the Focus, it will still be better? 2014/2015 (I think I prefer the look of the pre-facelift front bumper) is looking at about £12-14k? So some saving over the TT, plus probably cheaper insurance/servicing.

I probably won't change until the summer, and I know I'll have to test drive them at some point.

Are there any other potential contenders or any thoughts on the above 2?
Petrol only, I will only do about 7-8k miles annually.
And max £18-19k if it's worth it.

Thanks.
 
Other than the Z4 coupe, the rest of what BMW have to offer doesn't really do much for me in the looks department unfortunately, otherwise they do seem to have a great price/performance ratio.
 
I suspect you need to make sure whatever you pick is a hatchback rather than a true coupe like say the M235i because a proper coupe has a saloon-type boot making it very difficult to get anything of reasonable size in. A hatchback type Coupe, such as the TT or the Z4 Coupe you mention has a full hatch making the rear load bay very practical.

That said, I can't recommend a Z4 Coupe at this price-point. I am amazed they still command this money - they are exceptionally old and dated cars now and good though they were I can't imagine ever being satisfied after paying £15k for one! As a Roadster its a 5k car max so 3 times the price for a metal roof that doesn't come off seems excessive. A current generation TT will feel significantly newer, nicer and better as a day to day car. If you're an out and out driving enthusiast the purity of the RWD Z4 Coupe may appeal but as a normal everyday car the TT seems like a massively better choice.

It'll also come without many of the living with an old car problems.
 
Would you consider a Mk2 TT RS?

GT86 vs TT wise, the TT will be much better build quality on the interior and have a much more premium feel to it.

I went from a GT86 to an S3, whilst the GT86 was a better drivers car, the S3 feels superior in almost every other way in my opinion.
 
That table isn't overly large, i'd have thought it'd fit behind the front seats in any coupe type car with rear seats, which would introduce a 4 series/C class coupe?

As Fox mentions though, i don't see a Mk1 TT or Z4 of that age being the right choice at this budget and given your car history i don't think you'd see the benefit of something like a TTRS, a 2l Petrol will be a big enough step up performance wise and then id prefer a newer generation that a faster older generation.

Possibly something like this

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019588987?advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=pr54da&include-delivery-option=on&radius=1500&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&fuel-type=Petrol&quantity-of-doors=2&sort=price-desc&body-type=Coupe&price-to=18000&page=1

(Not saying this exact model, but it's an example you can get a ~3yr old Audi A5 )

Or as mentioned above, a 2 series if you wanted faster
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...de-delivery-option=on&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1
 
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Squidward said:
E92 M3
Click to expand...

Delta3D said:
Would you consider a Mk2 TT RS?
Click to expand...

Classic OcUK. Guy gives absolutely no hint that he requires absolutely enormous levels of performance (and the cost that goes with it) and even says he's been considering warm hatches.

OcUK recommends really old mega performance cars.

OP, have you considered a Mercedes CL65 AMG? Or a bank loan and a Ferrari FF?
 
When I read through your requirement, all I could think of is a 4 Series. It's got decent space in the back and boot, especially if you fold the seats down, and still retains that "coupe/GT" look.

The rivals such as Merc C Class coupe and Audi A5 are both less driver focussed so may fall short of the "fun" aspect you're looking for. As a side note, I'm not sure I'd be looking at a M235i/M240i or anything of that ilk - these are very quick cars. Something with around 200-250bhp will feel fantastic coming from a 1.6 Focus and a proper step up.

RE: an Audi TT mk2 - nice cars. The most popular 2.0TFSI is a fairly tough engine but suffers with the VAG petrol engine problems (coil packs etc). However, these are old cars now and if you've got a £15k+ budget, I think you're budget is well beyond a mk2 and probably into mk3 territory. I've had a mk1 and the other issue is that although the mk2 is slightly bigger inside, you'll still struggle to fit anything decent in the boot and I'd guess that the massage table probably won't fit.

RE: A GT86 - meant to be great fun to drive, but interior is classic Japanese car (cheap) and infotainment/driver comfort things are pretty basic to be honest. As much as I'd love how the car would drive, I could never get a GT86 as I'd just feel short changed at paying £15k+ for a car with a Jap interior and a very basic interior. It looks like a Honda Civic Type R from 2004 with a JVC double din headunit. If all I did was hoon it around, that isn't so much of an issue, but if I'm going to have to drive it every day, it's a bit rubbish for £15k IMHO.

I think something like a 428i with 245bhp and pretty good fuel consumption to boot. Its got loads of driver comfort things (iDrive is the best of all of them), it's got a cracking engine, it drives very well. For me, it'd be the best mix of performance/luxury/space.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103059794187
 
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Do you want a fun drivers car, or a fancy interior and a boot? Because you dont really get both.

The TT is quite numb if you have experienced a proper sports car. The handling isnt anything noteworthy.
 
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Razor-BladE said:
Hi all,

I am looking at changing my car (Ford Focus 2008 1.6 Zetec) because as reliable as it is, it's just not very quick (~12s to 60mph) or particularly fun in the corners. And accelerating/overtaking from 30/40mph is pretty slow.

I was looking at various warm/hot hatches (Fiesta/Focus ST, Mazda 3 MPS, Alfa Giulietta, Kia Ceed GT, Hyundai i30 Turbo, Clio RS) but I can't see myself particularly needing 5 seats (might be handy the odd occasion but can probably do without), or that much space and most of them looks wise doesn't really feel that 'special'.

Also, I'm in a decent enough position to afford a newer/nicer car so why not treat myself!

I've only ever driven this Focus, a 2010 Honda Jazz, 2002 Vauxhall Astra and 2001 Renault Clio so will be my first step into owning a sportier car.

I really like the coupe/GT look so I think I'm set on that for sure. The only requirement is that I will need to fit a massage table in (70cm x 100cm x 18cm), otherwise I'd consider the Z4 coupe (despite being 06/07, love the look), or MX5 RF.

I've loved the look of the TT since the 1st generation and this latest version looks really good. It looks like a really nice place to sit inside and super quick. General consensus says that it's not particularly fun but given that I'm coming from a Focus, anything will be a massive upgrade. 2015/16 S line S tronic quattro version will set me back around £18k?

I've also been looking at the GT86 which I understand might be a weird comparison to the TT. It does look great, and it's apparently a really fun car to drive, but interior isn't as nice as the TT and torque in the mid rev range is reportedly lacking. But again coming from the Focus, it will still be better? 2014/2015 (I think I prefer the look of the pre-facelift front bumper) is looking at about £12-14k? So some saving over the TT, plus probably cheaper insurance/servicing.

I probably won't change until the summer, and I know I'll have to test drive them at some point.

Are there any other potential contenders or any thoughts on the above 2?
Petrol only, I will only do about 7-8k miles annually.
And max £18-19k if it's worth it.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Get a Renault Megane RS! You can get a decent 2011-12 model for well under £15K they are cheap to run (keep their value well!) & high torque means the useable acceleration is eye opening plus if you want to mod a little you can get close to 400BHP which for the weight of the car is insane ;):D
 
@Razor-BladE Given you need some practicality re the table:

If you wanted a bigger GT type coupe with decent performance then the Audi A5 / BMW 4 Series above are probably the best options in budget. Smaller version would be the BMW 2 Series. As you don't seem a fan of the styling on these then given your requirements I would suggest a GT86 or TT.

Focused Japanese sports coupe then the GT86 which essentially sits in it's own bubble.

An Audi TT is probably the best of the bunch overall if you want a hatch coupe that does at least look like a proper sports coupe.

Roadster based like the Z4/MX5 etc do look nice but won't necessarily give you the practicality you need. As above, lucky if you can get a suitcase in the Z4.

Everything else like the Megan RS, VW Scirocco etc etc are more 3 door hot hatch than proper coupe.
 
TT 2.0 or TTS would be my suggestion.

Won't set your hair on fire, but solid cars with a decent amount of poke.
I'd avoid the S-Tronic if it's not under warranty.
 
Will your budget stretch to a TTS? I think anything under 300bhp is going to have to be really fun which the TT isn't, but the TTS makes up for it with it's power.

I've had both a TTS and TTRS....I also test drove the 2.0 TFSI Quattro. Don't get that one. It's nippy, but ultimately boring. Thing is with Quattro, it's too safe if you know what I mean. It sticks to the road like glue, so you need to have some power if you're going to have some fun in it. Think you'll soon get bored of the standard TT.

TTS gets my vote, but I think they are around £22k?
 
He currently drives a Focus that takes 12 seconds to hit 60mph.

I somehow doubt the difference between 200bhp and 300bhp in a TT is the difference between boring and exciting. Either is going to feel like a rocket ship compared to what he is used to, a 2.0TFSI will be an ideal blend of power and efficiency and mean a newer and nicer condition car for his budget.

It seems that very few people in this thread are able to put themselves in the OPs position and look at his requirements and current car and are instead expressing their own preferences. This isn't particularly helpful.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Classic OcUK. Guy gives absolutely no hint that he requires absolutely enormous levels of performance (and the cost that goes with it) and even says he's been considering warm hatches.

OcUK recommends really old mega performance cars.

OP, have you considered a Mercedes CL65 AMG? Or a bank loan and a Ferrari FF?
Click to expand...

When did I mention a "really old mega performance car"? A mk2 TT RS is hardly really old. He mentioned his current car isn't particularly quick nor is it fun in the corners and he mentioned "warm/HOT hatches".

He also mentioned GT86 being fun but lack of torque along with liking the TT but with the consensus that the newer model isn't hugely fun, hence the reason for me mentioning the MK2 TT RS.

I think you need to re-read and evaluate your own understanding prior to picking out other peoples points.
 
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