Wants a hot hatch - lists a 2l TT. A car renowned for its utterly tripe handling.
People don't give the second-gen TT enough credit. The FWD cars are light and particularly sweet to drive – and, in terms of sense of occasion, they're leaps and bounds ahead of a 130i (for example). I found the latter heavy, dull and requiring a fair amount of work to make it interesting, whereas a bone-stock TT proved a far more compelling package overall (they also tend to be far cleaner underneath than 130is, in my experience).
Dead easy to wind up a bit as well, should you feel so inclined. Just watch out for timing belts on the earlier cars – a lot of sellers don't realise they have them...
Certainly not 'utterly tripe' in the handling department, by any stretch. Mk1 TT wasn't great but, again, often slated excessively. 3.2s make a good noise but they're heavier, more complicated (all are AWD) and outperformed by lightly fettled 2.0 TTs. Far more expensive to run, too.
Otherwise, I'd have a nose around Swift Sports. Get a later example in 3dr form for that money; light, eager, inexpensive to run and great fun. Far more exploitable and interesting than many of the cars listed, plus you can drive them in anger without worrying about racking up substantial bills (or getting in trouble). Stacked with kit and far newer/lower mileage than many alternatives, so a better buy in that respect.
Have a look at FN2 Type Rs, too. Heavier but you might prefer the looks/experience. EP3s are all getting on a bit. The performance might leave you wanting as well, particularly if you're used to forced induction or things with bigger motors.
I'd go for the Golf over the Focus, though, no question. Far more efficient, lighter on its feet and less prone to costly problems, etc. Can't argue with the charm of the ST's engine, that said.
