Anything remotely fun around the 20k mark?

ddoubleep

ddoubleep

ddoubleep

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Over the past few months, I've been going around in circles trying to decide on the right car for my needs. My current diesel vehicle is no longer practical for the low mileage I drive these days, and it's not ULEZ compliant either. I've considered various options, from the F11 5 Series to the 4 Series Gran Coupe and even the popular hot hatches, but everything seems overpriced, and nothing truly stands out as a great value proposition within my £20k budget.Here's what I'm looking for:

Usage
  • Daily driving under 5 miles
  • Weekend family trips requiring more mileage
Requirements
  • 4 or 5 doors (3 doors would be a hassle with kids)
  • ULEZ compliant
  • A bit of an "event" factor, something slightly different from the base trim level
  • Decent servicing and running costs (I know this might be an oxymoron)
While I understand that finding the perfect balance between running costs and an engaging driving experience can be challenging, I'm determined to find a vehicle that I can genuinely enjoy driving. I'm open to testing out different options, but at some point, I need to make a decision and purchase a car that meets my needs.I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. What cars would you suggest within my £20k budget that could potentially tick all the boxes? I'm all ears and appreciate any insights you can provide to help me find the right family car for my situation.

Cheers.
 
Focus ST in a bright colour. I have one now and it's great. Fuel economy isn't, but with your mileage that's not really a concern.
 
A 5 door VXR8. A higher mileage one but shouldn't be an issue with these.

A bit heavy on the running costs but rare and entertaining :D
 
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Define your idea of fun before the thread gets out of hand.

I'd say something like a Golf GTI would be good for what you want, or even a Golf R but you've said 'fun' and so half the forum will interpret that as excluding anything more practical than a Caterham :p

Regardless of that, you'll struggle finding much that doesn't 'seem overpriced' if your last car buying experience was pre-Covid.
 
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alex24 said:
Focus ST in a bright colour. I have one now and it's great. Fuel economy isn't, but with your mileage that's not really a concern.
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Tangerine Scream ST3 has been looked at even though it carries a premium for the colour as not many around. Seems to offer a lot of the kit but is a manual. For some reason or another would prefer to go Auto next time after years of manual driving as school run is stop start at the best of times and drive to work has a few short bursts.
 
Kenai said:
Define your idea of fun before the thread gets out of hand.

I'd say something like a Golf GTI would be good for what you want, or even a Golf R but you've said 'fun' and so half the forum will interpret that as excluding anything more practical than a Caterham :p

Regardless of that, you'll struggle finding much that doesn't 'seem overpriced' if your last car buying experience was pre-Covid.
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Good shout on actually what is considered fun. Definitely not a Caterham, VX220, S2000 thread as no place for the family!

GTI and R have been looked at also. The GTI seems more unique and rare and when on the road turns my head more than the farting R but R has the power but probably wouldn't utilise it legally.

Slowly realising it won't go back to pre-Covid.

The M2 appeals on paper but running costs and being 2 doors puts me off but then you only live once hence goes around in circles.

i30n, Type Rs, S3s the list is endless but they all start blurring when costs the same.
 
Yeah, engaging driving experience, event etc.. most people will plump for a manual in those cases not auto I would suggest. I wouldn't mind an auto ST, if you could find one. The main party trick is the grip, brakes and handling, plus the pull on the turbo. The manual gearbox is nothing to write home about.
 
alex24 said:
Yeah, engaging driving experience, event etc.. most people will plump for a manual in those cases not auto I would suggest. I wouldn't mind an auto ST, if you could find one. The main party trick is the grip, brakes and handling, plus the pull on the turbo. The manual gearbox is nothing to write home about.
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Something like this looks to come in decent value and kit. What colour did you go for?
 
If not an EV, then I'd get a Golf GTI. Seems like you can get a nice Mk7.5 GTI Performance for your budget, which is nice.
 
Another vote for the kia stinger esp the v6

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If you cant quite stretch or find one in budget then nothing wrong with the 4 pot one and you will get a good 2019 one for under £20k. Even the 4 potter is 0-60 in 5.8s so its not slow.
 
Thanks for the heads up on a few that may have slipped past such as the Kia Stinger and IS F.
Both are rare on the roads and the Stinger has a lot of kit.
When you get to 7.5 GTI PP or TCR commanding 20k+ you start thinking budget creep into the next territory.
If I was solo driver than the M2 starts coming into play or the kids just learn how to get in and out themselves!
I ought to go and test some of these to get a better idea as unlikely to find them all under one roof over the next few months.
Life is short and don't want to get a work mobile this time around.
 
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As much as the M2 is obviously a good car, for me that sort of territory is cars that you really have to want deep down to justify the additional money (purchase and running) over and above say a 240i or a 440i (like this MPPSK equipped car that looks ok at a glance - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189852009) - it's not something you buy if a Golf GTI is realistically in the same conversation.
 
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