Focus ST alternatives?

sloth

sloth

sloth

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I'm going to be changing car in a few months time, so the hunt has begun for a new car. I'm 22, with 2 years no claims, and 1 driving offence - 4 point CD30 back in 2002. I currently drive a 2005 Focus 1.8, which after a year of owning I find underpowered and not very exciting - so the next car needs to change that. :)

Max budget is around 18k, and I'd prefer a new car. I'd like a medium sized car (Focus, Astra size), with good performance, but still affordable to service, fuel and insure. Fuel economy isn't a huge issue, as long as I can get 25mpg on average I'll be happy. 3 doors is preferable for looks, although I'm not ruling out 5 door cars. For power delivery, I think I'd find an engine like that in the Civic Type R tiring after a few weeks, so I'd prefer a turbocharged/supercharged car.

So far my shortlist stands at:

  • Ford Focus ST-2/ST-3 (220bhp, 18.5/19.5k list)
  • Skoda Octavia vRS (200bhp, 17.5k list)


The Focus appeals to me more for some reason, the Octavia seems very understated, but it's well specced for the money. The Focus is 2 groups higher for insurance (17 vs 15), and will have worse fuel economy. Otherwise, running costs won't be much different. I've got test drives booked in both on Saturday, so I'll have a better idea then.

I've ran through an insurance quote for the Focus ST, and comes back at £850 for 12 months (Admiral). So insurance seems very reasonable, pretty good considering my situation. :)

So my question - what other alternatives would you suggest I consider? Or any opinions to try and sway me between the ST and the vRS?
 
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A3 3.2 Quattro
Golf GTi mk5
Golf R32 mk4
Leon Cupra / Cupra R

Though most of those would probably be 2nd hand.
 
the vRS is a much bigger car

its not really a hot hatch...its more of a speedy family car

ideal if you have prams and things to move but still want a laugh and cant bring yourself to own a people carrier yet

the Astra VXR is in the same group I would say

Astra VXR
civic type R
golf GTi
Focus ST
mazda 3 MPS when it arrives

all what I would describe as hot hatches.... I have a mk1 vRS and the new one is bigger again and I will be getting one as I need the boot space

if I didnt need the big boot I would be looking at one of the above

if you need to shift people and stuff get an Octavia..if you dont stick to a smaller car
 
So my question - what other alternatives would you suggest I consider? Or any opinions to try and sway me between the ST and the vRS?
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NONE...the end

Oh, apart from the VXR which in my opinion is by far the better (and cheaper) alternative...Its looks dont appeal to everyone but I think it looks better than the Ford

BTW off topic..I never knew Ford meant 'Fix Or Repair Daily'!!

/waits for Fox bashing! :p
 
you can get the st2-3 for about £16k if you no where to look ;)
 
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Mazda 3 Mps When it comes out, if it takes your fancy. Theyre gonna be about £16k when they are unleashed.

Or even wait for the new Civic TypeR to come out, will also suit your budget.
 
Matt said:
A3 3.2 Quattro
Golf GTi mk5
Golf R32 mk4
Leon Cupra / Cupra R
Click to expand...

For some reason, the Golf (mk4 + 5) just doesn't excite me. I don't fancy a A3 either. But I shall visit Seat to check out the Leon Cupra if they have any.


Luke15 said:
ASTRA VXR
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I'll book a test drive in it tomorrow. :)


9761 said:
you can get the st2-3 for about £16k if you no where to look ;)
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It seems that these online brokers can't actually get the cars. Ford seem to be only allocating build slots to main dealers just now. :confused:

Thanks for the suggestions so far though. Any more? :)
 
You will be amazed at the power of the Astra VXR, and it isnt ugly, and id say preety rare on the roads atm.

Good luck mate :cool:
 
Luke15 said:
You will be amazed at the power of the Astra VXR, and it isnt ugly, and id say preety rare on the roads atm.
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Isn't it pretty rare 'cos it isnt as good as the Golf or Focus becuase Vauxhall said 'OMG LETS JUST TAKE AN ASTRA AND GIVE IT LOADS OF POWAAAHHHH YEA'?

Like.. using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
 
Where do you people get the money for this? You are 22 and you have £18K available - I'm not doubting, I'd love a spare £18K lying about to blow on a car, but how on earth can you get that kind of money at that age?
 
whitecrook said:
Where do you people get the money for this? You are 22 and you have £18K available - I'm not doubting, I'd love a spare £18K lying about to blow on a car, but how on earth can you get that kind of money at that age?
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Anyone working full time and living at home can finance this sort of money and pay it back over 3-5 years without issue.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Isn't it pretty rare 'cos it isnt as good as the Golf or Focus becuase Vauxhall said 'OMG LETS JUST TAKE AN ASTRA AND GIVE IT LOADS OF POWAAAHHHH YEA'?

Like.. using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Click to expand...
From what I've heard whilst the golf/focus are more refined/easier to drive the Astra is meant to be a great laugh to drive. I suppose it depends if you want something that is potentially going to be a a bit of a handful. Personally I think it looks a lot nicer than the Focus/Golf - make sure you have a test drive sloth!
 
Astra VXR. So very menacing to look at, so very menacing to drive. £500 and Superchips will see this running at a pant-straining 281hp! :D

whitecrook: If I could insure myself on a VXR for less than £3k, I'd be buying one.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Isn't it pretty rare 'cos it isnt as good as the Golf or Focus becuase Vauxhall said 'OMG LETS JUST TAKE AN ASTRA AND GIVE IT LOADS OF POWAAAHHHH YEA'?

Like.. using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.
Click to expand...

Sarcasm is thelowest form of wit.

Just because you dont like it, doesnt mean others will follow suit.
 
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