Spec me £10k, fun but not too impractical

Stringy

Stringy

Stringy

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In April I'm going to be looking to spend no more than ~£10k on something that is:

- Fun
- No more than 4 Years old, preferably 2007 or newer so it's coming off the back of a warranty for purposes of probably being well looked after.
- Not too impractical, possible to take 2 back seat adult passengers to be comfortable enough for a few hours. Ok sized boot would be good, but if I'm humping and dumping any considerable amount I won't have passengers.
- Won't blow up and cost me a bomb every few months
- Preferably approved-used for warranty. If that's a waste of time then I'd appreciate the input.

Shortlist so far is:
Mazda 3 or 6 MPS
Renaultsport Megane 225 (although I don't like the interior)
Renaultsport Clio 197

I know there's plenty I haven't considered...and that's where you guys come in! Real life experience and anecdotes greatly appreciated! I have no preconceptions and no reason to hold dear all the criteria above, pick apart as you see fit, especially the age/warranty/approved used aspects.
 
I was looking for pretty much exactly the same and plumped for an petrol '07 Leon FR. Have a gander and a test drive. Plenty of info over a seatcupra.net as well
 
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I'm having a dig through the used websites now, thanks for the pointers thus far. Any obscure manufacturers or models that might be worth considering?

Opinions on Approved Used, worth the extra outlay or not?
 
Stringy said:
Opinions on Approved Used, worth the extra outlay or not?
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I went for approved used for the peace of mind, the warranty was the only reason I bought from a dealer. The used SEAT warranty is provided by SEAT Uk, and can be used at any main dealer nationwide. I actually negotiated such a good deal with the dealer, I was getting way below book price and it was cheaper than any local FR's within 100 miles, but I was quite lucky in that they had two very similar cars and the sales manager was wanting rid of one.

I'm sure VW & Ford would do a similar approved used scheme. Have a test drive of a good few to make your mind up. You'll know which one you like soon enough :)
 
Quite true.
I think inaprorpriate would be a better word considering the OP's requirements, but a focus 1.6 would be no better.
I'd still chose the ST over an VXR tho simply because of the more linear power delivery.
 
Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 2008 Clio 197 (non-cup) 22k miles, £9k. I would try and haggle down a bit if I do like it (ideas as to a good value?), but anything in particular I should look out for with these cars?
How do they compare to others in the class? (what else is there outside of Corsa VXR, which I'm not interested in)
 
Checking parkers it's slightly under the list price for 'Private Good' yet it's at a Renault dealership with decent mileage. I've never spent this sort of money on a car, what are generic gotchas to be wary of (other than a sketchy service history) or has anybody got specific experience with these?
 
alexisonfire said:
You should be able to find a 197 r27 for around the same price and mileage tbh
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Difference being the 'Cup'ness of it (seats, wheels, brakes etc), the paintjob and the limited edition plaque? Part of the appeal of the non-cup for me is the ride being slightly softer, I sometimes drive through the ****end of nowhere on pants roads; I'm already getting physio for my shoulder, not keen on seeing a chiropractor too! How much harder is the ride in the cup chassis/suspension, or is it ok?
 
I've not been in a normal 197, only a R27 ( which im just about to buy! :p ) and i found the ride perfectly fine. I'm basing this purely on two test drives which equalled just over an hour though, so i can only offer very limited experience. I also have no problem with hard suspension in general so im probably not the best person to ask :p

Edit: forgot to say the suspension on the R27 is completely different to the normal 197's.
 
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