Spec me...

Power as standard doesnt matter really, it can always be mapped. Good thing about VAG is the ability to go to R-Tech :D

K1's seem slightly out of budget however there are quite a few Cupra's out there well within budget.
 
How about a Honda type-R ? Or is 200bhp with 6.6sec 0-60 , not powerful enough ?

(But I do find these are starting to look pretty dated now)
 
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Maccy said:
E46 M3 fall within this budget or is it the tatty stuff for £8k?
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I thought about buying an M3 myself before I bought my focus ST but was worried that any repair jobs or parts needed on an M3 were going cost crazy prices..
I bet even normal wear items like tyres on an M3 are going be very expensive
 
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chaparral said:
I thought about buying an M3 myself before I bought my focus ST but was worried that any repair jobs or parts needed on an M3 were going cost crazy prices..
I bet even normal wear items like tyres on an M3 are going be very expensive
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all depends how handy you are yourself with a tool kit.
 
Phil W said:
Never thought I'd need a spec me thread :D

Just sold my Focus ST225. Have a max of around £8k to spend.

Been to look at a MK2.5 Octavia vRS, walked away because it had a poor paint repair. Also went to have a look at an Astra VXR today but again, walked away because there were 4 or 5 spots that were bubbling under the paint.

Requirements are few, although 200+bhp would be nice, less than 80k on the clock too. I did like the Recaro seats and Xenon headlights in the focus, so although preferable, not essential.

3/5 door does not matter, nor does economy too much as I was used to the Focus liking a drink.

Hit me :)
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350z?

Depends, how many seats are you after?

I took a z for a test drive from that garage between tern hill and whitchurch, just awesome power and as soon as I can afford one, it'll be on my drive!
 
Phil W said:
I considered FN2's but I think I'd get frustrated with the power level and delivery.
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Definitely recommend driving one. Had one a few years ago when they first came out. Takes a bit of time getting used to keeping it in the power band but when you do it gets really addictive pushing it up to 8-9000 revs on a regular basis. Great soundtrack too!
 
An FN2 would likely be the most reliable shout, but if you do like torque low down then maybe not. Obviously I've had a Focus ST too and back in an old EP3 for a bit, the Civic being the better drive and more fun. I was the same in a way, my Focus was quick (around 285BHP) but... never quite gelled. The Civic's are not that frustrating as they're geared well, granted you're not gonna get a shove in the back but they will move if you drive them properly. Astra VXR's are great fun as they're so frantic and aggressive and cheap enough to fix but at that age where niggles are a plenty, the gearbox issues, dual mass flywheels dying and daft things like leaky plastic oil coolers are all too common.

I find it harder and harder to pick something I like when I look at the same budget as yourself. I think for 8K I'd be looking at an A3 S Line of some sort and a remap (it seems the 1.8 TFSI's are more reliable than the 2.0's), Leon Cupra K1 due to good tuning potential on the cheap and quite a smart looking car. BMW 125i or decent 3 series coupe? M3 I think you'd hate if it all went wrong and cost you plenty. ED30's are nice but.... sit in an Audi and you'd rather have less power for the better build inside by far.

I think you'll struggle to be happy with anything really at this budget without mad running costs or upkeep. But interested to see what you end up in :) I guess if you were around 10k other options open up. I quite like MK6 Golf GTI's... or you could look into a decent S3! Even a nice Fiesta ST would be do-able then and they're good fun but if you've got the kids to think about too I'm not sure if they'll be too small.

I guess the other option is to find a mint older car for a far lower budget... I know you liked your old Octavia!
 
Stormster said:
I guess the other option is to find a mint older car for a far lower budget... I know you liked your old Octavia!
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I had contemplated cutting the budget right down and just getting a ST220 or something.

widdyst said:
This one has sold now but gives an idea of what you can get for around 8 grand.
Considered buying this one myself but was a long distance away and i dithered
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=162949
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Not sure whether the cost of maintenance would worry me or not :rolleyes:
 
Phil W said:
I had contemplated cutting the budget right down and just getting a ST220 or something.
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That's a good idea actually I preferred my 220 to my Focus ST. It's much nicer to drive and once rolling is nearly as quick as the Focus.
Could you not get a Mondeo Titanium X sport like Howard's for 8k? 200bhp and great interior with gadgets.
 
Finally decided on a car. Had a chat with SWMBO regarding my budget and increased it slightly.

Yesterday I collected my 'always wanted' car. Got fed up with viewing hot hatches that in all honesty I would never have been happy with!

3i1nbV.jpg


:D
 
Don't get a Mazda 3 MPS. I own one and wish I'd bought a Focus ST instead - they're better cars. I only went for the Mazda because it was faster.

EDIT - Should have read the 2nd page :)
 
Looks well Phil, sounds like a very nice motor from what you told me about it the other day :) You're not wrong though folks 8k is a bad point these days for hot hatches, either that or we're getting old and going off them :D
 
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