Type R FN2 to More sensible option [Spec Me, please]

fRostiE

fRostiE

fRostiE

Soldato
Joined
20 Oct 2002
Posts
6,212
Location
UK
Morning all,

I'm looking to change my '09 FN2 TypeR after around 18 months of ownership. Had some fun out of it that past two summers but getting tired of being jolted along the road with harsh suspension and not having the practicality of a 5 door.

I'm looking to trade without spending more, or get some money back from changing cars. I think the Type R its worth around £8,500 so that’s the max budget. Ideally I'd like to spend £1k - £2k less and line my pockets for some work on the house.

Power wise I’d prefer to be around 150bhp or above, but not precious about losing 50 horses as the daily commute doesn’t offer much opportunity, but appreciate some power on the occasional overtake and long drive.

Something reliable and safe is a must, I’m not fussed if it’s a hatchback or a saloon... for a while I considered a Skoda VRs as the sidestep looks to be in line with the typeR for age, mileage and power. I’d be interested to hear people’s thoughts on this idea.

I've always considered picking up cars around the 3 year mark offers best reliability/depreciation combination, but again I’d appreciate people’s opinions and realise I might be asking a bit much given the budget?

I don’t mind going diesel though I only do around 10,000 miles per year combined commute and social.

Things I’ve already taken a look at online:
Skoda VRs
Ford Focus
VW Golf
Audi A3

I'm open to ideas, please suggest away! :)

Thanks,
fRostiE
 
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Slightly older than your requirements 330i. More than adequate levels of go. If you're happy to go SE, nicely compliant ride. Might not on paper have massively better stats than what you mention, but it's a great allrounder and at least drives the correct set of wheels.
 
I went from an FN2 to an Accord Type-S 2.4, much preferred it to the FN2 though they are hard to find with low miles and older than you are after, there is the newer shape 2.4 EX but they didn't review anywhere near as well, not that I treat reviews as gospel
 
what about a 5 door civic?

I looked at a Type-R when i was looking at my car, i too found the ride fun but very firm, i then tried a 5 door 1.4 si civic and found the ride much better, still firm and fun to drive but soft enough to be fine and has the immense boot space and back space with 5 door convienience
 
Skoda VRS
Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2.5T
Honda Accord

All great looking cars and practical. I would be humming and harring over the Skoda and Mondeo TXS, at 10k miles a year it would have to be the Mondeo TXS 2.5T.
 
How is an Audi S3 a more 'sensible' alternative to an FN2 - it is a more powerful, more premium, less reliable and more expensive to run car. Not really sure it works here, especially as the sort of S3 for the budget is going to be at least 10 years old, more likely 12-13.

I would remove other similar German cars from the list as well for much the same reason. There is no real point in selling a car to 'free up' £1500 if that £1500 has the potential to be consumed by the additional running costs of an old premium performance car.
 
[TW]Fox;25237390 said:
How is an Audi S3 a more 'sensible' alternative to an FN2 - it is a more powerful, more premium, less reliable and more expensive to run car. Not really sure it works here, especially as the sort of S3 for the budget is going to be at least 10 years old, more likely 12-13.
Click to expand...

Meant A3 - my bad :)

The S3 wouldn't tie in with losing ~50bhp from the TypeR, more like gaining it!

With the Golf/Audi I half wondered about going to a small engine turbo combination... the golf comes in a 1.4T varient with ~160bhp, along with ~50mpg
 
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