This is a bit of a pipe dream currently but can anyone recommend a ‘hot hatch’ (even in loose sense) for less than £2k?
mileage isn’t an issue
age obviously isn’t an issue
there’s a small chance we’ll need to buy a ‘runaround’ second car to get to and from work (about 15 miles each way), and if I have to drive it the majority of the time, then I want something a bit fun.
Ive always yearned for a Clio 182 Cup, so that’s on my radar, but looking for other suggestions too.
Only real caveat is that if possible, I’d like it to be relatively reliable, which I appreciate can be a lottery with older cars. But if they’re renowned for their reliability, even into old age, then that’s a winner.
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Old Golf 1.8T of some sort. Try and get one without the manual throttle cable as those can be tuned a bit more aggressively.
Fabia vRS might be a shout too if you don't mind burning chip fat.
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H
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I have one for sale if your interested!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saab-9-3-AERO-HOT-COUPE-2001/113298672430?hash=item1a61208b2e:g:d~8AAOSwgYdbvOfk
Not a hatch but rapid all the same. I had one of these for a good few years before I went all sensible, fairly reliable and quick as a quick thing.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-SAAB-9-3-93-AERO-2-0T-210-BHP-12-MONTHS-MOT-HPI-CLEAR-XENONS-CRUISE/223181597662?hash=item33f6a8ebde:g:G8YAAOSwAnhbExEA
Even the soft tops are getting cheap these days.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-SAAB-9-3-2-0T-Aero-2dr/263969276028?hash=item3d75cb807c:g:VDQAAOSwb4Vbs1CA
Does it need to be a hatch? If not an MX5 might be an option.
The MG ZS 180’s were supposed to be good. The 2.5l 6 cylinder engine is nice. Not many anout now though.
Appreciate that fun, age, reliability and cheap probably aren't all achievable. It doesn't even need to be a 'hot hatch', just something with a bit of nip would be fine. I had a Seat Toledo FR previously, which is the most fun car I've ever owned, so a Leon FR or Cupra would be a welcome choice as well.
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My money would probably go on a Fiesta ST150, to be honest the engine doesnt really feel like anything special, but they are reliable and handle well.
Another possible would be a Mini Cooper? Not sure what 2k would get you but probably worth a look?
Clio is a possible but careful for self-eating engines, and the ST150 is a good call.
Most sensible answers are Swift as it’s also bloody reliable but finding one in budget will be a chore..