Hot Hatch for 5 grand

Horizon81

If you had 5 grand to spend on a hot hatch, what would it be? It's a question I'm pondering, partly for fun but it may become a reality. Stipulations are no older than 2002, sub 7 secs to 60. Obvious choice for me is the EP3 Civic Type R. Wildcard would be something like the Mitsubishi Colt CZT with cash spare for a remap.

Has to be reliable so Clio 172/182 fanboys can forget it!

Keith

I'd buy a Clio or keep saving for a Focus ST.

motorguy

mk5 golf gti coming in and around budget now...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201202441586274/sort/priceasc/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/golf/make/volkswagen/keywords/gti/postcode/bt622hb/radius/1500/page/1?logcode=p

OR Renault Megane 225 Cup

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201145426792747/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/megane/make/renault/page/2/keywords/225/postcode/bt622hb/radius/1500?logcode=p

OR Regane Megane 225 Trophy

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201152438771899/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/megane/make/renault/postcode/bt622hb/keywords/225/page/4/radius/1500?logcode=p

Also, probably some sort of clio RS

ses6jwg

Not strictly a hatchback, but the Octavia vRS is good value.

motorguy

Keith wrote: »

I'd buy a Clio or keep saving for a Focus ST.

ST's are probably within budget if the o/p negotiates hard

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201202440474592/sort/priceasc/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/model/focus/make/ford/postcode/bt622hb/keywords/st/page/5/radius/1500?logcode=p

motorguy

ses6jwg wrote: »

Not strictly a hatchback, but the Octavia vRS is good value.

Good call!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201148432065965/sort/priceasc/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/model/octavia/make/skoda/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/bt622hb/keywords/vrs?logcode=p

Not sure i'd walk past a mk 5 Golf GTI to buy one though?

Horizon81

It's surprising what comes in on what appears a low budget. Seen Focus ST's in the £5Ks around here but despite the decent engine they're a big heavy beast, not strictly a true hot hatch in my eyes, more a cruiser/tourer which just eats up the miles with no fuss (I'm sure many will disagree). I like the raw essence of a hot hatch, if that makes sense, and in particular interesting ones that aren't too common!

Not a big lover of Renaults, from experience, and have yet to find an independent mechanic who hasn't spent too much time trying to solve unfathomable electrical problems. Out of interest what's the difference between the Cup and the Trophy?

jaydeeuk1

Not a hatch, or under 10 years old, but I'd go for a Fiat coupe 24v 2l turbo in electric blue or yellow. Its number 6 in my imaginary 10 car garage.
Will tiddle all over those hot hatch pretenders!

minnie123

I have had a phase1 clio 172 phase 2 172 and also a 182 they were all reliable and fun. I also had an EP3 type R and I loved it I would def recommend them. I'm not keen on the Focus ST they just look a bit dull - I am currently driving a Blob Eye Subaru WRX and it's amazing - I love it (although I know thats not a hot hatch).

Go for the Type R!!

Horizon81

jaydeeuk1 wrote: »

Not a hatch, or under 10 years old, but I'd go for a Fiat coupe 24v 2l turbo in electric blue or yellow. Its number 6 in my imaginary 10 car garage.
Will tiddle all over those hot hatch pretenders!

Would be in my imaginary garage as well. Watched many youtube videos of them, beautiful inside and out and bloomin' quick. If only I was handier with the spanners!

Horizon81

minnie123 wrote: »

I have had a phase1 clio 172 phase 2 172 and also a 182 they were all reliable and fun. I also had an EP3 type R and I loved it I would def recommend them. I'm not keen on the Focus ST they just look a bit dull - I am currently driving a Blob Eye Subaru WRX and it's amazing - I love it (although I know thats not a hot hatch).

Go for the Type R!!

Well the blob eye scooby comes in on budget (maybe even an STI for that price?). Don't tempt me!