Yet another "Find me a car" thread - 4-5k budget!

[400bandit]

Right, the little ibiza I have is on it's last legs and so am looking for something else.

Rough requirements:

Needs to be quick (ish)
Preferably have at least 4 seats
Not overly bothered about mpg, above 25mpg would be nice.
Around the 60k mileage though not essential dependant on car
Not overly old either, preferably >=2005.
Can't be too crazy on insurance as I recently had a booboo.

Some ideas I have had;

Seat leon sport with the 2ltr tfsi engine which reportedly remap to around 240bhp
Mk2 focus ST (though suspect insurance to be stupid)
Mazda 6 MPS
Possibly a 325i though doubt an e90 could be had without mega miles on the clock.

Your thoughts please.

Thanks.
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Current Bikes 650 Honda Bros, VTR1000 Firestorm // Past Bikes: Sachs Madass 50/110cc - Bandit 400 - FZR750
(+ a XS650 in lots of pieces in my garage and other places...)

[Nexus Icon]

I found the insurance on the JCW mini to be reasonable. Should be able to get a 2006 model (last of the supercharged) for that price, with those sort of miles. If you can't find a JCW then upgrades on a Cooper S to give similar power are hundreds, rather than thousands of pounds.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[JonB]

There are a few Honda Civic Type R's at your price range. 201bhp, 0-60 6.6 secs.

I have a 2.2 diesel unit so performance wise it doesn't compare, the interior is as futuristic and wacky as they come, but they handle really well and the Type R looks pretty mean.

The standard 1.8 VTEC engine probably isn't as racy as you are hoping for.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[sidewinder]

mazda 3 mps

[BigDan1190]

Not exactly as fast as the other suggestions, but I just bought a 2002 Golf GT TDI. 1.9 engine, 130bhp, will remap to 170bhp. Nice and quick when the turbo kicks in, cheap insurance, good MPG, and mileage isn't an issue. Mine has 147k on the clock but know of plenty going over 200k.

[bikertomm]

Renault sport megane 225, L26 if you can afford one.. 2006 model do-able..


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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[400bandit]

Type R would be nice but in my price range I'd they'd all be high mileage cars that have been ragged within an inch of their lives .

Not so keen on oil burners, I know they do the high mileage but the ludicrous DMF & clutch costs put me off.

I had thought about the mazda 3 mps but am more intrigued by the 6 for it's four wheel drive.

Can anyone comment on the reliability of focus ST's? I would have thought if left standard they would be pretty reliable give the 5 pot is a volvo lump?

Good suggestions though, keep them coming!
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Current Bikes 650 Honda Bros, VTR1000 Firestorm // Past Bikes: Sachs Madass 50/110cc - Bandit 400 - FZR750
(+ a XS650 in lots of pieces in my garage and other places...)

[stonesie]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Octavia-vRS-Mk1-Low-Miles-Rare-high-Spec-with-all-Factory-extras-/281159160689?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4176645371

Might be worth a go, if you want more power the 1.8 20VT is very tuneable...

There's a nutcase on a Skoda forum having one of those engines tuned to 450 bhp, with 4 wheel drive, in a Citigo (VW Up with Skoda badges).