Cars...!

[munitalP]

Im in the process of buying a new car.

My problem is what I want, I cant afford at the moment, and with changes on my financial horizon (for the better) I am not willing to risk the debt level associated with another 3 series BMW convertible until that change occurs. In saying that though, I did find an ex BWM staff car, 335 convertible yesterday, 7K on the clock, 2010 model for 90K - exceptional value.

So, I am looking at a "hot hatch" - the car is mainly driven by Mrs. munitalP and a combination of room and performance is required yet economical and under 55K (set budget). She's stepping out of a BMW 330 convertible with the full luxury and M Performance upgrades, so it is a crushing blow to the ego!

We have a short list of:

Ford Focus XR5 Turbo (optioned @ 41K) Click Here
Mazda 3 MPS (Optioned @ 48K)Click Here
VW Golf GTi Click Here (Recaro Optioned @ 57K)

Alfa Romeo have caught my interest, but years ago I owned a GTV6 from new and it was nothing but mechanical trouble.

Has anyone had experience of any of these cars? At the moment I am leaning toward the XR5 - I like the idea of the 5 cylinder motor, and it looks less "come steal me" than the others. Drive so far - MPS - WOW! Torque steer is an issue though. XR5 - wow (note lower case), little torque steer. GTi - awaiting a VW dealership who will actually acknowledge my presence when going into a showroom.

munitalP

 

[Sprucegoose]

CT 200h Luxury Hatch: Lexus Australia

Interesting. Will be at the GP next weekend.

Drove the new X3 yesterday, good unit but not worth $90k IMHO.

I will look at the CT200 for a run around town for OH.

fairly sharp pricing I am led to understand.

Good luck.

 

[docjames]

I have a MkV GTI (with DSG) currently, and i get bored easily with cars. This one is two years old and isnt going anywhere. It's a fantastic car.

I looked at the other two you mentioned, but chose the golf. It's a better car.

Having said that, @ $57k you're being killed on price. That's Golf R money.

For VW - try Camberwell or Sth Yarra - I've had dealings wth both of them in Melbourne and had no issues.

 

[munitalP]

...

Having said that, @ $57k you're being killed on price. That's Golf R money.

....

Yes - it is the R Recaro kit, big wheels, Recaro mags, seats etc

 

[ejb]

Not an expert by any means but I have driven all 3 and I would say the Mazda seems to be the best car.

Good looks inside and out and having owned a MX5 many years ago Mazda build quality is fantastic.

ejb

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Gti would be my choice of that list.. You could also pickup a low km used 130i for 40-45k which has same specs and power as her 330

 

[KLN]

Golf!
but i'm biased,
already own, Golf, Passat, Ferrari!

 

[Moopere]

I'd get the VW GTi from your list.

When do you have to buy? The Mercedes C Class coupe will be out later this year. Looks like its going to get a lot of hand-me-downs from the interior of the CLS class and looks nice. Whilst pricing is not available yet my expectation is that it will be roughly in the range you're indicating.

 

[drmikki]

Mazda 3 MPS is great!! I would have bought that, except then I wouldn't have a licence anymore

I have a Citroen C2 which wasn't quite in the same territory of hot hatches, but reasonably zippy and functional, but not available in Australia anymore. Have you looked at the Citroen DS3?

 

[munitalP]

Update to this thread. We have just returned from Mazda and VW.

We test drove the MPS (again), RX8 and a GTi

RX8 - if only I was 20 years younger

MPS - nice, torque steer issues - could be dangerous even!

GTi - Mrs. munitalP went from *yawn* to wo hooooooooooo! in 150kms/h flat! (even the car salesman cleared his throat when she was heading into the 100mph territory! Oops..! She swore she didn't mean to

So, in my mind the MPS is off the list due to the massive torque steer, the XR5 we drove yesterday had no noticeable torque steer - a major bonus.

1. VW Golf GTi - fully optioned (made in Germany)
2. Ford Focus XR5 - fully optioned (made in Germany)
3. Mazda 3 MPS - Luxury pack (made in Japan)
4. Porsche 911 GT3 (made in my imagination )

Decisions...

 

[munitalP]

Mazda 3 MPS is great!! I would have bought that, except then I wouldn't have a licence anymore

I have a Citroen C2 which wasn't quite in the same territory of hot hatches, but reasonably zippy and functional, but not available in Australia anymore. Have you looked at the Citroen DS3?

Umm no, didn't even hit the radar - now you mention it, Renault and Citroen both have a couple of nice hatches... Im off looking!

 

[Alanslegal]

Umm no, didn't even hit the radar - now you mention it, Renault and Citroen both have a couple of nice hatches... Im off looking!

Renault Megane Sport 250 Cup , something like this :

2010 RENAULT MEGANE SPORT 250 CUP TROPHEE Series III X95 Cars For Sale in ACT - carsales.com.au - carsales.com.au 1246 4294963762 4294963380 898&silo=1011

 

[tuapekastar]

Umm no, didn't even hit the radar - now you mention it, Renault and Citroen both have a couple of nice hatches... Im off looking!

As someone who has owned a couple of French cars, I just say caveat emptor!

Things may changed these days but the French just used to do things...differently!

I had Mr Mobile Mechanic out to my house to look at a problem with my Renault gearbox. After half-an-hour under the car he emerged, defeated, and said "if that had been a Holden I'd have had the gearbox in pieces by now, but these @#$% French. I can't do a thing for you I'm sorry". (no charge)

And while servicing methods have changed (these days plug it into a computer), to do the simplest thing, which would normally require a plain old spanner, sometimes required purchase of "Special Tool 139.4C", available for $289.00. And most 'normal' spare parts cost a lot more than other makes' equivalents.

Why then, have I owned two? Stupidity, no other answer. :shock: Please note I am not dissing today's French cars, things may well have changed, but just be careful.

 

[drewbles]

Great timing. I've decided it's time to part ways with my WRX, and as the current ones are still dog-ugly (I have the MY06 and had the MY98 before that, which I still consider to be the two best looking Impreza's Subaru has made), I was looking at the other 'hot hatches'.

Which RX8 did you drive munitalP? I'm considering taking the GT for a test drive when I get back home next month.

 

[Jobu]

Have you considered the BMW 135 coupe? It's great fun to drive (not sure if they're bringing the M1 version to Aus), although may be above your budget range. There is also the 125 coupe which should be in the 50k zone, I haven't driven it though.

Cheers

J

 

[munitalP]

Have you considered the BMW 135 coupe? It's great fun to drive (not sure if they're bringing the M1 version to Aus), although may be above your budget range. There is also the 125 coupe which should be in the 50k zone, I haven't driven it though.

Cheers

J

The next BMW I buy will be a M3 or a 335 Convertible - I am just not prepared to take the hit with the $ at the moment - I have some changes happening on the horizon which will allow me to negative gear such a vehicle (at least a portion of it) but not just yet. No I have not [would not] consider a 1 series although a friend who has recently traded his 3 series in for a 135 says its a great little car

munitalP

 

[munitalP]

Great timing. I've decided it's time to part ways with my WRX, and as the current ones are still dog-ugly (I have the MY06 and had the MY98 before that, which I still consider to be the two best looking Impreza's Subaru has made), I was looking at the other 'hot hatches'.

Which RX8 did you drive munitalP? I'm considering taking the GT for a test drive when I get back home next month.

Not sure of the model Drew, but its [basically] new, silver, fully optioned & sunroof at Mazda Hoppers Crossing, 5K on clock, ex staff car [no owners] and 49K - huge buying. Txt me if you want the sales guys #

 

[Skyring]

Last time I came back from a big trip, the wife had gotten rid of a lot of my stuff and bought a new car. A Golf. Mark VI, but not a GTI.

I love it. As a package, it's all squared away, everything works in a pleasant, intuitive manner, and there are no objectionable areas, apart from the indicators and wipers being on the wrong sides.

I have never ever heard anything bad about the Golf GTI. f you can get one for a good price, you will be a joyful man.

 

[pshepvic]

The Golf GTi is a greatcar. But in my view, it's still a hotted up German Corolla.

If I needed space for 4 people, I'd go the Renault Megane RS 250. Better car, and yes it will have the usual French quirks, but brilliant. (Don't worry about the reliability here - they've been out for not long, so even used ones will still be under manufacturers warranty). I've had 3 French cars in the past, and only have had minor problems (no major mechanical or breakdowns).

If I was not fussed about space for 4 people, I'd go back to having a Mini Cooper S (JCW if possible) - best car I ever owned. Might not be as quick or refined, but an absolute character.

 

[The Rok]

At $57,000 you are into Golf R territory. If the better half enjoyed the GTI she will LOVE the R. It has a more consistant and smoother power delivery. It also out handles the GTI 5/1 because of the 4XMotion...

Go and negotiate a good deal on the Golf R!!!!