... due to going salaried at work, im gonna have shed loads of spare cash to get (credit to buy) a new car (or nearly new)... some of you may remember that i used to own a 1.8 focus zetec on a t-plate, and loved it, so im automatically drawn to a 3 door 2 litre, but apparently these are very rare. i dont want another 1.8, as id kick myself for effectively losing a load of cash due to selling one and buying another, and theres the obvious advantages of a bit more power and bigger alloys as standard, rear discs, etc. n.b. id love an ST170, but it looks like i cant get insured until im 25 (im 23 now, no ncb or claims that i have to declare)
so... other options... im intrigued by the new shape astra 1.8sri, (really dislike the interior of the older astra) so will probably test drive one, but ill automatically be paying more for a newer car. dont like golfs, civics, or anything french (dont even bother trying to persuade me against this!)
... anyone got any bright ideas?... or a 2litre focus mk1 post-facelift zetec 3 door in silver or black that they want to shift? :D
New feista ST is prety good, I really liked it when I went out in one. The TDCI Focuss are really a really good buy aswell (a few years old). The Astra SRi would be a better buy in the 2.2 but thats just my opinion.
mk1 focus 2.0 zetec are FOOKING AWESOME nothing else in its class will do much better handling-wise. They out-handle mini cooper s on track :D I would certainly hunt one down if you can.
Jaimz :rock:
clio 172s are hot atm.
Seat Leon TDis looks pretty good. Esspecially the 150bhp cupra.
Also maybe an MG ZR, very fun and great engines.
fiesta ST is too small, and im not buying a diesel. not sure on the insurance group of the SRi 2.2, will check it out... test driving a 1.8 on tuesday, will see how it goes. test drove a clio197 today, was rather fun, but the handling just wasnt what im used to. think its a no one that one. dont know anywhere near here that sells seats, or mgs, and im still not buying a diesel!
Jaimz - i know the 2.0 3 door is best, but if none are available with 3 doors in silver or black then being best in class is beside the point.
as an aside, i saw an astra sri with the windows tinted and black alloys... looked rather nice!
ben try a 182/172, they are far lighter than that bloater of a 197. they are faster as well.
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=&make=FORD&min_pr=75&source=0&model=FOCUS&max_pr=&agerange=&mileage=&miles=1500&trim=3+door&keywords=2.0+zetec&postcode=en8+9dh&ukcarsearch_full.x=0&ukcarsearch_full.y=0&ukcarsearch_full=SEARCH
Fair few about.
Jaimz :rock:
update:
astra sport hatch 1.8 - too slow
astra sport hatch 2.0 turbo - dont like the interior, or lack of go below 2krpm
clio 197 - handlings not where it should be
megane 225 cup - id rather not die any time soon
drove an st170 yesterday, loved it, even if it was in traffic. got an hour booked in it tomorrow, might do the snake a couple of times.... but basically my mind is made up now ;)
(http://www.in.gr/auto/parousiaseis/foto_big/ae_Ford_Focus_ST170_691_08.jpg)
it has to be done!
my bro has a megane 225. havent seen it yet,
good review in price comparison to serious contenders ben
QuoteMini Cooper S
Price: $38,500. As tested $44,900.
Extras: Premium sound, leather seats, climate control air-conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, Xenon lights, 17-inch alloy wheels (known as the Chilli pack and costs $3000) plus $3400 for satellite navigation system.
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder, supercharged.
Power: 125kW at 6950rpm.
Torque: 220Nm at 4500rpm.
Weight: 1225kg.
Renault Megane Turbo
Price: $42,990. As tested $46,990. Extras Glass roof and leather upholstery ($4000).
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbocharged.
Power: 165kW at 5500rpm.
Torque: 300Nm at 3000rpm.
Weight: 1361kg.
Subaru WRX hatch
Price: As tested $42,940.
Engine: 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder, turbocharged.
Power: 168kW at 6000rpm.
Torque: 300Nm at 3600rpm.
Weight: 1395kg
taken from here (http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=10555&vf=1)
225 horsepower is a tad silly though, i would kill myself in minutes.
try an old 172 clio mate. dont go for the 197.
Quote from: redtry an old 172 clio mate. dont go for the 197.
wont handle any better than the 197.
Thats a very bold comment - thats like saying The 911 turbo wont handle any different to the 911 - of course there will be differences - major differences in fact due (mainly) to power delivery and weight.
Not knowing the factory setup of that series 100% I would also guess they dont share identical suspension (If they do, bad move Renault)
Where were you testing the handling anyway? You cant properly evaluate handling characteristics on the road - you need to do it on the limit at a track.
The Clio, as it happens, is considered to be one of the best, if not the best handling FWD car you can buy. Its streets ahead of the overhyped Integra, and lightyears ahead of anything else in your list! There must have been something badly wrong with it!
i didnt like it, how about that? end of. no clios for me.
Quote from: redmy bro has a megane 225. havent seen it yet,
Its mad. Its also a lot more grown up a car and suits him.
I couldnt live with the MPG though, I think its costing him Ã,£60 to drive up here everytime he comes for a weekend.
Nice choice with the St170, it was supposed to be an vastly dissapointing car, more especially so when the RS came out. But if you like it fair play. :)
Quote from: MarkWhere were you testing the handling anyway? You cant properly evaluate handling characteristics on the road - you need to do it on the limit at a track.
Fine - if youre buying a track-day rocket - surely its the handling ON the road you care about if youre buying a car you intend to use on a daily basis?
its gonna be an ST170 :D
...just gotta find a 3 door one :|