gorrie wrote:Focus ST2... If it were me anyway. Don't think you will be able to pick up a Golf GTI for that money or an Astra VXR.
Unless of course you stay with a CTR...
Golf GTi; more highly rated (in some mags) than VXR & ST. ST not liked for it's heavy feeing front end, and very thirsty engine. I have recently researched all these cars and ended up with the GTi. Shop about carefully and you'll get a 1-2 year old (with a few options on) for circa £17500. Or a brand new import for £17500, with a 16 week approx wait. If you do for a golf, don't go for the bigger 18" wheels, they are commonly reported to ruin the car's handling, and are something like 10KG per corner heavier
Had my golf nearly 2 months now, and really enjoying it. It is quick, fun and practical.. everything a hot hatch should be. Not quite as nuts as my renaultsport 172, but so far, much more reliable. Also proving to be more economical than my 1.8 astra sri was. Commuting through glasgow i'm getting low 30s mpg, and mid 30s on a country run, unless I really boot it, when it can drop below 20
I also found the golf to be about £300 cheaper per annum than VXR or ST for insurance. VW dealer service (Ingrams Ayr) has been superb.. so far.
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