Hi guys,

Wondered if anyone could throw some ideas into the pot.

I'm thinking about changing cars as Ive had the VRS for 18 months now and would simply like a change.

Im after something that'll pass for being practical for the family and, ideally, quicker than my VRS. I dont mind the idea of something a little more 'raw' and driver orientated but it must have back seats!

I like the idea of going back to 4wd (I loved my previous Octy Mk1 4x4 - traction was superb) but Im mainly being tempted by...

...the new Focus RS.

As you can probably work out by my forum name I used to have a Focus and it was great fun, especially with 280bhp.

I've considered a new shape S3 sportback also but I think its due to be replaced pretty soon and from friends experiences of Audi's reliability and dealer network, I'd rather stay clear (then again I know Ford arent great either on the dealer front!)

Ive also read a few things about the Golf MK6 having a flagship model above the GTI which will be 4wd - not sure on time scales of this but it could be an interesting alternative?

Anyone got any other ideas? Say, mid 20's budget, 0-60 less than 6 secs,liveable day to day ie not a bone crunching ride and ideally, easily/reliably tuned. Oh and hatchback or estate rather than saloon would be preferable.

Any idea most welcome. Ive already knocked the latest scooby and Evo off the list btw.

Lee

Passat R36? The prices are already coming down for the hatch. The estate versions aren't far behind.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLKSWAGEN+PASSAT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-55-113-240-4294966426-4294966886/advert.action?R=200847323550660&distance=176&postcode=S61+2PT&channel=CARS&make=VOLKSWAGEN&model=PASSAT&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2008&vehicleRegLetter=08

Passat R36? The prices are already coming down for the hatch. The estate versions aren't far behind.

Exactly what I was gonna say. There is also the Passat CC with the R36 engine...

Passat R36? The prices are already coming down for the hatch. The estate versions aren't far behind.

Auto Trader UK - Volkswagen New Passat Estate 3600 cc R36 3.6 V6 4MOTION DSG

:drool::drool:

Hmmm, thats a great family hold all - but maybe I think its too similar to what I already have in terms of performance. The 4wd would be nice but Im guessing its not that great for tuning.

Smaller (more chuckable), turbo (nice gains with a remap) and petrol says my gut.

Lee

Mk VI Golf GTi

Leon Cupra K1

new RS, and you knows it

Another vote for the new RS..

You know it makes sense..

The new Focus RS screams family practicality lol

The new Focus RS screams family practicality lol

Well I said it needs to 'pass as practical'

In all honesty I use my little Fiesta TDCI for the weekly commuting so this is mainly a weekend car BUT it must have the back seats for when we all (me, swmbo and our 11 and 3 year old) go out in it.

I dont want it to be bigger than the Octy, ideally it would be smaller purely from a handling perspective and ultimately it wont do much mileage so Im not to fussed about running costs. However I'd like a solid warranty and generally prefer to own from new (despite the depreciation hit).

Ive thought about everything from an RS to a 350z with a VXR8 (too big) and a selection of Germans finest from Audi and BMW thrown in too - im all over the place with ideas.

Caterham.

A 335 touring would be perfect - 400bhp with a few select goodies :eek:

Not sure how much £££ for a good spec though.

EDIT - something like this?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/BMW+3+SERIES/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-50-55-240-4294967019-4294967078/advert.action?R=200909329653597&distance=6&postcode=S61+2PT&channel=CARS&make=BMW&model=3+SERIES&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2008&vehicleRegLetter=08

Caterham.

Second

Or an Ariel Atom

Another vote for the new Focus RS

It sounds like that's what you have your heart set on anyway

Cheers

Damian

does it need to new? M3 or m5? impreza wrx?

Bloody heck! I've just checked insurance details for an RS. Bearing in mind I live in an insurance band G location, the car would be kept on the road overnight, for fully comp, £550 XS with a tracker fitted.....

£515. legal cover included, PNC. with Privilege.

I think that's really rather good for the ultimate Joyrider-mobile. I would expect to be burglarised at some point though.

EDIT: Just configured an RS in Performance blue with 'Luxury Pack 1' - whatever that is, and cloth seats. £26,915!!! Maybe not then.

Edited 17 April, 200917 yr by pittVRS

2nd hand S6 or similar? Mmmmm Audi | A6 Avant | 2.7 Tdi Le Mans Avant | £28,295 | Used Cars

Bloody heck! I've just checked insurance details for an RS. Bearing in mind I live in an insurance band G location, the car would be kept on the road overnight, for fully comp, £550 XS with a tracker fitted.....

£515. legal cover included, PNC. with Privilege.

I think that's really rather good for the ultimate Joyrider-mobile. I would expect to be burglarised at some point though.

EDIT: Just configured an RS in Performance blue with 'Luxury Pack 1' - whatever that is, and cloth seats. £26,915!!! Maybe not then.

It was cheaper for me to insure a Focus ST than an OctyII vRS.. :confused:

I wouldn't take a great deal of notice in the price that Ford give you on the configure your car tool... I paid no where near the prices that thing quotes..

It was cheaper for me to insure a Focus ST than an OctyII vRS.. :confused:

I wouldn't take a great deal of notice in the price that Ford give you on the configure your car tool... I paid no where near the prices that thing quotes..

ST's can be picked up for 16k new, from what Im hearing, the RS will be full price, at least for the forseeable future. Its also a limited production run again so that should help with future values Im guessing.

Some good suggestions guys, Im looking at each of them.

Thanks

Lee

Ever thought of Smog Monster?

Alpina D3 Touring

BMW ALPINA - D3 BITURBO

Another vote for the Focus RS, providing you are totally confident that you can keep thieving fingers off it.

Tracker an absolute must+ 4 wheel clamps, chained to the floor, 24 hour surveilance cameras, and a savage man eating rotty living in the boot.

It'll hold its value, no problem and is receiving rave reviews as you no doubt already know.

RS6 maybe.

Auto Trader UK - AUDI RS6 RS6 Quattro 5dr Tip Auto Avant

ST's can be picked up for 16k new, from what Im hearing

Thats nothing new..

When I was checking out insurance details for the RS, Confused.com listed all Foci with 2.5L engines. Within the list, the RS was listed as RS (300) for the power,

But then the STs were listed, some with (225) after them, and others with (260) after them.

Are Ford making ST's with 260BHP then?

When I was checking out insurance details for the RS, Confused.com listed all Foci with 2.5L engines. Within the list, the RS was listed as RS (300) for the power,

But then the STs were listed, some with (225) after them, and others with (260) after them.

Are Ford making ST's with 260BHP then?

Yes and no :P

Ford offer a Mountune developed kit which takes the ST power up to 260bhp and 290lb/ft torque. It consists of uprated Pro Alloy intercooler, intake upgrade and ECU remap.

Lee