Just having a browse for possible upgrades and made a small selection. 2nd hand around the £18-21k region. Your thoughts on the following:

• BMW 130i
• Renault Megane 250
• Audi S3

Not a fan of the R32 or the Astra VXR. Couldn't find anything by Merc that looked reasonable. Evo X looked too pricey to run and stuck together with glue. 350Z quite costly to run. Opinions?

How about a 135i coupe? It's in your budget. Have only driven the 130i hatchback, very quick car and the N/A engine really makes it feel very smooth yet grunty.

Edited 26 August, 201114 yr by My_Yeti

Meganne RS 250 without doubt

Dont write off the Mazda 3 MPS

I loved my old focus ST225

What about mk1 focus rs, or leon cupra, ed30 gti will hit 300hp with just a remap

I looked at that. That's the one they made very few of right? If I looked at the 130i then I'd look for 135i's too

Good mentions Si. Mazda 3 MPS seems a bit too...mad. Checked on forums and they seem to go through tyres and suffer part corrosion.

Ford styling is just too dull for me (although I've put an S3 in the shortlist ) .

I would go for the Megane Damn, never thought I would say I would go for a Renault ever. I have seen them tried and tested on the Ring, and they SHIFT!

I would go for the Megane Damn, never thought I would say I would go for a Renault ever. I have seen them tried and tested on the Ring, and they SHIFT!

I would too, and don't be put of by renaults reliability reputation, apparently the megane 250's are really quite reliable

The Megan even though its French, is the most underated car hothatch on sale, In the right hands is quicker than a Focus RS around a track. Most people go for the Focus due to its looks however. I've driven one on a Renaultsport trackday and they are quick and capable. The instructor with me was from MSV and he also is impressed with the Megane 250 but says it's looks let it down.

Have to agree about the BMW 135 although I haven't driven one. Seems to be a small step up from the Megane, worth you trying one out.

I would too, and don't be put of by renaults reliability reputation, apparently the megane 250's are really quite reliable

Built in the RS factory which is seperate from mainstream production so I'm told. But yeh, 250 handling wise seems to beat the others.

BMW 135i would be my first choice.

Also...

Megane R26

Citroen DS3 Racing? Not for me!

You can get a BMW 335i for less than a 135i, and a 335d for a little bit more than the petrol.

Can't think of anything else that has not already been mentioned or disregarded.

I saw an S3 in black today. Stunning car, understated but for the subtle S3 badge on the front grille and the cosy looking bucket seats.

Go for 4WD

I think the most fun would be the 130i (even more so if you could stretch to the 135) but I doubt it would keep up with the Megane or even the S3 cross country and thats in the dry But what a great engine

I had the 123D and loved it, the only thing to watch is the rock hard suspension on the M Sport. Test drive it first for definite as it isn't for everyone. But the steering is so direct compared to any FWD I have driven.

Edited 27 August, 201114 yr by Lady Elanore

Why you lookng at a change so early. Get it remapped and you'll soon be wanting to keep it

135i vs. Megame 250 from consensus then.

R26 is good but I think the 250 looks better and of course, more modern. DS3 Racing, you're right, let's not go there :p

Possible change of circumstances Si. Nothing wrong with vRS though and think you're right, remap will just make it better

As you mentioned the R26, which are quite cheap now, even better is the R26R for about £19k. but could you put up with ony 2 seats, plastic windows and the stripped out look ?

Renaultsports are made in their own factory at Dieppe.

Scirocco R. Gorgeous looks and have heard they are very well made

Also keeping within the vag range

having previously owning a 130i for a couple of years i'd get either of the bmw's mentioned, you'll spend months enjoying learning how to get the best out them rather than just steering them around like you seem to do with a lot of cars these days. and theres a real sense of quality from the mechanicals. the S3 and some others probably are faster A to B even more so in the wet but for driver involvement i think they have them beat

ps this is my first post so hello everyone

having previously owning a 130i for a couple of years i'd get either of the bmw's mentioned, you'll spend months enjoying learning how to get the best out them rather than just steering them around like you seem to do with a lot of cars these days. and theres a real sense of quality from the mechanicals. the S3 and some others probably are faster A to B even more so in the wet but for driver involvement i think they have them beat

ps this is my first post so hello everyone

Hello Lee.s.b

I agree with your comments too

As much as it pains me to say... i agree with the geordie bird.

When i have the need for a more practical car, my money will defo be going on a bimmer... theres just something about the way RWD cars handle themselves which sets them apart from todays zuber-hatches.

As much as it pains me to say... i agree with the geordie bird.

When i have the need for a more practical car, my money will defo be going on a bimmer... theres just something about the way RWD cars handle themselves which sets them apart from todays zuber-hatches.

You would be kicked out of the Hairdressers Appreciation Society if you bought a Bimmer.

DB7?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201133410111196

If running cost are an issue then the Megane will cost you in depreciation.

335d is probably one of the better mixes of performance and power.

What about a used 911? Low depreciation might make it cheaper over all.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201134411779567

Having driven the new S3 I can say that it is a fantastic car, plenty quick enough, lots of grip, nicely finished and great build quality. Okay so it might not be as rapid as the Megane through the corners but I think long term the Audi would make for a happier driver.