Bodyboarder1981

Hi all ,

just after peoples opinions really

ill be taking the s2k off the road come winter time ..... and have decided I love it too much to sell , so looking at a fun car that I can use over the winter ( or summer when the suns not out )

id like a car that can fit 2 young kids in the back .... so I guess I'm looking at hot hatchs

so far the golf mk5 r32 is at the top due to the engine note , practicality, build quality. Also the Clio rs200

what are others I should consider ?

10k budget

djchocice

Clio 200 cup with Recaro's is mega. My brother has had his for about 5 years now and loves it. I'm a big fan of them, sublime handling, phenomenal brakes and a great engine and gearbox. Pretty cheap to run, very much like a modern DC2 Teg with added French cheese.

Other options, Fiesta ST is within price range but a Clio 200 cup is just better IMO. Seat Leon Cupra mk2 is well worth a look. Like the mk3 Cupra, criminally overlooked and a greatest all rounder.

FN2 CTR Championship White is within budget if you want to stick with a Honda. They are good, a little flawed but immensely likeable.

If you can find a good one, BMW 130. Bung a diff on and lose the run flats and they go from being very good to great. With a 135 backbox on and resonator delete the noise is astounding, plus the N52(?) is a cracking engine. It has a reviness and anger that most BMW engines are lacking.

djchocice

Oh, and have a look at a Impreza STI or Lancer Evo. Higher running costs, but they are mega. Although I'm more in the Subaru camp, the Evo is the better handling car while the Impreza has a better engine and gearbox.

Mazda 3 MPS is another front drive option, decent car but felt overwhelmed by the power and torque IMO, felt a little messy on the limit but still a decent kite.

Bodyboarder1981

Yes found a nice little clio rs 200 with all the nice bits on for well under budget , which i might go ahnd see

mdb_75

Try a Fiesta ST too, my S2k hasn't really had a look in since I got mine, they're that much fun.

djchocice

I nearly traded my S in for an ST. Cracking cars, but literally the worst seats I've ever sat in. I was slimmer and more lithe than I am currently when I drove one, they gave me awful back ache. Otherwise, hilariously fun cars, great handling. It's a scratch I need to itch one day, they're great from the factory but you can feel there is massive potential just waiting to be unleashed.

GC84

I traded my Fiesta ST in for my S2000, and while I'd love to own both as the ST was a great car, I certainly haven't missed it. I had loooaaaddsss of fun in the first year, but it's just too easy to drive quick, and after a while the relative ease of driving and lack of challenge wore away at the smile on my face that I wanted from my only car.

A year after getting the S I bought my first "second car", a Fiesta Zetec S 1.0 ecoboost, quite a fun daily and great on fuel, though I would have got an ST in a heartbeat if I had a bit more money to throw at it/the running costs.

So in conclusion I recommend the ST as a second car... and i also really like the seats, contrary to the dude above....especially the heated option

Bodyboarder1981

What year st are we all talking about ?

That clio 200 sold unfortunately

Bodyboarder1981

What year st are we all talking about ?

That clio 200 sold unfortunately

djchocice

Most recent one 2013-2017. I do have a wonky back though GC, perks of arthritis haha. I think once the other half has a bit of driving experience a Fiesta ST will hopefully join the S. They're not terribly expensive to run. Plus, I'm sure the other half won't mind me putting a diff, MP230 kit and some bigger brakes on it....well, I'm hoping that is.

I haven't looked but Megane RS250's should be within budget. Another mega FWD hot hatch, quicker than the Clio but not as fun IMO, bit more grown up but still makes you feel like Jean Ragnotti on a French tarmac rally when you get up it.