So what are my options??

[MBCGTI]

So ive had the Golf for 18 months now and loved every minute of it however due to buying a house the mrs and I are looking at swapping the cars around.

We are looking to get rid of the golf which will allow me to spend 4-5 grand on a car for myself to run around in.  My problem is that I have no idea what to go for.

I still want something fun to play with as I cannot face driving a banger to and from work and having the mrs car for weekends or trips away.

So far ive found so many different motors that I like the look of and it isnt a specific type im looking at.

Firstly seen a few Renault Clio 172 Cup's - Cheap little motor to run although not sure with no ABS and no traction control living in a village with winter coming up might be interesting.  Then I looked at some 182's but know from past experience that they seem to suffer with quite a few known faults.

Secondly looked at some EP3 Honda Civic type R's but seem to pluck up high mileage ones with silly modifications.

Thirdly looked at MK4 GTi's but not a huge fan on the looks or the interior and can only afford high mileage R32's and cost of running would be too high.

Fourth and finally something a little bit more sensible in the form of a Ford Focus ST170.  Not exactly a show stopper but know the 2.0l duratec engine is pretty bullet proof and they arent too bad for a quick blast.

Thats about all I can come up with at the moment, although I did look at Honda S2000's but not sure the mrs will let me have a two seater...and before anyone says it we all know they have the final say!!

I know there are plenty of other little hot hatches out there but cant think of any that stand out.  Im not looking for anything that needs to be maintained all the time as I havent got the time and not looking for a high miler.  I could be persuaded by a fast estate if I could get the right price.

Cheers

Mike

[gazareth]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

[RocketRossUK]

 Civic type R's would be my choice, followed by the ST

[barrym381]

forget the st170 the st-2 or 3 is a different story forget any clio too and if it has to be a vw mk5 gti is in your budget or an a3 audi with the same engine as mk5 gti 

[gazareth]

mk1 escort rs2000?

[dubber36]

mk1 escort rs2000?

Very  , but not for daily use.

I was going to suggest a nice Mk2 Golf 16V, but they are becoming pampered toys these days. If you did use one daily, you'd have to run it with a 'spare' speedo.

The problem with your budget and the type of cars you have mentioned, most are going to be well used. You are used to driving a nice car, so anything like a Clio/Civic/Focus is going to feel it's age.

[cosmicremedy]

I owned a Clio 182 for 5 years up until March this year and it was great, never let me down.  Only thing that broke was the wiper motor.  I bought it at 16k and sold it with 132k on the clock...  If they are looked after they will run well.

[MBCGTI]

The problem with the clio is much the same as the civic, because they are such a popular car they either have stupidly high mileage in which case its everything that starts to go wrong or they have been modified or they have been pampered so much I feel guilt for using them on a daily basis.

As for the Mk1 RS2000 or Mk2 GTi, I would love them but not sure the mrs would be happy with an old motor.  Plus I need it as a daily drive and couldnt really risk it not starting on cold mornings.

I have also looked at the Mondeo ST, diesel version but not sure if they are a little bit boring??

[Raffe]

Focus ST170 is a great car, chassis was well ahead of its time and set a new benchmark for that category of car.

Civic Type-R is another good call, loved ours 

What about an Integra Type-R? Simply stunning chassis, addictive engine and reliable build quality...just watch the rust in rear quarters, knackered suspension bushes and gearbox synchros.

I have owned all 3 cars above and loved them all for different qualities, good luck.

[Exonian]

ford focus seems to be a pretty good motor. I hate to say it but I would have a focus over a mk5/6/7 golf any day. would never buy a vw newer than a mk4 golf.

So you don't like any of the Golfs that actually go/steer/handle properly? Curious…